Due to the resignation, HD5 Democrats are required to submit names of three HD5 Democrats to the Governor.  Abercrombie will pick one of the three to fill out the remainder of Coffman's term.

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REPRESENTATIVE DENNY COFFMAN TO RESIGN FROM STATE HOUSE

News Release from House Democratic Caucus 

Big Island Representative Denny Coffman (Na'alehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona) announced today his resignation from the State House of Representatives. In a letter to State leaders, he expressed his plans to spend time with his family as his daughter faces a medical issue. His resignation is effective December 20, 2013.

First elected in 2008, Representative Coffman has served in the State House for three terms with an emphasis upon the development of sound and balanced policy to incorporate renewable energy resources across the state through financially viable means.

He has served as the Chair of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protections where he remains a member and also currently serves on the Committees on Judiciary; Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs; and Water & Land.

Prior to his election to office, Representative Coffman served in the United States Army, was a successful small business owner, computer programmer/system analyst and an administrator in the information technologies industry.

“I am extremely honored to have been elected by the people of Hawaii Island and to serve three terms in the Legislature. It is with a heavy heart that I made this decision but as a father and grandfather, I am firmly committed to my family and will be there for my daughters and grandchildren in their time of need. I leave knowing that I have represented the communities of Hawaii Island and the State to the best of my ability,” said Representative Coffman.

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GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT REGARDING REP. COFFMAN’S DECISION TO RESIGN FROM STATE HOUSE

News Release from Office of the Governor December 9, 2013

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today shared the following statement upon learning of Rep. Denny Coffman’s announcement of his resignation from the state House of Representatives to spend time with his family:

“Denny served our country and state with great honor and strength of purpose. He represented the people of Hawaii Island well and helped set the state on a viable path to a responsible and economically sustainable energy policy, which will benefit generations to come.

“While I was saddened to hear of his decision to step down as a member of the House, I recognize, as does anyone who knows him, that as a father and grandfather matters of the family take precedence. The people of Hawaii are thankful for his service and leadership, and we offer our deepest aloha to his family.”

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January, 2013: Coffman says he won’t be chair of Hawaii House energy committee

August, 2013: Coffman's wife passes away