Hawaii lawmakers remember Sen. Kahele with speeches, songs

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii lawmakers are remembering the late Sen. Gilbert Kahele with speeches and songs in the state Senate.

In an emotional floor session, senators spoke Wednesday about Kahele’s kindness. U.S. Marines stood guard at Kahele’s desk to honor his service.

Sen. Clarence Nishihara says they could ask for no finer friend, no more honorable man and no more beloved a family man than Kahele.

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English says Kahele became a grandfather figure in his life. He says Kahele always found a way to make things happen.

Kahele died on Tuesday. The state Senate is opening its doors for the public to pay respects. The Senate chamber will be open for those who wish to express sympathy to Kahele’s family on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.