Senate District 5 Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith Agaran serves as Assistant Majority Whip.

The Maui County Democratic Party is now accepting applications for nominees to fill the vacancy of outgoing State Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran.

The senator, representing Senate District 5, submitted his resignation from his seat earlier this year to Gov. Josh Green, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and the Maui County Democrats.

Keith-Agaran’s resignation takes effect on Oct. 31, 2023. Senate District 5 comprises House Districts 9 and 10, encompassing the heart of Central Maui’s communities of Kahului, Puunene, Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku and Waikapu.

Per HRS 17-3, the governor has 60 calendar days from the date of the resignation to make an appointment and fill the vacancy. The selected appointee will serve for the remainder of Senator Keith-Agaran’s unexpired term.

District 9 Chair John Simpliciano and District 10 Chair Michael “Mikey” Victorino Jr. of the Maui County Democrats will convene members of the vacancy selection committee at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Iao Intermediate School Cafeteria in Wailuku.

The committee will interview applicants and select the names of three candidates to submit to Governor Green for his review and consideration.

Those interested in applying should go to bit.ly/senate5vacancy to download required application forms and instructions.

Applications will be accepted digitally beginning Monday, Oct. 23, through Thursday, Nov. 2, at bit.ly/senate5application. The digital application portal will close 4 p.m. on Nov. 2.

Those interested but unable to apply digitally can send their application via U.S. mail. The application must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2023 or dropped off in-person at Senate District 5 Selection Committee c/o ILWU Local Hall, Maui Division, 896 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793.

Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information about the vacancy selection process for Senate District 5 and required application documents, contact Jared Sam Agtunong, Maui County chair for the Democratic Party of Hawaii, at mauicountydemocrats@gmail.com.