KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – State Representative Denny Coffman was given a fond send off on Saturday, as Democrats gathered in his honor at the customs structure at the Kona International Airport.
Coffman tendered his resignation from the district 5 house seat just a few days ago, citing the need to be with his family. His daughter is facing a medical issue, and Coffman will be moving to the mainland to be closer.
At the event were fellow Kona Democrats, from local politicians to the very top: Governor Neil Abercrombie attended and declared it to be Denny Coffman Day in the state of Hawaii.
Abercrombie also surprised the crowd with the signing of a new rules package governing the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area, something Coffman had advocated for as a legislator.
In this video, Coffman thanks the crowd for their support and their well wishes. He says his is not really leaving the islands. He is moving to Las Vegas, often referred to by locals as the ninth island.
mr.coffman, did you know that your fish bill has put the native fish in their coffin. they are being wiped out by the invasive fish brought here over 50 years ago.8 different fish were set loose and guys like coffinman and abercrumbs think they saved the waters. WHAT A JOKE!!!these fish have and continue to destroy the natural order of hawaiis reefs.divers,fishermen and fish collectors didn’t harm the reef, the INVASIVE fish ate them all. look at the roi in puako,no one buys them. yet they have taken over that area.coffman i hope this will wake you and abercrumbs,but i doubt it.you guys love to be in the lite,while the native fish are destroyed every day.good job,you guys must fish every day to know so much.sorry folks, but that is all. the fate of the hawaiian reef fish is dead.a big aloha and thank you from the native fish left in these waters.they will die out soon. thank you elected officals.see you out on the reef.