Aumua Attends Funeral for Rep. Takai
Honolulu – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, and a large contingent of her colleagues are in Hawaii for the funeral of the late Representative Mark Takai, who passed away in July after a long and hard fought battle against pancreatic cancer. The Congresswoman was personally asked to attend on behalf of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who sent along a letter of his condolences, which will be read by the Congresswoman.
Congresswoman Amata at the funeral dinner for the late Rep. Takai, with U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Mark Takano, Ruben Gallego and Ted Liu. Also in attendance are U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, the Hon. Colleen Hanabusa and former Member of Congress and Governor of Hawaii Neil Abercrombie
“I will always remember Mark and his kindness, as we were both in the same freshman class for the United States House of Representatives,” said Amata. Upon meeting Mark, he and I had a long discussion regarding how we could both work together to help the people who reside in our districts, as the ties between American Samoa and Hawaii are very strong,” continued Amata. “I will miss Mark’s enthusiasm, dedication and love for the Hawaiian people, who will surely miss his outstanding representation. While this is a sad occasion, it was nice to be able to see some of my colleagues away from Washington, including one of our own Tulsi Gabbard, who was born in Leloaloa Village,” stated the Congresswoman.
Representative Takai was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, after serving 20 years on the Hawaii State House of Representatives. Mark was also a veteran of the United States Army who served our nation with honor and dignity.
“Today is a sad day for the people of Hawaii and the United States, as we have lost a champion for our veterans, and those who are underserved,” said Amata. “I want to send my deepest condolences to Mark’s family, and those he represented, as he will truly be missed by all,” concluded Amata.
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