Former Hawaii Council Chairman Dominic Yagong Passes Away at 66

Dominic Yagong, a former chairman of the Hawaii County Council and a respected figure in the Hamakua community, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 66. Yagong had been in hospice care following a second stroke he experienced late last year. He served for 12 years on the council and made two attempts to secure the mayoral position, first in 2004 and again in 2012.

During his political career, Yagong was known for his collaborative spirit. After losing to former mayor Harry Kim in 2004, he ran again in 2012, finishing third in the primary election. Following his defeat, he quickly endorsed Kim for the general election. Reflecting on their relationship, Kim stated, “We were rivals in the race, but we weren’t really rivals… With Dominic, family came first, and to him, community was family. He was a really, really good man.”

Yagong’s contributions to his community extended beyond his political career. He was affectionately known as the “Voice of the Dragons” for his role as the public address announcer at Honokaa High School sporting events. His daughter, Chelsea Yagong, shared fond memories of her father’s enthusiastic announcing style, particularly at her daughter’s games. “Dad always had a way of making the games exciting,” she recalled.

Yagong’s involvement in local politics was not without challenges. He faced a defamation lawsuit in 2012 alongside then-County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi. The lawsuit arose from a newspaper article that identified several county employees who had been terminated. Although the Hawaii Supreme Court dismissed the case against Kawauchi, the county eventually settled with the plaintiffs for $135,000. Yagong later sought reimbursement of almost $306,000 in legal fees related to the defamation lawsuit, which was settled in 2024.

Despite the controversies, Yagong remained committed to public service. “The positives you can make out of service are so unbelievable and so gratifying,” he said in a previous interview. His dedication to the community was evident not only in his public service but also in his family life. Chelsea noted that her father cherished his role as a grandfather to her daughters, emphasizing that “his favorite job in the world was being a grandpa.”

Yagong’s legacy is marked by his unwavering love for the Hamakua community. He was actively involved in local events and initiatives, including chairing the Honokaa High School 135th anniversary celebration shortly before his first stroke in July 2024. Chelsea remembered a poignant moment from that event when her father expressed his joy at seeing the community come together. “He said, ‘Chelsea, this is my dream come true,’” she recounted.

Yagong is survived by his two sons, Jeremy Yagong of Honolulu and Rylee Yagong of Las Vegas, as well as his daughters, Chelsea Yagong and Angellee “Joy” Yagong from Kawaihae. Additionally, he is survived by his mother, Virginia Edulan Yagong, and siblings. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

His passing has left a significant impact on the community, with many remembering him as a dedicated public servant and a family man who brought people together.