HILO — Big Island Mayor Harry Kim underwent the installation of a heart defibrillator Tuesday morning at Hilo Medical Center.
The 78-year-old Kim has suffered six heart attacks, the two most recent occurring earlier this year, on April 26 — a week before the current lava emergency began in Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone — and on June 16.
“After he had the last two heart attacks, it was recommended by his physicians that he do this,” said Managing Director Wil Okabe, who is acting mayor in Kim’s absence. “It’s an outpatient procedure.”
Okabe said two doctors flew in from Honolulu to install the defibrillator, which Kim’s office described as a “precautionary measure.”
According to the National Institutes of Health website, defibrillators “can prevent sudden death among people who have a high risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia.”
Kim, who is known for working long hours, especially during an emergency, was back to work within five days of his sixth heart attack, which his office described as “mild,” and returned to the helm within four days after his fifth heart attack.
Asked how long the mayor is expected to be away from work, Okabe said, “He’s Harry Kim, man.”
“Knowing Harry, he’ll be back at work soon. We appreciate everybody’s good wishes and support,” Okabe added.
Between Kim’s fifth and sixth heart attacks, the mayor was diagnosed with walking pneumonia in early May. The day before his sixth heart attack, he was diagnosed with a relapse of the pneumonia at the hospital but was released later that day with orders to rest.
Okabe said since Kim suffered his last heart attack, the mayor has “been great.”
“He’s been upbeat. You know, the last time he went into the hospital, they corrected some things, and I think he’s been more energetic. He’s been coming to work, but he’s been getting a lot of rest,” Okabe said.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
