Statement From Senator Mazie K. Hirono On The Passing Of Representative Mark Takai

HONOLULU- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the passing of Representative Mark Takai:

“Mark Takai was a devoted public servant who was committed to bettering our state and country in public office for more than two decades. He also gave back to his community as a celebrated champion collegiate swimmer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and a devoted family man.

“I affectionately called Mark my younger brother. We shared so many of the same values and supported each other during challenging times. Mark’s passing is a tremendous loss for all of us who loved him, and for the state of Hawaii. But he said it best- ‘as often happens, we find ourselves on a different journey than we had planned.’ While we find that our journey is not as bright without Mark, we will continue his work to make Hawaii a better place. My thoughts and aloha go to his wife Sami, his children Matthew and Kaila, and the Takai ohana.”