Mayor Harry Kim was in stable condition Thursday afternoon after being medevaced to Oahu after experiencing chest pains, according to Hawaii County.
The Mayor’s Office said in a press release that the mayor was weighing his options regarding a procedure at The Queens Medical Center.
Kim, who has had three heart attacks previously, was undergoing tests and not accepting visits. He underwent a quadruple bypass in 2008.
“We want to respect his privacy and let him rest as we wait for the doctor’s determination on what the next steps are,” Managing Director Wil Okabe said in the statement.
The 78-year-old mayor drove himself to Hilo Medical Center at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday and notified county staff. He was flown to Honolulu at about 6:45 a.m.
“We’ve had an outpouring of people calling, emailing and on social media telling us how much Harry means to them,” said Okabe, who is acting mayor. “Harry is very grateful for all of the good wishes and prayers, and so are we.”