HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1007.000 2012-2014 J Yoshimoto ���Y �!! ' . Telephone: (808)961-8272
���'' Facsimile: (808)961-8912
Chair&Presiding Officer ' • _ , ���; �, ( )
Council District 2 ; ; .�.,i;,`�%j : Email:jyoshimoto @co.hawaii.hi.us
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
Office of the County Clerk
County of Hawai`i
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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Date: August 27, 20140
To: Stewart Maeda, County Clerk
And Hawai'i County Council Members
From: J Yoshimoto, Chair ka,
Re: Presentation of Certificate
Please be advised that at the September 5, 2014 Council meeting, I will be presenting a
Certificate of Condolence to Mrs. Jo-Anna Herkes, widow of the late Robert`Bob'Herkes. I
anticipate that this presentation will take approximately 20 minutes.
JY:awm
cc: M. David
D. Goodenow
L. Murashige
Comm. No ` 007 7 ,
Ref.To:
Ref. Date
Hawai`i County Is An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
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Cxpesston of on o ence
ROBERT "BOB" NEIL HERKES
Robert"Bob" Herkes was a remarkable statesman. He worked tirelessly throughout his entire career, striving to promote
and improve our island and the state. His fierce dedication to the people of the Big Island and our entire state will be
remembered and appreciated.
After dutifully serving his nation in the U.S.Army, Bob returned home. In1951, he began his first career,as a hospitality
industry executive,starting at the Coconut Island Resort,the Cannon Club,and the Naniloa Hotel, Kona Inn and Kona Marlin
Club. He served as vice president for Inter-Island Resorts from 1959 to1974, expanding the company to include the Maui
Surf, Kona Surf and Naniloa Surf. In the 70's, his restaurant, Herk's Tavern,was an oasis for the hungry and thirsty. From
1979 to1986, Bob was general manager for the Kona Surf Hotel. Throughout those thirty-plus years,he shared his love of
the island with kama'aina and malihini alike.
In 1984, Bob's appreciation for the islands took a different turn,and he began his second career, beginning with his election
to the Hawaii County Council in 1984. He was appointed to the State Senate in 1988,and was elected to the State House
of Representatives from 1992 to 2000,and from 2002 to 2012. During his years in public office, he was a steadfast
advocate for the people. His foresight and innovative thinking was evident in the legislation he introduced. He fought for
reduced insurance rates. He fought for fairness and relief for homeowners facing foreclosure during the harrowing
mortgage crisis. He fought for funding for the Ocean View well,and he brought the first mobile medical van to serve the
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
by his role in the establishment of gymnasium/disaster shelter in Ka'u. He also took on the forces of nature,spearheading
efforts to address the impacts of vog on health and safety,agriculture,the economy and tourism.
Bob will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion,determination,unwavering dedication and generosity,
and for the laughter and joy he shared with us. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandfather, a mentor,and a good
friend. We sincerely appreciate everything he has done,the many lasting contributions he made to
our community,and the legacy he leaves behind.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the late Robert "Bob" Neil Herkes:
his wife Jo-Anna;sons Bobby, Kenny and Doug;brother John;sister Jana;granddaughter Sara,and their extended ohana.
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Dated this 5th day of September, 2014
k1 ;ndo • Hilo.Flawaii
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Valerie Poind- ter J Yoss'... . pons• ' '•uncilmember
14_ 1 L -, A i . ill I s I AL. 'os 11 of , • man .the Council
garet Wille
County if paluaii
Certificate No. 4680 to .rt Maeda County Clerk
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