HILO, Hawaii County — The mayor of Hawaii County, where lava has destroyed hundreds of homes, has had a relapse of pneumonia.

A statement released by Hawaii County says an ambulance took Big Island Mayor Harry Kim to Hilo Medical Center’s emergency room Friday. He’s been released and is resting at home.

Kim says he had to promise to stay home Friday.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Managing Director Wil Okabe says he’ll serve as acting mayor while Kim recuperates.

Kim has been at the forefront of emergency response to the May 3 eruption of Kilauea volcano. Lava oozing from fissures in Big Island neighborhoods has wiped out more than 600 homes. Okabe says Kim’s vacation home was among the properties claimed.

Okabe says Kim suffered two heart attacks in April. Kim was diagnosed with walking pneumonia last month.

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