Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the Rev. Canon Darrow Kanakanui Aiona, a former Board of Education member.

Aiona, an Episcopal priest, served on the board for 20 years. Abercrombie’s office says he died of heart failure Dec. 20 at the age of 77.

Abercrombie says Aiona was a “forward-thinker,” who recognized the importance of education in changing lives and communities. He says Aiona’s devotion to education, especially in the Native Hawaiian community, was an inspiration.

U.S. and state flags at state offices and agencies and the Hawaii National Guard are to be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday.