Larry Mehau, an influential and controversial supporter of the Hawaii Democratic Party for many years, has died.

The Hawaii island rancher and businessman was 86 years old.

Mehau’s son-in-law, Tony Vericella, said Mehau died Tuesday. He declined to comment further and asked that the family’s privacy be respected.

“We appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and wishes,” said Vericella.

Mehau formerly served as chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. He was also the owner of a security guard business, Hawaii Protective Association, Ltd.

Mehau was once accused of by a Honolulu City Prosecutor’s aide, Rick Reed, of being the “godfather” of organized crime in Hawaii — a charge he strongly denied. He sued Reed for libel and invasion of privacy. In 1992, a Circuit Court jury decided the case in Reed’s favor.