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.