Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann issued the following statement this evening:

"I was stunned to learn this evening of the death of Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste.

"During the past three years, I had the opportunity to collaborate with him through our work on the Hawaii Council of Mayors and enjoyed our partnership immensely. His solid grasp of the issues facing the County of Kauai, ability to craft workable solutions, and willingness to partner with his fellow mayors made him a very effective leader. With his help, this unusual and unique partnership was able to accomplish much on behalf of all the people of our counties.

"I thought he was 'Mayor Aloha,' in that he exuded a unique local style of leadership. Bryan was quick to smile, put people at ease, and said just enough to get his point across, yet make people feel comfortable with a decision-making process. I'll miss him very much, as I know the people of Kauai will. We've lost an outstanding public servant.

"Kauai has lost a great leader, and I have lost a dear friend and colleague. Gail and I send our heartfelt sympathy to the Baptiste ohana."