Two-term Kaua’i County Council member Gary Hooser has resigned from his county post to begin serving as Kaua’i’s state senator. Hooser, a Democrat, resigned after beating Republican challenger Rosie Holt in the 7th state senatorial district race in the Nov.
Two-term Kaua’i County Council member Gary Hooser has resigned from his county post to begin serving as Kaua’i’s state senator.
Hooser, a Democrat, resigned after beating Republican challenger Rosie Holt in the 7th state senatorial district race in the Nov. 5 general election.
The Kaua’i County Charter allows for remaining members of the council to appoint a successor to fill the vacancy of Hooser’s unexpired term within 30 days, council chair Ron Kouchi said.
However, the time period would exceed the Dec. 2 inauguration date for the newly-elected council.
Hence, “given applicable public notification requirements, there would be little reason to appoint an interim successor within this abbreviated time frame,” Kouchi said.
Kouchi wished Hooser well in his new job. “We all wish state senator-elect Hooser the best in his new capacity as he continues his public service to the people of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau,” Hooser said.
In an election-related matter, Kaua’i County Planning Commission Jay Furfaro also submitted his resignation after winning a seat on the seven-member council in the general election.
Furfaro submitted his resignation with the mayor’s office on Oct. 31.
Furfaro was required by state law to resign from the commission after winning an elected office.
The council, meanwhile, has received a letter from Mayor Maryanne Kusaka recommending replacements to the commission. Theodore A. Daligdig III was recommended to fill the “labor” post on the commission, and Lawrence Chaffin Jr. was recommend to fill the non-designated position.
The council is expected to begin taking up the matter during its Nov. 14 meeting at the historic County Building.
