Elmer Cravalho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elmer Cravalho
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| 1st Mayor of Maui | |
| In office January 2, 1969 – July 24, 1979 |
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| Preceded by | Office created |
| Succeeded by | Hannibal Tavares |
| Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives | |
| In office 1959–1967 |
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| Preceded by | O. Vincent Esposito (Territorial House) |
| Succeeded by | Tadao Beppu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 19, 1926 Paia, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died | June 27, 2016 (aged 90) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Politician |
Elmer Franklin Cravalho (born February 19, 1926 – died June 27, 2016) was an important American politician and teacher. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Cravalho made history as the first Mayor of Maui from 1969 to 1979. He was also the first Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives after Hawaii became a state.
Elmer Cravalho's family came from Portugal. They settled in Hawaii a long time ago.
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Who Was Elmer Cravalho?
Elmer Cravalho was born in Paia, Hawaii. He went to the University of Hawaii and earned his degree in education in 1947. After college, he worked as a teacher and later became a school principal.
Beyond education, he also worked in the insurance and banking industries. He was involved in credit unions, which are like banks owned by their members. He also had experience in farming and ranching.
Starting His Political Journey
Cravalho began his political career in 1955. He became a member of Hawaii's House of Representatives when Hawaii was still a territory. When Hawaii became a state, he continued to serve.
From 1959 to 1967, he was the first House Speaker. This means he was the leader of the House of Representatives. He helped guide how laws were made. He also attended the 1960 Democratic National Convention, a big meeting for the Democratic Party. Later, he became the chairman of the Maui Board of Water Supply.
Mayor of Maui: Making a Difference
Elmer Cravalho served as the first Mayor of Maui. He held this important position from 1969 to 1979. During his time as mayor, much of Maui's growth happened. He helped shape the island into what it is today.
In the 1970s, he was key in developing a waterline. This waterline stretched from Wailuku to Wailea. This project was very important. It allowed new areas like Kihei to grow and develop.
Cravalho also helped create Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. This group started in 1965. It is a private, nonprofit organization. Its goal is to help people in need. This includes low-income elderly people, children, youth, and people with disabilities. It also helps immigrants and other disadvantaged people.
Leaving Office
Elmer Cravalho left his role as mayor in 1979. This happened just a few months after he won re-election for a second term. After he left, another Democrat, Hannibal Tavares, won a special election. Tavares then completed the rest of Cravalho's term. Elmer Cravalho passed away on June 27, 2016.
