Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Statement on the Passing of Sen. Gil Kahele

Statement

Hawaiʻi State Senator Gil Kahele was hospitalized last week for undisclosed health issues and passed away this morning. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement:

"Today we lost a dedicated servant of the people. Senator Gil Kahele was born in Milolii in South Kona, graduated from Hilo High School, and selflessly served our country as a U.S. Marine. He went on to work for 33 years for the Department of Defense, finishing his service at Pohakuloa Training Area. Five years ago, he answered the governor's call to serve the people of Hawaiʻi Island by representing them in the State Senate. He has always been known as a strong advocate for the people of Hawaiʻi Island, serving as their voice at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, especially through times of challenge and hardship. I saw him recently in Washington, DC, where as always, he was ready with a smile, a hug, warm aloha, and a picture to post on his Facebook page. My heart is with the Kahele ʻohana, and all of Hawai'i Island. Gil, you are missed."

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