Statement by Speaker Joseph M. Souki on the passing of former Hawaii Island Legislator Robert Herkes

Representative Robert (Bob) Herkes

STATEMENT OF HOUSE SPEAKER JOSEPH M. SOUKI ON THE PASSING OF FORMER HAWAII ISLAND LEGISLATOR ROBERT HERKES

“Hawaii has lost a dedicated and passionate public servant who championed protecting consumer rights during his 18 years in the State House of Representatives. Bob worked tirelessly to pass legislation that strengthened the rights of residents in mortgage foreclosures. He was an early and strong advocate of natural disaster preparedness and was one of the first to call attention to the health effects of vog. He was a good legislator, highly respected by his colleagues and a great friend. I will miss him.

On behalf of the House of Representatives I would like to offer our condolences to his wife Jo-Anna and his sons Bobby, Kenny and Doug.”

Robert N. Herkes served in the State House for 18 years until 2012, representing District 5 (Puna, Ka'u, South Kona, North Kona).

His political career began in 1982 when he served on the Hawai'i County Police Commission. Then in 1994, he was elected to the Hawai'i County Council. In 1988, he was appointed to the State Senate to fill the seat vacated by former Hawai`i Island Senator Richard Henderson. He was elected to the State House in 1992, ran for Hawai'i County Mayor in 2000, and was re-elected to the State House in 2002. A retired hotel executive, Representative Herkes graduated with honors from Cornell Hotel School and worked in the hospitality industry for 40 years.