Former Big Island mayor
recovering after successful
heart surgery

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By Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.com

Former Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro is in stable but guarded condition following surgery to repair a ruptured aneurysm of the major artery immediately above his heart, the Queen's Medical Center said.

Yamashiro, recovering in the intensive care unit, came through the surgery well, said his friend and former public relations officer Marcia Reynolds in Hilo.

Yamashiro's wife, Della, said, "We appreciate everyone's warmness toward us, and now we ask for their prayers."

That artery suffered an aneurysm, or ballooning, which then resulted in the splitting of the aorta wall, the hospital said. Dr. Michael Dang performed three hours of surgery yesterday morning to repair the damage, the hospital said.

The damage was related to Yamashiro's high blood pressure, the hospital said.

Yamashiro reported tightness in his chest to his Hilo doctor, Djon Lim, on Wednesday. While undergoing assessment at Hilo Hospital, the discomfort spread to Yamashiro's upper back, and Lim decided to have him sent by air ambulance to Queen's.

Yamashiro served as Big Island mayor from 1992 to 2000, following numerous years as chairman of the Hawaii County Council. He was appointed to the Hawaii Tourism Authority in April of last year.

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Queen's Medical Center