HomeBad Ass AsiansTraditional 'Aloha' Remembrance For Rep. Mark Takai
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Traditional ‘Aloha’ Remembrance For Rep. Mark Takai

Mark Takai
Hawaii Army National Guard Lt. Col. K. Mark Takai speaks with Col. Stephen F. Logan, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, before the start of the dedication ceremony for the brand new 29th IBCT Readiness Center Aug. 2, 2014, at Kalaeloa, Hawaii. The 29th IBCT Readiness Center is a 55,000 square foot building that is comprised of an auditorium, assembly hall, administrative spaces, storage, vaults, locker rooms, information technology rooms and classrooms. Photo by Sgt. Ryan Sheldon (August 2014)

The remembrance ceremony for U.S. Rep. Mark Takai was held at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda and featured a traditional Hawaiian chanter.

On July 20, during his very first term in Congress, Takai passed away from pancreatic cancer at the tender age of 49. He had previously served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives for 20 years from the age of 27, and also in the Hawaii National Guard for 17 years.

The ceremony took place in Honolulu on Aug. 18 and was attended by a number of state and federal politicians, according to NBC. His memorial service was held the following day.

Takai was known for observing Aloha Friday and his family members requested all attendees wear Aloha attire.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawaii Gov. David Ige, Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi, and others spoke fondly of Takai, his work ethic, and his dedication to the people of Hawaii.

“Eighteen months he was in Congress, 18 months,” said Pelosi. “But he accomplished so much. He was a man in a hurry. He made use of time in a very special way.”

“In life Mark devoted himself to realizing his vision for a healthier, safer, and better world, and in death will be remembered for having so much more to give,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in a statement. “Whether it was in the Hawaii Army National Guard, the Hawaii State Legislature, or in the U.S. Congress, Mark was a true champion for the people of Hawaii. We will long remember Mark for his smile, his kindness, his optimism, and the love he gave to his ohana and all he served.”

Takai is joined by Gov. John A. Burns, U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga, U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, U.S. Sen. Hiram Fong, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, and musician Israel Kamakawiwoole in being laid to rest at the Hawaii Capitol, according to Hawaii News Now.

Takai is endured by his wife and two children.

 

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