Former Hawaiian Republican lawmaker Sam Slom has died at the age of 81.
Slom's death occurred on Sunday following 20 years of representing his state in the Senate.
Nicknamed the “lone ranger,” Republican Sam Slom served in the Senate from 1996 to 2016.
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"He was frequently referred to as a “lone ranger” because he was often the only member of the minority party during his time in the Senate," Hawaii News Now reported.
"He lost his seat in 2016 to sitting Sen. Stanley Chang. Gov. Josh Green announced that flags would be flown at half-staff at the state Capitol and offices Wednesday in Slom’s honor," it added.
Hawaii lawmakers are mourning the death of a friend and colleague after late State Sen. Sam Slom passed away on Sunday.https://t.co/nJLZ3OUYKg
— KHON2 News (@KHONnews) May 23, 2023
“It came from his heart and that’s where it’s the genuine Sam Slom, what you see is what you got,” said Rep. Gene Ward, according to KHON2. “He was a genuine orator, and I think his love for the people will always be remembered, and his inspiring sense of humor and self-deprecation.”
“And the thing I always really liked about him was, he understood when it was time for consensus, what that meant,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “So he could do the best job possible, he’ll be really missed. He was a great leader.”
Landed in DC to the sad news that my good friend & former Senate colleague Sam Slom had passed. He loved Hawaii. He loved America. And while we disagreed at times, we did so w/respect & aloha. There were times when he was the vote I needed to pass a bill & Sam was always there.… pic.twitter.com/GOTKQCzqj2
— Jill N. Tokuda (@jilltokuda) May 22, 2023
Hawaiin U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda also tweeted about Slom's life following the news of his passing.
"Landed in DC to the sad news that my good friend & former Senate colleague Sam Slom had passed. He loved Hawaii," she wrote.
"He loved America. And while we disagreed at times, we did so w/respect & aloha. There were times when he was the vote I needed to pass a bill & Sam was always there," she continued.
His life will be missed by many who knew him in Hawaii as he served for two decades in representing his district on a wide variety of matters.
The long list of tributes and statements on his long life offer proof of the influence he had in his state and beyond upon the lives of many people.
