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Former mayor suffers leg pain, resting at home

Former Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is home after spending two nights at Hilo Medical Center suffering pain to his back, hip and right leg.

A county news release issued Tuesday said, Kim, 69, was hospitalized Friday after the pains began Thanksgiving Day and became so severe he could not walk.

Kim now is resting at home in Hilo until he can see a neurologist – likely in Honolulu or on the mainland.

“I asked to be released because all they were giving me was narcotics and the painkillers, and after they did the MRI, they needed a neurologist but the one on staff was not available,” Kim said.

Kim, whose two terms as mayor ended Monday, said he believes pain is due to a ruptured disc in his back.

“The pain is still there, the inability to walk or function is there, and who wants to be like that?” he said. “The doctors are trying to rush it as much as possible, but as most people find out, it’s really difficult to get an appointment.”

Kim, who suffered his third heart attack in September, said he is concerned the pain could put unnecessary strain on his heart.

Kim was unable to attend the inauguration ceremonies Monday at Hilo’s Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, where Billy Kenoi was sworn in as mayor. Kenoi served as one of Kim’s executive assistants from 2001 to 2007. Kim also endorsed Kenoi.

Last week, Kim said he looked forward to traveling, and is not likely to run for elected office again.

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