HONOLULU -- The Honolulu City Council met on Wednesday morning following the death of Councilman Duke Bainum.

The council decided to go forward with its meeting on the budget because Wednesday is the last full council meeting of the month. The city charter requires the budget be completed by the end of June.

"We start today with a heavy heart," said City Council Chairman Tod Apo, after he called the council's monthly meeting to order just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. The council observed a moment of silence in Bainum's memory.

Councilman Charles Djou said the city suffered the "loss of a good, kind, decent man."

He said Bainum "always advocated for an open and honest government."

Councilman Gary Okino offered a prayer in which he asked God "for your loving compassion on our brother Duke."

Bainum "represented such a high level of decency," said Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz. "He had the highest expectations of ethics and morals."