Gov. David Ige has appointed Laura Acasio to fill the state senate seat left vacant by Congressman Kai Kahele. Acasio will represent the greater Hilo area.

Acasio is a substitute teacher who has served in leadership roles within the Hawaii Democratic Party, according to a press release from the governor’s office. She also has worked with nonprofits including the Hilo Surfrider Foundation, Ka ʻUmeke Kaʻeo Public Charter School and the Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation.

Acasio was among three Democrats whose names were submitted to the governor to complete the remaining two years of Kahele’s four-year term in the state senate. Kahele was sworn in to Congress earlier this month.

Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, chair of the Hawaii Democratic Party, said the party looked forward to working with Acasio “who will bring her lifelong Democratic values and real-world experiences as an educator and community advocate to the state Capitol.”

Acasio will take the oath of office on Wednesday during opening day proceedings of the Hawaii Legislature.