Governor Ige Appoints Hawai"i Island Educator, Community Leader to Fill Vacant State Senate Seat

Press Release

Gov. David Ige has appointed long-time educator Laura Clint Acasio to the Hawai"i State Senate, District 1 -- which encompasses the greater Hilo area on Hawai"i Island. Acasio fills the seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, who was elected to U.S. Congress in November.

Acasio has been an educator with the Department of Education since 1998, having served as a teacher and long-term substitute in grades K-12 at 15 schools across the state. She has served in various capacities with the Hawai"i Democratic Party since 2016, including party chair from 2018-2020.

In addition, Acasio is an executive board member with Ka "Umeke Ka"eo Public Charter School and has served her community widely. Her work includes -- restoration volunteer for the Hilo Women's Prison, restoration steward with Protect Kaho"olawe "Ohana, co-founder of the Hilo Boys and Girls Club Community, teen mentor and facilitator with the Nature Conservancy and member of the Surfrider Foundation.

"Laura Acasio is an excellent representative of the community she has served for many years. I have every confidence in her ability to serve with integrity, and I look forward to working with her," said Gov. Ige.

"I am honored and extremely humbled to accept the Senate District 1 appointment made by Governor Ige. I commit myself to be of service and represent the voices of Senate District 1 as we face the coming challenges. I look forward to working closely with fellow Hawai"i State Legislators and our community at large. I carry in my heart the deep meaning rooted in the State Motto: Ua Mau Ke Ea o ka "Aina i ka Pono," said Acasio.

Acasio will serve out the remainder of Kahele's term which ends in 2022.

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