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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rush Limbaugh 'resting comfortably' in Honolulu hospital


Advertiser Staff

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is "resting comfortably" at The Queen’s Medical Center, where is was taken today after suffering chest pains at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, where he is staying on vacation.

His Web site, rushlimbaugh.com, posted this statement last night:
"Rush was admitted to a Honolulu hospital today and is resting comfortably after suffering chest pains. Rush appreciates your prayers and well wishes. He will keep you updated via RushLimbaugh.com and on Thursday's radio program."
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Bryan Cheplic confirmed that paramedics responded to a 2:41 p.m. call to the hotel’s address (5000 Kahala Avenue) and that a man of undetermined age was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.
Queen’s spokesperson N. Makana Shook said the hospital could not comment, citing patient confidentiality guidelines.
Messages left with Limbaugh’s publicist and with a spokesperson from Premiere Radio Networks, which carries Limbaugh’s show, were not returned.
Limbaugh, 58, was reported to be alert and conscious at the hotel. He was expected to spend the night at Queen’s.
Limbaugh was seen golfing Saturday at the Waiçalae Country Club, next door to the Kahala Hotel and Resort.
Sources said Limbaugh had booked a large suite for a 10-day stay.
“I’ve never met him but I’m a big fan and supporter,” said Republican state Sen. Sam Slom. “He’s come several times and we knew he was here this week, but we’ve always wanted to respect his privacy and let him enjoy his vacation. Our prayers go out to him. Hopefully this is just a minor incident.”
Kit Carson, Limbaugh’s chief of staff, told The Associated Press from Milwaukee that he wasn’t able to provide any information.
For privacy reasons, hotel spokeswoman Sheila Donnelly Theroux said she was unable to acknowledge that Limbaugh is a guest.
KITV, the local ABC affiliate, reported Limbaugh told paramedics that he was on medication for a back problem.
In 2001, Limbaugh reported he had lost most of his hearing due to an autoimmune inner-ear disease. He had surgery to have an electronic device placed in his skull to restore his hearing.
In 2006, Limbaugh settled a federal case charging him with illegally obtaining painkillers. He did not get prison time.
Limbaugh had been charged with seeking a prescription from a physician in 2003 without revealing that he had received medications from another practitioner within 30 days. The charge carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Limbaugh blamed his addiction to painkillers on back pain.
Limbaugh is vacationing in Hawaiçi at the same time as two of his favorite targets: President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Obama and his family are staying in a beachfront home in Kailua on Oçahu. Pelosi was vacationing on the Big Island.