Maui Democrats Narrow English Successor To Three Candidates
Gov. Ige has until June 30 to name the new state senator representing Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and parts of Maui.
Members of the Maui County Democratic Party鈥檚 Senate District 7 selection body chose three names on Saturday to send to Gov. David Ige for his consideration to fill the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Senator J. Kalani English
They are:
- Lynn DeCoite of Hoolehua, Molokai, the current representative for House District 13 and a small business owner, farmer and rancher;
- Yuki Lei Sugimura of Kula, Maui, the current County Council member representing Upcountry Maui who has served as the vice chair of the Maui County Democratic Party; and
- Leo Caires of Kula, Maui, a community leader, agricultural business owner, and renewable energy executive.
The three names, according to a press release, were narrowed down from six total applicants. Ige has until June 30 to name the new senator.
鈥淭hese three candidates have deep roots in the district and I am confident that all of them would represent the 鈥榗anoe district鈥 well. All three possess a small business background, which will help to guide Maui Nui and the entire state toward economic recovery,鈥 said Democratic Party of Hawaii Chair Tyler Dos Santos-Tam.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 selection process embodied grassroots democracy in action,鈥 said Jonathan Starr, chair of the party鈥檚 District 13 Council. 鈥淭his process showed the passion of Maui Democrats to be involved in the community. Democrats love to participate in this type of process.”
The meeting, conducted over Zoom and broadcast over Facebook live, was held on Saturday morning.
