manner. Another former Hawaii mayor, Lorraine Inouye, noted that Matayoshi's background in business obscured his commitment to environmental protection, in the eyes of some observers. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie credited Matayoshi with implementing many of Hawaii County's major social service programs, including the Elderly Activities Division, championing small businesses and improving the island's infrastructure. Matayoshi resigned from the mayor's office in 1984, to pursue an unsuccessful candidacy for Hawaii Senate. He lost the state Senate election to Richard Matsuura. His managing director, Megumi Kon, was sworn in to succeed Matayoshi until Dante Carpenter was elected a few months after his resignation. Herbert Matayoshi died from heart failure at Straub Clinic & Hospital in Honolulu on July 11, 2011, at the age of 82. He was survived by his wife, Mary Y. Matayoshi; daughter, Kathryn; three sons – Jerold, Ronald and Eric; his sister, Edith Harano; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. His daughter, Kathryn Matayoshi, is the superintendent of the Hawaii Department of Education. Another son, Ron Matayoshi, is the director of international programs at the University of Hawaii's School of Social Work. Herbert Matayoshi resided in homes in both Hilo and Kahala, a neighborhood in Honolulu. Governor Neil Abercrombie ordered all American and Hawaiian flags to be flown at half staff on August 15, 2011, in Matayoshi's honor. References 1928 births 2011 deaths American mayors of Japanese descent Mayors of Hawaii County American stockbrokers American politicians of Japanese descent University of Michigan alumni University of Hawaiʻi alumni People from Hilo, Hawaii Hawaii politicians of Japanese descent Hawaii people of Okinawan descent Hawaii Democrats American politicians of Ryukyuan descent