STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR DAVID IGE ON THE PASSING OF U.S. REP. K. MARK TAKAI

News Release from Office of the Governor, July 20, 2016

Today, the people of Hawai‘i mourn the passing of U.S. Rep. Mark Takai. He proudly served his country in uniform, including 17 years with the Hawai‘i Army National Guard. Mark humbly and effectively served the people of his state House and Congressional districts. In the often tumultuous world of politics, he has been a shining example of what it means to be a public servant.

While we will deeply feel the loss of Mark Takai in the public arena, we cannot forget that he was a family man first. His wife, children and extended family will miss him every moment from this day on. Dawn and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sami, Matthew and Kaila. Your husband and father was a man of principle and goodwill. Thank you for sharing him with the citizens of Hawai‘i.

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Statement from Takai Office: “The Takai family thanks the people of Hawaii for their support during this difficult time. Information regarding a service will be available at a later time. The Takai family politely asks for the continued respect of their family’s privacy.”

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Senator Sam Slom Honors U.S. Congressman Mark Takai

Excerpts from the Hawaii Senate Minority Leader's floor speech

News Release from Office of Sen Sam Slom July 20, 2016

HONOLULU — Today, Minority Leader Senator Sam Slom gave a speech on the Senate floor, honoring the achievements of U.S. Congressman Mark Takai, and extending heartfelt condolences to the Takai ohana:

"On behalf of the Senate Minority, we extend our very sincere sympathy to the family, the children [of Congressman Mark Takai].

I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Congressman Takai for his service to our nation. For his service to our state. And like so many other things that we are learning this year, these are not partisan issues. These are issues of compassion, issues of service, issues of accomplishment. Probably the greatest thing that Representative Takai did was to help establish and sponsor the Hawaii Medal of Honor ceremony. I had the honor of attending his last pinning ceremony, and we thanked him for his patriotic service to our nation.

As was said this morning by Senator Kahele, Representative Takai will not be forgotten, and his achievements will be remembered. So I say on behalf of the Minority, we too, are grateful that we had his presence and his many contributions.”

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Special election for remainder of Takai's term likely to be held in November

HNN: A special election will likely be held in November for a replacement to serve the remainder of U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s term, state election officials say….

A separate race is underway for the seat that represents Hawaii's 1st Congressional district, which includes Oahu's urban areas. Takai announced in May that he would not seek re-election for the seat that he could instead focus on his cancer treatment.

State Elections Administrator Scott Nago said Hawaii law requires the public be notified at least 60 days in advance of a special election.

But the requirements of absentee balloting mean a special election would take 90 days to organize….

read … Special election

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HNN: Hanabusa will go directly to Congress after the general election -- two months earlier than other new members -- giving her seniority a boost.

SA: A special election to determine successor

WaPo: Hawaii Rep. Mark Takai, 49, dies after battle with pancreatic cancer

StarAdv: U.S. Rep. Mark Takai dies after battle with pancreatic cancer