Governor Green announced the appointment of Hawai‘i State Representative Rachele Lamosao to serve as the state Senator for Senate District 19, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Henry Aquino that took effect Nov. 30.

In her new Senate seat, Lamosao, first elected to represent House District 36 in 2022, will represent the communities of Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch, Honoʻuliʻuli and Ho‘opili — and will serve through the next general election in 2026.

A graduate of Waipahu High School, Lamosao has served in a range of roles focused on improving outcomes for youth and working families, including community relations work supporting educational programs, nonprofit partnerships and family service initiatives. She is widely known in West Oʻahu for her hands-on involvement in neighborhood boards, school-based programs and efforts to expand opportunities for local students and first-generation college students.

Lamosao will be sworn in on January 21, 2026, the opening day of the legislative session.

The House District 36 vacancy created by Lamosao’s appointment will be filled by the Governor from a list of candidates to be provided by the Democratic Party within 30 days of the resignation date.

Photo credit: Office of Governor Green