Elia Austin Long, who was instrumental in helping the Friends of 'Iolani Palace develop a contract with the state to collect items and manage the Hawaiian landmark, has died.

Long, 84, succumbed to cancer June 6 at his home in Honolulu.

He served as director of the board and then president of the Friends of 'Iolani Palace from 1977 to 2000.

He and his friend Bill Morris played vital roles in developing the Friends' contract with the state, said Long's family. Their combined efforts led to the loan of the Royal Crowns, the Scepter and Sword of State from the Bishop Museum to the palace exhibit galleries in 1990. In recognition of his outstanding service, Long became the first recipient of the Ka Makamaka Lifetime Achievement Award from the Friends of 'Iolani Palace in 2003.

Besides being widely recognized in the Native Hawaiian community, Long was a standout athlete at Punahou School and Stanford University, a Marine Corps veteran and a successful businessman. He co-founded Long & Melone Ltd. and was chairman of First American Long & Melone Title Co. Ltd. when the company merged with First American Title Co. of Hawaii Inc.

"When I came over here, everyone kept telling me what a fantastic guy he was," said Long's wife, Betty. "Years ago people even wanted him to run for governor because they thought so highly of him. He was such a straight-arrow and outstanding person."

Alice Guild, former executive director and former board member of the Friends of 'Iolani Palace, said Long's ideas were always well-thought out and he was dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.

Long was born May 23, 1924, in Honolulu and graduated from Punahou School in 1942, where he was student body president, captain of the football team and ROTC Battalion Commander.

While attending Stanford University, he studied political science, became a champion boxer and met his wife of 58 years.

He also served as president of the Kapi'olani Hospital Board of Directors, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation and Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club. Long received awards from multiple organizations, including the West Hawaii Rotary Club and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce for his service to the native Hawaiian community.

He is survived by wife, Betty; son, Elia; daughters, Lisa McNamarra and Leslie Sorensen; and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 9 a.m. tomorrow; Mass to follow at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of 'Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum or Catholic Charities Hawaii.