Obon Passing: U.S. Congressman Mark Takai 1967-2016

 

U.S. Congressman Mark Takai of Hawaii lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at his home in Honolulu Hawaii. He represented Hawaii's 1st District January 2015 to his death on July 20th 2016. He had served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and served in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom.On May 19th, 2016 he announced he would not seek re-election having discovery of his pancreatic cancer but vowed to serve out his term. Takai is said to have embodied the Aloha spirit and worked hard to the improve the lives of people. His career included notable efforts to benefit the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. This also included efforts to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their loved ones, secure treatment for veterans suffering from service-related radiation exposure, and commemorate the patriotism of Japanese Americans during World War II. He leaves behind a wife and two children.