The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council said in a statement the passing of Congressman Mark Takai (D-Hawaii) brings much sadness to Hawaii’s fishing community.
The Hawaii congressman passed away yesterday from pancreatic cancer at the age of 49.
A strong supporter of local fishermen, Takai recently appeared in a short video celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and Hawaii’s fishing industry.
“Rep. Takai always welcomed members of the fishing community to meet with him, whether in D.C. or here in Hawai’i,” reminisced Kitty M. Simonds, executive director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.
“He listened to our concerns about the fisheries and helped spread the news about their importance to the state and the nation in regards to economics, food security and social and cultural cohesion.”
“Hawaii’s fishing community will miss his warmth and sincerity,” said Council Chair Edwin Ebisui Jr.
“He understood the long hours and hardships, including the regulatory ones, that fishermen and others in the industry face. And he relished the fresh poke Hawaii enjoys as a result of those efforts.”
