Frank Fasi

One of Hawaii's most well known and accomplished politicians has died.

Former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi died Wednesday night at his Makiki home of natural causes, according to his son David Fasi.

Frank Fasi was 89 years old.

He first served in the Territorial Senate in 1958 and was elected mayor seven years later. He served a total of 22 years as mayor and also ran for Congress and governor as a Democrat, Republican, Independent and in his own Best Party. He lost his last four attempts to take office.

Fasi has been described as a maverick, firebrand and a trailblazer, while others say he often rubbed people the wrong way.

He is credited with establishing the bus, satellite city hall and neighborhood board systems.

In an e-mail released Thursday, his son David wrote:

"Frank F. Fasi, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, died peacefully of natural causes late last night at his home in Makiki surrounded by his adoring wife and children. The man affectionately known by many in Hawaii simply as 'the Mayor' truly loved this city of Honolulu and devoted much of his life in trying to improve it. A tireless champion for the “little guy,” he was particularly interested in helping those who could not help themselves. He will be dearly missed."

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