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<br /> ROBERT "BOB" NEIL HERKES
<br /> Robert"Bob" Herkes was a remarkable statesman. He worked tirelessly throughout his entire career, striving to promote
<br /> and improve our island and the state. His fierce dedication to the people of the Big Island and our entire state will be
<br /> remembered and appreciated.
<br /> After dutifully serving his nation in the U.S.Army, Bob returned home. In1951, he began his first career,as a hospitality
<br /> industry executive,starting at the Coconut Island Resort,the Cannon Club,and the Naniloa Hotel, Kona Inn and Kona Marlin
<br /> Club. He served as vice president for Inter-Island Resorts from 1959 to1974, expanding the company to include the Maui
<br /> Surf, Kona Surf and Naniloa Surf. In the 70's, his restaurant, Herk's Tavern,was an oasis for the hungry and thirsty. From
<br /> 1979 to1986, Bob was general manager for the Kona Surf Hotel. Throughout those thirty-plus years,he shared his love of
<br /> the island with kama'aina and malihini alike.
<br /> In 1984, Bob's appreciation for the islands took a different turn,and he began his second career, beginning with his election
<br /> to the Hawaii County Council in 1984. He was appointed to the State Senate in 1988,and was elected to the State House
<br /> of Representatives from 1992 to 2000,and from 2002 to 2012. During his years in public office, he was a steadfast
<br /> advocate for the people. His foresight and innovative thinking was evident in the legislation he introduced. He fought for
<br /> reduced insurance rates. He fought for fairness and relief for homeowners facing foreclosure during the harrowing
<br /> mortgage crisis. He fought for funding for the Ocean View well,and he brought the first mobile medical van to serve the
<br /> Ka'u District. Not only did Bob"think out-of-the-box", he was known to create a whole new box, if necessary, as evidenced
<br /> by his role in the establishment of gymnasium/disaster shelter in Ka'u. He also took on the forces of nature,spearheading
<br /> efforts to address the impacts of vog on health and safety,agriculture,the economy and tourism.
<br /> Bob will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion,determination,unwavering dedication and generosity,
<br /> and for the laughter and joy he shared with us. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, a mentor,and a good
<br /> friend. We sincerely appreciate everything he has done,the many lasting contributions he made to
<br /> our community,and the legacy he leaves behind.
<br /> We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the late Robert "Bob" Neil Herkes:
<br /> his wife Jo-Anna;sons Bobby, Kenny and Doug;brother John;sister Jana;granddaughter Sara,and their extended ohana.
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<br /> Dated this 5th day of September, 2014
<br /> k1 ;ndo • Hilo.Flawaii
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<br /> Valerie Poind- ter J Yoss'... . pons• ' '•uncilmember
<br /> 14_ 1 L -, A i . ill I s I AL. 'os 11 of , • man .the Council
<br /> garet Wille
<br /> County if paluaii
<br /> Certificate No. 4680 to .rt Maeda County Clerk
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