July 2014, Primary Battle: During the eight-candidate contest for the Democratic nomination for urban Oahu’s 1st Congressional District, campaign staffers and reporters watch Mark Takai on a TV screen. (Civil Beat photo by PF Bentley)

August 2014, Gubernatorial Advice: After winning the Democratic nomination, Takai listens to some words of encouragement from then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie. (Civil Beat photo by PF Bentley)

September 2014, General Election Campaign: Republican candidate Charles Djou and Takai shake hands at end of a congressional candidates forum. (Civil Beat photo by PF Bentley)

November 2014, Election Night: Takai’s supporters cheer early returns showing him ahead in the race for Congress.

November 2014, Victory Speech: Takai speaks to his supporters after being declared the winner. He’s joined by his wife, Sami, son Matthew and daughter Kaila.

December 2014, The Ige Inauguration: Congressman-Elect Takai with his wife Sami at the inauguration ceremony for Gov. David Ige.

January 2015, Oath of Office: Judge Susan Oki Mollway swears in Takai at the Federal Courthouse in Honolulu as his wife Sami and son Matthew watch, with U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at right.

January 2015, Sealed With a Kiss: Takai gets a kiss from his wife after taking the oath of office.

January 2015, Island Support: Kona resident Shirley Kauhaihao hugs Takai after the oath of office ceremony.

February 2015, Ensconced in Office: Takai with his deputy communications director, Alex Hetherington, at his office in Washington, D.C.

February 2015, Taste of Home: Takai loads up his plate at an “Aloha Friday” celebration in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington.

May 2015: Memorial Day Tribute: Takai, a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard, salutes during a service at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. Others include, from left, Gov. David Ige, First Lady Dawn Ige, and Sen. Brian Schatz.

February 2015, Aloha Gathering: Takai, friends and staff members gather for an “Aloha Friday” celebration in Washington.

March 2016, Newsroom Visit: During the last of several visits to the Honolulu Civil Beat office, Takai talks with editorial board members. After having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the prior October, he was optimistic about running for re-election. Two months later, he dropped out of the race. He died at his Honolulu home today, July 20, 2016.