Maui Democratic Party Accepting Applications for House District 9

Map of House District 9, the district is denoted in purple.

By Wendy Osher

The Maui County Democratic Party is now accepting applications from individuals interested in filling the District 9 state House vacancy created by the governor’s appointment of Gil Keith-Agaran to the state Senate.

The deadline to submit an application is this Friday, Jan. 11 at noon.

In order to qualify, the applicant must: be a Democrat in good standing for at least six months prior to the application deadline; and live in House District 9, which encompasses Kahului and a portion of Sand Hills in Wailuku.

Applicants must fill out a “Statement of Candidacy” form, submit a resume not to exceed one page and complete a questionnaire, which is available at www.mauidemocrats.org or at the Law Offices of Merchant Horovitz located at the Wells Street Professional Center in Wailuku.

Democratic Party officials advise that recommendations from third parties will not be considered as only applicants may submit their own name.

All applications will be date and time stamped and a confirmation will be sent to the applicant. The chair will vet all applications for residency and “good standing” and prepare an official list to be considered.

The Democratic Party’s District 9 official nominating committee will meet on Saturday, Jan. 12, at which time they will allow each candidate to speak for up to 10 minutes.

Committee members with them be able to vote for up to three candidates, but not for the same person.

The final three names as identified by the nominating committee will be transmitted to the Maui County Democratic Party Chair and the Hawaii Democratic Party Chair who will then forward the names to the governor for consideration.

The governor has 60 calendar days following the first day of the vacancy to make an appointment to the Senate seat.

“This is a grassroots effort and a wonderful opportunity to serve the people of Hawai‘i and the residents of the 9th District,” said Dave Merchant, chair of the District 9 nominating committee.

“I encourage any interested democrats to apply,” he said.

***Supporting information courtesy Maui Democratic Party of Hawaii.