Abercrombie announces key cabinet appointments

December 15, 2010 03:05 PM

HONOLULU—Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced key appointments of cabinet members to his administration.

“All members of the Abercrombie Administration are already working hard toward implementing our vision of a New Day in Hawaii,” Abercrombie said. “We are making great progress in completing our team of successful and capable leaders who are ready to work together and come up with solutions for the challenges facing Hawaii.”

The governor’s appointments are:

Department of Accounting and General Services
Ryan Okahara as Deputy Director

Department of Defense
Maj. Gen. Darryll Wong as Adjutant General
Brig. Gen. Joe Kim as Deputy Adjutant General

Department of Human Services
Pankaj Bhanot as Deputy Director

Department of Transportation
Glenn Okimoto as Director
Randy Grune as Deputy Director for Harbors
Ford Fuchigami as Deputy Director for Airports
Jadine Urasaki as Deputy Director for Capital Improvements Projects

Consumer Advocate
Jeffrey T. Ono

Insurance Commissioner
Gordon Ito

Office of Community Services
Mila Kaahanui as Director

The department directors will have to be confirmed by the State Senate. Abercrombie announced directors for all but two departments, the Attorney General and Health. The governor has announced 12 deputy directors.

Abercrombie selects Pat McManaman for Department of Human Services director

Comment: As the tide resides, a tsunami of change is ready to run through Hawaii government