Governor David Ige has appointed Luella Costales to the state House of Representatives, District 39, which covers Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, Makakilo, and West Loch.

Costales, who will fill the vacancy left by former Rep. Ty Cullen, currently serves as a community and resource manager for the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. Previously, she was the director of fund development for the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, and the director of development at Kupu.  She also serves on the board of directors for the FBI Honolulu Citizens Academy Alumni Association and is a committee member of the WWII Filipino Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Committee, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, as well as the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation.

In a statement Governor Ige said,“Luella has over 35 years of experience serving her community through the non-profit sector.  One of her main goals is to restore public trust in the legislative process and I believe she’s the right person to help ensure honesty, clarity, and integrity in her role serving the people of Hawaiʻi. I wish her all the best and look forward to working with her.”

Costales will take office once the state House qualifies her and administers the oath of office. She will serve the rest of Cullen’s term which expires in November 2022.

Photo credit: State of Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office