Lingle should have named 13th District successor by now, Maui legislators say

The Maui News
Thursday, January 20, 2005

By ILIMA LOOMIS, Staff Writer

HONOLULU – Maui's Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday that Maui's 13th House District seat should have been filled by the opening of the legislative session.

Former Rep. Sol Kaho'ohalahala resigned from the seat representing East Maui, Molokai and Lanai on Jan. 6, a week after he was named as new executive director of the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission. Gov. Linda Lingle has up to 60 days to appoint a replacement.

"I think the governor's taking too long," said Wailuku Rep. Joe Souki. "I think she should have replaced (Kaho'ohalahala) before the session began."

State Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents Upcountry, East Maui, Molokai and Lanai, has been helping cover the responsibilities of the district, along with other Maui Senate and House members, Souki said.

But the 13th House District needs a representative "on the basis of principle," he added.

"There's no reason to wait that long," he said.

"It just needs to be done soon," said West Maui Sen. Rosalyn Baker, who noted that Lingle is out of town to attend inauguration events for President George W. Bush.

She said she spoke with Lingle about her concerns.

"She thought once she was back, maybe things would move faster," Baker said.

She said it was important for East Maui, Molokai and Lanai to have full representation as soon as possible.

"We just don't want to wait to the 7th of February," Baker said.

But Republican Rep. Chris Halford of South Maui said he supported Lingle's "inclusive" process of selecting a representative, and thought it was good that Maui Democrats were being included in the selection process.

He said he was sure the appointee would be someone prepared for the job.

"Whoever comes aboard will be experienced enough to hit the ground running," he said.

Although she has 60 days to appoint a replacement, Lingle said she would appoint one on Feb. 7, after an application and review process that includes a panel of Maui Democrats to screen candidates.

The replacement must be a Democrat who is registered to vote in the 13th District. The Maui Democratic Party offered names of nine people as possible successors, including Mele Carroll, who was endorsed by Kaho'ohalahala to fill the seat.

Carroll, a legislative liaison for Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, has run unsuccessfully for County Council twice.

Ilima Loomis can be reached at iloomis@mauinews.com.

Copyright © 2004 The Maui News

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