MEDIA RELEASE

Kaialii Kahele is sworn in by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald into the Hawaii State Senate Wednesday (Feb 17). Photo courtesy of Senate Communications

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Kaiali‘i Kahele was sworn in to the Hawai‘i State Senate at the commencement of today’s Senate Regular Session. Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court administered the Oath of Office on the Senate floor.

Kahele was appointed to represent the 1st Senatorial District, which encompasses the greater Hilo area, filling the vacancy created due to the passing of his father, State Sen. Gilbert Kahele.

“Throughout my life, my father taught me the importance of community service and I’m honored to carry on his legislative initiatives,” said Sen. Kai Kahele. “I’m truly grateful to the many people who supported my nomination and for the Governor’s confidence in my appointment. It’s a privilege to serve with the Senate. I’m humbled and I’m ready to go.”

Sen. Kahele will serve on the Senate Standing Committees of Education (EDU), Higher Education and the Arts (HEA), Judiciary and Labor (JDL), and Tourism and International Affairs (TSI).