Bernard K. Akana (1920 or 1921 – April 12, 1990) was an American engineer and politician. He served as the Mayor of Hawaii County from 1988 until his death on April 12, 1990.[1][2]
Akana worked for the Hawaii Electric Light Company as a design planner before his retirement.[1] He unsuccessfully ran as a perennial candidate for elected office on ten separate elections over the course of twenty years before being elected Mayor of Hawaii County in 1988.[1]
In 1988, Akana challenged incumbent Democratic Hawaii County Mayor Dante Carpenter in the mayoral election.[1] Akana, a Republican, was considered a long shot candidate for the office. He "threw no fund-raisers, made no campaign promises, sought no union endorsements and spent only $1,660."[3] However, on November 8, 1988, Akana pulled off an upset victory by unseating Carpenter in the election.[1] He was sworn into office in 1988.
Akana died of stomach cancer while in office on April 12, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, at the age of 70.[1][2] Akana's managing director, Larry Tanimoto, became acting Mayor of Hawaii upon his death.[2] Tanimoto remained in office for eight months until a special mayoral election could be held to fill the remainder of Akana's term in office.[2]
Lorraine Inouye, a member of the Hawaii County Council, was elected to succeed Akana for the remainder of his term.[2] She defeated her nearest rival, Stephen Yamashiro, by just 76 votes to become mayor.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Bernard Akana; Mayor of Hawaii County". Los Angeles Times. 1990-08-14. Retrieved 2011-07-11.
- ^ a b c d e "Other Hawai'i mayors who died in office". Honolulu Advertiser. 2008-06-23. Archived from the original on 2018-08-25. Retrieved 2011-07-09.
- ^ Chang, Diane Yukihiro (1998-11-09). "Hawaii's most memorable political upset". Changing Hawaii. Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
- ^ Pang, Gordon Y.K. (2011-05-26). "Leader reshaped Big Island as council member, mayor". Honolulu Star Advertiser. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
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