by Andrew Walden

Proxy to the end?

After a year of being hammered for missing hundreds of votes and handing off his congressional duties via dozens of ‘proxy letters’, lame duck Congressman Kai Kahele just had to do it one more time.

On December 7, Kahele appointed Rep Lou Correa of California to represent Hawaii’s Second Congressional District.   This is Kahele’s 33rd proxy letter.

Says Kahele, “I am unable to physically attend proceedings in the House Chamber due to the ongoing public health emergency.”

Uh huh.

The House Calendar shows Congress in session through December 8, 2022.  The House Clerk’s website shows voting and debate underway on the House floor regarding H.R.7776 - Water Resources Development Act of 2022.  The House also received notice of Senate passage of S.3316 - A bill to provide for certain whistleblower incentives and protections.

Is Kahele gone for the duration?

Kahele’s term ends January 3, 2023, when the new Congress, including newly elected HI-2 Rep Jill Tokuda, is sworn in. 

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PDF: Kahele Proxy letter

April 20, 2022: Ethics Complaint Nails Kahele

April 27, 2022: Laughed out of Hawaii, Kahele Slinks Back to Washington, DC

May 14, 2022: Joe Negeuse Appointed to Represent Hawaii Congressional District 2