Hawaii Medal of Honor

Yesterday, the Hawai‘i State Legislature met in joint session for the Hawai‘i Medal of Honor ceremony.  The Legislature awards the medal to honor members of the armed forces with Hawai‘i ties who were killed in action while serving America in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

This year, families of four Servicemembers with Hawai‘i ties received the Medal:

Air Force Captain Reid Nishizuka

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Balli

Army Sergeant Tofiga Tautolo

Army National Guard Sergeant Drew Scobie

State Representative K. Mark Takai introduced the bill that established the Hawai‘i Medal of Honor in 2005.  The bill became law in 2005, and the Legislature has had Hawai‘i Medal of Honor ceremonies since 2006.

In a recent press release about the medal ceremony, Takai said, “This Medal is a small token that can never fully repay the sacrifice that has been made for our freedom. This honor is borne of courage, driven by duty, and far too often—paid for in loss.”

Representative Takai is a lieutenant colonel who serves in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard.