The Honolulu City Council reorganized its leadership yesterday to accommodate the delicate health of council member Barbara Marshall.

The council voted 8-0 on a resolution making Marshall the floor leader and elevating council member Todd K. Apo to the position of council chair.

Council member Nestor R. Garcia becomes vice-chair.

The resolution was introduced and passed with no discussion or objections.

Marshall, who won re-election in September, is battling colon cancer and was unable to attend yesterday's council meeting.

"I have talked with chair Marshall about this change. We both recognize this is in the best interest of the council and allows her to focus on her recovery," said Apo.

Marshall is battling cancer for the third time in the past six years but said she is confident she can perform her council duties.

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

In the last several months, her treatment and condition have forced her to miss several council committee meetings and community events.

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 campaign in 2004, and overcame it a second time.

The latest diagnosis was made shortly after her mother died on April 30.