State senators defend colleague after article questions her health

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - State senators rallied behind one of their colleagues Tuesday after a news article questioned her mental health and speculated she would resign.

The article in the online news site Civil Beat pointed out instances when Sen. Michelle Kidani seemed confused over the last year and said others were saying she has dementia.

Kidani gave up her role as chair of the Education Committee this session. She issued a statement saying her health is a personal matter and she is capable of representing her district in consultation with her physician.

Her colleagues were angry and emotional in her defense.

“I’m not taking anything away from her,” said state Sen. Kurt Fevella, R-Ewa Beach, who held back tears. “How mean and vicious people can be, because they want to sell papers and make news. I am very offended. I handle things a little bit different now.”

Sen. Lynn DeCoite, D-Molokai, East Maui, said an attack on one senator is an attack on all.

“Having to be put in a write-up such as this is just unacceptable,” DeCoite said. “Michelle, you’ve been there for everybody, and when media takes something like this and decides to run with it, you know, shame on them.”

Several senators said forgetfulness is common in the Capitol and recounted their own experiences with relatives who suffered from dementia.

Editors of Civil Beat have not yet responded to the criticism.