Late Big Island state senator’s legacy honored with new sign at park bearing his name

The family of a late Big Island state senator was joined by representatives of Hawaiʻi County on Wednesday to pay tribute to his life and legacy with a new addition at an island park bearing his name.

On what would have been Gilbert “Gil” Kahele’s 82nd birthday, a new sign was installed at the Gilbert Kahele State Recreation Area in his honor.

Kahele represented Hilo in the Hawaiʻi Senate until he died in office in January 2016, about 10 days more than 5 years after the Democrat was appointed in January 2011 by former Gov. Neil Abercrombie to replace former state Sen. Russell Kokubun, who was apppointed Hawaiʻi Commissioner of Agriculture.

He served as majority caucus leader from 2015 until his death and was Senate majority whip from 2013 to 2014. Kahele also had several committee appointments during his time serving in the chamber.

He was a 1960 graduate of Hilo High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964.

Staff of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation assisted the Kahele ʻohana with selecting a place for the new signage and anchoring it in place at the recreation area on the slopes of Mauna Kea along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

The park was transferred to the county from the state in 2014 through efforts spearheaded by the late Kahele and others. The new signage, purchased by Kahele’s brother Leighton Kahele before he died, is a testament to the man’s life and contributions to the Hawaiʻi Island community.

“We are privileged to share a glimpse of Gil’s story with our community and honor the Kahele family by installing this sign at a park that Sen. Kahele played a pivotal role in establishing years ago,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth. “Our parks bear the names of individuals who have left indelible marks on our community, and Sen. Kahele’s legacy is one of profound influence and unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi Island.”

The Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, a living testament to the late senator’s vision and efforts, remains a place where the community can congregate, bask in the natural beauty of the Big Island and find solace during their journeys between destinations.

The new sign is also a lasting tribute to the enduring legacy of a boy born in a grass shack just south of the small Hawaiian fishing village of Miloliʻi who grew up to become a man and public servant with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Big Island residents and visitors alike.

“Our Dad loved this place and would be humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Kai Kahele, the late senator’s son. “He always believed in preserving and protecting special places throughout Hawaiʻi for future generations, and this park embodies his vision and dedication to the ‘āina and people of Hawaiʻi Island.”

Kai Kahele was appointed to fill his father’s state Senate seat after his death, serving from 2016 to 2020, before being elected to U.S. Congress and representing Hawaiʻi from 2021 to 2023 in Washington, D.C.

“On behalf of our Kahele ʻohana, we would like to mahalo the County of Hawaiʻi, Mayor Roth and the team at the Department of Parks and Recreation for the installation of this park signage to honor our dad and Hawaiʻi Island’s former state senator,” Kai Kahele said.

Gilbert Kahele and his wife Linda had two children, Kai and daughter Noelani.