Honolulu City Council chairwoman Barbara Marshall is battling cancer for the third time in the last six years but said she is confident she can perform her council duties and also run for re-election.

Marshall was diagnosed with colon cancer in May, and is undergoing chemotherapy while taking oral cancer medication, she said.

After presiding over a special City Council meeting on Aug. 6, Marshall was not able to attend an executive matters committee meeting yesterday due to her health. In the last several months, her treatment and condition have forced her to miss several council committee meetings and community events, she said.

Each day brings different levels of pain and varying degrees of stamina, said Marshall, but thanks to an "incredible" family and staff, she is fighting and taking care of the majority of her responsibilities.

"Part of the problem is, you never know how you're going to feel. But like everything else in life, you get up in the morning and do what you have to do," said Marshall, who represents Waimanalo, Kailua and most of Kane'ohe in the council . "This is the worst (bout), I have to say; the other (times) did not have this kind of pain. The chemo ... it's a bear. I wish it weren't happening but I'm very confident we'll get through this."

In addition to taking part in contentious council debates over the city's $3.7 billion commuter rail project and other municipal issues, Marshall is facing challenges from Leigh Prentiss and Wilson Kekoa Ho to retain her seat. This year's primary election is set for Sept. 20.

"I think someone doesn't want me to run for office. Twice before we've had to deal with an election and twice before we've had to deal with cancer," said Marshall, 64. "We'll make it. We're strong and we're able to make it."

Marshall was first diagnosed with uterine cancer the day after she won the primary election in 2002. After beating back the disease, she again was diagnosed with uterine cancer midway through her re-election efforts in 2004, and overcame it a second time.

She was diagnosed in May of this year with colon cancer, shortly after her mother passed away April 30.

WELL WISHES

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the council chair. We're praying and hoping for a speedy recovery," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "I know that she has overcome these physical challenges before and we're very hopeful she'll be able to overcome them again. We wish her the best for a speedy recovery."

In a newsletter sent to supporters and delivered to neighborhood boards in her district, Marshall said her illness will not affect her work or her re-election campaign.

"I am battling cancer for the third time — it seems every election cycle I have cancer! Since I beat it twice before, I am confident I will beat it again," the letter reads. "Meanwhile, however, the disease and its treatment sometimes leaves me unable to attend meetings, even my own 3 TALK (district) meetings. But my staff and I remain committed to Windward residents and their concerns and staff will always represent me if I am unable to attend myself."

Several of Marshall's council colleagues expressed support, saying that she needs to focus on getting well.

"I'm praying for her. We need her on the council, she's a good voice to have on the council," said councilmember Gary H. Okino. "I hope she can fight this thing off so she can continue to be on the council."

Councilmember Todd K. Apo said he's told Marshall that the most important thing for her to do is get better.

"She's been effective in representing her district since she was first elected. It's obviously tough, when anyone you're related to in any way, to see them have to fight through these types of things," said Apo. "Sure, she's missed some meetings but I haven't heard any concern from her constituents. The only concern I've heard is that she have the time and energy to take care of herself."