On Jan. 27, the United States flag and Hawaii state flag will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol, all state offices and the Hawaii National Guard in honor of the former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Kenoi died on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, at age 51 from cancer. The Kenoi ohana will be celebrating the former mayor’s life in Hilo. 

“Billy Kenoi is the embodiment of persistence, dedication, and aloha,” said Green. “Through his health challenges, he remained committed to his wife Takako, daughter Mahina and his sons Justin and Liam, his responsibilities as Mayor, and left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the State of Hawaii. I’m grateful for all the positive change and inspiration he has brought to our state, especially through his work with our youth. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Kenoi served as Hawaii County mayor from 2008 to 2016, when he was first elected he was age 39, making him the youngest person to serve in the position. Before becoming mayor, Kenoi was an intern for Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, a legislative aide for the State House and State Senate, a law clerk, a deputy public defender, and executive assistant to then-mayor Harry Kim.