Rep. Carroll to Resign on Feb. 1

Rep. Mele Carroll. Courtesy photo.

Today Rep. Mele Carroll delivered letters to Gov. David Ige and House Speaker Souki announcing that on she is resigning as representative of the 13th District in the Hawai‘i State House Representatives on Feb. 1.

After consulting with doctors, contemplating her situation, and confirming with her husband and family, Rep. Carroll decided to resign due to her health. Complications from her previous cancer treatments have arisen in the recent months that now affect her quality of life and which may affect her ability to do her job. The time has come for her to address her health and spend quality time with her loved ones and closest friends.

“While it is with deep sadness that I accept the resignation of Rep. Carroll from the State House, I fully understand and support her priorities regarding her health,” said Speaker Souki. “I speak for every member of the House in wishing her well and in expressing our gratitude for all that she has done for the people of her district, the Legislature and the State of Hawai‘i.

“Rep. Carroll has worked hard to call attention to the needs and wishes of the people of Maui, and I’ve personally witnessed how much she has sacrificed and seen how passionate she is about her role as their representative,” Speaker Souki added.

Starting her legislative career in 2005, Rep. Carroll was re-elected on November 4, 2014, to begin her sixth term representing the 13^th House District.  The 13^th District is a “canoe” district that includes Ha‘ikū, Hāna, Kaupo, Kipahulu, Nahiku, Pā‘ia, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini.

“Making the decision to step down has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do,” said Rep. Carroll. “It is a heartbreaking reality that I have to face. Serving in the State House of Representatives has been a truly rewarding experience. I am thankful that the people of the 13^thDistrict have trusted in me to represent them as their elected legislator. Every day that I came to work was a blessing and something I never took for granted. I cannot say enough about the dedication of people I have met in my journey through the State Capitol, they and my fellow legislators have become my family.

“I want to thank Speaker Souki for his support and understanding as I made this difficult decision, as well as Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say for his support during his tenure and while I served as the Chair of the House Hawaiian Legislative Caucus,” said Carroll. “Both Speakers showed me their compassion and understanding as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments during my service in the State House. I will never forget the sensitivity and compassion they bestowed upon me. They made my fight a little easier. My colleagues have been a tremendous support throughout my tenure at the Capitol and I am confident the people of Hawaii will continue to be served honorably by our state legislators.”

“Again, thank you for this honor,” Rep. Carroll said in closing. “This has been an extremely rewarding experience that I will never forget.”

Gov. Ige has 60 calendar days from the date of the vacancy to name a replacement for Rep. Carroll’s House seat from a list of three names submitted by the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i.