University of Hawaii Law Professor Jon Van Dyke was a giant in Hawaii’s legal community, and his absence has been felt at today’s Council meeting.

Tulsi Gabbard started the morning with a moment of silence to honor his unexpected passing last week.

His name was invoked by both proponents and opponents of the sidewalk belongings ban as they debated the applicability of the “Law Of The Splintered Paddle.”

Van Dyke was just cited again by Vice Chair Ikaika Anderson, who’s pushing for a limit on the size and number of political signs on private property.

Van Dyke, an expert in constitutional law, helped craft both measures, and was available at past meetings to answer Council members’ questions.

Many are speculating today about what Van Dyke would say if he were here. It may be the first time they do that, but it probably won’t be the last.