Hawaii Democratic congressman Mark Takai dies

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, a war veteran and long-time legislator known for his bright nature and deep commitment to service, died in his home Wednesday after a months-long battle with cancer.

Takai had "a servant's heart, full of aloha," said U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who served with Takai in Congress, the Hawaii Army National Guard and the state Legislature.

Hawaii Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Matayoshi remembered Takai as a staunch advocate for public schools who pushed tirelessly for education funding and resources.

The Hawaii Office of Elections will likely hold a special election in November for a replacement to serve through the remainder of Takai's term, which would have ended in January, said spokeswoman Nedielyn Bueno.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who previously held Takai's seat in Congress but left to run unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate, is already running in the general election to replace Takai for the two-year term that starts in January.