Longtime legislator
Hiraki to resign

Veteran Democratic legislator state Rep. Ken Hiraki will step down Sept. 1 to become a lobbyist for Hawaiian Telcom.

Hiraki (D, Kakaako-Downtown) takes over a position held by another former House member, Paul Oshiro, who left Hawaiian Telcom to become a lobbyist for Alexander & Baldwin.

Hiraki served 19 years in the House. He was chairman of the House Consumer Protection Committee.

According to state ethics laws, legislators are forbidden from actively lobbying their former colleagues for one year, but they have been permitted to provide information and express opinions about matters before the Legislature.

"Ken Hiraki is one of our best and most senior legislators. We will miss his experience and leadership, especially on consumer issues," said House Speaker Calvin Say.

Hiraki added that he "wanted a normal life for my wife and family" after nearly 20 years in office.

By state law, Gov. Linda Lingle has 60 days to appoint a new legislator who is a member of the same party and who is a voter living in the same district as the person being replaced.

Hiraki said he would assist in identifying a qualified replacement for his seat.

"I want to thank Rep. Hiraki for nearly two decades of public service, and I wish him the best as he returns to the private sector. As I begin the process of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant seat, I welcome the public's input on recommendations," Lingle said.

Lingle's office is accepting recommendations for potential candidates to fill the 28th District House seat by sending an e-mail to governor.lingle@hawaii.gov or a fax to 808-586-0006.