Updated at 6:10 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Lingle names new transportation chief
Advertiser Staff
Barry Fukunaga has been appointed state transportation director, Gov. Linda Lingle announced today.He replaces current DOT director Rod Haraga, who will leave the job on Jan. 3.
Fukunaga is the only new appointee among Lingle's Cabinet members, although the governor said that Nelson Befitel, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will only remain in the post until she names a replacement.
Lingle refused to elaborate on why Befitel and Haraga will not remain in their posts, saying simply, "Both of them made decisions to pursue other options."
Fukunaga is currently deputy director of DOT's Harbors Division.
The rest of Lingle's Cabinet will remain intact pending confirmation by the state Senate. Cabinet members must be confirmed at the beginning of every four-year gubernatorial term.
