[5] Herbert Matayoshi, a county councilman at the time, won a special election held a few months later to complete the remainder of the term.

[3] He also fought the construction of the Prince Kuhio Plaza during the 1970s and 1980s, arguing that the shopping mall would siphon away business from stores in downtown Hilo.

Residents and Native Hawaiian advocated had argued that the development to build resorts in the 1970s of Kohala threatened recreational activities enjoyed by locals.

[3] Another former Hawaii mayor, Lorraine Inouye, noted that Matayoshi's background in business obscured his commitment to environmental protection, in the eyes of some observers.

[2][5] He was survived by his wife, Mary Y. Matayoshi; daughter, Kathryn; three sons – Jerold, Ronald and Eric; his sister, Edith Harano; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

[3] Governor Neil Abercrombie ordered all American and Hawaiian flags to be flown at half staff on August 15, 2011, in Matayoshi's honor.