Flags in Maui will fly at half-mast this week following the passing of Maui County Councilwoman Natalie “Tasha” Kama.
According to a statement by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Kama, who had served as the councilmember for the Kahului District since 2018, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9:25 p.m. at the age of 73.
According to a Facebook post by Kama’s family, she died “surrounded by her loved ones” and that a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
At the time of her death, Kama was the Council’s Presiding Officer Pro Tempore.
Several state and county officials made statements Monday commemorating Kama. Gov. Josh Green said in a statement that the councilwoman “devoted her life to public service, championing affordable housing, uplifting kūpuna and families in need — and guiding Maui County with faith, kindness and aloha.”
"She was kind and generous, but not afraid to take on some of the county’s most pressing challenges, including housing and Native Hawaiian health care," read a statement by Sen. Brian Schatz. "Maui, and especially central Maui, are better off today because of her tireless advocacy and hard work."
Bissen called Kama “a woman of deep faith, compassion and aloha — a leader whose every action reflected her love for our people and her commitment to service.”
“Tasha led with humility and strength, always guided by her belief in doing what was just and right for our community,” read Bissen’s statement. “Her wisdom, warmth and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will continue to guide us long after her passing.”
The Maui County Charter states that the Council — or, failing that, the mayor — must appoint a person to fill a vacant seat, if the remainder of the vacant seat’s term is 15 months or less. Kama died with just over 14 months left in her term.
The Council has 30 days to name a replacement, who must have been a Kahului resident for at least a year.
