She said Honolulu-based chief of staff Amy Asselbaye is leaving to work at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. The circumstances of her departure are unclear.

Asselbaye, in a statement given to Civil Beat late Tuesday night, was vague about the reasons for her leaving, saying only,  “One of the things I admire about Tulsi is that she sincerely cares, and really listens to people.  She has already proven herself to be an effective leader in Hawaii and in Congress.  I know she will continue to be a great Representative in Washington, and that she is working hard everyday to best serve the people of Hawaii.”

Gabbard said in tonight’s statement said she decided to “move the Chief of Staff position to the DC office to handle the day-to-day office operations while Congress is in session.” That makes sense. Most chiefs of staff of Congress members are in D.C.

Gabbard said she is also “hiring an experienced District Director who is dedicated to meeting the needs of constituents across Hawai‘i.  This structure will continue to provide the people of Hawai’i with the best possible service.” 

There was no mention, though, about deputy chief of staff Jennifer Goedke, who left the office in June. A follow up question after the statement to Gabbard’s office early Friday Washington D.C.-time went unanswered.

Gabbard has been an outspoken advocate on such issues as sexual assaults in the military and highly-praised among Democratic leaders. It’s not to say the staff shuffling will mean she won’t ultimately be effective under the new structure. But the departure of two top aides within the first six months of being office is highly unusual and it raises questions that weren’t answered in tonight’s statement.

— Kery Murakami