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Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Ige Reappoints Directors at Eleven Departments
By News Release @ 11:17 PM :: 10767 Views :: Hawaii State Government

GOVERNOR IGE REAPPOINTS HAWAII DEFENSE DEPARTMENT LEADERS

News Release from Office of the Governor, January 8, 2019

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has reappointed Major General Arthur “Joe” Logan as adjutant general, Hawai‘i National Guard, Department of Defense. He has held this position since January 2015, overseeing the training and readiness of more than 5,000 soldiers and airmen of the Hawai‘i National Guard. Logan also serves as director of the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency and is the Homeland Security Advisor to Gov. Ige.

Logan has more than 36 years of service in the military, having served as  commander, Regional Police Advisory Command, Operation Enduring Freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan. Other positions include chief of staff, Hawai‘i Army National Guard and commander, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery.

“I am honored and privileged to continue to serve Governor Ige and the State of Hawai‘i. The Department of Defense will continue to move forward and ensure that the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the State of Hawai‘i remain our top priority,” Logan said.

Gov. Ige also reappointed Brigadier General Kenneth S. Hara as deputy adjutant general, Hawai‘i National Guard, Department of Defense. Hara has served in this position since January 2015.

Previously, Hara’s assignments have included: Chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Hawai‘i National Guard; commander, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Forward 34 in Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan; deputy commander, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; commander, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, Baghdad, Iraq.

Hara has been recognized with various awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

“I am honored that Governor Ige has entrusted me to once again serve as Deputy Adjutant General of the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Defense. I look forward to assisting the governor and our Adjutant General, Major General Arthur J. Logan in bringing his goals and priorities to fruition,” said Hara.

Both reappointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Link to photos and bios here

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GOV. IGE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS AT HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND DEPUTIES AT HEALTH

News Release from Office of the Governor, Jan 2, 2019

Link to photos and resumes here.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that he is reappointing the director and deputy at Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and is appointing a new state chief information officer. In addition, deputies at the Department of Health have been named.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)

Jobie Masagatani will be retained as chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a position she’s held since May 2012. Prior to her appointment at DHHL, Masagatani was special assistant to the chief executive officer at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Before serving at OHA, she owned a small consulting practice and was also an assistant to the President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems, where her area of focus was Native Hawaiian health. Masagatani previously served at DHHL as the Deputy to the Chairman from 1995 to 2002 and served as a Land Investment Analyst for Kamehameha Schools. She earned a master’s degree in public affairs/urban and regional planning from Princeton University and holds a B.S. degree in education from Northwestern University.

Masagatani’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

William Ailā, Jr. will also be continuing in his role as the deputy director to the chairman at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a position he’s held since 2014. He is the former chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and served as the Harbor Agent for the Wai‘anae Boat Harbor from 1987-2010. In addition, Mr. Ailā has participated on several boards and task forces centered around native Hawaiian rights and natural resource management including the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council, Mohala I Ka Wai, Hui Malama ‘O Makua and others. Ailā holds a B.S. degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Ailā’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

“This leadership team has made significant progress in awarding homesteads by embracing a combination of traditional lot development and pilot programs that provide alternatives such as rent-to-own projects and subsistence agricultural homesteads. They are committed to completing and awarding 374 lots in 2019 and 1,300 additional lots currently in the pipeline to be developed over the next five years,” said Gov. Ige.

“I am very appreciative of the governor’s support, and I look forward to continuing the positive steps we have taken at DHHL to achieve Prince Kūhiō’s vision of ʻĀina Hoʻopulapula and to advance our mission to manage the Hawaiian home lands trust effectively and to develop and deliver land to native Hawaiians,” said Masaganti.

“I am proud of the work Chair Masagatani and I have been able to accomplish these past years, and we have much to look forward to as we continue to advance new projects for our homesteaders and applicants,” said Ailā.

Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS)

Douglas G. Murdock returns to a leadership role in the administration as chief information officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services. He previously served as state comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Services, and as vice president, Administrative and Fiscal Affairs for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA). Before joining HTA, he was in private practice with local law firm Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing. Prior to that, he served in the Air Force for 25 years as a Judge Advocate (attorney) and attained the rank of Colonel. Murdock has a B.S. degree in economics, an M.S. in public administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington.

Murdock’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

“Doug has an outstanding grasp of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning state government to secure, efficient IT systems. We are dedicating significant resources to this task, and I’m confident that he will work with all stakeholders to develop sound solutions,” said Gov. Ige.

“I am honored to be selected by Gov. Ige as the state’s chief information officer. I look forward to working with Gov. Ige on his priority of effective, efficient and open government. Together we will continue the outstanding work done by outgoing CIO Todd Nacapuy and the state’s digital workforce by blending innovative technology with well-engineered business processes to deliver and support excellent programs and outcomes for our citizens,” said Murdock.

Department of Health (DOH) Deputies

Cathy Ross, who was deputy director for administration in the Department of Public Safety during Gov. Ige’s first term, has been appointed first deputy at the Department of Health where she previously held several positions before moving to Public Safety in 2012. Cathy earned three degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – a B.A. in psychology, M.P.H. in public health, and an M.B.A. from the Shidler College of Business Executive MBA program.

Ross’ appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

“Cathy’s commitment to public health and her focus on improving performance and accountability will help to ensure that our state’s healthcare system provides access to treatment and is affordable for all Hawaiʻi residents,” said Gov. Ige.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as part of Director Nolan Espinda’s team these past four years. I thank Gov. Ige for this exciting opportunity to integrate the perspectives of public safety and health to support his vision for changing the trajectory of our state. I thank Gov. Ige for this wonderful opportunity to continue serving our great community,” said Ross.

DOH deputies appointed by Director Anderson and not subject to senate confirmation:

  • Keith Kawaoka is being reappointed to the position of deputy director of the department of health – environmental health administration.
  • Danette Wong Tomiyasu is being reappointed to the position of deputy director of the department of health – health resources administration.
  • Edward Mersereau is being appointed to the position of deputy director of the department of health – behavioral health administration.

SA: Gov. David Ige reappoints Department of Hawaiian Home Lands chairwoman and deputy

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GOVERNOR IGE REAPPOINTS LEADERS AT COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 28, 2018

Link to photos and resumes here.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that he is reappointing the directors of the departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Public Safety to serve in his second term.

“These leaders are dedicated to upholding fairness and justice. They have led their departments with integrity and instilled a sense of professionalism among the employees there. I know they will continue to implement reforms and increase efficiencies to better serve our communities,” said Gov. Ige.

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)

Catherine P. Awakuni Colón (Cat) will continue as the director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, a position she’s held since January 2015. Prior to this she was the cable administrator in the DCCA’s Cable Television Division and served as the department’s executive director for its Division of Consumer Advocacy from 2006 to 2009. She previously served as chief legal counsel and commission counsel for the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Awakuni Colón holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.

“I am humbled by the governor’s confidence and look forward to continuing DCCA’s important responsibilities. I remain committed to protecting Hawaiʻi’s consumers and ensuring that businesses and individuals across the state are operating in a sound and fair manner,” said Awakuni Colón.

Colón’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

The deputy position at DCCA is appointed by the director, and Awakuni Colón has reappointed Jo Ann M. Uchida Takeuchi to be her deputy. This position is not subject to senate confirmation.

Jo Ann M. Uchida Takeuchi has been the deputy at DCCA since April 2012. Prior to this she served in various staff and leadership capacities at DCCA including as the complaints and enforcement officer with DCCA’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office, as the executive director of DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and senior attorney to the OCP. Uchida Takeuchi earned B.A.s in English and political science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.

“I am truly proud of the work we’ve done for Hawaiʻi and its residents in the nearly thirty years I’ve spent at DCCA. I look forward to continuing our work with stakeholders to promote sound consumer practices and maintain public confidence in our marketplace,” said Uchida Takeuchi.

