Aloha, Rep. Nakasone

Representative Bob Nakasone, a 15-year veteran of the State House of Representatives, passed away on Sunday after a battle with lung cancer. A quiet but effective legislator, Rep. Nakasone was known to be hardworking, trustworthy, and wise. I worked next door to him for 4 years, had the privilege of hanging out in his office a few times, and will miss seeing him in his usual "stance" on the 4th floor balcony of the State Capitol. The building won't be the same without him.

House Speaker Calvin Say said yesterday: “The island of Maui and the state of Hawaii have lost a dedicated public servant. Rep. Bob Nakasone was a very private and quiet man, but he was held in great respect in the Legislature due to his experience, his knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to serving Hawaii’s people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nakasone family. As a long-time colleague, we served many years in the House together, and he will be greatly missed. You could always count on Bob Nakasone as a leader and an asset to the House, especially in tough times. Even though he was very reserved, people knew he had a big heart, and that making Hawaii a better place for our families was the essence behind his public service. I felt privileged to work beside him.”

Governor Linda Lingle said: "Bob had the best characteristics of an old-style politician — a person who did not showboat, was nonpartisan when it came to achieving things for the people he represented, and a person whose word you could always trust. While he bravely battled lung cancer, Bob remained fully committed to serving the people of Maui and helping to make Hawai'i a better place to live and work. He was a tireless public servant."

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.
Read the Honolulu Star Bulletin article here.
Red the Maui News article here.