SCAM Hawaii Democrat hasn't been to DC in months, still working as airline pilot Kai Kahele has rarely shown up for work in Washington, DC, this year

[Macgyver]

Hawaii Democrat hasn't been to DC in months, still working as airline pilot

A congressman who ran on a promise of giving constituents full-time representation has been absent from the Capitol for most of this year, according to a new report.

www.foxnews.com

Hawaii Democrat hasn't been to DC in months, still working as airline pilot
Kai Kahele has rarely shown up for work in Washington, DC, this year


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A congressman who ran on a promise of giving constituents full-time representation has been absent from the Capitol for most of this year, according to a new report.
Rep. Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, has rarely shown up for work in Washington, D.C., this year, only casting five votes in person over the course of three days in January, according to an analysis from the Honolulu Civil Beat.
The rest of his 120 votes were cast by proxy, which means a colleague voted on his behalf while he stayed back in Hawaii.

Rep. Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, is a pilot in the military as well as for Hawaiian Airlines. (Courtesy of Kai Kahele for Congress)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has permitted proxy voting since the start of the pandemic, whereas in-person voting is still required in the Senate.

Kahele, a combat veteran, apparently never gave up his job as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot where, according to the Civil Beat, he earned $120,000 in 2020, the year he was elected to Congress. His salary as a member of congress is $174,000.
His failure to show up for work in Congress has coincided with Kahele reportedly mulling a run for governor in 2022, though he has not made any formal announcement.

Rep.-elect Kai Kahele of Hawaii's Second Congressional District arrives in Washington for congressional orientation in November 2020. (Marisa Schultz/Fox News)
Kahele defended his proxy voting from Hawaii, citing legitimate COVID-19 concerns regarding new variants and living in a "multi-generational home."

In a lengthy formal statement to Fox News late Tuesday, his office criticized "intentionally misleading and inaccurate reports about Congressman Kahele’s continued commitment to his work in Washington, DC."
The statement said Kahele is "deeply concerned" for the health of his family and sought to "limit his exposure" to COVID-19 by cutting "cross-country travel."

"The Congressman is concerned for the health and safety of the communities with whom he interacts," Kahele's office said. "He is also deeply concerned about the health and safety of members of his own family because he lives in a multi-generational home. Unfortunately, variants of COVID-19 continue to spread. Just last week members of leadership in the U.S. House and White House contracted the virus.
"To limit his exposure to COVID-19 and the potential to spread the virus, our office has tried to reduce Rep. Kahele’s cross-country travel while ensuring he fulfills all of his responsibilities in Congress."

With proxy voting, Kahele has "not missed a single vote this year," his office added.
As for the pilot income, Kahele's office said he flies for Hawaiian Airlines only on occasion to maintain his pilot certification and within the limits of House ethics rules, which capped annual outside income at $29,895 in 2022.
"The Congressman’s outside employment is in accordance with rules set by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics," the congressman's office said.

"In 2022, Congressman Kahele has flown three flights for a total of 14.2 flying hours and has earned $2,861.90. In 2021, the Congressman’s outside earned income totaled $29,151.79."
By still working as a qualified U.S. commercial air transport pilot, Kahele "brings a unique perspective" to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and "strengthens the voices of all pilots, cabin crews and air cargo operators," the office argued.
Kahele's absence from Washington is a sharp turn for the progressive Democrat who entered Congress in 2021 with stated intentions of moving his wife and three daughters to D.C. to avoid the grueling 13-hour commute every week from his hometown of Hilo.
During an interview with Fox News during freshman orientation in late 2020, Kahele said he envisioned hosting barbecues, going to church and playing baseball with fellow lawmakers in the hope that friendships can give way to bipartisanship.


"I've always had the ability to bring people together," Kahele said of his intentions of building relationships in D.C.
The freshman lawmaker succeeded Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, in Congress. He was a state senator when he announced he'd primary challenge the popular Gabbard just after she announced her 2020 presidential run. Kahele said the people of Hawaii needed full-time representation.

Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, with his wife Maria and their three daughters. (Courtesy of Kai Kahele for Congress)
Kahele has voted by proxy more than most of his House colleagues this year, according to the Civil Beat, being absent for all but five votes. The most absent members of Congress were Democratic Reps. Albio Sires of New Jersey, Lucille Roybal-Allard of California and Al Lawson of Florida, who have missed every vote in the House in 2022.
Kahele made history in 2020 as just the second Native Hawaiian elected to Congress to represent the Aloha State since it became the 50th state in 1959. A former state senator and military pilot combat veteran, he identifies himself as a progressive, supporting the Green New Deal and "Medicare-for-all."

 

[Jeff Allen]

A communist not showing up for "work" in Mordor seems like a win for the people to me...

J

 

[ShadowMan]

If only we could get more politicians to STAY HOME and quit screwing up this country!! WIN - WIN!

 

[firefly2021]

But unfortunately he still votes....

 

[greysage]

Kahele defended his proxy voting from Hawaii, citing legitimate COVID-19 concerns regarding new variants and living in a "multi-generational home."

In a lengthy formal statement to Fox News late Tuesday, his office criticized "intentionally misleading and inaccurate reports about Congressman Kahele’s continued commitment to his work in Washington, DC."
The statement said Kahele is "deeply concerned" for the health of his family and sought to "limit his exposure" to COVID-19 by cutting "cross-country travel."

Legitimate Everything is always legitimate when democrats are doing it.

Deeply is still one of the most bullsh*t words I've heard any politician use.

 

[mbabulldog]

double-diping....insider trading...to paraphrase Mel Brooks, "It's good to be da King!"

 

[luluwhtbrd]

 

[Griz3752]

Am I reading this wrong or is he triple-dipping?
I thought those serviing in the US Armed Forces were precluded from running for Congress ....

Rep. Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, is a pilot in the military as well as for Hawaiian Airlines. (Courtesy of Kai Kahele for Congress)

 

[Millwright]

Am I reading this wrong or is he triple-dipping?

A hero to democrats.

How they all aspire to operate.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Guys Its not 1960 anymore. Not seeing an issue here. Or if there is an issue it appears to be a manufactured one. He's working remotely and "hasn't missed a single Vote!" Translated he's doing his job: both of them. He's working within existing legal parameters.

As for not physically working inside the infamous Beltway? So what? He is fulfilling the responsibilities of his elected office. I called his office once and the phone was answered by someone with a pulse.

Is this the worst thing they can tag him on? Maybe they are mad it makes it harder to honey trap him or control?

The costs of seeing a Flight Surgeon to keep a medical flight rating and pilot certification allowing him to fly passengers? In multi engine commercial jets? It would be astronomical. So he'll have and honest job waiting for him when he leaves office. This makes him less dependent on the PTB. I don't see this as a bad thing.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Am I reading this wrong or is he triple-dipping?
I thought those serviing in the US Armed Forces were precluded from running for Congress ....

Rep. Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, is a pilot in the military as well as for Hawaiian Airlines. (Courtesy of Kai Kahele for Congress)

You can check the wording of the Hatch Act. It precludes those in the military and government service from using their office or government funds from supporting political candidates, parties and other political activities. As far as I know any American Citizen can run for elected office. In some states convicted felons may be prohibited from running.

 

[ShadowMan]

Probably a Reservist pilot....just one weekend a month. I don't know if that is considered double dipping. I could be wrong. Couldn't find any lists of active military Reservists or National Guard in congress. There are presently about 18 Veterans in congress. BTW.....Commissioned Officers in the U.S. Military, even through retired or end of obligated service maybe subject to being recalled until at least 65 y/o, IIRC.

Although Congress has taken action in some instances of Members’ service in the Reserves and courts have resolved some related challenges, the issue of whether a Member may serve in Congress and the Reserves simultaneously has never been clearly resolved. This report will analyze the legal issues related to Members of Congress serving in the Armed Forces Reserves during their congressional tenure. It will discuss previous congressional action regarding Members’ simultaneous service as well as federal legislation addressing the status of Reservists. It will also analyze court decisions related to challenges to simultaneous service.

