Former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 52.  His death was not unexpected –he had been ill with a blood cancer called myelofibrosis, a rare form of leukemia, since 2015.    Since then, the former Mayor had had bone marrow transplants (courtesy of two of his five sisters) and spent several months at the City of Hope in Southern California.  His passing has left many people throughout the state saddened.

In a June, 2020 discussion with Sherry Bracken, former host of Island Conversations on KWXX and B97/B93, Kenoi talked about his illness in what he said was his first interview in four years.  He said when he was first diagnosed, he was still County Mayor, and he didn’t want to let people know he was sick.  He said he wanted to finish his term as Mayor “strong.”

Kenoi did the Ironman Triathlon World Championship race in Kona in 2014, a grueling one-day event that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.  But in 2015, he had trouble even finishing the much shorter Hilo Triathlon, and had trouble breathing.  After visits to several doctors, he was told he needed a bone marrow transplant, or he would die.  He spent four months at the City of Hope, had the bone marrow transplant, and returned to Hilo, to coaching his son’s soccer team, continuing his teaching at Hawaii Community College, working as a lawyer, and enjoying family life.

Kenoi said the experience strengthened his faith in God, and he was lucky enough to have people all around the state (and elsewhere) praying for him.   But in 2018, his disease came back.   He was in a coma for 17 days, lost 70 pounds, and became paralyzed.   He had a pacemaker put in, and had to be on oxygen.  More than once, his wife Takako and children Mahina, Justin, and Liam had to say goodbye to Billy as doctors felt there was no chance for him to survive.

Billy attributed his ability to stay alive to not only his doctors, but to the power of prayer.  As he said, he was never the guy to say the pule at a luau.  But he said he now is a firm believer in the power of prayer, as he believed there was no medical reason for him to have survived as long as he did.

During that June discussion, Kenoi said he had sworn off medical care, not wanting to be away from his family in the hospital, because what he really valued was time—time with his wife and children, to savor the gift of life every day.

Billy often professed love for his wife and children.  He and Takako celebrated 25 years of marriage next to the waters of Keauhou in 2020, in a ceremony with only his wife and children present (plus those providing music and food).

He said he’d been blessed in this life to lead, to love, to make mistakes, to recover—and that without Takako, none of that would have been possible.

During the July discussion, he said when he was afraid, he found solace in talking to God, in prayer.  He said he thanked the Lord for blessing him with beautiful days, with friends whom he loved, and with a special family.  He said the disease was a blessing in that it allowed him to focus on what was really important.

Kenoi grew up in Kalapana, and as he often said, was a kolohe (mischievous) kid, and his life could have gone either way.  A judge who became a supporter talked to him as a young man about his path in life.   Kenoi ended up redirecting his life, going to Hawaii Community College, University of Hawaii, and then graduating from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he met his future wife.  He got his J.D. from the Richardson School of Law.  Kenoi worked as an intern for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who remained a supporter as Kenoi advanced in his career.   Kenoi  was a legislative aide in the Hawaii State House and the State Senate while in law school, and then worked as a law clerk and a public defender on O’ahu.   He returned to the Big Island to be an Executive Assistant to then-Mayor Harry Kim from 2001 through 2008, where one of his jobs was helping guide the island’s Ice (Methamphetamine) Task Force.  He was Hawaii County Mayor for two terms, from 2008 through 2016.  Many people believed he was destined for higher office—most likely a run for Hawaii Governor.

During his 8 years as County Mayor, Kenoi faced significant challenges—starting with the budget.  When he became Mayor in 2008, he became the first Mayor to have to cut the budget to match incoming revenue at the start of “The Great Recession.”  He reduced the County budget four years in a row, and cut 225 positions—something no other Mayor has yet had to do.  Despite that, during his 8 years, Kenoi was able to add to and improve county parks and focused on projects that improved the quality of life in the County.  He also helped bring the island together, removing the East/West divide.

