Ron Menor, longtime Hawaii politician who brought ‘passionate service’ to elected office, dies at 67

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Ron Menor, a longtime Hawaii politician who brought decades of “passionate service” to elected seats in the Legislature and Honolulu City Council, has died. He was 67.

Gov. Josh Green announced the news Tuesday evening, saying that Menor died a day earlier following an “unexpected medical emergency.”

“We remember fondly Ron’s passionate service to the people of Hawaii over the many years he served in the Legislature and on the Honolulu City Council,” Green said, in a statement.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi called Menor, the former chair of the Council, as a “valiant public servant.”

“Ron was a tireless leader who championed his community and had an incredible impact on our city,” Blangiardi said, in a statement. “We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his public service.”

Menor is survived by his wife, Patricia, and sons Benjamin, Andrew and Anthony.

Menor was the son of the late Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Menor and Lilian Menor.

And his career spanned decades in office.

He served in the Honolulu City Council, as a state representative and as a state senator.

Menor began his career as a law clerk for the Hawaii Supreme Court.

In an interview with the Hawaii State Bar Association, he said his decision to pursue the law and become a public servant was influenced by his father.

“My decision to enter the legal profession was also motivated by my desire to make a difference in the lives of people,” Menor said.

With a new legislative session set to kick off Wednesday, many of his colleagues also expressed shock over the news and remembered his tireless work for the community.

“We were surprised, shocked and saddened by the news, nobody saw this coming,” said state Sen. Ronald Kouchi. “We appreciate his family sharing him with the state of Hawaii by allowing him to serve so long in public service.”

Speaker of the House Scott Saiki added, “He did serve with us in the House previously. He was a gentlemen, he was intelligent. We’re going to miss him.”

Menor’s cousin, Hawaii business leader Sherry Menor-McNamara, also shared a statement saying, “My cousin, Ron, was truly dedicated to public service and wanted nothing more than to make Hawaii a better place to live.”

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