HONOLULU (Island News) — David Kabua, the former President of the Marshall Islands, passed away in Honolulu on April 8.
The Marshall Islands Journal reported that he died on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while undergoing months of cancer treatment.
Kabua was known for his key role in protecting the people of the Marshall Islands during the Covid-19 pandemic after months of a dengue fever outbreak.
In a Facebook post from Jack Niedenthal, Kabua’s former Secretary of Health, he said, “President Kabua was a quiet and humble man. He was kind. He treated all of us with respect. But above all, to me, his greatest quality was that he listened—and then acted with clarity and purpose during a time of real danger and uncertainty for our people. His leadership in that moment deserves to be remembered.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi released this statement on his passing:
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of former President David Kabua here in Honolulu this week.
On behalf of the residents of the City and County of Honolulu, we extend our condolences to his wife, former First Lady Ginger Kabua, his children, grandchildren and all who knew and loved him.
President Kabua will be remembered as a respected leader who carried himself with humility, dignity and a deep care for his people.
Honolulu shares a close bond with the people of the Marshall Islands, and we join them in mourning this loss.
Our thoughts are with his family and the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.”
Kabua is survived by his wife, former First Lady Ginger Kabua, his children and grandchildren. They plan to hold a memorial service here at the Kawaiahao Church on Monday, April 20.
