Richard Matsuura (1933 – May 2, 1997) was a Japanese American politician from Hawaii.

Early life and education

Matsuura was born in Waialua in 1933. He graduated from Waialua High School in 1950. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University and a doctorate in agriculture from the University of Minnesota. He met his wife while studying at Bethel Seminary in Minneapolis. They married in 1955 and had six children,[1] including Hawaii State Senator David Matsuura.[2]

Career

In 1961 Matsuura worked as a Methodist missionary in India. While there he leveraged his agricultural knowledge to help farmers grow soybeans.[1]

Matsuura returned to Hawaii in 1971 and opened an orchid nursery in Hilo.[2] He entered politics and represented Hilo in the Hawaii State House of Representatives and the Hawaii State Senate as a Democrat. He headed an investigation into the state's procurement practices. There were no criminal indictments.[1]

Matsuura died on May 2, 1997, of pancreatic and liver cancer.[1]

Bibliography

  • Matsuura, Richard (2002). Rebel with a dream from Hawaii: The incredible journey of Senator Richard M. Matsuura ; an autobiography. Orchid Isle Pub. Co.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Yuen, Mike (May 2, 1997). "Ex-state Sen. Matsuura dies of cancer at 64". archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  2. 1 2 Fujimori, Leila (2020-04-21). "Former state senator David Matsuura left his mark as one of 'Five Freshmen'". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
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