GOV. LINDA LINGLE

"Hawai'i has lost a true Island treasure. Don Ho was one of Hawai'i's most famous sons, who shared the aloha spirit and our unique Island lifestyle with people around the world through his music, friendship and goodwill.

"He laid the foundation for the international prominence Hawai'i's music industry enjoys today, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Hawai'i musicians. My condolences go out to his family and his countless fans worldwide who adored his music, admired his easy-going style and appreciated everything he represented about our Islands."

HONOLULU MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN

"I knew Don since I was a kid growing up in Kalihi. He helped my brother Nephi get started in show business. I was a big fan of Don. I have all his albums and really came to appreciate his music.

"More than that, I was inspired by his approach to life: 'Ain't no big thing.' 'Geev 'um. 'No scared 'em, go get 'em.' He showed that Hawaiians, Polynesians, could rise from humble local roots to succeed and excel on a national and global level.

"As a living symbol of Hawai'i at the peak of his career, he helped spark our visitor industry boom of the '60s and '70s."

MARSHA WIENERT, STATE TOURISM LIAISON

"First and foremost he was an icon. Through his music and personality, he became a symbol of Hawai'i, one of the big reasons people came here. He was the one they wanted to see here. When I first started out in the industry, doing trade shows on the Mainland, 90 percent of the people we met wanted to see Don Ho. They'd just come walking up to our booth singing 'Tiny Bubbles.'

"There's no question that his personal popularity paralleled the growth of tourism in Waikiki. He was a catalyst. There's no question that he helped put us on the map."

U.S. SEN. DANIEL K. INOUYE

"Hawai'i has lost a legend. Through his music, Don Ho took Hawai'i into the national and international spotlight. He blazed a trail which all of Hawai'i's entertainers have benefited from. Don Ho's songs will live on, as will his soul of Hawai'i."

U.S. SEN. DANIEL AKAKA

"Don had an international reputation and he represented Hawai'i to millions. In my travels around the world, people would ask me about Don Ho. Don was a big star wherever he went. He even played Washington, D.C., when I was in the House. And I can tell you, it was a big show.

"He had tremendous charisma and talent, and because of that, he touched many people. Hawai'i has lost a beloved son, and he will be sorely missed."

U.S. REP. MAZIE HIRONO

"He was so identified with Hawai'i. I think for the longest time people thought of 'Tiny Bubbles,' Hawai'i, Don Ho."

STATE SENATE PRESIDENT COLLEEN HANABUSA

"I had the honor of meeting Don Ho a year ago at an event sponsored by Sen. Clayton Hee and learned firsthand how much effort he put into the promotion of Native Hawaiian identity and an awareness of Hawaiian issues.

"So while I join others in remembering the easy-going charm that made him famous all around the world, I will also miss the committed advocate of the Hawaiian people that I saw that day."