Condolences shared upon passing of state Rep. Mark Nakashima from Hawaiʻi Island

State leaders shared condolences with the family of Hawai‘i State Rep. Mark Nakashima, who passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 61.

“Rep. Nakashima’s legacy of service, dedication to education and commitment to sustainable energy will continue to inspire us all,” said Gov. Josh Green, M.D. in a statement. “He was a gentle yet fierce advocate for the residents of Hawai‘i, and we honor his memory and his contributions to our community and state.”

“I’m heartbroken about the news of Mark’s passing,” said acting Gov. Sylvia Luke. “We have been close friends ever since attending UH Mānoa together. Mark was not only a strong advocate for his constituents but also a champion for medical access and equality in our rural communities. I will miss him dearly and send my prayers and aloha to his loved ones during this time,” she said.

House Speaker Scott K. Saiki issued a statement saying, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, Rep. Mark M. Nakashima. This is a tremendous loss for the Hāmākua, Hilo, and Kaūmana community and the House of Representatives. Mark served his community and our state with dignity and respect. He will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go to Mark’s family during this time.”

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D, Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) said, “Rep. Nakashima was an unselfish public servant, who will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, easy going manner, and establishing the benchmark in dealing with life’s adversities with quiet strength and resilience,” said Kouchi. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his close friends and family, and hope they may find solace in these trying times.”

The governor has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the state of Hawaiʻi, effective from sunrise on Friday, July 12, to sunset on Monday, July 15, in recognition of Nakashima’s unwavering service.

Nakashima represented House District 1 (Hāmākua, a portion of Hilo and Kaūmana). His commitment to the community and the state of Hawaiʻi was evident in his work and leadership, state officials said.

A former educator, “Nakashima understood the critical importance of evaluating program budget requests and setting criteria for the evaluation of appropriations,” according to the governor. His vision included the development of geothermal energy statewide as a solution to break the state’s dependence on imported oil. He also worked tirelessly to create synergy between the Big Island community, public schools, and institutions of higher learning, fostering collaboration and guiding long-term decision-making and future expenditures.

Nakashima was a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, holding a B.Ed. degree and a professional diploma in education, with an emphasis in political science.