KAHULUI, Maui — Veteran Maui politician Bob Nakasone, 68, died yesterday after a long struggle with lung cancer.

Nakasone, D-9th (Kahului-Pa'ia), was elected to the House in 1993 and served on the Maui County Council from 1977 to 1982 and 1985 to 1988.

He also was owner of Ameritone-Maui, which has paint and wall-covering retail stores in Wailuku and Lahaina.

After recent health setbacks that forced him to miss most of the 2008 session, it was uncertain whether Nakasone would seek re-election this year.

He waited until just before the candidate deadline to file nomination papers, saying he was looking forward to serving his constituents.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Gov. Linda Lingle has 60 days to appoint a replacement to fill the 9th House seat. Under state law, that person must be of the same political party as the prior officeholder.