Takai died Wednesday due to complications from pancreatic cancer. | AP Photo Rep. Mark Takai dies after battle with pancreatic cancer

Hawaii Democratic Rep. Mark Takai died Wednesday due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Takai, 49, died at home, surrounded by family and friends, according to a statement from his office.


He represented Hawaii’s 1st District since 2015 and before that had a 20 year stint in the state’s House of Representatives. He was also a member of the Hawaii National Guard and served in Iraq.

Takai was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and announced earlier this year he wouldn’t run for reelection because the disease had spread.

In Congress, Takai served as ranking member of a Small Business subcommittee and was also a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

This article tagged under: Cancer

Mark Takai