Honolulu's leadership has welcomed several new appointments announced by Governor Josh Green. V.R. Hinano Rodrigues has been appointed as an interim member of the Commission on Water Resource Management, pending confirmation by the Hawai‘i State Senate. With two decades of experience in cultural preservation and community engagement, Rodrigues offers a unique perspective to the commission, recognized for his expertise in maintaining Hawai‘i's natural resources.
According to the announcement from the Office of the Governor website, Gov. Green, said, "Hinano stood out as best suited for the commission due to his extensive experience and understanding of Hawai‘i’s cultural and environmental landscape. This role is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of our most precious resource — water — and requires a leader who can honor the balance between housing needs and cultural preservation. I am confident that Hinano’s knowledge, dedication and passion for safeguarding Hawai‘i’s heritage will serve the people of our islands well in this vital role." Green's confidence in Rodrigues' ability to balance housing needs with cultural preservation is supported by his track record as the History and Culture Branch chief at the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The new interim appointee will serve on the commission until June 30, 2028, working to sustainably manage the state's water resources while respecting cultural values.
The appointments coincide with Green's introduction of Ciara Kahahane as the first deputy of the Commission on Water Resource Management. She joins an all-Native Hawaiian executive team at DLNR, which includes First Deputy Director Ryan Kanakaʻole and Chair Dawn Chang. Together, they aim to promote collaborative stewardship among government officials, local communities, and environmental advocates.
In another strategic move, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Salary Commission and the state Commission on Salaries have welcomed new members. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Salary Commission, which meets every four years to review and recommend pay for the board of trustees, has appointed Ian Custino, Tyler Gomes, Kawehi Inaba, Reyn Kaupiko, Anita Naone, Dennis Rose, and Venus Rosete-Medeiros. Meanwhile, the state Commission on Salaries, responsible for evaluating compensation for high-ranking officials like the governor and lieutenant governor, has added Beth Amaro, Susan Arnett, Pankaj Bhanot, Cathy Betts, Margery Bronster, Colleen Hanabusa, and Wesley Machida to its team to review and recommend salaries for various state positions.
