Hawaiʻi Sen. Michelle Kidani Says She’s Capable Of Handling Her Job
The 77-year-old lawmaker is trying to defuse concerns that she suffers from an illness that is affecting her performance.
State Sen. Michelle Kidani acknowledged Wednesday that she’s under a doctor’s care for medical issues but that she’s capable of carrying out her duties as a lawmaker.
Kidani was responding to a Civil Beat story that raised concerns about her mental health. More than a dozen people who work with the senator said that for the last few years she’s been growing more confused and is often unable to fulfill basic responsibilities of her job.
Several people specifically said she suffers from dementia and is under a doctor’s care.
“My health is a private matter, and speculation or reporting about it without my consent is deeply concerning,” she said in a written statement Wednesday morning. “I remain capable of representing my district and continue to carry out my duties responsibly in consultation with my physician.”
Civil Beat reported that Kidani, 77, was considering resigning on May 8, the last day of session, and that a process would begin to appoint a replacement. Neither Kidani nor her staff responded to Civil Beat’s requests for comment for that story.
On Wednesday, however, Kidani said, “My focus remains on serving my constituents. If the time comes that I determine I can no longer fully and faithfully serve, I will make that decision to resign my seat.”
Lawmakers, staff and other former and current state officials told Civil Beat that Kidani’s health has been declining for a number of years. They pointed to numerous incidents where she made mistakes publicly during committee hearings and floor sessions.
Civil Beat reviewed videos of a number of those sessions from the last two years that backed up their concerns.
In late December, Senate leadership combined the education committee she chaired with Sen. Donna Kim’s higher education committee and made Kim the chair. Kidani continues as vice chair of the new committee that combines higher and lower education.
Kidani’s statement Wednesday included testimonials from Kim and other colleagues and state officials saying they believe she is still capable of being an effective lawmaker and fulfilling her duty to her constituents.
Kidani sent her statement just as the Wednesday Senate floor session was beginning. Many senators rose during the session to openly talk about dementia and say that Kidani should not be judged for continuing on while battling the disease.
“Many of us here have great respect for that senator from Mililani,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai. “I am a believer in her and I am a believer that dementia is not a death sentence for your brain.”
Sen. Kurt Fevella choked up during his own remarks, saying that he was “very disturbed” with the Civil Beat article.
“She’s one of my mentors,” he said. “I love this lady from the bottom of my heart. She only gave me a lot of love and respect since I’ve been here eight years ago.”
Several senators noted that the Legislature was considering a number of measures addressing dementia this session.
Kidani has served in the Senate since 2008 and is up for reelection in 2028.
Read her full statement:
