Former Big Island Mayor Harry Kim was hospitalized Friday after suffering pain to his back and right leg that left him unable to walk.

In a news release issued yesterday by the county, Kim, 69, said the pain began last Wednesday, but he waited to go to Hilo Medical Center until Friday because he didn't want to ruin the Thanksgiving holiday for his family.

"I asked to be released because all they were giving me was narcotics and the painkillers, and after they did the MRI, they needed a neurologist but the one on staff was not available," Kim said.

Kim said he is staying home in Hilo until an appointment with a neurologist can be arranged.

"The pain is still there, the inability to walk or function is there, and who wants to be like that?" he said. "The doctors are trying to rush it as much as possible, but as most people find out, it's really difficult to get an appointment."