Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Senate OKs Lingle nominee
The Senate yesterday unanimously confirmed Gov. Linda Lingle's appointment of Mark Recktenwald as director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Ron Menor, Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing Committee chairman, said Recktenwald is described by his peers as intelligent, hardworking, honest and fair. Menor, D-17th (Mililani, Waipi'o), said he is confident Recktenwald will balance the interests of businesses and consumers.
Recktenwald, 47, is a former assistant U.S. attorney. He worked in the white-collar crime section of the U.S. attorney's office and also negotiated healthcare fraud settlements.
Two picked to fill judge slots
The chief administrative director for the state Judiciary was appointed by Chief Justice Ronald Moon as a Honolulu Family Court district judge.
Michael Broderick will replace former judge John Bryant.
Moon also appointed Bert Ayabe, a Honolulu attorney, as a district court judge. Ayabe replaced Marcia Waldorf, who was previously appointed to the Honolulu Circuit Court.
The chief justice appointed the two from lists submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. The appointments need Senate confirmation.
STATEWIDE
OHA plans meetings on bill
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs today will hold two informational meetings on the Hawaiian Recognition Bill, also known as the Akaka bill.
The first meeting will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, Room 202, University of Hawai'i-Manoa. OHA trustee John Waihe'e IV will conduct the meeting.
The Moloka'i meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Kulana 'Oiwi Halau in Kalama'ula. Trustee Colette Machado will conduct the meeting.
For information on the bill, visit www.OHA.org.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Crash victim identified
The medical examiner's office yesterday identified the motorcycle rider killed in a head-on collision March 9 on Kalaniana'ole Highway in Waimanalo as Walter P. Miller, 57, of Kapahulu.
The 24-year-old driver of a Ford Thunderbird that struck Miller's motorcycle was in the wrong lane, police said. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent homicide.
Kahuku park meeting slated
The state will conduct a community planning workshop for the Development Plan for Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Kahuku Section from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Kahuku Elementary School cafeteria, 56-170 Pu'alalea St.
The workshop will look at issues and concerns and seek public input on the state Department of Land and Natural Resources's plan.
For more information contact Molly Maxwell-Stribling at 293-1736.
Correction: Michael Broderick has been appointed a Honolulu Family Court district judge, replacing former judge John Bryant. Bert Ayabe has been appointed a district court judge, replacing Marcia Waldorf, who was previously appointed to the Honolulu Circuit Court. Information in a previous version of these briefs was incorrect.
