Answers sought Gov. Ben Cayetano says more information should be released about the condition of U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, who is fighting viral pneumonia in intensive care as Saturday's primary election approaches.
on Mink health
The governor and her opponents
question the lack of informationBy Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.com
"I think they should release more information, but, you know, these are family decisions, and I have no control over it," Cayetano said yesterday. "I think that people want to know what ... is her state, because I know many people who are pulling for her or praying for her. I think from that standpoint more information is important."
Cayetano said that those working in the public sector have some expectation of privacy, "but not much, so we need to let people know."
The governor said that his office has also tried to get a status report from Mink's office. "They've been basically saying to us that they have no information to give out at this particular time," the governor said.
Mink's spokeswoman, Joan Manke, did not return a telephone call for comment. But Manke released a statement last night saying, "This is an illness from which one can recover, and we expect Mrs. Mink to be back on her feet representing the 2nd District. However, viral pneumonia takes time to overcome, and her family continues to ask for the public's patience."
Mink, 74, remains in serious condition at Straub Hospital. She was hospitalized Aug. 30 with chickenpox but then came down with pneumonia and was placed in the intensive care unit.
Cayetano made his comments on the same day that two candidates running for Mink's congressional seat -- which covers rural Oahu and the neighbor islands -- also stepped up the rhetoric, questioning the lack of information on her condition.
State Rep. Bob McDermott, who faces accountant James Donovan in the Republican primary, said the public deserves to know the condition of elected officials going into an election.
"As a public figure ... you really give up all rights to privacy, and you know that as you go into the deal." McDermott said. "The public has the right to know at a minimum some basic health questions."
McDermott also criticized comments by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, who spoke to Mink's family and then said that Mink is recovering.
"You can't be duped. It's unfair. We've got a primary election in three days, and the public doesn't know whether she's awake or asleep. They don't know if she can speak," he said. "When they start running TV ads that say she's running for office and Abercrombie goes around proclaiming that she's fit to serve another term, then the gloves come off and we say, 'Let's have the medical information.'"
Steve Tataii, who faces Mink in the Democratic primary, said he is the only viable candidate, and called on Mink to drop out.
"I've got to take one extra step and ask my friend and dear colleague Ms. Patsy Mink to step down. If she cannot communicate, I would like her staff to please do the communications and take a stand now because it will be too late later," Tataii said.
Cayetano wished Mink a speedy recovery and said the congresswoman is still a viable candidate.
"Her health comes first, of course, but Rep. Mink has an extensive and long history of public service to the state, and I think that record ... will allow the voters to make a judgment as to whether she should continue or not," Cayetano said.
Cayetano said that if her family wishes to disclose no information, "there's nothing that anyone can do, and I think that the voter should judge accordingly."
He also said that he hopes that her opponents will not "capitalize" on her illness.
The state attorney general has said that Mink's name will be on the primary ballot no matter what happens.
McDermott, who pulled more aggressive radio ads against Mink, said he will wait to see what happens after the primary before he decides his next move, but he plans to make fitness for office an issue.3
