Applicants sought to fill
open seat in state House

CORRECTION Tuesday, August 9, 2005 » One of the places residents may submit resumes and cover letters or nominations to replace state Rep. Ken Hiraki is Democratic Party of Hawaii, Oahu County Committee, District 28 Candidate Search, 815 Queen St., Honolulu 96813. A story on page A5 Saturday incorrectly said District 26. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at corrections@starbulletin.com.

The Governor's Office and the Democratic Party of Hawaii are urging residents to apply for the vacancy in the state House being created by Rep. Ken Hiraki's move to the private sector.

Hiraki, a Democrat who served the Kakaako-Downtown district for 19 years, announced last month he would leave office Sept. 1 to become a lobbyist for Hawaiian Telcom.

By law, Gov. Linda Lingle has 60 days from then 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.

"We have received many inquiries and encourage all qualified area residents to contact us," said Jimmy Toyama, chairman of the party's Oahu County Committee.

Lingle urged residents to submit their own resumes or nominations for anyone who they feel would be a good candidate.

Although she has until Oct. 31, Lingle said she plans to meet with the top three finalists and make a final decision by Sept. 9, in order to minimize the time residents of the district go without representation.

She asked that all resumes and nominations be submitted by the close of business Aug. 18.

Hiraki, who served as chairman of the House Consumer Protection Committee, also has said he will assist in finding a successor.

Residents may submit resumes and cover letters or nominations to:

» Democratic Party of Hawaii, Oahu County Committee, District 26 Candidate Search, 815 Queen St., Honolulu 96813; oahucountydemocrats@yahoo.com; fax: 637-1236.

» Office of the Governor, Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu 96813; Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov; fax: 586-0006.

Hiraki is the second Democrat to leave the House this year. In January, Sol Kahoohalahala left his seat representing the Lanai-Molokai district to become executive director of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission. He was replaced by Mele Carroll, who had been Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa's chief legislative liaison.