Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen R. Anderson dies aged 93

Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen R. Anderson passed away on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 at the age of 93, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi confirmed.

Anderson was Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu from 1981 to 1985. She was the first woman to ever serve as mayor in the city and county of Honolulu.

“The city and county of Honolulu mourn former Mayor Eileen Anderson,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “She defeated one of the most powerful and influential people in Honolulu political history to become the first female mayor of the city and county of Honolulu. She is a great role model for all young girls and for all those rugged outsiders who dream of big things. Your contribution to the city will live on forever. “

Anderson had a long history in the civil service after serving as the first director of the Hawaii State Department of Budget and Finance under Governor George Ariyoshi. In 1980 she defeated the incumbent mayor Frank Fasi with 70% of the vote. That year, Anderson was named Woman of the Year by Hawaii Business Magazine.

Anderson and her husband Clifford served in community service including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Aloha United Way, Liliʻuokalani Trust, Calvary Episcopal Church, and Kaneʻohe Little League, where Clifford served as League President 1960-1963.

“Our parents spent their careers in public and community service. We knew very well about her love and devotion for the people of Hawaii, ”said Eileen Anderson’s daughter Patricia Anderson. “With the job of running the city and county of Honolulu, came the responsibility of making difficult decisions that not everyone would like. All decisions, whether in the field of transport, tourism, land or business and industry, would have long-term tax implications, which ultimately had an impact on the ‘ohana and’ aina of O’ahu. Eileen Anderson took this responsibility very seriously. We are proud of her achievements and the legacy she leaves. “

In honor and in memory of Mayor Eileen Anderson, Mayor Blangiardi has ordered that the flags be hoisted in all facilities of the city tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1st.