EDITOR'S NOTE:  Dylan Nonaka is accepting a position on the staff of Honolulu councilman Charles Djou.  Djou has announced his intention to run for US Congress in CD1 (urban Honolulu).

LINK: Hawaii Tribune Herald coverage

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has appointed Honoka‘a native Marc Miranda to serve as her liaison to the East Hawai‘i community.  Miranda will start his new duties on Jan. 12. 
Miranda has served on Governor Lingle’s staff since November 2003, working in her main office in Honolulu as boards and commissions assistant administrator.  His responsibilities include recruiting individuals from around the state to serve on more than 160 state boards and commissions; compiling lists of potential board and commission members for consideration by the Governor; ensuring that the board members understand and abide by state and federal statutory requirements; and organizing swearing-in ceremonies on each island for new and reappointed board and commission members. 
Miranda first joined the Governor’s team as an information specialist in the Constituent Services Office and was responsible for assisting the public in addressing their concerns and questions regarding state government services and operations. 
“Over the past five years, Marc has been a valuable member of our team, working closely with state departments to assist members of the public in meeting their needs,” said Governor Lingle. “Through his work, he has gained a strong knowledge of the issues facing our communities.  In addition, having been born and raised in Honoka‘a, Marc is very familiar with the issues and concerns of East Hawai‘i residents, and I am confident he will be a strong advocate for the community.”
Prior to his service in the Governor’s office, Miranda was a records clerk with Kaiser Permanente.  He is a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Hilo and received his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Valley College.
As the Governor’s liaison, Miranda will be the official East Hawai‘i representative for Governor Lingle.  He will be responsible for the operations of the Governor’s office in Hilo, which issues state identification cards and marriage licenses, as well as provides the public with information and assistance relating to state government. 
Miranda will also oversee the Governor’s East Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council, which holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues and priorities, as well as recommendations for state boards and commissions. 
The Governor also commended outgoing East Hawai‘i Liaison Dylan Nonaka for serving as her representative to the community since January 2006.
“Dylan has developed into a strong, effective leader and I appreciate the outstanding public service he has provided over the past three years, especially his commitment to helping to improve the quality of life for the people of East Hawai‘i,” said Governor Lingle.

####