Senator Kai Kahele Answers Call for Active Duty with Hawai‘i National Guard in COVID-19 Response

Sen. Kai Kahele. Courtesy photo.

Senator Kaiali‘i “Kai” Kahele (D-Hilo) voluntarily answered the call to state active duty this morning as a member of the Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Joint Task Force response.

Senator Kahele is a lieutenant colonel with the Hawai‘i Air National Guard. His active duty start date is Tuesday, April 14, and is scheduled to end on Thursday, May 14.

“The State’s urgent response to COVID-19 requires all hands-on deck. The Hawaiʻi National Guard has given so much to me during my last 19 years of service. I am proud to answer the call along with my fellow Hawai‘i airmen and soldiers to help our community respond swiftly to this health pandemic,” said Senator Kahele.

A highly decorated officer and combat veteran, Senator Kahele will contribute to air operations planning and delivery of essential personnel and food, medical supplies, and equipment should they be needed throughout the State of Hawaiʻi.

Senator Kahele’s legislative staff will continue to serve the residents of Senate District 1, the greater Hilo area on Hawai‘i Island, while he is on state active duty. Constituents may continue to direct their inquiries to senkkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov and staff will respond as they work remotely during this time.