Former Hawaii County Council Chair Dominic Yagong Passes Away at 66

Dominic Yagong, a notable figure in Hawaii’s local governance and a cherished community member, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 66. Yagong, the former chair of the Hawaii County Council representing Hamakua, had been receiving hospice care following a second stroke he suffered late last year. His death has left a profound impact on the community he dedicated much of his life to serving.

Yagong’s political career spanned over a decade during which he served on the council for twelve years. He made two bids for the position of mayor, first in 2004, where he lost to then-mayor Harry Kim, and again in 2012, finishing third in the primary election. After being eliminated from the mayoral race that year, Yagong publicly endorsed Kim, demonstrating the camaraderie that existed despite their political rivalry. Kim reflected on their relationship, stating, “We were rivals in the race, but we weren’t really rivals… With Dominic, family came first, and to him, community was family.”

Yagong was not only a public servant but also a beloved community figure, known as the “Voice of the Dragons” for his role as the public address announcer for Honokaa High School sports events. His daughter, Chelsea Yagong, shared fond memories of her father’s enthusiasm for family and community, stating, “His calling was bringing people together, and he did that effortlessly, generously — and it always came from the heart.” She added that one of his greatest joys was being a grandfather to his two grandchildren, highlighting how much he cherished that role.

In 2012, Yagong’s daughter Chelsea ran for the Hamakua council seat he vacated, but she lost to Valerie Souza Poindexter, another Honokaa High School graduate. Poindexter praised Yagong, saying, “He was more than a public servant; he was a true pillar of our community.” His dedication to Hamakua remained unwavering even after his retirement from the council.

Yagong’s political career was not without controversy. In 2012, he and then-County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi were sued by two county employees who alleged defamation. The case, which centered around comments made in a news article, was eventually dismissed by the Hawaii Supreme Court regarding Kawauchi, citing that her statements were true. The county later settled with the plaintiffs for $135,000 in 2022.

In 2022, Yagong sought reimbursement of nearly $306,000 in legal fees from the county, claiming financial devastation due to the defamation case. This litigation was settled in 2024 under confidential terms. Despite these challenges, Yagong remained optimistic about public service, stating, “The positives you can make out of service are so unbelievable and so gratifying.”

In July 2024, Yagong suffered his first stroke, from which he largely recovered. He played a significant role in organizing the Honokaa High School’s 135th anniversary celebration. Chelsea recounted a moment during the event where her father expressed his joy at seeing the community come together, stating, “He looked at me… and said, ‘Chelsea, this is my dream come true.’”

Yagong is survived by his children: Jeremy Yagong of Honolulu, Rylee Yagong of Las Vegas, and Chelsea Yagong of Honokaa, along with his daughter Angellee “Joy” Yagong of Kawaihae. He is also survived by his mother, Virginia Edulan Yagong of Honokaa, and his siblings. Funeral arrangements are currently pending, and the community mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and friend.