GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES SECOND-TERM CABINET APPOINTMENTS

For Immediate Release:  December 20, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced cabinet appointments for her second term.  The new composition mirrors the current cabinet with all but two directors returning, ensuring continuity in the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s efforts to enhance government services, increase efficiency and improve the quality of life for Hawai`i residents. 

The Governor will re-nominate 14 department directors, all of whom will need to be reconfirmed by the State Senate.  In addition, Marsha Wienert will remain as the state tourism liaison, a cabinet-level position the Governor created in her first year in office.   The Governor will also retain Bob Awana as chief of staff, Linda Smith as senior advisor – policy, and Lenny Klompus as senior advisor - communications. 

The Governor will nominate Barry Fukunaga to serve as the director of the Department of Transportation (DOT).  Fukunaga, who currently is the deputy director of the DOT’s Harbors Division, will replace Rod Haraga, who has decided to return to the private sector.

Nelson Befitel, the director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, has also decided to return to the private sector.  Governor Lingle is still reviewing potential replacement candidates for the labor director position.  Befitel will remain on the job until a replacement is named.

“When the people of Hawai`i re-elected Lt. Governor Aiona and me, it was a recognition of the accomplishments and progress of our entire Administration,” said Governor Lingle.  “We appreciate our cabinet’s strong work ethic, admire their creativity and tenacity, and value their advice and counsel.  They have done an outstanding job of running their departments and working collaboratively to serve the public.”

“Each of our directors and senior advisors has made a commitment to finding long-term solutions to the challenges facing our state and capitalizing on the opportunities for future generations.  Together, we make a strong team that will continue to work hard every day to make a positive difference for the people of Hawai`i,” Governor Lingle added.

The Lingle-Aiona Administration Second-Term Cabinet

Nominations requiring Senate confirmation:
Mark Bennett, Attorney General
Georgina Kawamura, Director, Department of Budget and Finance
Russ Saito, State Comptroller and Director, Department Accounting and General Services
Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Director, Department of Agriculture
Ted Liu, Director, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Mark Recktenwald, Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Major General Robert Lee, State Adjutant General
Micah Kane, Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Chiyome Fukino, M.D., Director, Department of Health
Marie Laderta, Director, Department of Human Resources Development
Lillian Koller, Director, Department of Human Services
Peter Young, Director, Department of Land and Natural Resources
Iwalani White, Director, Department of Public Safety
Kurt Kawafuchi, Director, Department of Taxation
Barry Fukunaga, Director, Department of Transportation
Vacant, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Appointments that do not require Senate confirmation:
Bob Awana, Chief of Staff
Linda Smith, Senior Advisor – Policy
Lenny Klompus, Senior Advisor – Communications
Marsha Wienert, State Tourism Liaison

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For more information, contact:

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043