WAIMEA, Hawaii – Former lieutenant governor Nelson Doi died last weekend at his Waimea home. He was 93 years old.

He was born in Pahoa in 1922, and graduated from Honokaa High School. He went on to become an important political figure during Hawaii’s transformative years. He took a seat in the senate as part of the Hawaii Democratic Revolution of 1954. Doi became a Third Circuit Court judge in 1969, and won his bid for lieutenant governor alongside Governor George Ariyoshi in 1974.

Later, he played a critical role in the creation of the North Hawaii Community Hospital.

Former Governor Neil Abercromie praised Doi during a tree planting ceremony last year in Waimea.

If Nelson Doi was with you, you never had to look twice if to see if he was there. If there was ever a champion for the little guy, for the little gal, it was Nelson Doi.”Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui today shared these remarks:

During his extensive career as a public servant, former Lt. Governor Nelson Doi worked on many important initiatives that set the stage for Hawaii’s future, including a measure that explored creating a robust tourism industry. I have great respect for his lasting accomplishments and his advocacy for education. My heartfelt aloha and condolences to his family and loved ones,”Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui

The Star-Advertiser reports Doi is survived by a son Dr. David T. Doi, of Kamuela; daughter Katherine A. Doi of Palo Alto, Calif.; and four grandchildren.

Nelson Doi in Waimea on Feb. 1, 2014