HONOLULU - As a mark of respect for the late former State Representative Yoshito Takamine, Gov. David Ige has ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawai'i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai'i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, November 20, 2015.
"Yoshito Takamine was a dedicated servant who not only served his community on Hawai'i Island with honor and integrity, but was also a respected leader for our state. His work and leadership in the Hawai'i State House and in the labor sector continue to positively impact our state today. On behalf of the people of Hawai'i, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Takamine 'ohana and their many friends," said Gov. David Ige.
Born in Hakalau Hawai'i, Takamine was the eldest of 14 children and a graduate of Honoka'a High School. He served in the Hawai'i State House of Representatives from 1958 through 1984. While working in the legislature, the longtime chairman of the labor committee helped to introduce and pass important pieces of legislation - including the state's worker's compensation law, temporary disability insurance law and collective bargaining law. Yoshito is survived by his wife Kimiko, sons Delbert and former State Representative Dwight Takamine, daughters Arlene Hashimoto, Melanie Fergerstrom and Karleen Kaohimaunu.
Note: Services for Yoshito Takamine were held on Wednesday, November 18 in Hilo Hawai'i. The official flag order was delayed until Friday, November 19 because of a previous flag order by President Obama, honoring the victims of the Paris attacks.