State Rep. K. Mark Takai is being called up to active duty in the Hawaii Army National Guard, and is expected to leave Feb. 6 for Fort Benning, Ga., before heading to Kuwait on six months of duty.

"It is an honor to serve our country," said Takai, D-34th (Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City). "Although these next few months will be challenging, I look forward to serving with our soldiers from Hawai'i."

About 1,700 citizen soldiers with the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team provide security and run U.S. military bases in Kuwait, as well as escort convoys heading up into Iraq.

Takai has been in the National Guard since 1999 and has the rank of major.

The Hawai'i state Legislature opens its 2009 session on Wednesday. Takai said he will miss most of the session.

Takai said as was the case during a 2005 activation, he will rely on state Sen. David Ige, D-16th (Pearl City, 'Aiea); state Rep. Roy Takumi, D-36th (Pearl City, Momilani, Pacific Palisades); and state Rep. Blake Oshiro, D-33rd ('Aiea, Halawa Valley, 'Aiea Hts.), to cover some of his legislative duties.

"We have a great team in 'Aiea and Pearl City, and our constituents are well-served by our legislative team," Takai said.

From May to November in 2005, Takai was called to six months active duty to serve as the deputy state surgeon while the 29th Brigade from Hawai'i was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.

During the 2005 activation, Takai, although still in Hawai'i, missed a special session.

Takai said the most difficult challenge of the upcoming deployment will be the separation from his family. Takai and his wife, Sami, are the parents of two school-age children.