Gov. David Ige on Friday appointed Linda Ann Ha‘i Clark to fill a vacant seat in the House that represents Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai and rural East Maui.

Clark is an independent process server for the state’s Child Support Enforcement Agency, according to a news release announcing her appointment. Ige chose Clark from a list of three candidates to fill a seat formerly held by Lynn DeCoite, who is now a state senator.

Linda Ann Ha‘i Clark is taking Sen. Lynn DeCoite’s seat in the House. Courtesy photo/2021

The other two candidates were former Maui County Councilwoman Stacy Crivello and former Maui Council candidate Claire Carroll.

“I am extremely grateful for the appointment. I’d like to thank Gov. Ige for entrusting me. I’d also like to thank Sen. Lynn DeCoite and outgoing Sen. J. Kalani English for their years of service. I look forward to meeting my constituents as soon as possible,” Clark said in a statement.

Clark is the president of the Kaupo Community Association and has served on the Hana Advisory Committee. She is the fourth generation of a ranching family and also has experience with various local nonprofits.

A press release from the governor’s office says Clark “was raised on a cattle ranch and is a proud wife, mother of four grown children, and grandmother of three.”

Clark can take her seat in the House after taking the oath of office. The Legislature is expected to meet again in January.

Clark would need to run for office in 2022 to keep the seat.

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