Late Hawaii Rep. Ezra Kanoho, who served nearly 20 years in the State Legislature, is being remembered for his kindness, compassion, humility and smile.
"As a mark of respect for former Kauai statesman Ezra Kanoho, flags will be lowered to half-staff today (Feb. 4) until sunset. Kanoho served for 20 years in the Legislature," Gov. David Ige (D) wrote in a Feb. 4 Facebook post. “Ezra was a dedicated public servant and treasured community member who exemplified integrity and the aloha spirit. On behalf of the people of Hawaii, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and thank him for the years he dedicated to proudly serving the people of Kauai and our state.”
Kanoho, 94, died of congestive heart failure Jan. 23 at home in Lihue, according to the Star-Advertiser. He began serving in 1987, ran for reelection in 1988 and continued serving until his retirement in 2006, the newspaper said. Kanoho is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, parents Reuben and Isabella, and brothers Ralph and Alfred.
Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami was among those leaders who praised Kanoho.
“He had a way of making everyone he knew feel important and loved,” Kawakami told the Star-Advertiser. “Uncle Ezra had more accomplishments than most of us realize, but his greatest legacy was his kindness, gentleness and humility."
U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele (D-HI) expressed similar sentiments.
“Ezra made people feel heard and had the ability to build bridges between seemingly opposing views that may never have found mutual understanding," Kahele told the Star-Advertiser. “Ezra followed a strong moral compass and made the people his priority.”