Kahele responds to criticism over part-time job as Hawaiian Air pilot, proxy voting record

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele is responding to criticism over his lengthy absence from Washington D.C. and a possible conflict of interest.

The Honolulu Civil Beat reported that Kahele has not voted in-person since January, instead voting by proxy 120 times.

A spokesperson for Kahele tells CNN that he wanted to limit cross-country travel due to COVID-19 risks, saying he lives in a multi-generational home.

His office also defended an apparent conflict of interest, raised by Civil Beat, as Kahele sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee while also piloting jets for Hawaiian Air.

CNN said the airline has lobbied on bills that Kahele co-sponsored, and contributed to his campaign — which is legal.

Kahele’s office says his job offers a unique perspective to the committee as a “voice of all pilots, cabin crews, and air cargo operators.”

Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.