HONOLULU — A former high school teacher who represented the Hamakua, part of Hilo and Kaumana at the state Legislature for the last 16 years, Rep. Mark Nakashima distinguished himself as both a strong advocate for the state’s rural communities and a forward-thinking leader committed to a sustainable energy future.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Josh Green ordered that the United States flag and Hawaii state flag be flown at half-staff this weekend in honor of Nakashima 
  • Nakashima was first elected to the House in 2018 and was influential in his work evaluating program budget requests and setting criteria for evaluating appropriations
  • In his time in office, Nakashima held a broad range of key positions, serving as vice speaker of the house and chairing the House Committees on Consumer Protection and Commerce, Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, Economic Development, and Labor and Public Employment
  • Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke, a close friend of Nakashima’s since they were students at the University of Hawaii, said she was heartbroken by news of his passing

Nakashima died Thursday in Honolulu following an extended series of health problems. He was 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 in a statement released Thursday afternoon. “He was a gentle yet fierce advocate for the residents of Hawaii, and we honor his memory and his contributions to our community and state.”

Green, who is in Utah for the National Governors Association 2024 Summer Meeting, ordered that the United States flag and Hawaii state flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Nakashima at the state Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard from sunrise on July 12 to sunset on July 15.

“This is a tremendous loss for the Hamakua, Hilo, and Kaumana community and the House of Representatives,” said House Speaker Scott Saiki. “Mark served his community and our state with dignity and respect. He will be missed.”

Nakashima was first elected to the House in 2018 and was influential in his work evaluating program budget requests and setting criteria for evaluating appropriations.

In his time in office, Nakashima held a broad range of key positions, serving as vice speaker of the house and chairing the House Committees on Consumer Protection and Commerce, Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, Economic Development, and Labor and Public Employment.

Before running for office, Nakashima taught history and economics at Honokaa High School. He also worked as a legislative aide for Reps. Eric Hamakawa and Dwight Takamine and was a staff assistant to the late U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga.

Nakashima held a B.Ed. degree and a professional diploma in education with an emphasis in political science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke, a close friend of Nakashima’s since their time at UH, said she was heartbroken by news of his passing.

“Mark was not only a strong advocate for his constituents but also a champion for medical access and equality in our rural communities,” she said. “I will miss him dearly and send my prayers and aloha to his loved ones during this time.”

Mayor Mitch Roth issued a statement on Friday regarding Nakashima's passing.

"Mark was a great man who dedicated the last 16 years of his life to serving the people of North Hilo and the entire Hawaii Island community," stated Roth in a release. "His humble demeanor and fierce advocacy were instrumental in securing funding for numerous projects over the years, including the recent $50 million expansion of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. This project alone will help ensure the health and well-being of our local families for generations to come.

"Mark will always be remembered for his ability to smile through the toughest circumstances and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous loss," said Roth.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include Mayor Mitch Roth's statement. (June 13, 2024)