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This was the week we remembered Dan Inouye, who passed away on Monday at age 88.

He was eulogized on Friday by no less than two presidents as a war hero and inspirational figure who broke racial barriers as he rose to national prominence.

He cast a long shadow from Washington D.C. And yet, it’s worth remembering that he had an impish side, too. He was quick to make a joke when he entered a room and knew how to have a little fun: In 2010, he convinced local Democrats to enter a saimin-eating contest.

As Hawaii’s most powerful politician, Inouye’s hand touched nearly every sector. You could tell by looking at the condolences that poured in from all corners: government, nonprofits, educational institutions, scientific research centers.

But above all, his passing left Hawaii asking itself lots of questions: Who will take his place? How will Hawaii cope with what will surely be fewer federal dollars? Was Ed Case right about transition?

All eyes are now turned to Inouye’s replacement, as that person will likely become the next to shape Hawaii’s fortunes. Inouye was so woven into the very fabric of Hawaii that his departure surely means a new way of doing things in Hawaii, finding new paths to get business done. Do you agree?

Here are 10 must-read stories for the week:

• Lesson From Alaska: Loss of Inouye Won’t Be as Bad as We Thought
• Saimin, Earmarks and War: Civil Beat’s Reporting on Dan Inouye
• Gov: Time To Get A Grip On Retirement Pay And Health Benefits
• Japan Journal: Video Essay From Fukushima Nuclear Plant
• Hawaii Monitor: Can There Be Too Much Sunshine in Government?
• Was Ed Case Right About Senate Transition?
• Hawaii Ethics Commission Sends ‘Ambitious’ Set of Bills to Legislature
• Still No End in Sight to Oahu’s Landfill Saga
• Elections Commission Investigation Into Ballot Shortage Almost Pau
• What Hawaii’s Low Unemployment Rate Doesn’t Say