Flags Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Maui’s Rep. Carroll

By Wendy Osher

Flags will fly at half staff again on Sunday, March 15, in honor of former state Rep. Diana “Mele” Carroll, who died of cancer on Feb. 18, 2015.  The lowering of flags coincides with memorial services planned on Maui at Ballard Family Mortuary.  Similar action was taken on Friday, March 6, the day that memorial services were held on Oʻahu.

Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard, under an order issued by Governor David Ige.

“A pillar in Maui County, Mele Carroll’s dedication to improving her community will be missed,” said Gov. Ige in a press release statement.  “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.”

Born on Oʻahu, Rep. Carroll, 50, served in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, representing the area that covers Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and parts of Maui, from 2005 to 2015.

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.

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.

On Feb. 1, 2015, Carroll resigned from the Hawaiʻi Legislature due to complications from cancer treatment.

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 official 2015 House photo. 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.

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

Rep. Mele Carroll. Courtesy photo.

Mele Carroll. Courtesy photo.

Mele Carroll. Courtesy photo.

Rep. Mele Carroll. File photo © Wendy Osher.