City Councilman-elect Joey Manahan, who in August won the election to succeed outgoing member Romy Cachola, could take office next week instead of Jan. 2, when Council terms officially begin.
Chairman Ernie Martin on Thursday introduced a resolution nominating Manahan to fill the vacancy that was created when term-limited Cachola resigned Oct. 31.
Cachola on Wednesday assumed his new job as a member of the state House.
"It makes sense to appoint the incoming Council member to serve the district that elected him to this seat for a four-year term that begins next January," Martin said in a news release. "I am confident that Council member-elect Manahan will represent his district well and ensure that the needs of his community are being addressed."
Manahan will represent the 7th Council District (Kalihi-Salt Lake).
The resolution would go before the Council at the start of its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday.
Cachola, who could not run again for Council because of term limits, won the election for state House District 30 (Sand Island-Kalihi-Airport) in the Aug. 11 primary by defeating newcomer Nicole A. Velasco. He was unopposed in the general election.
Members of the Legislature begin their terms the day after the general election, and Cachola is barred by law from holding two offices at once, prompting his resignation last month.
Because there is less than a year remaining in Cachola’s term, the Council has 30 days to nominate and approve a replacement.
If approved, Manahan would then be sworn in and begin work that day, including taking votes on various resolutions and bills.
His nomination would require approval of the seven current Council members.
A vacancy still exists in Council District 6 (Nuuanu-Downtown-Moanalua), the seat formerly held by U.S. Rep.-elect Tulsi Gabbard.
Gabbard resigned after the August primary allowing the special election to fill her seat to be held in conjunction with the Nov. 6 general election. The move saved the city about $150,000.
Former state Sen. Carol Fukunaga won the special election but cannot be sworn in until after a 20-day period to allow for any election challenges to be filed. If none is filed, she would be sworn in as soon as possible.