Department of Public Safety (PSD)

Nolan Espinda will continue in his role as director, Department of Public Safety, a position he’s held for the past four years. Prior to his appointment as director, he spent 32 years in corrections, serving as Warden at the Waiawa Correctional Facility, the Halawa Correctional Facility and the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Espinda is a proud 1975 graduate of lolani School and holds a B. A. in political science from California State University at Chico.

“I consider myself privileged and honored to be nominated by Gov. Ige to continue to lead the important work of the Department of Public Safety. I look forward to working with our judicial, legislative and community partners towards making innovative and lasting criminal justice reforms for the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Espinda.

Espinda’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

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DIRECTORS AT HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, AND LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO SERVE IN GOVERNOR IGE’S SECOND TERM

News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 27, 2018

Link to photos and resumes here.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that he is reappointing the directors at the departments of Health, Human Services, and Land and Natural Resources for his second term.

“The health and wellbeing of Hawaiʻi’s people and natural resources are in good hands with this team of directors and deputies. Their commitment to the people, place and culture of Hawaiʻi will carry us forward to an increasingly healthy and sustainable future,” said Gov. Ige.

Department of Health (DOH)

Bruce Anderson, Ph.D., has served as the DOH director since June 2018. He previously served as director of the department from 1999 to 2002 and as deputy director of environmental health from 1987 to 1998 and, prior to that, as the state epidemiologist. He also served as president and chief executive officer of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation. Anderson graduated from Colorado College and received a master’s degree in public health from Yale University and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Hawai‘i.

“I am delighted to have the chance to continue to work with Gov. Ige, his team, and the dedicated staff at the Department of Health. It has been six months since I returned to the department, and I am still very excited about opportunities to improve the health and environment of the people of Hawaiʻi. I feel at home,” said Anderson.

Anderson’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

Department of Human Services (DHS)

Pankaj Bhanot has served as the director of the Department of Human Services since August 2016. He is an attorney by training who has dedicated his professional life to human rights and human services. He has held a variety of positions within DHS including deputy director, division administrator, employment and child care program administrator, and food stamp employment and training program specialist. Bhanot earned a B.A. in political science from Hindu College, University of Delhi, a J.D. from the Law Centre-I, University of Delhi, and an LL.M. in international human rights law from Cornell Law School.

“I wanted to join Gov. Ige’s cabinet four years ago because I believed in his goal of changing the trajectory of Hawaiʻi. The department of human services is vital to this vision. Because of the governor’s leadership, we have made great strides over the last four years. I’m honored to continue this work with Gov. Ige. I look forward to spending the next four years helping families in Hawaiʻi thrive,” said Bhanot.

Bhanot’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

The deputy position at DHS is appointed by the director, and Bhanot has re-appointed Cathy Betts to be his deputy. This position is not subject to senate confirmation.

Betts has been the deputy at DHS since September 2017. Prior to this she was the executive director of the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women. Betts previously practiced law in both the private and government sectors. Betts earned a B.A. in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a J.D. from the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law.

“I am deeply honored and privileged to be reappointed to serve the people of Hawaiʻi. I have great gratitude for this position and a sincere obligation to ensure our families and children are thriving. I would like to thank Director Pankaj Bhanot and Gov. Ige for their faith in my abilities and am looking forward to the next four years of this important work,” said Betts.

Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

Gov. Ige appointed Suzanne Case as Chair of the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources in April 2015. In this role she has focused on good government, inclusion, and implementation of Gov. Ige’s Sustainable Hawaiʻi Initiative. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Hawai‘i Program. She also served as Western and Asia/Pacific regional counsel for The Nature Conservancy. In addition, she practiced real estate transactions law at the law firm of Pettit & Martin in San Francisco. Case attended Williams College and Stanford University, where she graduated with a B.A. in History. She received her law degree from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, San Francisco.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve with Gov. Ige and DLNR staff to protect Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources for all of Hawaiʻi.  Together we have accomplished a lot these past four years, and we have a clear path forward to take the next important steps for our sustainability into the future, doing our job, the right way, and inclusively,” said Case.

