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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 20, 2002

Senators back Mink's family on privacy issue

By Susan Roth and Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — In a gesture of support for a friend and fellow Democrat, Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka yesterday defended the decision by U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink's family to keep details of her medical condition private.

Rep. Patsy Mink has been in intensive care since Sept. 1.

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Mink, 74, has been in the intensive care unit at Straub Hospital & Clinic since Sept. 1 with viral pneumonia linked to a case of chicken pox. Her family has asked the hospital not to release details of her condition, and her congressional office issued a statement Wednesday asking for the public's patience.

Joan Manke, a spokeswoman for Mink, said last night that Mink's condition remained "serious but stable." Manke said she had no other details on her condition.

Mink faces Steve Tataii in tomorrow's Democratic primary election in the 2nd District, which covers rural O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands. State Rep. Bob McDermott, a candidate in the Republican primary, made Mink's illness an issue Wednesday at a news conference where he argued that voters have a right to know about her condition.

Inouye, D-Hawai'i, said he spoke with Mink's staff and was told she was improving. He said Mink has no public obligation to disclose her condition, but he acknowledged that voters might take a lack of information into consideration.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no constitutional requirement for her family to discuss her condition, looking at it very technically," he said. "But there is a constitutional right of privacy. I think it's a decision that should be made by an individual. There are certain things I, for one, would wish to keep private. Others may disagree."

Inouye said he hopes Mink will resume making public appearances soon after the primary. He added that he has no questions about her fitness to serve.

"She's a tough lady," he said.

Akaka, D-Hawai'i, said voters have a right to consider a candidate's health and fitness but the decision to release medical information ultimately rests with candidates or their families.

"It is truly regrettable that some of her opponents are attempting to exploit these circumstances for their advantage," he said. "It speaks poorly of their judgment and highlights the failure of their campaigns to energize voters with a positive message or vision for Hawai'i's future."

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, described Mink as recovering and prepared to continue pursuing what would be her 14th two-year term in the House.