MEDIA RELEASE

As a mark of respect for the late former state Sen. Cal Kawamoto, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that the National Flag and Hawaii State Flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard from sunrise to sunset Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, the day of his memorial service.

Kawamoto served in the state Legislature from 1994 to 2004. Shortly after being elected to the Senate, he became chairman of the Senate Transportation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.

Prior to running for office, Kawamoto served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran fighter pilot.

Kawamoto died Sept. 22 in Honolulu at age 73.

“Cal was an unwavering advocate of the people of Hawaii and devoted to the Waipahu community and particularly Hawaii’s youth,” Abercrombie said. “From his service in the Air Force to the establishment of Hawaii’s Plantation Village, he remained commitment to our island community. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are now with the Kawamoto ohana.”