Tom Brower, communications director for the Democratic Party of Hawai'i, will soon leave the job to run in the Democratic primary this September in House District 23, which covers Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kaka'ako.

State Rep. Anne Stevens, a Republican, was appointed last week to fill the vacancy in the district created when former Republican leader Galen Fox resigned after being convicted of a federal misdemeanor for fondling a woman on an airline flight. Stevens plans to run for the seat this year.

"Our district requires great care because it's Hawai'i's most important aesthetic and economic resource," said Brower, who has lived in Waikiki for two decades and serves on the neighborhood board. "I take our community very seriously and always make loyal and thoughtful decisions. We must ensure for the best possible future for our residents."

Brower is a former radio broadcaster and aide to Hono-lulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi.

"I welcome the campaign and the dialogue," Stevens said. "It's going to bring a lot of people out to vote and that's a good thing.

"I know he's really interested in the issues."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.