UPDATE: Hilo Senator Gilbert Kahele Dies at 73

File photo by Josh Pacheco.

***Updated at 12:45 p.m. to include additional details.***

Jill Kuramoto, Senate Majority Spokeswoman, said that Senator Kahele died at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, surrounded by family at Queen’s Medical Center.

For additional details, review the BigIslandNow.com story on dignitaries statements and condolences.

 ***Original story posted at 10:49 a.m.***

Hilo Senator Gilbert Kahele, 73, has passed away.

Honolulu Civil Beat reported his passing Tuesday morning.

Last week, Senator Kahele was announced as hospitalized as the Hawai’i Legislature began its opening session.

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said last Wednesday that Senator Kahele was at Queen’s Medical Center, where he was undergoing medical testing.

Senator Kahele is from Milolii and has represented the Big Island in the Senate since 2011.

The Legislature observed a moment of silence in his honor during Tuesday morning’s session, according to Civil Beat.

The House Minority Caucus released the following statement via social media on Senator Kahele’s passing:

“The House Minority Caucus is saddened by the loss of Sen. Gil Kahele today. As a Marine and a legislator, he has spent much of his life as a public servant. We missed him on Opening Day last week, and we will continue to miss him in the days ahead.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Attempts to get to contact the Hawai’i Senate by press time came up empty.

BigIslandNow.com will bring you additional details as they become available.