WAILUKU, Hawaii – Maui County Councilmembers will honor the life of the late State Rep. Diana “Mele” Carroll in a ceremonial resolution extending condolences to her family at tomorrow’s council meeting in the Council Chamber.
March 20 Council meeting AGENDA
Councilmembers remember Mele’s thoughtfulness and strong spirit.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Rep. Mele Carroll. Whitney and I send our deepest condolences to her husband, Warren, and the rest of her ohana. She was a fighter for the residents of District 13 and served us well at the state legislature. She had her humble beginnings as a staffer for the Maui County Council and went on to be a strong voice for one of the most rural areas in the state. We send her a fond aloha and mahalo.”
– Council Chair Mike White
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rep. Mele Carroll. I have had the pleasure of working with Mele on matters concerning District 13. She was a fine example of what it meant to be a representative of the people. It didn’t matter the stature of a person, whether a corporate official, dignitary or just an average person on the street, she was always available to talk story. Her mode of operation at the legislature was that of a consensus builder. Her memory will remain in our hearts.”
– Council Vice-Chair Don S. Guzman
“Working with Mele was always an inspiration. Whether it was on state or county issues, she placed her heart and soul into serving her constituents to the best of her ability. Mele was the rallying force bringing the county, the state and people in her district to make the Nahiku Community Center a reality. As a councilmember, funding the center was the right thing to do and so were the numerous other ordinances and bills we worked on together. I will miss Mele, her devotion to family and her dedication to the place she called home.”
– Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Michael P. Victorino
“Mele had a gentle, loving soul. I always enjoyed visiting with her because she was always calm, positive and full of aloha.”
– Councilmember Gladys C. Baisa
“Mele was a person that always thought of our people, our islands and the sea around us. She was there doing what was needed. We will miss her gentle heart and strong spirit.”
– Councilmember Robert Carroll
“It came with great sadness hearing Rep. Mele Carroll had lost her battle with cancer. Mele mentored me when I first ran for office. She let me shadow her during one-on-one meetings and gave me sound advice about politics while sharing with me her own experiences. We were Na Wahine Hui O Kamehameha sisters. I have always and will always appreciate the fact that she educated me in this field, yet allowed me to make my own choices. My sincere and deepest sympathies to her family. Mele was truly a treasure. Her legacy will live on.”
– Councilmember Elle Cochran
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Mele Carroll in the mayor’s office. I have also worked with her in her capacity as a representative for District 13. Through all of her time in the public sector, she had the people of her district, Maui County and the State of Hawaii as the driving force for her service. Aloha `Oe, Mele.”
– Councilmember Don Couch
“Mele was a true champion of the people and a strong proponent of the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian rights and culture. She didn’t just represent her district, she embodied it, cementing her footprints in perpetuity, leaving a lasting legacy of her accomplishments. Mele never forgot who she was or where she came from and was always mindful and respectful of the people she represented. I will miss her strength, determination and resolve, but most of all I will miss her smile, laughter and endearing friendship.”
– Councilmember Stacy Crivello
“As a Lanai resident, I appreciate Mele’s efforts on behalf of our community and extend my deepest sympathy to her husband, Warren, and family.”
– Councilmember Riki Hokama
On Feb. 1, Rep. Diana “Mele” Carroll resigned from the Hawaii state legislature because of complications from cancer treatment. On Feb. 18, she lost her battle. Rep. Carroll represented House District 13 (Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai and East Maui) and had worked with many county officials.
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