The governor is ordering flags in Hawaii to be flown at half-staff to show respect for a former state representative.

United States and Hawaii flags will fly at half-staff Thursday for Merwyn Jones, who recently died at age 76.

Jones was elected to the Legislature’s 44th District in 1994, representing the Waianae-Makaha community for four years.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie says Jones will be remembered as man devoted to improving his leeward Oahu community and all of Hawaii. Abercrombie notes Jones worked for the state in various capacities for nearly 30 years.

Jones chaired the House Agriculture Committee from 1997 to 1998. He previously served as executive director of the Office of Community Service and deputy director for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and for the Department of Human Services.