On Monday, the Maui County Council set up a framework to fill the open seat left by the Oct. 26 death of Councilmember Tasha Kama.

As decided by the County Council, anyone interested in applying for the seat representing the Kahului area should submit their applications before noon Nov. 10. To qualify, a nominee must be a U.S. citizen, a voter in Maui County and a resident of the Kahului area.

Councilmembers can also submit their own nominations by the deadline.

Before her passing, those close to Kama said she expressed her wishes that Kauanoe Batangan, the executive director of the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization, be appointed to fill the remainder of her term.

The County Council members intend to meet at 9 a.m. Nov. 20 to hear public testimony and consider the nominees. A decision to appoint someone into the role is expected after that.

Based on the county charter, the County Council has 30 days from an opening to fill the seat before the responsibility to make an appointment falls to the county mayor.

A news release said the County Council has until Nov. 25 to appoint a member to serve the remainder of Kama’s term. Kama also served as the presiding officer pro tempore of and as chair of the Housing and Land Use Committee.

Applications can be downloaded at www.MauiCountyVotes.gov. A map of the Kahului Council residency area is available at https://elections.hawaii.gov/resources/maps/election-maps. People can use the search tool to look up a specific address.

Applications can also be requested by emailing County.Clerk@MauiCounty.us, or by visiting the Office of the County Clerk, Kalana O Maui Building, 200 S. High St., Room 708, in Wailuku during business hours.