Gov. David Ige has ordered the U.S. and Hawaii state flags to fly at half-staff today at all state offices and agencies in honor of former state Rep. Harold “Hal” Jones, who died Oct. 27 at age 73 at Hilo Medical Center.
Jones, who lived in Volcano, was a Republican legislator from Oahu between 1982-88 and was named Outstanding State Legislator of the Year in 1986 by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
Jones was also the owner and principal broker of ERA Jones Realty, which eventually merged with Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. He later became president and chief executive officer for Global Hope Network International, which he co-founded with his wife, Lana.
One of his passions was to teach poor communities about food security, water security, wellness, education and income generation.
Born in Oakland, Calif., Jones graduated from Kalani High School in 1965 and was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran.
He graduated from the University of Hawaii with honors in 1970.