Mark Nakashima

Mark Masashi Nakashima (March 27, 1963 – July 11, 2024) was an American politician who was a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2008, and represented the first district, including Hamakua, North Hilo, and South Hilo.

Mark Nakashima
Vice Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives
In office January 17, 2018 – January 2021
Preceded by	John Mizuno
Succeeded by	John Mizuno
Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 1st district
In office November 8, 2008 – July 11, 2024
Preceded by	Dwight Takamine
Succeeded by	Matthias Kusch
Personal details
Born	(1963-03-27)March 27, 1963 Hilo, Hawaii, U.S.
Died	July 11, 2024(2024-07-11) (aged 61) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Residence(s)	Honokaa, Hawaii, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Profession	Legislator (full time)

After obtaining a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1988, he taught at Castle High School and Olomana School's Alder Street Detention Home before transferring back to his alma mater, Honokaa High & Intermediate School. He was also a staff assistant to U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga.^[1] From 1993 until his election to the state legislature, he worked for the Hawaii State Teachers Association, the state affiliate of the National Education Association.^[2] While in office, Nakashima helped to raise the minimum wage.^[3]

He died in Honolulu on July 11, 2024, at the age of 61.^[4][5]