U.S. and state flags are flying at half-staff today in honor of former state legislator and Kauai County Councilman William “Billy” Fernandes, who died June 2 at his home in Wailua Homesteads on Kauai.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office said Fernandes, 88, is remembered for his advocacy for the community, helping to establish the Kauai Racing Association, and serving on the Kauai Farm Bureau and on veterans council.

Elected to the territorial House of Representatives in 1952, he later served in the state Senate and was appointed deputy director of the Department of Agriculture by Gov. John A. Burns.

Abercrombie called Fernandes “a true son of Hawaii” and ordered the U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff until sunset today. The U.S. Code allows governors to order the national flag to be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a present or former government official or of an armed forces member who dies while on active duty.