Galen Fox formally left the state House of Representatives yesterday, ending his nine-year career at the state Capitol with a quiet lunch with his staff and other Republicans.

Fox, the former House Republican minority leader, announced his resignation in October as the news media was about to report his federal misdemeanor conviction for fondling a woman on a flight to Los Angeles last year. He faces sentencing in federal court in Los Angeles in January.

Fox said he preferred not to talk publicly about his last day in office, but people who attended the lunch said he was in good spirits. While people were surprised and disturbed by the circumstances of the conviction, on a personal level, they also recognize Fox as a friend and colleague who will be missed.

"We're going to lose someone who had nine years here," said Boyd Akase, director of the House Minority Research Office. "That's a loss to this body, with his knowledge and his experience."

Gov. Linda Lingle has set Monday as the deadline for Republicans to apply to fill out the remainder of Fox's term next year. At least four Republicans in House District 23, which covers Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kaka'ako, have shown interest.

Four applicants spoke Wednesday night at a meeting of House District 23 Republicans. Kristi Sue-Ako is finance director for the re-election campaign of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona. Anne Stevens is chief-of-staff to state Sen. Gordon Trimble, R-12th (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Downtown). Robert Finley is the chairman of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. And Les Among is a member of the neighborhood board.

Lingle will ask a panel of her staff and House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Aliamanu, Airport, Mapunapuna), to make recommendations. The applicants have to agree to criminal and financial background checks and sign statements swearing the information they provide to the governor's office is accurate.

Lingle will interview the finalists and has said she hopes to have a replacement for Fox before the session opens in January.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.