Rep. Richard Creagan, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, won’t seek reelection for the seat he has held since 2014.

Creagan, who represents parts of west Hawaii, said he made the decision for health reasons. He said flying back and forth between Oahu and the Big Island for the next two years could put him at risk for contracting COVID-19.

As the state opens up, Creagan, 70, says “the flying part is going to get much more dangerous.”

He says he will still participate in the remainder of this legislative session, which is on another timeout but is expected to come back June 15.

Creagan won’t be gone from politics forever. He said he plans to run for the Hawaii County Council in the 2022 elections.

Creagan is throwing his support behind Colehour Bondera, his office manager and candidate for Creagan’s House seat. The other candidates include Citlalli Decker, Jeanne Kapela and Mike Last.

Until 2022, Creagan says he’ll work on his 100-acre farm, and expanding his herd of sheep will be a top priority.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been here almost seven years,” Creagan said. “The farm is getting a little ragged around the edges. It’s time to go back and get it spiffed up.”