All of Maui County is justifiably proud of Shan Tsutsui's ascension to the post of lieutenant governor of Hawaii.
It is a logical step for this rising star in state politics.
The position opened to Tsutsui when Brian Schatz was chosen as the interim replacement for the late U. S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.
The lieutenant governor acts as chief executive when the governor is out of the state and serves concurrently as the secretary of state. Additionally, it was announced that Tsutsui will serve as a liaison between the administration and Neighbor Islands.
By Hawaii state law, when a vacancy occurs in the Office of Lieutenant Governor it is offered first to the state Senate president, then the speaker of the House, then the attorney general.
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Tsutsui had decided to take the position.
Tsutsui's promotion was just the most recent showing of the emerging strength of the next generation of leaders in Hawaii's Democratic Party. Coupling Tsutsui and Schatz with Mazie Hirono, Colleen Hanabusa, and Tulsi Gabbard, the Democrats have a lineup that should dominate the state's politics for decades to come.
It is certainly easy to see Tsutsui succeeding Abercrombie after the governor's second term. The Democrats seem to have all their ducks in a row.
Our congratulations to the state's new lieutenant governor.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
