LIHU'E, Hawai'i — Hundreds of people are remembering Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste as flags fly at half-staff statewide.

Family, friends and island residents gathered at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Sunday to celebrate Baptiste's life.

Gov. Linda Lingle says Baptiste will be remembered for doing what was best for the island's residents without any political aspirations.

Many say Baptiste worked to preserve Kaua'i's environment and rural lifestyle.

Baptiste died June 22 after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 52.

The Kaua'i County Council will appoint a council member to serve as mayor until Dec. 1. A new mayor will be elected in November to serve the final two years of Baptiste's term.