Flags to be Lowered in Honor of Former Rep. Mele Carroll

By Wendy Osher

Flags will fly at half-staff in honor of former state Representative Mele Carroll of Maui, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, March 6, and on Sunday March 15, Governor David Ige announced. The lowering of flags coincides with memorial services planned on Oʻahu and Maui.

In making the announcement, Gov. Ige said, “A pillar in Maui County, Mele Carroll’s dedication to improving her community will be missed. She worked hard for her constituents and her passion was evident in her work.  We send our heartfelt condolences to the Carroll family and her many friends.”

Carroll, 50, started her career as a state lawmaker in 2005 when she was elected to the state House.  Carroll, who was at the time working as a chief legislative liaison for Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, reportedly received a phone call from then Governor Linda Lingle  to represent the district and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sol Kahoohalahala.

During her service under Arakawa, Carroll was credited with writing a $2 million federal grant proposal to the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that contributed to the purchase of 73 acres at Mūʻolea Point in the rural east Maui town of Hāna, according to a state House announcement.

In addition to her work with the Arakawa administration, state officials say Carroll was a “key leader and instrumental in helping secure funding for the new emergency medical helicopter service for Maui County, working with a bi-partisan coalition of community leaders.”

Her work in government also included service as chief of staff to State Senator J. Kalani English for two years, and four years as his chief of staff at the Maui County Council.

Born on Oʻahu, Carroll served in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives from 2005 to 2015, representing the district that includes East Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe and Molokini.

Rep. Carroll stepped down from her role as a state lawmaker on Feb. 1, citing health concerns and complications with previous cancer treatments.  She passed away on Feb. 18, 2015.

Memorial Services on Two Islands:

An Oʻahu service is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 6, at Borthwick Mortuary located at 1330 Maunakea Street between North Vineyard Boulevard and North Kukui Street.

The schedule includes public viewing from 4 to 6 p.m., and a service to follow from 6 to 7 p.m.  A celebration of life will also be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Lei are welcome.

On Maui, a memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 15, at Ballard Family Mortuary, located at 440 Ala Makani Street in Kahului.

Viewing for the Maui service will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., with a service to follow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  A final viewing will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with internment to be held at 3 p.m. at the Valley Isle Memorial Park in Haʻikū, located off the Hāna Highway.  Lei and floral arrangements are welcome at the Maui service.

Rep. Carroll meets with students from Lānaʻi High School in the House Chambers. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Rep. Carroll official 2015 House photo. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Rep. Mele Carroll as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Rep. Mele Carroll in House Chambers. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Rep. Mele Carroll as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Rep. Mele Carroll as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.

Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi House of Representatives – Majority.