Luke Evslin of Kaua‘i sworn into Hawai‘i House of Representatives

Former Kaua‘i County Councilmember Luke Evslin is now officially a member of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives.

Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Reckenwald swore in Evslin today in a ceremony held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in Honolulu. In his new position, Evslin will represent House District 16, which includes Wailuā, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e, Puhi and a portion of ‘Ōma‘o on Kaua‘i.

Evslin was sworn in alongside Trish La Chica, who will serve as the state representative of House District 37 (Mililani Mauka, Mililani Town, Koa Ridge and Waipi‘o Gentry on O‘ahu).

“We appreciate Luke and Trish responding to the call to serve their communities and the state of Hawaiʻi. They bring experience, perspective, and new energy to the House,” said House Speaker Scott Saiki. “With both of them joining us, the House will now have 18 new members which is the largest class the Legislature has seen in 28 years.”

Gov. Josh Green chose Evslin to fill the seat of former District 16 Rep. James “Jimmy” Tokioka last week, after Tokioka joined the Green Administration as deputy director of Airports late last year.

The governor selected Evslin from a short list of nominees that also included former Kaua‘i County Councilmember Mason Chock and local nonprofit director Nikki Cristobal.

Similarly, La Chica was picked to fill the seat of former District 37 Rep. Ryan Yamane, who was appointed by the governor to serve as deputy director of the Department of Human Resources Development.

As a newly-minted representative, Evslin joins longtime Kaua‘i politicians Nadine K. Nakamura and Dee Morikawa, who hold key leadership positions within the Hawai‘i House of Representatives this legislative session.