Kai Kahele: Difference between revisions
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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Kahele is a military and civilian pilot. He is a commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard, United States Air Force, where he continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 201st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base. Kahele is a decorated combat veteran with multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005. He has flown 108 combat sorties, logged 3,075 hours of military flight time, and commanded C-17 combat missions. Kahele is the recipient of numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for combat missions flown in Afghanistan, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal,{{Specify|date=June 2019}} Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Hawaii State Active Duty Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal. He has previously been named both Pacific Air Forces Guard Officer of the Year and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Officer of the Year. |
Kahele is a military and civilian pilot. He is a commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard, United States Air Force, where he continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 201st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base. Kahele is a decorated combat veteran with multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005. He has flown 108 combat sorties, logged 3,075 hours of military flight time, and commanded C-17 combat missions. Kahele is the recipient of numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for combat missions flown in Afghanistan, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal,{{Specify|date=June 2019}} Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Hawaii State Active Duty Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal. He has previously been named both Pacific Air Forces Guard Officer of the Year and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Officer of the Year. |
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He also flies as a civilian pilot for Hawaiian Airlines. Kahele has |
He also flies as a civilian pilot for Hawaiian Airlines. Kahele has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. |
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==Career as State Senator== |
==Career as State Senator== |
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Kahele was appointed on February 16, 2016 to the position of State Senator for Hawaii District 1 following the death of his father, Gil Kahele, who held the seat at the time of his death. Kahele defeated Dennis "Fresh" Onishi in the August 2016 Democratic Primary 57% to 35% and then defeated Libertarian Kimberly Arianoff in the general election in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Kaiali'i_Kahele|title=Kaiali'i Kahele - Ballotpedia|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Kahele won the 2018 general election by a wide margin. In the 2019 Senate, Kahele serves as the Majority Floor Leader and is chairman of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. He is also a member of the Ways and Means, Hawaiian Affairs and Higher Education Committees. During the 19th Annual Western Legislative Academy (WLA), lawmakers from other states elected Senator Kahele class president of the Council of State Governments West (CSG). Senator Kahele will represent the WLA and all alumni as an executive committee member of CSG West. |
Kahele was appointed on February 16, 2016, to the position of State Senator for Hawaii District 1 following the death of his father, Gil Kahele, who held the seat at the time of his death. Kahele defeated Dennis "Fresh" Onishi in the August 2016 Democratic Primary 57% to 35% and then defeated Libertarian Kimberly Arianoff in the general election in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Kaiali'i_Kahele|title=Kaiali'i Kahele - Ballotpedia|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Kahele won the 2018 general election by a wide margin. |
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In the 2019 Senate, Kahele serves as the Majority Floor Leader and is chairman of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. He is also a member of the Ways and Means, Hawaiian Affairs and Higher Education Committees. During the 19th Annual Western Legislative Academy (WLA), lawmakers from other states elected Senator Kahele class president of the Council of State Governments West (CSG). Senator Kahele will represent the WLA and all alumni as an executive committee member of CSG West. |
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Kahele's most prominent political activity is associated with governance of [[Mauna Kea|Maunakea]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bigislandnow.com/2018/03/10/community-presentations-on-the-future-of-maunakea/|title=Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea|work=Big Island Now {{!}} Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=August 2019}} |
Kahele's most prominent political activity is associated with governance of [[Mauna Kea|Maunakea]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bigislandnow.com/2018/03/10/community-presentations-on-the-future-of-maunakea/|title=Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea|work=Big Island Now {{!}} Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=August 2019}} |
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Kahele has vowed to reform the UH system, declaring that the "system is broken |
Kahele has vowed to reform the UH system, declaring that the "system is broken".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hilo.hawaii.edu/news/kekalahea/system-is-broken|title="System Is Broken"|website=hilo.hawaii.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> He introduced SB 1161 in 2017 to freeze tuition until 2027. The bill did not advance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openstates.org/hi/bills/2017%20Regular%20Session/SB1161/|title=SB 1161 - Hawaii 2017 Regular Session|website=Open States|language=en|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> Kahele introduced SB 2329 in 2018 calling for reduction in tuition at UH campuses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2329|title=Measure Status|website=www.capitol.hawaii.gov|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> The bill has been criticized for reducing the university's ability to manage its finances.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37720143/state-lawmaker-wants-freeze-on-uh-tuition-hikes|title=Lawmakers take up proposal to put UH tuition hikes on ice|last=Mendoza|first=Jim|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en}}</ref> |
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Kahele backed passage and enactment of a measure establishing the Hilo Community Economic Division to pave the way for County and State investment in Hilo and East Hawaii's economic future. He was a key supporter in developing a bachelor of science in commercial aviation program that will commence in the fall of 2019 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. |
Kahele backed passage and enactment of a measure establishing the Hilo Community Economic Division to pave the way for County and State investment in Hilo and East Hawaii's economic future. He was a key supporter in developing a bachelor of science in commercial aviation program that will commence in the fall of 2019 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. |
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Revision as of 00:05, 23 November 2019
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (January 2019) |
Kai Kahele | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Hawaii Senate from the 1st district | |
| Assumed office February 17, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Gil Kahele |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 28, 1974[1] Miloli‘i, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Maria Fe Day |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence(s) | Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Education | Hilo High School Hawai‘i Community College University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Profession | Civilian pilot at Hawaiian Airlines |
| Website | kaikahele |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 2001–present |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit |  Hawaii Air National Guard |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War War in Afghanistan War on Terror |
| Awards |  Air Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal Combat Readiness Medal Commendation Medal Meritorious Service Medal National Defense Service Medal |
Kaiali‘i Kahele (born March 28, 1974) is an American politician and son of Gil Kahele and his wife, Linda Haggberg. He is a member of the Hawaii Senate from the 1st district, serving since 2016. Kahele has sponsored 203 bills.[2] He is a member of the Democratic Party.[3][4]
In January 2019, Kahele announced he would run for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district in 2020.
