The Maui County Democratic Party will begin accepting applications on Monday for nominees to fill the seat of outgoing state Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran.
Keith-Agaran, who represents Central Maui’s Senate District 5, submitted his resignation on Aug. 30 to Gov. Josh Green, Senate President Ronald Kouchi and the Maui County Democrats.
Keith-Agaran, whose resignation takes effect on Oct. 31, had told The Maui News at the time that he didn’t want questions over conflict of interest to be a “distraction” as his law firm prepares to represent clients in lawsuits over the Lahaina fire.
Senate District 5 comprises House Districts 9 and 10 and includes Kahului, Puunene, Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku and Waikapu.
Green has 60 calendar days from the date of the resignation to make an appointment and fill the vacancy. The selected appointee will serve for the remainder of Keith-Agaran’s unexpired term, according to a news release from the Democratic Party on Friday.
Maui County Democrats District 9 Chairman John Simpliciano and District 10 Chairman Michael “Mikey” Victorino Jr. will convene members of the vacancy selection committee at 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Iao Intermediate School Cafeteria in Wailuku.
The committee will interview applicants and select the names of three candidates to submit to Green for his review and consideration.
Those interested in applying should go to bit.ly/senate5vacancy to download required application forms and instructions. Applications will be accepted digitally beginning Monday at bit.ly/senate5 application, with the digital portal closing at 4 p.m. Nov. 2.
Those interested but unable to apply digitally can send their application via U.S. mail. It must be received no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 2 or dropped off in person at Senate District 5 Selection Committee, c/o ILWU Local Hall, Maui Division, 896 Lower Main Street, Wailuku, 96793.
Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, contact Jared Sam Agtunong, Maui County chairman for the Democratic Party of Hawaii, at mauicountydemocrats@gmail.com.
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