State Rep. Mele Carroll will resign her office Feb. 1. 

The Democrat, who represents the 13th District — a “canoe district” that includes East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokini — cited health reasons.

“Complications from her previous cancer treatments have arisen in the recent months that now affect her quality of life and which may affect her ability to do her job,” according to a House of Representatives press release. “The time has come for her to address her health and spend quality time with her loved ones and closest friends.”

House Speaker Joe Souki said in a statement, “While it is with deep sadness that I accept the resignation of Rep. Carroll from the State House, I fully understand and support her priorities regarding her health. I speak for every member of the House in wishing her well and in expressing our gratitude for all that she has done for the people of her district, the Legislature and the State of Hawaii.”

State Rep. Mele Carroll.

Hawaii House of Representatives

Souki added, “Rep. Carroll has worked hard to call attention to the needs and wishes of the people of Maui, and I’ve personally witnessed how much she has sacrificed and seen how passionate she is about her role as their representative.”

Carroll began her Legislative career in 2005 when she was appointed to her seat by then Gov. Linda Lingle. She was working as the chief legislative liaison for Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa at the time. Carroll was re-elected in 2014 to her sixth term.

“Making the decision to step down has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It is a heartbreaking reality that I have to face,” Carroll said. “Serving in the State House of Representatives has been a truly rewarding experience. I am thankful that the people of the 13th District have trusted in me to represent them as their elected legislator.”

Carroll added, “Every day that I came to work was a blessing and something I never took for granted. I cannot say enough about the dedication of people I have met in my journey through the State Capitol, they and my fellow legislators have become my family.”

Carroll served as the chair of the House Committee on Human Services and as a member for the Committees on Health and Housing.  She also served as the chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus and was a member of the Women’s Legislative Caucus,the  Keiki Caucus, the Kupuna Caucus and the Historical Preservation Caucus.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has 60 calendar days from the date of the vacancy to name a replacement for Carroll’s House seat, drawing from a list of three names submitted by the Democratic Party of Hawaii.