Paul T. Bannai, R.I.P.

Above, Paul Bannai and Armand at the 2014 Little Tokyo Oshogatsu New Year's celebration. 

It has been announced by the Nichi Bei Weekly that former Califorinia State Assemblyman Paul T. Bannai has died at the age of 99.

They wrote:

Former California State Assemblyman Paul Takeo Bannai, the first Japanese American elected to serve in the California State Legislature, peacefully passed away in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 14, 2019. He was 99. 

Bannai was born on July 4, 1920, 180 miles northeast of Denver, in Delta, Colo. He grew up in other towns in Arizona and Utah. 

During World War II, Bannai and his family were incarcerated in the Manzanar concentration camp in California. Bannai would go on to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, traveling to New Guinea and other places overseas. According to a biography, he trained with the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, before being assigned to the U.S. Army Intelligence Service. 

He would eventually get married to Hideko Bannai, where they would resettle in Gardena, Calif. 

After establishing his own insurance company, the Bannai Realty and Insurance Company, he would run for the Gardena City Council in 1972, and in 1973, was elected to the California State Legislature, serving four terms from 1973 to 1980 as a Republican representing the 67th and 53rd Districts.

Above, Assemblyman Paul Bannai addresses the Los Angeles
County Young Republicans in 1976. Photo by Ken Huthmaker.

I worked in the Bannai special election campaign in 1973 and served as a field representative in his district office during his first term.

Following his 1980 re-election loss, he was appointed by President Reagan as chief director of the Memorial Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs.

Above, Paul Bannai, Deane Dana, Armand and Hideko Bannai at the 1981 "Salute to Paul Bannai" dinner.

Although he was well into his 90s, he remained very active, so much so I used to think he was like the "Energizer Bunny", even when he had to use a walker to get around.

Above, yours truly with Assemblyman Bannai in Bannai's Capitol office in 1977.

I last saw Bannai at the Oshogatsu celebration on New Year's Day in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. He was rarely without a camera on him.

Above, Bannai and a frog novelty I picked up for him in 1974.

Bannai also had a big passion for frogs. During the 1973 special election, his had his campaign managers pulling their hair out when he decided to break from the campaign to attend the Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee in Angel's Camp. During one of my vacations, I spotted a stuffed frog novelty and bought it for him. It was presented to him in his district office. He got a kick out of it.

Above, Paul Bannai at the 2017 Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I saw Bannai was at the 2017 New Year's Day Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo. He was using a walker to get around, but he was determined to be as active as he could.

While it is sad to learn of his passing, Paul Bannai did lead a long active life of service.

Rest in peace, Boss.

To read more, go here.

From the Rafu Shimpo.