Updated at 9:27 p.m., Thursday, March 29, 2007
Panel rejects Lingle nominee to run prisons, sheriffs
Advertiser Staff
The state Senate Public Safety Committee voted this afternoon against Iwalani White's nomination as director of the state Department of Public Safety.The 3-1 vote imperils White's chances of confirmation by the full Senate.
White, a former Honolulu deputy prosecutor and Family Court judge, was criticized for a lack of leadership and management skills and for creating a climate of fear and distrust during her eight months as interim director.
But her supporters said she is tough but fair and possesses the strength to become an agent of change at the department.
The department has had several different directors over the past few years and has been the subject of federal investigations into its treatment of inmates.
Gov. Linda Lingle said in a statement tonight that the committee made the wrong decision.
"Over the past seven months Iwalani has proven to be an effective director of a department that has very tough challenges," the governor said.
"Iwalani has brought stability to the department and structure to the staff, which was made clear by the number of Public Safety department employees who turned out to testify in her favor."
If the Senate does not confirm White, she would become the first Lingle Cabinet nominee rejected since Lingle took office.
