Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed Richard Creagan, a doctor and vice president of Kiolakaa Mountain Farms, to fill a state House vacancy on Hawaii island.

Creagan, a Democrat, will serve the remainder of Rep. Denny Coffman’s term this year in a district that includes Naalehu, Captain Cook and Keauhou. The appointment is effective immediately. Coffman resigned last month to help his daughter with a medical problem.

"Richard’s diverse experience as a physician, researcher, farmer, Peace Corps volunteer and educator will contribute greatly to his service to the people of Hawaii," Abercrombie said in a news release.

Creagan, who lives in Naalehu, has worked in Kona Community Hospital’s emergency department and as its vice chief of staff, and as a state Department of Health bioterrorism preparedness epidemiologic investigator, the Governor’s Office said.

He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and received a medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He also received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009 from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.