Big Island Mayor suffers heart attack
Harry Kim was flown to Honolulu for treatment
Big Island Mayor Harry Kim suffered a heart attack at his home in Hilo yesterday afternoon and is recovering in the Queen's Medical Center, according to the his office.
This is Kim's second heart attack in three years, according to Janet Snyder, public relations specialist for the mayor's office. Kim, 68, was at home with his wife when the heart attack occurred, Snyder said.
He was treated at Hilo Medical Center before being flown via an air ambulance helicopter to Honolulu for further testing.
"He didn't want to go to the hospital," Snyder said this morning. "He seemed to be fine and wants to get back to work. But right now, he's under observation and recuperating. He's a tough character."
Snyder said she is unsure of the severity of the heart attack, though it did not appear to be life threatening.
Hawaii County managing director Dixie Kaetsu will be acting as the mayor while Kim is recuperating, Snyder said.