Just days after it was announced that James Koshiba, the governor’s homelessness coordinator, would be stepping down after only a year on the job, Gov. Josh Green named his replacement.

Rep. John Mizuno, a Democrat who has represented Kalihi in the Hawaii House of Representatives, will take over the position early next year.

Green and Mizuno met nearly 20 years ago when the governor first served in the House. Mizuno at the time was already emerging as a key figure in addressing homelessness.

The governor credited Koshiba for taking the lead on crafting the administration’s emergency proclamation on homelessness and for “setting the stage” for the establishment of kauhale — tiny villages — to house people living without shelter.

More than a dozen facilities are planned over the next year along with other housing initiatives.

Asked about Koshiba’s departure after only a short while, Green said that it can be difficult for someone to transition from the private philanthropic sector into government. He said Mizuno’s government chops would serve the administration well, and that Koshiba would advise Mizuno.

“He did us a solid by doing so much advance work,” Green said of Koshiba.

Mizuno, who does not require Senate confirmation, will resign from the House on Jan. 2, the day he assumes the new gig.

Democrats on Oahu will then choose from applicants for the District 29 seat, which includes Kamehameha Heights and Kalihi Valley. Green will then make his selection to fill the vacancy.

Mizuno is the third House representative this year to quit to work for the administration.