U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has officially resigned from his state Senate seat.
Kahele was appointed in 2016 to fill the seat of his late father, Sen. Gilbert Kahele. He was elected Nov. 3 to represent Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“It has been an honor to represent and serve the people of Hilo in the Hawaii state Senate for the past four years,” said Kahele. “As a member of Congress, I look forward to continue working with our state leaders to rebuild our economy and create a more resilient Hawaii for future generations.”
Democratic Party officers from nine precincts in Senate District 1 will convene virtually at 6 p.m. Dec. 23 to name three people who Gov. David Ige will then consider to fill the vacant seat. He has 60 days to fill the vacancy.