Regent

Harvey S. Tajiri

Retired Hilo businessman Harvey S. Tajiri joined the Board of Regents in 2008.

A small business owner for more than two decades, he served on the Hawai‘i County Council as council chair and Finance Committee chair and was a member of the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives for 10 years. In 1995 he served as Hawai‘i County legislative lobbyist.

A strong advocate for improving community services and facilities and an active volunteer, Tajiri was founder and president of the UH Hilo Athletics Boosters Cub; president of the Kanoelehua Industrial Association, M&S Exchange Club and Maui’ historic Palace Theater; and founder and president of non-profit community support organization Hui Ka Ua.

He has served as coach or booster for several area athletic programs and as a board member of the American Cancer Society, Hawai‘i Island YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Hilo, Hilo Hospital Advisory Committee, Hawai‘i Island Veterans Memorial and Boy Scouts-Pukahi District.

Tajiri is a graduate of Hilo High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. He served in the Army 1968–70. He and his wife, Helene, live in Hilo. They have a daughter and a son.