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Remembrances for Hawaii Health Department Director

Governors Office
Governors Office

Statements on the passing of Loretta Fuddy have been pouring in from government offices.  Fuddy was killed in a plane crash yesterday off the coast of Moloka'i. 

Senator Josh Green: 

Other statements: 

Gov. Neil Abercrombie:

“Our hearts are broken. Loretta was deeply loved and respected. She was selfless, utterly dedicated, and committed to her colleagues in the Department of Health and to the people of Hawaii. Her knowledge was vast; her counsel and advice always given from her heart as much as from her storehouse of experience. We send our best thoughts to her family and will do all in our power to reflect her professionalism, her love of Hawaii and the high standard she set for herself and all of us.”

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz:

“Loretta Fuddy was one of the finest, most capable, and most caring public servants I have ever known. This is a sad day for Hawai‘i. My condolences and aloha go to Loretta's ohana and the Hawai‘i Department of Health family. Loretta was one of the very best.”

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono:

“I join many people in Hawaii today in mourning the sudden, tragic passing of Loretta Fuddy. Loretta was a dedicated public servant who spent most of her life working to improve public health on behalf of Hawaii’s families. It was a privilege to work with Loretta since my time in the Hawaii State Legislature. She touched so many lives and will be missed. Our thoughts are with Loretta’s loved ones, as well as the recovering victims of the plane crash.”

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard:
“Loretta dedicated her life to improving the well-being and health of Hawai‘i’s people, and we are grateful for her decades of selfless service to others. She was a fierce advocate for our keiki and kupuna, working for more than 37 years to create a safe and healthy environment for our residents. While serving in the Honolulu City Council, I was grateful to be able to work closely with Loretta to alleviate the threat of dengue fever and radioactive contamination from the Japanese tsunami; more recently, we had been collaborating to help Hawai‘i veterans with water catchment systems qualify for VA loans. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing, and my sincere condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

State Sen. President Donna Mercado Kim:

“Loretta Fuddy embodied the very spirit and character of public service, dedicating her life to the health and well-being of all of Hawaii’s people.”

“Appointed to Director of the Department of Health in 2011, Loretta brought with her over thirty-five years of experience in health and human services. Actively involved in improving health care options both locally and nationally, her commitment to public health was undisputed.”

“Under her leadership, she fostered a transparent and collaborative environment, engaging with lawmakers, community members, health care providers, and social service organizations.“  

“On behalf of the Hawaii State Senate and the people of Hawaii, I would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.” 

 Federal safety officials are investigating a plane crash in waters off Hawaii that killed  Fuddy, the director of the state’s health department.  Eight other people survived the crash.

The plane went down in waters off Molokai’s North Shore around 3:30 pm yesterday.  The owner of the small airline that operated the plane says the aircraft suffered catastrophic engine failure.  

Rescue workers for Maui County say it appears Fuddy did not make it out of the plane.

A Coast Guard helicopter crew and Maui County fire officials rescued seven survivors, while another swam to shore.

Six passengers were hospitalized, including three who were flown to Honolulu for treatment. 

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