Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares last night offered her condolences to the family of Kaua'i Mayor Bryan J. Baptise and remembered him especially for his sense of humor.

"This is sad news," Tavares said in a written release. "Mayor Baptiste will be truly missed."

Tavares added, "He had a pointed sense of humor that made everyone listen carefully to what he said. We had a wonderful relationship and I will really miss him. My heart goes out to his family as they deal with his unexpected passing. I respected his commitment to the people of Kaua'i, and his absence on the Hawai'i Council of Mayors will be felt by many."