Updated at 11:40 a.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Laura H. Thielen appointed to head Hawaii DLNR

Advertiser Staff

The Senate must confirm the appointment of Laura H. Thielen as interim chairwoman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Advertiser library photo | 2003

Laura H. Thielen has been appointed interim chairwoman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources pending confirmation by the Senate next session.

For the past two years, Thielen has been director of the state Office of Planning and prior to that served two years on the state Board of Education.

A private attorney, she has a background in land use and environmental law.

Thielen replaces interim director Allan Smith, who will serve as interim deputy director until a replacement is found. Smith has held the post since early May after the Senate voted against reconfirming former chairman Peter Young.