Prince David Kawānanakoa is shown along with his wife Maria Kawānanakoa, Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. Photo courtesy Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green’s Office

Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset May 9 in honor of Prince David Klaren La’amea Kaumuali’i Kawānanakoa.

According to the governor’s office, Prince David Kawānanakoa, passed away on Thursday. He was a respected figure in Hawai’i’s ali’i lineage and a dedicated cultural steward.

A descendant of Kaua’i’s royal family and a member of the House of Kawānanakoa, Prince David Kawānanakoa was a direct descendant of Prince David Kawānanakoa, heir to the Hawaiian Kingdom; and of King Kaumualiʻi, the last sovereign ruler of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

The governor’s office added that Prince Kawānanakoa was deeply committed to preserving and perpetuating Native Hawaiian history, language and traditions, and his advocacy, mentorship and leadership is credited with enriching generations of cultural practitioners and strengthening the connection between Hawai’i’s past and its future.

“David Kawānanakoa was a pillar of aloha ‘āina and cultural pride for our islands,” Green said in a statement. “His life’s work leaves an indelible mark on Hawai’i and serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage, service and kuleana to our community.”

The governor’s order covers all U.S. and Hawai’i flags flown at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai’i National Guard. Plans for a memorial service are pending.