Hawaii Democratic Congressman Mark Takai Dies

Takai, a first-term Democrat from Hawaii, 49, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Takai’s office confirmed he passed away at his home, surrounded by family. Information regarding a service will be available at a later time. His family requested privacy. “In Congress Takai served as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business’s Subcommittee on Contracting and the Workforce in addition to being a member of the House Committee on Armed Services”.

“All of us were moved when he announced his cancer to Vice President (Joe) Biden and the members at the House Democrats’ Issues Conference earlier this year”, said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, in a statement. – Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi ” It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of U.S. Representative Mark Takai. “In his fight against cancer, Mark showed the courage and strength that defined the wonderful person he was”. “To me and many residents of our state, the growth in popularity of the Aloha shirt truly represents the American dream”. He championed our troops and veterans, and proudly wore our nation’s uniform.

“His relentless push for cancer research inspired countless Americans fighting the same battle as him”. I was lucky to have worked with Mark in the State House and the commitment and dedication he had for his country, his state and Hawai’i’s many diverse communities was obvious to all.

Congressman Takai was a graduate of Pearl City High School and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

In recent months, Takai had gladly taken on the role of powerful advocate for cancer awareness – with a very personal story to tell.

In May of this year, Takai also introduced legislation to help the elderly age in place by increasing accessibility of homes for kupuna with the Homeowners Access to Visitability Enhancements (HAVE) Act, which provided grants of up to $5,000 for eligible families in Hawaii.

Takai’s congress seat will remain vacant until a November election.

House Speaker Paul RyanPaul RyanHow far will Cruz go in backing Trump? Takai lost a long-running battle with pancreatic cancer. A great public servant, and an even better father. His love for Hawaii and the people he represented was evident every day. He is survived by his wife, Sami Takai, and children Matthew and Kaila. “The Democratic family’s thoughts are with the Takais today”.