Honolulu has lost one of its independent political voices, recently returned to the City Council, in the death of Duke Bainum.

Those who have watched his political career recognized him as someone drawn both to public service and to the electoral process. A retired physician, Bainum always kept a hand in the medicial vocation through volunteer work.

He held office for two terms in the state House but clearly preferred the work of city governance. Bainum was elected to the council in 1994, serving there until his unsuccessful bid for the mayor's office a decade later.

As former transportation committee chairman, Bainum had his own ideas on mass transit during that campaign and, upon his return to City Hall, found himself in a position to bring careful scrutiny to Honolulu's rail project.

What many of his supporters appreciated — besides the Southern drawl that underscored an earnest demeanor — was his willingness to take on issues regardless of special interests. The ample financial support of his family, with banking interests in Arkansas, enabled him to underwrite much of his own campaign, freeing him from most entanglements with campaign donors.

The probe that ultimately shed light on corruption in the city's Ewa Villages housing project was largely a Bainum initiative, reflecting a concern for government transparency that persisted into his current term.

The most poignant aspect of his untimely death, however, may be in his passion for his role parenting two young sons. These are extremely difficult days ahead for the boys and for his wife, Jennifer. Honolulu's heartfelt condolences go out to them.