Rep. Takai Diagnosed with Tumor in Pancreas

HONOLULU — Rep. Mark Takai (D-Hawaii) says he has a small tumor in his pancreas and will begin treatment. His doctors are confident Takai, 48, will make a full recovery due to early detection.

Rep. Mark Takai

“A few days ago, my doctors conducted diagnostic tests in response to certain stomach pains and discomfort that I have been experiencing for several weeks,” Takai said in a statement on Oct. 27. “I do not expect to be away from my duties for more than a brief period and look forward to quickly returning to serving the needs of my constituents in Hawaii.”

Takai says his wife Sami, his two children and his entire family are grateful for everyone’s prayers and support. He asks for respect of his family’s privacy as he moves ahead with treatment.

Takai represents Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District and serves on the House Armed Forces Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. He was elected in 2014 after former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa left her seat to run for U.S. Senate.

Takai was a 20-year member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives before being elected to Congress. He represented the district of Aiea/Pearl City, first winning his seat at the age of 27.

Born and raised on Oahu, he is an alumnus of Pearl City High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he was student body president. A member of the Hawaii National Guard for 16 years, he deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009 and is currently a lieutenant colonel.