Rep. Denny Coffman resigns from office

State Rep. Denny Coffman, D-Naalehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kailua-Kona, on Monday announced his resignation from the state House of Representatives.

Coffman said in a letter to state leaders that he plans to spend time with his family because his daughter faces a medical issue. His resignation is effective Dec. 20.

First elected in 2008, Coffman has served in the State House for three terms. He has served as the chair of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protections where he remains a member and also currently serves on the committees on Judiciary, Ocean, Marine Resources, and Hawaiian Affairs, and Water and Land.

“I am extremely honored to have been elected by the people of Hawaii Island and to serve three terms in the Legislature. It is with a heavy heart that I made this decision but as a father and grandfather, I am firmly committed to my family and will be there for my daughters and grandchildren in their time of need. I leave knowing that I have represented the communities of Hawaii Island and the State to the best of my ability,” Coffman said in a prepared statement.