Early life and education
From his legislative website:
"Senator Kahele is a Native Hawaiian whose family comes from the small fishing village of Miloli‘i in South Kona. A product of Hawai‘i's public school system, he graduated from Hilo High School, attended Hawai‘i Community College, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and earned his degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 1998." As a member of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors NCAA Division I Mens Volleyball Team, he was voted "Most Inspirational Teammate" by his team in 1997. He and his wife live with their daughters in Hilo, Kahele's lifetime home on Hawaii Island.[5]
Career
Kahele is a military and civilian pilot. He is a commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard, United States Air Force, where he continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 201st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base. Kahele is a decorated combat veteran with multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005. He has flown 108 combat sorties, logged 3,075 hours of military flight time, and commanded C-17 combat missions. Kahele is the recipient of numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for combat missions flown in Afghanistan, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal,[specify] Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Hawaii State Active Duty Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal. He has previously been named both Pacific Air Forces Guard Officer of the Year and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Officer of the Year.
He also flies as a civilian pilot for Hawaiian Airlines. Kahele has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Career as State Senator
Kahele was appointed on February 16, 2016, to the position of State Senator for Hawaii District 1 following the death of his father, Gil Kahele, who held the seat at the time of his death. Kahele defeated Dennis "Fresh" Onishi in the August 2016 Democratic Primary 57% to 35% and then defeated Libertarian Kimberly Arianoff in the general election in November 2016.[6] Kahele won the 2018 general election by a wide margin.
In the 2019 Senate, Kahele serves as the Majority Floor Leader and is chairman of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. He is also a member of the Ways and Means, Hawaiian Affairs and Higher Education Committees. During the 19th Annual Western Legislative Academy (WLA), lawmakers from other states elected Senator Kahele class president of the Council of State Governments West (CSG). Senator Kahele will represent the WLA and all alumni as an executive committee member of CSG West.
Kahele's most prominent political activity is associated with governance of Maunakea.[7][failed verification]
Kahele has vowed to reform the UH system, declaring that the "system is broken".[8] He introduced SB 1161 in 2017 to freeze tuition until 2027. The bill did not advance.[9] Kahele introduced SB 2329 in 2018 calling for reduction in tuition at UH campuses.[10] The bill has been criticized for reducing the university's ability to manage its finances.[11]
Kahele backed passage and enactment of a measure establishing the Hilo Community Economic Division to pave the way for County and State investment in Hilo and East Hawaii's economic future. He was a key supporter in developing a bachelor of science in commercial aviation program that will commence in the fall of 2019 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Other legislative priorities for Kahele are Banyan Drive redevelopment and funding for rat-lungworm disease research.[12] HB 2014 for $1M in research funding related to rat lungworm disease at UH Hilo was introduced in the Hawaii House but has not advanced.[13]
Kahele has a 19% overall lifetime rating from the American Conservative Union.[14][15]
In 2017, Kahele served as Vice Chair of the Education Committee, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, and member of Housing and Ways and Means Committees.
U.S. House election
In January 2019, Kahele announced he would run for Congress in Hawaii's 2nd congressional district. Incumbent congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard, who is currently running for President, announced her intent to not run for another term in congress on October 25.[16][17]
References
- ^ "Confident Kahele faces experienced, novice challengers in District 1". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Kaiali'i Kahele". Open States. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ "Kaiali'i Kahele". Hawaii Legislature. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ "Kaiali'i Kahele". Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ "Legislative Members". www.capitol.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "Kaiali'i Kahele - Ballotpedia". Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea". Big Island Now | Community Presentations on the Future of Maunakea. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ ""System Is Broken"". hilo.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "SB 1161 - Hawaii 2017 Regular Session". Open States. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "Measure Status". www.capitol.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ Mendoza, Jim. "Lawmakers take up proposal to put UH tuition hikes on ice". Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "East Hawaii lawmakers outline legislative priorities - West Hawaii Today". www.westhawaiitoday.com. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "HB 2104 - Hawaii 2018 Regular Session". Open States. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "2016 Ratings of Hawaii State Legislators" (PDF). The American Conservative Union.
- ^ "2018 Ratings of Hawaii State Legislators" (PDF). The American Conservative Union.
- ^ scocke@staradvertiser.com, By Sophie Cocke; Jan. 21, 2019 (January 21, 2019). "Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele officially announces 2020 bid for Congress". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
{{cite web}}:|first2=has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Gabbard, Tulsi (Oct 24, 2019). "I'm fully committed to my offer to serve you, the people of Hawaii & America, as your President & Commander-in-Chief. So I will not be seeking reelection to Congress in 2020. I humbly ask for your support for my candidacy for President of the United Stateshttp://tulsi.to/mahalo". Retrieved Oct 28, 2019.
{{cite web}}: External link in|title=