Esther Kiaaina Front-Runner for OIA Assistant Secretary

From PNC-Guam by Matt Kaye Tuesday, 27 August 2013  (excerpts)

Guam-born Hawaiian Esther Kiaaina may be the next Assistant Secretary of  Interior for Insular Affairs.

A top congressional source says Kiaaina is the front-runner under White House consideration as a permanent replacement for Guam native and former OIA Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta, who resigned in February amidst a contracting and travel probe. 

Fish and Wildlife official Eileen Sobeck has filled the post on an acting basis, since then. A White House announcement on a replacement could come as early as next month. 

Kiannina ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District in the 2012 elections, after incumbent Mazie Hirono announced her bid to replace retiring Senator Daniel Akaka.

Kiaaina had served Akaka as his Legislative Director.

Former Interior Department Official and longtime consultant to the Pacific Islands Fred Radewagen…. “I would think that Esther would sail through a Senate confirmation hearing. She is highly regarded. She has a, very much, a policy orientation and would come in and be able to hit the ground, running.”

read … PNC-Guam

Link: OIA

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