MEDIA RELEASE

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Gilbert Kahele to represent Senate District 2. Kahele fills the seat left vacant by Department of Agriculture Interim Director Russell Kokubun.

Senate District 2 includes Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, and Kahuku on Hawaii Island.

“Gil is a respected community leader who understands the issues facing Hawaii Island and our state,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “He has served the Democratic Party at a number of levels and has the ability to bring people together to address our common challenges.”

Kahele, 68, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 – 1964. He retired from the Department of Defense in 2000 after 37 years of service. He worked for the DoD in the Public Works Division at the Naval Communication Station in Wahiawa, Oahu and at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island.

A former chairman of Hawaii County Police Commission, Kahele resides in Hilo where he is an active volunteer. In 1996, he received the Rural Development Corporation National Award for community service. Kahele served as the East Hawaii Democratic Party Vice Chairman in 2008. He served as the president of Pa’a Pono Miloli’i, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Na Ala Hele Advisory Council.

Kahele received his associate science degree from Laney College in 1967.