Congresswoman Aumua Amata and a large contingent of US Representatives and Senators are in Hawaii for the funeral of the late Representative Mark Takai, who passed away in July after a long battle against pancreatic cancer.
A press statement says the Congresswoman was personally asked to attend on behalf of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who sent along a letter of condolences, that would be read by Congresswoman Amata.
The congresswoman says she will always remember Mark and his kindness, as they were both in the same freshman class for the United States House of Representatives.
“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,” said Amata.
Amata adds, “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.”
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 the nation with honor and dignity.
The congresswoman says, “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.”
She expressed deepest condolences to Mark’s family, and those he represented, and said, “he will truly be missed by all.”