He was able to convince Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, one of his mentors, that Hawaii County’s Ane Keohokalole Highway was a shovel-ready project worthy of Federal funding—and the County got that funding.  He appointed then Director of Public Works Warren Lee and Executive Assistant Bobby Command (today, the County Managing Director) to remove roadblocks and get the road finished—which came in under time, on budget, and ended up being a mile longer than planned!  Kenoi said every undertaking requires an entire team, and he said he focused on getting great teams, all members with a collective vision, good communication, and the understanding that  “we” is the critical word—nothing can be done solo.

Kenoi remained fun-loving throughout his life.  He was a devoted Raiders fan (Oakland, and now Las Vegas).  He took joy in coaching sports for his children.  His greatest joy was spending time with family.  He loved his children almost beyond words, and was proud of all of them.

In 2016, Kenoi was accused of misusing his County purchasing card, but was acquitted by a jury on all charges.   Kenoi apologized and at his trial said he never meant to hurt the community.

Tributes for Kenoi have been pouring in.  Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth, who suffered a heart attack just two weeks ago, said Tuesday evening that since then, Billy called often to offer support and prayers.  He said Billy was a friend, and a force of nature, and that he will be sorely missed.

Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald issued a statement saying “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Billy Kenoi. He had an enduring love for the people of Hawaii, especially those on his home island.  He was humble and down-to-earth, and spoke passionately about his journey to becoming a lawyer.”

U.S. Representative Kai Kahele, also a Big Island native, issued a statement saying  “Throughout his life, and especially as a leader of the people, Billy always had the attitude that anything is possible. In what would become a viral commencement address to Hawaiʻi Pacific University graduates, Billy said, ʻthere is no such thing as no can … always can!’

“He knew how to make anyone feel special, through his inspiring words he was able to touch the hearts of others, and in doing so, often created positive change in the community where needed.

“With Billy, he would be the last to accept recognition, yet the first to give it to someone else. Billy showed us, by example, the importance of investing in our communities. His imprint and contributions are seen throughout the County of Hawaiʻi and will be felt for generations.”

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz said “Billy Kenoi was one of Hawai‘i’s most talented political leaders. His understanding of, and empathy for Hawai‘i and its people drove his meteoric rise and motivated his public service. His love for Hawai‘i Island, his intellect, and his heart will leave a mark in our collective consciousness and in Hawai‘i’s history. May his memory be a blessing.”

Kenoi is survived not only by his wife Takako and children Mahina, Justin, and Liam, and several beloved pets, but by his sisters and numerous cousins and other relatives, as well as friends around the country.

For the interview posted July 5, 2020, with former Mayor Kenoi in which he discussed his health and his family, click here.

Attached photo of Billy Kenoi courtesy Darrin Carlson (DC)

Below, Billy and wife Takako on June 25, 2020, at the KWXX/B97-B93 Kona studio, after an interview.  About the interview, Billy posted the photos and said: “My first interview in 4 years. No notes. Just talking story. From the heart. About our beautiful Island. About Life.”

 

Below photo of former Mayor Kenoi doing one of his favorite things–surfing!  Courtesy Facebook page, I Imua Billy Kenoi.

Below photo of Mayor Billy Kenoi and Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken  in May, 2015, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, preparing to record an interview.

Below photo of Mayor Billy Kenoi and Sherry Bracken, Island Conversations host, at the 2014 County inauguration.  Ms. Bracken was the Master of Ceremonies.  Mayor Kenoi was speaking at the inauguration.

Below photo is Mayor Billy Kenoi at the KWXX Ho’olaulea, with New West Broadcasting President/General Manager Chris Leonard, wife Kathy, and daughters Alysyn and Zoe.

Mayor Billy Kenoi shared some fun with radio personality Darrin Carlson (aka DC) and Chris Leonard, New West Broadcasting President/General Manager…..and then talked story backstage with noted rock musician Steve Miller