State Rep. Ken Ito’s longtime legislative aide, George Okuda, will fill Rep. Jessica Wooley‘s House seat, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Friday.

“George has more than a decade of public service experience and has active legislative ties to the windward Oahu community,” Abercrombie said in a news release. “He will bring stability during this transition period.”

Wooley stepped down after the governor appointed her to serve as the director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. The Senate confirmed Wooley, whose appointment became controversial after Sen. Clarence Nishihara questioned her honesty, near the end of session in April.

Okuda, whose appointment is effective immediately, will represent District 48, which covers Kaneohe, Kahaluu and Haiku Valley on Oahu.

He served as a legislative aide for Ito since 2000. The position involved drafting, tracking and analyzing bills and resolutions. He was also responsible for meeting and working with various state department personnel, organizations and constituents on measures before the Legislature, the governor’s release said.

Okuda also worked with school principals in Ito’s district on capital improvement projects, the release said. He previously worked as a legislative aide for state Sen. Bob Nakata and was a member of the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board for six years.

George Okuda was appointed June 13, 2014, to represent District 48 in the state House.