State lawmaker from Big Island to resign for personal reasons

State Rep. Denny Coffman announced today that he will resign later this month for family reasons.

Coffman, whose wife died this year, said his daughter faces a medical issue. The state House said in a statement that his resignation is effective Dec. 20.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appoint Coffman’s replacement.

Coffman, who was first elected to represent a Kona side district in Hawaii County in 2008, was a respected voice on environmental issues. He once served as chairman of the House Energy and Environmental Protection Committee.

“I am extremely honored to have been elected by the people of Hawaii island and to serve three terms in the Legislature. It is with a heavy heart that I made this decision but as a father and grandfather, I am firmly committed to my family and will be there for my daughters and grandchildren in their time of need. I leave knowing that I have represented the communities of Hawaii Island and the state to the best of my ability,” Coffman (D, Naalehu-Captain Cook-Kailua-Kona) said in a statement.