Rare sighting: Hawaii Democrat spotted in DC after avoiding in-person votes

After barely setting foot within the nation’s capital for many of 2022, Rep. Kaiali’i Kahele (D-Hawaii) was lastly noticed in Washington, DC amid Congress’ return to recess this week. 

Kahele was seen within the Capitol rotunda on Tuesday, taking footage with what gave the impression to be a tour group. Fox Information reported that the encounter was the primary time the congressman had appeared in particular person for work in DC since January. 

Nonetheless, Kahele is adamant that regardless of the shortage of his bodily presence, he has not faltered on his congressional duties. 

“I haven’t missed a single vote this whole 12 months,” he advised Fox Information digital. “Not a single one.” 

Earlier this month, the Honolulu Civil Beat discovered that the Democrat voted by proxy a minimum of 120 occasions since taking workplace, solely voting in particular person 5 occasions. 

For the reason that begin of the pandemic, members of the Home have been in a position to submit varied votes with out being current on the ground by designating a fellow member to vote for them. Whereas many cite the continuing coronavirus pandemic as the explanation for his or her absence, some have questioned if the members of Congress are literally involved, or utilizing it to their profit. 

As of April 12, Kahele was one of many high members of the Home to make use of the coverage, behind solely three others: Democratic Reps. Albio Sires of New Jersey, Lucille Roybal-Allard of California and Al Lawson of Florida. 

In early April, the Hawaii lawmaker submitted a letter of intention to vote by proxy, citing the “ongoing public well being emergency,” nevertheless within the days that adopted, he was seen maskless at a number of public occasions throughout the state. 

On the time of the report, hypothesis grew over whether or not Kahele was utilizing his time away from Congress to proceed his work as a pilot for Hawaiian Airways. 

Kahele confirmed his intention to work with the corporate whereas in Congress, saying Tuesday “Yeah, completely.” 

His workplace has defended his employment with the airline, saying he flies “occasional flights to keep up his certification.”

It’s unclear what number of flights Kahele has flown in 2022 up to now, or how a lot cash he has earned within the course of. 

Members of the Home are solely permitted to earn $29,595 in outdoors earnings.

Spokesman Michael Ahn advised Politico this month that Kahele is “totally in compliance with Ethics.”