Memory honored of former Hawaiʻi Attorney General Earl Anzai

The Department of the Attorney General honors the memory of former Attorney General Earl Anzai, who passed away on July 23.

“Earl Anzai served the people of Hawaiʻi over a span of 25 years—as a clerk in the 1976 State Constitutional Convention, on the staff and as the Chief Clerk of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, as staff attorney at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, as the Director of Finance, and as the Attorney General of the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

“Earl Anzai was a dedicated public servant as both Attorney General and Budget Director for the State of Hawaiʻi,” said former Attorney General Mark Bennett. “He was also a well-respected private practice attorney. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

“Earl accomplished many great things as the Attorney General for the State of Hawaiʻi,” said former Attorney General Holly Shikada. “He instilled hard work and honesty in the Deputy Attorneys General. I appreciate the confidence that he had in and exhibited toward those of us who worked for him and with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”

“Earl was a remarkable individual whose intellect and laid-back demeanor left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” said Brian Furuto, who served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General under General Anzai.

“Earl Anzai was a no-nonsense, fearless leader who could laugh in the face of adversity,” said former Supervising Deputy Attorney General Marie Laderta, who worked closely with General Anzai.

General Anzai’s family authorized the Department to formally announce his passing. They request privacy at this difficult time.