Documents Show US Rep. Kai Kahele Has A Special Deal With Hawaiian Airlines 0 Just before Kahele took office, the airline and national pilots union agreed to a new provision in the union contract granting a special leave for pilots who are also elected officials.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele is benefiting from a unique arrangement with Hawaiian Airlines that has allowed him to work and earn income as a part-time pilot while also serving in Congress.
Contract documents and other internal records obtained by Civil Beat show Kahele has been on a specialized leave of absence that was designed for Hawaiian Airlines pilots who have been appointed or elected to state or federal office or who hold a position within a government agency that is “directly connected with aviation.”
Kahele, however, seems to be the only person within the company who qualifies for the benefit.
