LIHU‘E — Former County Councilman Ron Kouchi said today that he likely will seek the county’s state Senate seat if Gary Hooser, D-Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau, resigns to run for lieutenant governor. Hooser’s current term runs through 2012, though he would have to
LIHU‘E — Former County Councilman Ron Kouchi said today that he likely will seek the county’s state Senate seat if Gary Hooser, D-Kaua‘i-Ni‘ihau, resigns to run for lieutenant governor.
Hooser’s current term runs through 2012, though he would have to resign from that seat if he intends to run for lieutenant governor in this year’s elections, which he has announced he will do.
Hooser has until July 20 to file papers to run for lieutenant governor. Kouchi said Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau residents need Hooser to remain in his position as Senate majority leader and member of the Senate’s powerful Ways and Means Committee at least through May when the session ends.
“He is our senator and I am respectful of that,” Kouchi said of Hooser. “It’s critical for Kaua‘i” to have Hooser finish the current session and his legislative obligations, said Kouchi, adding he has spoken to Hooser about his plans.
See Wednesday’s edition of The Garden Island for the full story.
