Hawaii 24/7 Staff

State Rep. Jerry Chang, who has represented District 2 – South Hilo for 24 years, has announced he will retire from the House of Representatives at the end of his current term and not seek re-election.

“I want to thank the voters for their support and for the opportunity to represent them over the past 24 years,” Chang said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Big Island and the State of Hawaii. I have always been humbled by their trust in me to be their voice at the Legislature. Together, with the Hawaii Island delegation, I am proud of the work that we have accomplished for the benefit of the people.”

Chang cited redistricting that places him in the same district as fellow incumbent Rep. Mark Nakashima. The new District 1 retained in a small portion of the Chang’s district and now includes Hamakua to Waipio Valley.

In District 1, Nakashima faces fellow Democrat Noarlynn Pajimola for the District 1 seat. In District 2, incumbent Democrat Clifton Tsuji is running unopposed.

“It’s always a difficult decision to run against another incumbent, especially a friend with whom I have worked during the past four years,” Chang said. “It was a decision I did not take lightly. I will continue to serve the community that I love in other ways. Perhaps that will include running again for public office in the future.”

Chang served as the chairman of the House Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources and was a champion for the University of Hawaii at Hilo.