Senator Appointed By Ige anti-Telescope protester who Called To Impeach Him

CB: … In a post still on her Facebook page Wednesday, Acasio shared a Change.org petition calling to impeach the governor for supporting construction of the long-delayed the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea. At the time, despite protests from Native Hawaiian activists opposing the telescope, Ige had announced construction soon would start….

The petition circulated by Acasio, meanwhile, called “for the impeachment or resignation of Governor David Ige for not upholding the laws that protect the Hawaiian people, Hawaiian sacred land, and the laws protecting Mauna Kea.”

“David Ige is choosing to protect corporate business over the rights of its own residents of that state that he was elected to govern and has failed to uphold his duties,” the petition continued.

The post caused a stir among some lawmakers during the Legislature’s opening day, which came just a day after Acasio’s appointment to fill the seat left vacant by newly elected U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele. But Ige’s office shrugged it off, saying the governor is aware of Acasio’s background and stance on the telescope....

“The governor stands by his appointment and believes that Ms. Acasio’s broad experience and active community engagement would best serve the district,” his office said in a statement. “He is ready to work with Ms. Acasio and all members of the Hawaii State Legislature in the best interest of the people of the State of Hawaii.”

Ige said he selected Acasio from a list of names submitted to him by Hawaii Democratic Party officers on Hawaii Island.

Acasio did not return a call for comment….

read … Senator Appointed By Ige Had Called To Impeach Him

WHT: Ige appointee called for his impeachment

HTH: Acasio lays out her legislative priorities -- her legislative priorities include “health and wellness, protecting ourselves, especially related to COVID,” plus improving access to health care for neighbor islanders and food security.  (Meanlingless feel-good stuff.  Apparently 'impeachment' is not a 'priority'.  It was just empty rhetoric like the rest.)

Dec 26, 2020: Ige to Choose from 3 Candidates for Kahele’s Senate District 1 Vacancy

Jan 21, 2021: Hawai‘i State Senate Updates Leadership and Committee Assignments

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GOVERNOR IGE APPOINTS HAWAI‘I ISLAND EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY LEADER TO FILL VACANT STATE SENATE SEAT

News Release from Office of the Governor, Jan 19, 2021

HONOLULU – 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.

HNN: HSTA Member tapped to fill vacant state senate seat

HTH: Ige appoints Laura Acasio to Kahele’s former state Senate seat

KHON: Acasio will serve out the remainder of Kahele’s term — which ends in 2022.