02-05-2010 - Remembering Cec Heftel

Hawaii lost two of its most passionate leaders yesterday. Today, as Neil learned of the news that former Congressman Cec Heftel died, he recalls their relationship that started out as a rivalry and that grew into a friendship.

Today, Hawaii News Now posted a statement from Neil on Cec Heftel:

My relationship with Cec Heftel goes back 40 years when I was a University of Hawaii graduate student running for the U.S. Senate, along with environmentalist Tony Hodges during the Vietnam War. Tony and I were against the war and we both stood a very good chance of winning the Democratic nomination when Cec entered the race at the last minute. I remember picketing KGMB-TV, which Cec owned at the time, demanding a debate with him. Although he emerged the winner of that race, a lifelong friendship began for which I am extremely grateful.

It’s poignant to me that he has passed away at this time when we are about to have a special election for the same office he once occupied and I am leaving. In 1986, Cec left his House seat to run for governor, and I won the special election but lost the primary election on the same day in September to fill his seat. My wife, Nancie, and I had to move to Washington, D.C. without much money and no place to live. Cec called, offered his apartment and literally put a roof over our heads. He also asked his staff to stay on to help me participate as fully as possible in the work of the Congress from September until January. He was gracious, friendly, and couldn’t have been more accommodating.

After he lost his bid for the governor’s office in 1986, I often sought his advice and counsel. He was always courteous and generous with his time. Eventually, he ran for the Board of Education, and I supported him. We talked a lot about education during his time there, and he made a tremendous contribution.

Cec Heftel had a devotion to Hawaii that was complete. He demonstrated this through his many years as a leader in the broadcasting industry and a distinguished career as a public servant. I will always cherish his warmth, kindness and good counsel.

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