Lynn DeCoite Sworn In As Representative For House District 13

Today Representative Lynn DeCoite, who was appointed by Governor David Ige to complete the current term of the late Mele Carroll, was sworn in during the regular session of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

"This is a bittersweet day for me and my family." Stated Rep. DeCoite" I know I have some big shoes to fill. I am grateful for having the opportunity to get to know Rep. Carroll. She was my Rep., my friend, and she was my family."

DeCoite continued "I know I have a lot to learn. I am committed to setting forth with an open mind and to do the best for District 13, the people of East Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i. I am thankful for this opportunity and will not take it for granted."

Representative DeCoite will serve on the House Committee on Finance (FIN) along with the committees on Agriculture (AGR), Economic Development & Business (EDB), Tourism (TUR) and Veterans, Military, & International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts (VMI).

Rep. Lynn DeCoite was born in Honolulu and has lived on Moloka'i since she was four years old. She is a third generation homestead farmer, where she and her three siblings were raised to work hard and live off the land. Rep. DeCoite went to Moloka'i High School and then attended Moloka'i Community College. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of three children.

Rep. DeCoite and her husband Russell, own and operate L&R Farms Enterprises, LLC where they raise the famous Moloka'i purple sweet potato.

Along with being a small business owner DeCoite has a history of community service. She has been involved with the Annual Moloka'i Christmas Parade, the Moloka'i Ag Festival, the Annual Prince Kuhio Day Event and the Moloka'i Annual Charity Walk. She also served as the Parent Teacher Student Organization President for Moloka'i Middle School.

Lynn DeCoite has also served on the Boards for organizations like Lokahi Pacific (from 2004-2012 ) - a housing and small business loan agency, Hikiola Cooperative (2008-2011)- a feed and fertilizer Co-op, Moloka'i Irrigation Advisory Board (2008-2012), the Moloka'i Chamber Foundation (2006-2012), The Moloka'i Planning Commission from (2006-2009). Up until her appointment to the State House of Representatives Lynn served on the Moloka'i Homestead Farmers Alliance (2006-2015), Farm Service Agency (2007-2015) and the Hawaii State Board of Agriculture (2012-2015).

Rep. DeCoite has been engaged in issues and involved at both the Maui County Council and the State Legislature and advocated for the people of Hawaii for many years. She has participated in various working groups including the Maui Water Community Working Group and the Moloka'i Workforce Development Agricultural Working Group. She was instrumental in having Moloka'i Irrigation System audited and lobbying for it to have the necessary funds to fix the system so that farmers can continue to farm.

"I am committed to keep my ears open and am willing to listen and work with EVERYONE to make the State of Hawai'i a better place for all of its people." Rep. DeCoite said in closing.