Posted on: Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Former aide to oversee state insurance industry

Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday appointed Maui attorney J.P. Schmidt as state insurance commissioner.

Schmidt will head the state Insurance Division, which oversees the insurance industry and administers licensing, rate changes, policies and insurance-related complaints. The division is part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Schmidt previously served as Maui corporation counsel from 1995 to 1999 and deputy corporation counsel from 1991 to 1995 under Lingle when she was mayor.

Schmidt is a partner with Lingle's ex-husband, William Crockett, at the Maui law firm of Crockett Nakamura & Schmidt, practicing general civil and trial law. He will leave that position Saturday.

"In the eight years that J.P. served the people of Maui County as corporation counsel and deputy corporation counsel, he consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, integrity and sound judgment," Lingle said. "I know he will show the same dedication as our state's insurance commissioner to create a fair and open environment that encourages investment and competition in the insurance industry, while also looking out for the best interests of Hawai'i consumers."

Schmidt said, "I look forward to re-entering public service and working with Governor Lingle and the administration to address the issues facing the insurance industry to benefit both providers and consumers."

Lingle also appointed attorney Lawrence Reifurth as deputy director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Mark Recktenwald was appointed director of the department last month.