The Kauai County Council voted unanimously to appoint KipuKai Kualii to fill the seat vacated by Derek Kawakami. 

Kualii was sworn in today. He was a candidate for Council in the last two elections, finishing ninth and eighth, respectively. The Council is composed of seven at-large members.

He brings value to the Council because of his financial background, said Council Chairman Jay Furfaro.

Kualii has a business administration degree from the University of the Pacific and serves on the board of the Hawaii Community-Based Economic Development, Hui Kakoo Aina Hoopulapula and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, according to his website.

He replaces Kawakami, who was recently sworn in as state representative for House District 14. That seat was vacated by Hermina Morita, who was appointed chairwoman of the Public Utilities Commission.