Link: Service by a Member of Congress in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves

 

[Old Gray Mare]

IMO this is a nothing burger possibly tossed out there by political rivals to see if it can gain any traction? Its beyond the Swamp's ken that this would backfire on them. It will probably increase support in his home district. He probably can't afford to buy publicity this good.

Fair use.
"Congressman Kahele is a combat veteran, pilot and a commissioned officer in the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force where he continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaiʻi."
Source: About

Congressman Kahele"s district is northern Oahu a rural area. His constituents are more likely to be conservative. There is also a strong LDS/Christian demographic.

 

[Macgyver]

Hawaii Rep. Kai Kahele claims COVID has stopped him coming to DC

Hawaii Democrat Rep. Kai Kahele said that he has not been to Washington, D.C. in months to 'limit his exposure to Covid-19.'

www.dailymail.co.uk

Democratic Hawaii Rep. Kai Kahele claims COVID has stopped him coming to DC for three months to vote while working as an commercial airline pilot

• 'To limit his exposure to COVID-19 and the potential to spread the virus, our office has tried to reduce Rep. Kahele's cross-country travel'
• A spokesperson for Kahele explained that the congressman lives in a multigenerational home and he is worried about new coronavirus variants
• Kahele has only cast five votes in person in 2022 - all over the course of three days in January - and 120 votes by proxy
• Only three members of Congress have voted by proxy more than Kahele
• When he's not in Washington, Kahele surely leads a busy schedule - he serves in Hawaii's Air National Guard and is a pilot for Hawaiian Air

Hawaii Democrat Rep. Kai Kahele said that he has not been to Washington, D.C. in months to 'limit his exposure to Covid-19.'
Kahele came under hot water on Tuesday after new reporting found he has hardly spent any time in Washington, D.C. over the past four months and has apparently moonlighted as a commercial pilot since being elected to Congress.
Kahele has only cast five votes in person in 2022 - all over the course of three days in January - and 120 votes by proxy, according to a new Honolulu Civil Beat analysis.

Kahele's office, which did not respond to requests for an explanation from multiple news outlets including DailyMail.com, told CNN: 'To limit his exposure to COVID-19 and the potential to spread the virus, our office has tried to reduce Rep. Kahele's cross-country travel while ensuring he fulfills all of his responsibilities in Congress.'
A spokesperson for Kahele explained that the congressman lives in a multigenerational home and he is worried about new coronavirus variants.
The spokesperson claimed that Kahele remains fully engaged virtually.
'The Congressman has not missed a single vote this year. He continues to participate in HASC and T&I Committee hearings and maximizes his time back home by engaging with his constituents and addressing their concerns at the federal level.'
And while House Ethics Rules only allow $29,595 in annual outside income, Kahele's office revealed the congressman made $29,151.79 from Hawaiian Airlines in 2021. So far this year, Kahele has had a total of 14.2 flying hours and made less than $2,861.90.

Kahele, who ran to replace Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, promised to 'show up' - in contrast to the congresswoman who was preoccupied with a run for the presidency. Now, he's mulling a run for governor.
Kahele skipped out on President Biden's State of the Union address and was the only member of Hawaii's delegation to miss a meeting with Honolulu officials in D.C. to talk to the Federal Transit Administration about a $10 billion rail project and missed debate on the 2023 fiscal year Defense budget.
Only three members of Congress have voted by proxy more than Kahele - Democratic Reps. Albio Sires of New Jersey, Lucille Roybal-Allard of California and Al Lawson of Florida.
Fellow Hawaiian Democrat Rep. Ed Case has yet to ask a colleague to vote for him this year and has done so only 30 times since the start of the pandemic.

Kahele has only cast five votes in person in 2022 - all over the course of three days in January - and 120 votes by proxy, according to a new Civil Beat analysis

Kahele has been working at least part time as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot while serving in Congress

Kahele is also a member of the Hawaii Air National Guard
Kahele's in-person participation seems to have fallen off dramatically at the start of the new year - he only voted by proxy 49 times in 2021, most of those in March of last year when Hawaii suffered historic flooding.

Kahele's office refused to provide a copy of his schedule over the past four months.

In a letter to the House Clerk's office dated April 4, Kahele said he is voting by proxy 'due to the ongoing public health emergency.' But the congressman has been posting maskless photos of himself all over the Aloha State.

When he's not in Washington, Kahele surely leads a busy schedule - he serves in Hawaii's Air National Guard and is a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines.

His Hawaiian Airlines job paid him nearly $120,00 in 2020, the year he was elected to replace Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, according to his most recent financial disclosure report.

Kahele is pictured above on the dya he was sworn into Congress in January 2021
Kahele's communications director Michael Ahn told Politico that Kahele flies ''occasional flights to maintain his certification.'

'The congressman is not making $120,000. He is fully in compliance with Ethics,' Ahn said. 'He is an active member of the airline union, the ALPA Pilots Union, and is a certified commercial pilot and active member of Hawaiian Airlines. He does fly occasional flights to maintain his certification.'

Hawaiian Airlines also lobbies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Kahele sits. Hawaiian Airlines has lobbied for a slew of bills, including some that Kahele has co-sponsored. The airline has contributed to Kahele's campaign every year since 2019.

Lobbyists say that Kahele's office has gone AWOL on making requests for the defense appropriations bill, even though he sits on the Armed Services Committee. Two lobbyists said there have been 'crickets' out of Kahele's office when it comes to setting up meetings and discussing policy goals for the National Defense Authorization Act.

Proxy voting is only allowed in the House and has been in place since March 2020 at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. A Brookings Institute study found that there were spikes in proxy voting in November 2020 when lame duck members who were retiring or lost their races chose not to make the trek to Washington and in January 2021 when members had security concerns in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Members are not required to provide a reason for proxy voting other than to attest that it is 'due to the public health emergency.'

'It's time to end proxy voting in the House,' Washington Post columnist James Hohmann wrote on Twitter. 'This is ridiculous. Rep. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii) hasn't voted on any bills since January. Disengaged on approps. But he's posting pictures of himself at marijuana dispensaries and still working as an airline pilot.'

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Maybe the PTB are afraid of him? Think about the hassle Tulsi Gabbard is giving them. Tulsi is still more popular than Kamala Harris and she isn't even in office.

He's a young, hansom, Democrat of color with a military background, from a conservative Christian district and obviously willing to work. The woke don't dare mock his Hawaiian culture. It would destroy their intersectionality and expose their hypocrisy.

What would happen if he were to get elected president?

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Had another stray thought. He's military and in the loop.

The PTB are going to war with Russia, not some third world country. Russia has nukes with working delivery systems. Russia could have a sub off the coast of Maryland right now with an ICBM targeted at DC. Could this be why he finds remote work so attractive?

I can understand not wanting to work at ground zero. That pretty new fence is not keeping nukes out.

 

[223shootersc]

Seems like a standard libtard demoncrap, do as I say, not as I do.... because I am better than you!!!!

 

[summerthyme]

Seems like a standard libtard demoncrap, do as I say, not as I do.... because I am better than you!!!!

Yep... and OGM, you clearly like the guy, but if nothing else, this is *terrible* optics. He's essentially a part time congressman, collecting his full time salary and bennies. I honestly don't care if he's voting by proxy...he's neglecting 90% of the job by not being in DC to hear the arguments, discuss bills, *promote his constituency* and everything else.

Time to decide if he wants to be TopGun or a congressman, and do one job well..

Summerthyme

 

[Doat]

Well, we have a bunch of them that show up and still get nothing done.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Yep... and OGM, you clearly like the guy, but if nothing else, this is *terrible* optics. He's essentially a part time congressman, collecting his full time salary and bennies. I honestly don't care if he's voting by proxy...he's neglecting 90% of the job by not being in DC to hear the arguments, discuss bills, *promote his constituency* and everything else.

Time to decide if he wants to be TopGun or a congressman, and do one job well..

Summerthyme

Not so much like the guy. I don't know that much about him. What interests me are his optics as a potential threat to TPB. If he were to team up with Tulsi for a Presidential run.... Don't think they could win but could damage and set back the left's agenda?

Also I do love Hawaii.

 

[Macgyver]

Hawaii Dem Rep Accused of Moonlighting as Pilot Expected to Retire

Hawaii Democrat Kai Kahele will reportedly retire from Congress at the end of his term and may run for governor.

www.breitbart.com

Hawaii Dem Rep Accused of Moonlighting as Pilot Expected to Retire
Jacob Bliss

4 - 5 minutes


Hawaii Democrat Rep. Kai Kahele, who also works at Hawaiian Airlines and was accused of moonlighting as a pilot while voting by proxy in Washington, DC, will reportedly retire from Congress at the end of his term.
Kahele will reportedly run for governor of Hawaii instead of running for another term in Congress. This would make him the thirty-second Democrat to not run for reelection and ultimately retire from the House to run for another office.
In recent weeks, Kahele came under scrutiny for still working for Hawaiian Airlines – an international airline that lobbies Congress for legislation he has jurisdiction over. Kahele has even co-sponsored four bills that would have directly affected the aviation industry.
At the same time, he only voted in-person five times this year, which all happened during a three-day period in January. The Honolulu Civil Beat reported that the other 120 votes he had — which allegedly happened while he was still working as a pilot — were done by proxy, including “his” vote on April 2 to decriminalize marijuana, which he later touted in a press release.
He also reportedly skipped President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in February and was the only member of the delegation that was absent when Hawaii city officials were at the capitol to talk about Honolulu’s $10 billion rail project with the Federal Transit Administration.
When asked, Kahele refused to answer if he voted by proxy when moonlighting for the airline, which paid him roughly $120,000 in 2020 to be a pilot. But he did eventually tell Punchbowl News that the Ethics office “cleared” his arrangement to “moonlight” for the airline and be a member of Congress. But, Punchbowl News’s Jake Sherman noted, “They have not produced a shred of evidence that is the case.”
In August 2021, the Democrat’s financial disclosure report also showed that the congressman and his wife have 401(k)s associated with Hawaiian Airlines, valued between $250,001 and $500,000, and Kahele’s wife’s 401(k) between $100,000 and $250,000.
Interestingly enough, many of Kahele’s top donors come from the airline industry. Breitbart News wrote that he received in June 2021 a $2,500 donation from the Hawaiian Airlines Inc. PAC, the same company for which he allegedly moonlights as a pilot while serving in Congress. In total, Kahele has received $5,500 from the Hawaiian Airlines PAC.
Last week, he also received an ethics complaint from the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a non-partisan ethics watchdog organization, which demanded an investigation from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) into Kahele for “presenting [a] conflict of interest concerns and abuse of proxy voting.”
The complaint outlined that Kahele was able to proxy vote, but only in the case of a “public health emergency” and nothing else, and noted that “It has become increasingly clear that this may not be the reason Rep. Kahele did not vote in person for approximately three months as he was attending other public and political events during this same period.”
FACT’s complaint also noted that he presented a conflict of interest by allegedly moonlighting as a pilot for an airline that he and his wife earn an income from and are still affiliated with. Plus, he also serves on a committee in Congress and has co-sponsored bills that have directly affected his outside employer.
Republican groups rejoiced over the Hawaii Democrat not running for reelection.
National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Deputy Communications Director Mike Berg said, “Kai Kahele knows House Democrats’ majority is doomed, so he made the smart decision to forgo reelection. Aloha, Kai!”
“Democrats are jetting out of Congress faster than you can say, ‘Aloha,’” said Congressional Leadership Fund Press Secretary Cally Perkins. “The midterms are coming up quick, and Democrats should remember there’s still plenty of time to bail now instead of going down in defeat.”
Jacob Bliss is a reporter for Breitbart News. Write to him at jbliss@breitbart.com or follow him on Twitter @JacobMBliss.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

Guessing he'd rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond?

Fair use.
Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele says he's running for governor of Hawaii
By Daniella Diaz and Sonnet Swire, CNN
Updated 5:18 PM ET, Sat May 7, 2022

Hawaii Democrat Kai Kahele speaks with Roll Call in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2019.
(CNN)Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele said Saturday he will run for governor in his home state of Hawaii this year, joining the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige.

The freshman congressman made the announcement at an event in his hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. Reports that Kahele would be leaving Congress first emerged last week.

"I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Hawaii, and if given the honor to serve as your governor, I will continue the mission," Kahele said Saturday.

Kahele was elected in 2020 to succeed Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. He was a pilot and state senator before he ran for the US House.

"Today, I have one clear message for those who think they can buy our government: Hawaii is not for sale," Kahele said.
Other Democrats running to succeed Ige as governor include Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former first lady Vicky Cayetano.
Kahele recently came under fire for his part-time work as a commercial pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, which raised questions about whether he was breaking any ethics rules for continuing his work with the airline.

Those questions arose after the Honolulu Civil Beat published an in-depth story looking into his attendance record on Capitol Hill this year and his personal income since he entered office. The report found that Kahele has voted by proxy at least 120 times since the start of the year, meaning another lawmaker has cast his votes for him. The House has allowed for proxy voting in the chamber since the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kahele has defended the arrangement, saying it complied with House ethics rules. His office said he has not voted in person since January because he is worried about new coronavirus variants and lives in a multigenerational family home. But his office also added that he remains committed to his work in DC.

Hawaiian Airlines has directly lobbied the federal government on a slew of bills, several of which Kahele is a co-sponsor, and CNN has confirmed that the airline contributed to Kahele's campaign every year since 2019. While the arrangement is unusual, Kahele's support for those bills and the donations from Hawaiian Airlines are not illegal.
With his announcement Saturday, Kahele joins more than 40 House members who have announced they'll be leaving at the end of the term, either to seek other office or due to retirement.
This story has been updated with additional information.

Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele says he's running for governor of Hawaii | CNN Politics

Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele said Saturday he will run for governor in his home state of Hawaii this year, joining the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige.

www.cnn.com

 

[summerthyme]

Guessing he'd rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond?

Fair use.
Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele says he's running for governor of Hawaii
By Daniella Diaz and Sonnet Swire, CNN
Updated 5:18 PM ET, Sat May 7, 2022

Hawaii Democrat Kai Kahele speaks with Roll Call in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2019.
(CNN)Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele said Saturday he will run for governor in his home state of Hawaii this year, joining the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige.

The freshman congressman made the announcement at an event in his hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. Reports that Kahele would be leaving Congress first emerged last week.

"I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Hawaii, and if given the honor to serve as your governor, I will continue the mission," Kahele said Saturday.

Kahele was elected in 2020 to succeed Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. He was a pilot and state senator before he ran for the US House.

"Today, I have one clear message for those who think they can buy our government: Hawaii is not for sale," Kahele said.
Other Democrats running to succeed Ige as governor include Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former first lady Vicky Cayetano.
Kahele recently came under fire for his part-time work as a commercial pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, which raised questions about whether he was breaking any ethics rules for continuing his work with the airline.

Those questions arose after the Honolulu Civil Beat published an in-depth story looking into his attendance record on Capitol Hill this year and his personal income since he entered office. The report found that Kahele has voted by proxy at least 120 times since the start of the year, meaning another lawmaker has cast his votes for him. The House has allowed for proxy voting in the chamber since the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kahele has defended the arrangement, saying it complied with House ethics rules. His office said he has not voted in person since January because he is worried about new coronavirus variants and lives in a multigenerational family home. But his office also added that he remains committed to his work in DC.

Hawaiian Airlines has directly lobbied the federal government on a slew of bills, several of which Kahele is a co-sponsor, and CNN has confirmed that the airline contributed to Kahele's campaign every year since 2019. While the arrangement is unusual, Kahele's support for those bills and the donations from Hawaiian Airlines are not illegal.
With his announcement Saturday, Kahele joins more than 40 House members who have announced they'll be leaving at the end of the term, either to seek other office or due to retirement.
This story has been updated with additional information.

Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele says he's running for governor of Hawaii | CNN Politics

Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele said Saturday he will run for governor in his home state of Hawaii this year, joining the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige.

www.cnn.com

That, and he apparently never considered that he'd have to leave home to work in Washington. Who votes for these morons?!

Summerthyme