Olopai, a House Democrat who represented Precinct 3 from 1998 to 2000, also served as a board member of the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance.
Olopai died single but left behind his sibling and dozens of nephews and nieces.
Remy Sablan, a former special assistant for women’s affairs and Olopai’s officemate at Karidat, a church-based social and welfare organization, said the former lawmaker suffered from diabetes.
“He’s a sensitive person but was easy to work with. He had a kind heart and a sense of humor,” said Sablan who worked with Olopai for 10 years at Karidat as well as in other government and civic-oriented projects and programs.
Although Olopai only served one term in the House of Representatives, Sablan said he made a mark by raising awareness about diabetes and HIV/AIDS prevention.
“He focused on health issues. He pushed for the HIV/AIDS Coalition program to create awareness about this disease,” said Sablan.
She was among Olopai’s friends who went to see his remains at the Commonwealth Health Center’s morgue upon learning about his death.
While there, Sablan said she felt a severe chest pain and was admitted to the hospital for 10 days.
She later underwent an open heart surgery in Honolulu, Hawaii.
