Two Interim State Senators Appointed
A short inaugural ceremony was held on September 22 at the Senate President's conference room on September 22 to see Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald swear in 2 new, interim Senators. They are (in lei) Senator Ronald Kouchi from Kauai and Senator Laura Figuiera from Oahu's North Shore. The two new Senators were appointed by Governor Linda Lingle after their predecessors, Sen. Gary Hooser and Sen. Robert Bunda resigned their seats to run for higher office.
Both Senators like their predecessors are Democrats. The Governor is required by law to appoint legislators of the same party to vacated offices. The senators will serve until November 2, after which new, elected senators will take their place.
Shown in this photo are former Senator Robert Bunda, Senators Brian Taniguchi, Clarence Nishihara, Shan S. Tsutsui, Sam Slom, Ronald Kouchi, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, Senator Laura Figuiera, Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Senators Brickwood Galuteria and Clayton Hee. Shown below is Senator Laura Figuiera and Chief Justice Recktenwald.
Photos by Mel