Gov. Linda Lingle is inviting Democrats interested in replacing state Rep. Ken Hiraki, D-28th (Iwilei, Downtown, Makiki), to submit their resumes to her office by Aug. 18.

Yesterday, the governor said she would meet with three finalists for the post and make her decision by Sept. 9. Hiraki resigned last month to become the director of governmental affairs for Hawaiian Telecom. His resignation is effective Sept. 1.

Lingle has 60 days from the vacancy to appoint a replacement but said she would act quickly so members of the district would not be without a representative. The governor must select a Democrat because the law requires replacements to come from the same political party as the lawmaker who left office.

"This process is designed to be inclusive and transparent, with the goal of selecting the best individual to represent the people of the district," Lingle said in a statement. "Whether they want to be considered as a candidate themselves or they know someone who they would like to see fill the vacant seat, we want to give residents a chance to take part in serving their community and the state."

Lingle asked potential candidates to send a resume and a one-page letter explaining why they are the best person for the post. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Hawai'i for at least three years, and a voter in the 28th district.