George Toyofuku, a former state senator from Kauai who was tenacious in securing programs for his constituents, died Sept. 20 in Lihue.

Toyofuku, born in Hanapepe, had a 24-year political career serving the Garden Isle, first as part of the Kauai County Board of Supervisors, then in the state House, and finally in the state Senate.

        In his political career, which ended after losing re-election in 1982, Toyofuku was known the “;unofficial chairman”; of the “;Four Musketeers”; of Kauai, said fellow “;musketeer”; Dennis Yamada, a former representative from the Garden Isle.

Yamada, Toyofuku, the late House Speaker Richard Kawakami and the late state Rep. and Kauai Mayor Tony Kunimura, worked in different committees but met every other week to get results for Kauai voters. They also ran for office together, Yamada added, covering for each other at events. They were active socially together as well.

“;It was always a collaborative thing,”; Yamada added.

Toyofuku was most proud of helping get the Kauai Community College to grow, by moving it to its current location in Puhi.

Working both in the Legislature and with landowner Grove Farm, Toyofuku worked for years to get the land for KCC. It was the first thing Toyofuku wanted to do when elected, Yamada said.

“;It was quite an undertaking on his part,”; he added.

Toyofuku also had a successful insurance company, Mokihana Insurance, in Lihue, and, after politics, became involved with the Lions Club International, helping to get funding for Wilcox Memorial Hospital.

“;He always would say he felt it was his responsibility to give back to the community,”; his son, Dean Toyofuku said. “;I remember him always doing some kind of public service.”;

The younger Toyofuku said his dad was “;strict, but fair”; and was “;really driven, really organized.”;

Toyofuku had a great smile, but could “;be very tenacious”; for his community, Yamada added.

He is survived by wife Elsie, sons Guy and Dean, and daughters Amy, of Hilo, and Lisa Taketa, of Hilo. He has eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas and Charles , and sister Naoe Fukuda, of Honolulu.

Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered flags to fly at half staff tomorrow in honor of Toyofuku. Services will be held at the Lihue Hongwanji Mission at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Friends may call after 2 p.m. The family asks that casual attire be worn and flowers be omitted.