Case’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

Gov. Ige has also re-appointed Robert K. Masuda to be the first deputy director at DLNR. Masuda has held the position since August 2017, and he previously served in this position from May 2005 to May 2007. Prior to that Masuda served as senior advisor for special programs development at the USDA’s U.S. Forest Service’ Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry. Masuda holds a B.S. in applied behavioral science and group work education from George Williams College and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Hawai‘i.

“I’m delighted to continue to serve with Gov. Ige and Chair Case as I agree very much with their commitment to Hawaiʻi’s leadership in global sustainability through proper stewardship of our natural and cultural resources. The governor’s respect and appreciation of native Hawaiian values and stewardship of our legacy resources is a reflection of his leadership and character, both much needed in today’s world,” said Masuda.

Masuda’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

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GOVERNOR IGE RE-APPOINTS LEADERS AT DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TAXATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 26, 2018

Link to photos and resumes here.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today the re-appointment of key leaders at three state departments.

“I have every confidence in these proven leaders and expect they will continue to bring innovative change and greater efficiencies to state government,” said Gov. Ige.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Director Jade Butay will continue to oversee the state’s 15 commercial and general aviation airports, 10 commercial harbors, and nearly 2,500 lane miles of state highways, tunnels, and bridges. He began his tenure with the DOT as the first deputy director in 2011 until being appointed as deputy director of the department of labor and industrial relations in November 2013. He returned to his position as first deputy at transportation in January 2015 and was appointed director in October 2017.

Butay earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with majors in accounting and finance from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and an M.B.A from Babson College.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to serve the public in Gov. Ige’s first term, and I am eager to continue the momentum of the administration during the next four years,” said Butay. “In the coming years the public will see noticeable improvements that add efficiency and modernization at our airports, harbors and highways that we all can be proud of.”

Butay’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Department of Taxation

Director Linda Chu Takayama and Deputy Damien Elefante will continue in their roles at the Department of Taxation. Both appointments are subject to senate confirmation.

Takayama has been the director since December 2017 and is responsible for the collection of state revenue, which exceeds $7 billion annually. Prior to that, she was the director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and she served as the executive director of the Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and as the Hawai‘i insurance commissioner. Takayama earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Hawai‘i and a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law in Virginia.

Elefante has served as deputy since August 2016. Prior to that he was the compliance coordinator at the department of taxation, and he also served as deputy attorney general for the tax division. In addition, he has experience as an attorney in the private sector. Elefante earned a B.A. from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in political science and a J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law.

“I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Gov. Ige’s cabinet and serve the public for the next four years,” said Elefante.

Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD)

Gov. Ige has re-appointed Ryker Wada to serve as the director of DHRD. Wada’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

Wada has served as the director of DHRD since Dec. 2017, prior to that he was the department’s deputy director. He has also served as the Certificated Personnel Regional Officer for the Windward District of the Department of Education (DOE) where he was responsible for human resources and labor relations. Before joining DOE he served as the Managing Attorney for the Honolulu Office of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Wada earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.

“It is an honor and privilege to be considered for the position of director of the Department of Human Resources Development. I thank Gov. Ige for his confidence and support and welcome the opportunity to continue service to our community,” said Wada.

The deputy position at DHRD is appointed by the director, and Wada has re-appointed Jason Minami to be his deputy. This position is not subject to senate confirmation.

Minami has been the deputy at DHRD since Feb. 2018. Prior to this he was the

senior ethics and compliance consultant at Kamehameha Schools. He also has experience as an attorney in private practice specializing in employment and labor law. Minami has a B.A and an M.A. in English from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve the public as part of Gov. Ige’s team, and I look forward to advancing the governor’s initiatives of innovation and efficiency in the Department of Human Resources Development,” said Minami.

###

SA: Hawaii governor selects department heads for second term  

SA: The governor has yet to announce who will lead a number of other state departments, such as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Agriculture.  

SA Editorial: Mostly status quo for Ige’s tam

 

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