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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 10/28/14 Honolulu offers deepest condolences to Chigasaki, Japan after Deputy Mayor Takehiko Kimura passes away in Waikiki

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Contact:  Mayor Caldwell's Press Office, 768-5768 (Jesse Broder Van Dyke mobile: 489-0341)   Honolulu offers deepest condolences to Chigasaki, Japan after Deputy Mayor Takehiko Kimura passes away in Waikiki       Deputy Mayor Takehiko Kimura at the Honolulu-Chigasaki sister city signing ceremony on October 17, 2014.    Honolulu city officials today confirmed the tragic news that the Deputy Mayor of the city of Chigasaki, Japan passed away due to unknown circumstances in Waikiki Saturday during his business trip to Honolulu. Deputy Mayor Takehiko Kimura had joined Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Council Chair Ernie Martin with a delegation from Chigasaki for a sister city signing ceremony held Friday at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.   "We were shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of Deputy Mayor Kimura on Saturday morning," said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. "Over the past year, I came to know the Deputy Mayor as we discussed our sister-city relationship, both in Chigasaki and Honolulu, and he was such a wonderful and warm person, full of pride to represent his city. Our hearts are very heavy, and I offer our deepest sympathy to his family, Mayor Hattori, and the rest of the Chigasaki delegation. We at the city stand ready to provide our fullest support and assistance to his family and the delegation."   "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic and untimely passing of Deputy Mayor Kimura," said Council Chair Ernie Martin. "The City Council extends its heartfelt sympathy to the Kimura family and the entire Chigasaki delegation for the loss of a truly exceptional and gracious man. He will be mourned by the many friends in Hawaii who have had the honor of knowing him."   Deputy Mayor Kimura's passing was confirmed today by the Medical Examiner's office. The family will return to Japan for the funeral arrangements.   Japanese language translation of Mayor Caldwell's statement here.      -END-