Kaua'i Rep. Bertha Kawakami announced yesterday that she will not seek re-election to the state House of Representatives.

Kawakami, D-16th (Po'ipu, Waimea, Ni'ihau), had been in office since 1987, when she was appointed to fill the seat of her late husband, Speaker of the House Richard Kawakami.

She is the ninth member of the Legislature to announce they will not seek re-election this fall.

Kawakami is vice chairwoman of the House Finance Committee, a position she has held for 14 years. During her 19 years of service, Kawakami, 73, also has served as a member of the Committee on Housing and the Committee on Human Services.

Kawakami plans to spend more time with her family, visit her granddaughter in Seattle and travel to Las Vegas after she leaves office, said her office manager, Michael Moscati.

"I have grandchildren on the Mainland who are always asking me to come visit them. And I love to travel," Kawakami said in a statement. "I would like to be able to travel and pursue some of my personal interests while I'm healthy and have the opportunity."

Born in Honolulu, Kawakami was a teacher and deputy superintendent of Kaua'i public schools before becoming a lawmaker.

"I feel proud of what we've been able to accomplish for Kaua'i during my term, and I think the time is right for me to retire," Kawakami said.

In recent years, Kawakami has brought millions of dollars to her island, including $40 million for the Kaua'i courthouse, $10 million for a One Stop Center and $500,000 for a second access road at Kaua'i Community College.

"Representative Kawakami personifies the best in what a state legislator can be," said House Speaker Calvin Say. "She always fights hard for her district, but at the same time, she is always gracious and a true professional. As a former educator, her love and support for public education provided the House with great insight into the challenges of our educational system. She will be sorely missed."