The late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai was named the recipient of the U.S. Army Pacific’s annual Mana O Ke Koa (Spirit of the Warrior) award Friday.
The award recognizes individuals who provide steadfast support to soldiers, families and the Army community.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District in 2014, Takai died July 20, 2016, at the age of 49 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard and had also served 20 years in the state Legislature.
“We have all benefited from, and are grateful for, the work of Mark and his great family, who have exemplified true servant-leadership and fostered a positive relationship between the Army and the Hawaii community,” Gen. Robert Brown, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, said during the presentation of the award to Takai’s wife, Sami.
The award was announced on Weyand Field at Schofield Barracks in celebration of the Army’s 242nd birthday.
Repairs of broken water main continue
Repair work will continue today on a break in a water main that clogged eastbound traffic on Kalanianaole Highway across from Waialae Iki Park in East Oahu on Saturday.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and try alternate routes.
Board of Water Supply officials said crews are working to repair a 12-inch main in the eastbound direction of the highway between Waiholo Street and Kaimoku Way. Two eastbound lanes of Kalanianaole had to be closed between those streets.
Honolulu police set up a contraflow lane on Kalanianaole Highway between Analii Street and Laukahi Street, turning one westbound lane into an eastbound lane to help traffic flow.
The break was first reported just before 11 p.m. Friday and affects 31 customers, Board of Water Supply officials said.
They said they are working with city transportation officials to adjust traffic signals as needed. One alternate route for eastbound commuters is to use Laukahi Street and turn right onto Analii Street, they said.
Meanwhile across town, two eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway in Aiea were closed through Saturday evening as the Board of Water Supply worked to repave a section of road damaged by a 12-inch main break near Lipoa Place.
That water main break was reported at 4 p.m. Friday. BWS crews worked through the night and managed to fix it by early Saturday, restoring water service. They then switched to repairing and then repaving the roadway.
