GOVERNOR GREEN FILLS OPEN WEST OʻAHU STATE SENATE SEAT

News Release from Office of the Governor, July 30, 2024

Honolulu — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today filled the open state Senate seat for District 22 representing the Leeward Coast of O‘ahu. This appointment follows the resignation of Senator Maile Shimabukuro who served West Oʻahu for 21 years. Croccifixio Makani Crabbe will serve the remainder of the term through November 5.

Governor Green recounts the challenges of making an appointment within weeks of a primary election. “Making an appointment so close to the election may influence the outcome of the election,” said Governor Green. “It is my constitutional obligation to support free and fair elections, and this was the only path to maintain that integrity.”

Green emphasized the need for legislative reform to avoid similar situations in the future. “The current law did not anticipate the complexities of appointing a replacement just days before an election.”

“I will be proposing legislation to extend the selection from 60 days to 120 days to avoid instances where the selection could be within days of an election, ensuring that the voters’ choice is respected without any influence from filling a vacancy,” said Governor Green.

Croccifixio is a member of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and works as the Office Manager for Representative Cedric Gates (District 45).

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NEWLY APPOINTED SENATOR CROSS MAKANI CRABBE ISSUES STATEMENT HIS APPOINTMENT TO VACANT SENATE DISTRICT 22 SEAT

News Release from Office of Sen Crabbe July 31, 2024

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Senator Cross Makani Crabbe (District 22 – KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following statement regarding his appointment to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Senator Maile Shimabukuro in May 2024:

“As a lifelong resident of the 96792 community, I deeply understand the importance of strong representation for the Leeward Coast. I am most honored and humbled to accept this opportunity to serve our community during this interim period. My neighbors from the Leeward Coast have repeatedly said that they felt neglected by government, and I am determined to lift their voices and reverse that perception. This is why I am accepting the kuleana to fill the District 22 Senate seat until the general election on November 5.  

I look forward to advocating for the people of 96792, focusing on the issues that matter most to our residents. The office has been vacated for 60 days, so there are many constituent-related matters to attend to. My focus as our interim Senator includes working on issues facing the community, including: 

• Cost of Living: Advocating for affordable housing and lower utility costs to ensure everyone can thrive in our community. 
• Local Economy: Supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities to strengthen our local economy. 
• Education: Ensuring our keiki have access to quality education and resources to succeed. 
• Public Safety and Infrastructure: Improving transportation and public services to enhance our quality of life and keep public safety as a top priority. 
• Native Hawaiian Advancement: Supporting initiatives that respect and uplift the Native Hawaiian community. 
• Houselessness: Working on practical solutions to address homelessness with compassion and effectiveness. 

I intend to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to assure you that our government does care. I do not take this responsibility lightly and look forward to working with Representatives Cedric Gates and Darius Kila to provide the services and support for our community. 

Mahalo to Representative Cedric Gates for being an exemplary teacher and encouraging me to fight for my community. Having worked with Representative Gates for four years, I know what it takes to be an effective and accomplished leader, and I hope to live up to his example over the next few months.

I extend my appreciation to the Democratic Party District Council Representatives of House Districts 44 and 45 for electing me to be on the short-list along with other eligible nominees. 

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green for appointing me to fill this vacancy and upholding the law. Together, we will work to ensure that the Leeward Coast has the representation and support it deserves.”

Senator Crabbe is a former legislative staffer for Representative Cedric Gates and has also worked for the City and County of Honolulu – Office of Housing. He has a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Social Justice and Cultural Studies and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Life Sciences from Seattle Pacific University. He has a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. He has served as the Vice-Chair of the Waiʻanae Coast Neighborhood Board and is a member of the Waiʻanae Hawaiian Civic Club. 

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STATEMENT FROM REP. CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES ON SENATOR CROSS CRABBE’S APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY FOR SENATE DISTRICT 22

News Release from Office of Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (D-45 Wai‘anae, Mākaha), July 30, 2024

Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi – Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (D-45 Wai‘anae, Mākaha) issued the following statement regarding the appointment of Senator Cross Crabbe for the District 22 vacancy:

"The residents of Senate District 22 urgently needed representation and I’m pleased to hear Governor Green has come to a decision to fill the Senate vacancy. It is critical for our residents to have a Senator who can effectively serve the community and address our constituents' everyday concerns.

Our district has unfortunately been without Senate representation for nearly two months. During this period, many residents increasingly relied on my office for support and advocacy. (CLUE: Self-serving campaign rhetoric, LOL!) It’s crucial to finally have a Senate counterpart to collaborate with as we advocate for the residents of the Leeward Coast.

I believe Senator Cross Crabbe will effectively serve our Westside residents and take the necessary actions to address the challenges in our community. I look forward to collaborating with Senator Crabbe during this interim period to advocate for the Leeward Coast and create a more thriving community for our residents.

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July, 2024:  Kouchi Overthrow Risk in Waianae Senate?--  "I do not believe that the Legislature intended to require the Governor to select a senator within a specified time frame when doing so would place the full weight of the Governor’s office on the scales in favor of one candidate over the others,” Governor Green said.

KHON: Gov. Green fills leeward senate seat

CB: Hawaii's Process For Filling Vacant Legislative Seats Is Getting Closer Scrutiny

SA: Green taps state House candidate to fill vacant W. Oahu Senate seat