An attorney on Maui who helped develop the Binhi At Ani Maui Filipino Community Center died Jan. 20 at his home after a prolonged illness due to cancer. He was 74.

B. Martin Luna was also a former chairman of the Maui County Democratic Party.

Luna, born in Waimea, Kauai, was the son of an immigrant sugar cane worker from Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.

He earned a law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and had a law practice at Ueoka and Luna on Maui. Later he joined Carlsmith Ball, where he was a partner on the Valley Isle.

Luna, who specialized in real estate and administrative law, represented clients who developed some of the largest resorts in Maui County, including the Manele Bay Resort and the Koele Lodge on Lanai.

Friends said Luna was well-liked among attorneys and was elected president of the Hawaii State Bar Association in the mid-1980s.

As head of the Democratic Party in Maui County, he was credited with encouraging a new generation of young people to run for office.

"He actually convinced me to become a public servant," said Vince Bagoyo, a former Maui County Councilman. "I thank God today that he did. … He was my mentor and I’m going to miss him."

Bagoyo, who also served as a Maui County water director and human services director, said Luna was well-tempered as an attorney.

"I’ve never seen him raise his voice. … He was always very respectful," he said.

Bagoyo said Luna agreed to be the chairman of the task force to create the Binhi At Ani Maui Filipino Community Center for a year, but continued in the position for 13 years.

Luna donated his services as an attorney to help the center receive zoning approval, Bagoyo said.

In 2005, the Maui Filipino Centennial Celebration Coordinating Council honored Luna at a testimonial dinner at the Westin Maui in Kaanapali.

Luna is survived by his wife, Kay; sons Neal and Dane; daughter Kari Nunokawa; and six grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday.