Washington, D.C. (Feb. 2, 2016) — U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) spoke on the House Floor to honor and remember the life of Hawaiʻi State Senator Gilbert Kahele, who passed away last week.
Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s speech is available HERE.
“This morning in Hawaiʻi, in just a couple of hours, the people of the Aloha State are gathering at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol to perform the Kanikau, a mourning chant, as they bid farewell to celebrate the life of a great man and dedicated public servant who passed away suddenly last week.
The Honorable Gilbert Kahele was born in a small fishing village in Miloliʻi on May 15, 1942. He’s a Native Hawaiian, talented musician, and community activist who selflessly served our country as a U.S. Marine, served Hawaiʻi as a State Senator, and served his community of Hawaiʻi as a fierce advocate.
I saw Gil recently in Washington, DC, where as always, he was ready with a smile, a hug, and warm aloha.
My heart is with the Kahele ʻohana, and all of Hawaiʻi Island as today we celebrate Gil’s life of service, and the positive impact he made on countless lives.
Gil, mahalo nui loa for dedicating your life to serving others and for demonstrating how much we can achieve when we work together in the spirit of aloha.”
