GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR LAND USE COMMISSION, BOARD OF EDUCATION

News Release from Office of the Governor, Apr 7, 2016

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced his nominations for the Board of Education and the Land Use Commission. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Land use Commission:

The governor has appointed Dawn Chang and Gary Okuda to the state Land Use Commission.

Chang served 14 years as deputy attorney general with the Land/Transportation Division and counsel to various state boards and commissions such as the Land Board and Water Commission. She is principal of Ku‘iwalu, a public affairs company that specializes in strategic planning and facilitating culturally sensitive issues for public and private sector projects.

Okuda has practiced law in Hawai‘i since 1981, specializing in diverse real estate matters. He says, “The Land Use Commission plays a vital role in protecting Hawai‘i’s precious resources, and carrying out the mandates of the Hawai‘i State Constitution. I am humbled to be asked to play a part in fulfilling these responsibilities for all people who love Hawai‘i and call it home.”

The governor also reappointed Commissioner Jonathan Scheuer, whose current term expires on June 30th.

Board of Education:

Former educator Patricia Bergin and former news reporter Bruce Voss have been appointed to the Board of Education.

Bergin is a former teacher with the state Department of Education. She is currently the coordinator for leadership teams of Ka HULI Mua, a consortium of preschool programs on three islands. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Chaminade University. Bergin has been a member of Hawai‘i’s education community for more than 40 years.

Voss is a partner with the law firm of Bays Lung Rose & Holma. His practice emphasizes business, real estate, employment law and litigation. He previously worked as a news reporter for Pacific Business News and KHON2 News. Voss is a graduate of Kalaheo High School and the Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i.

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