HONOLULU — Hawaii state Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who represented parts of the Big Island, has died. Senate Majority Spokeswoman Jill Kuramoto said Tuesday that the Senate was informed of Kahale’s passing by his family. The Democrat was appointed to the
HONOLULU — Hawaii state Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who represented parts of the Big Island, has died.
Senate Majority Spokeswoman Jill Kuramoto said Tuesday that the Senate was informed of Kahale’s passing by his family.
The Democrat was appointed to the state Senate in 2011 by former Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Kahele had been serving as chairman of the Tourism and International Affairs Committee.
Kahele grew up in the fishing village of Milolii on Hawaii’s Big Island and graduated from Hilo High School. His online biography says he served in the U.S. Marines and then worked for the Hawaii Department of Defense for more than three decades.
Kahele had served as chairman of the Hawaii County Police Commission. He also had served as vice chairman of the Democratic Party for East Hawaii.
