Mark Takai with his children Kaila, bottom left, Matthew, top left, and his wife Sami, center on Nov. 4, 2014.
Eugene Tanner / AP
US Rep. Mark Takai of Hawaii has died at age 49, his office confirmed Wednesday. His death comes after he announced in October that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“The Takai family thanks the people of Hawaii for their support during this difficult time,” Takai’s office said. “The Takai family politely asks for the continued respect of their family’s privacy.”
Takai had initially said in February he would campaign for re-election, but in May he announced he would not seek another term in office because his cancer had spread.
Takai had served in the state House of Representatives for 20 years before his election in 2014 to Congress. He was an Iraq War veteran who served in the Middle East in 2009, according to his website.
He was born on Oahu and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He won his first seat at the age of 27 representing the district of Aiea and Pearl City.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige released a statement offering his condolences to the Takai family.
While we will deeply feel the loss of Mark Takai in the public arena, we cannot forget that he was a family man first. His wife, children and extended family will miss him every moment from this day on. Dawn and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sami, Matthew and Kaila. Your husband and father was a man of principle and goodwill. Thank you for sharing him with the citizens of Hawai‘i.
Takai's congress seat will remain vacant until a Nov. election.
He is survived by his wife, Sami, and two children, Matthew and Kaila.
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