LIHUE, Kaua'i — Bill "Kaipo" Asing was sworn in this morning as Kauai County mayor until Dec. 1.

With dozens of city workers, officials, friends and family looking on at the city's Moikeha administration building, Asing took the oath of office from Kaua'i Circuit Court Chief Judge Randal Valenciano shortly after 9 a.m.

"Wow" was the mayor's first word on the job as he looked skyward. Asing then called for a moment of silence honoring the late Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, who died in office on June 22.

In taking the mayor's job, Asing steps down as a member and chairman of the Kaua'i County Council. The council meets today at 1:30 p.m. to chose a temporary council member to fill Asing's seat until Dec. 1.

Asing said he will not seek the mayor's job in the fall election, but will seek re-election to the Council.

So far those vying to fill the two remaining years of Baptiste's term are Kaua'i County Council members JoAnn Yukimura and Mel Rapozo, and county parks director Bernard Carvalho Jr. The deadline to nominate candidates for the Sept. 20 election is Tuesday.