Kauai Council Chairman unanimously chosen interim mayor

LIHUE » Kauai County Council Chairman Bill "Kaipo" Asing was unanimously selected as the interim Kauai mayor at a special council meeting this morning.

Bill “Kaipo” Asing

Asing, who has served on the council for 24 years, was the only person nominated at the meeting, which was not without its share of tension.

However, Asing said after the meeting he has no intention of taking the mayor's job until after the council's regular meeting Wednesday.

With two council members leaving for the National Association of Counties meeting tonight, Asing said that without him, the council cannot conduct business, such as convening a special session.

He also said he doesn't expect any major changes in the administration in the coming months.

"I want people to feel that everything that is in place will remain in place," Asing added.

Asing will replace Bryan Baptiste, who died June 22. Asing will serve as mayor until voters elect someone to fill out the remaining two years of Baptiste's term. July 22 is the filing deadline for anyone who wishes to run for mayor.

The council must now select a replacement for Asing's council seat.