An East Hawaii lawmaker was absent from opening day of the 2016 legislative session, and will remain out until further notice, his family says. ADVERTISING An East Hawaii lawmaker was absent from opening day of the 2016 legislative session, and
An East Hawaii lawmaker was absent from opening day of the 2016 legislative session, and will remain out until further notice, his family says.
State Sen. Gil Kahele, a Democrat who represents Hilo, checked into The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu on Monday to address medical issues and undergo testing.
On Wednesday, which was the opening session of the Legislature, Kahele remained in the hospital and is not expected to return today. His son, Kai Kahele, declined to specify the medical problems but said his father became aware of them several weeks ago.
Gil Kahele has been itching to return to work all week, Kai Kahele added, and is hoping for the OK from his medical team soon.
“If he had his way, he’d be back tomorrow,” Kai Kahele said. “We’re hoping he’ll be back by next week, but it’s too early to tell.”
Gil Kahele, 72, was first appointed to office in 2011. He’s a Big Island native and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
