Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday nominated new directors for the city's departments of Budget and Fiscal Services and Planning and Permitting, two key vacancies in his Cabinet.

With his Jan. 2 inauguration approaching, Hannemann announced that Rix Mauer III, current vice president for Financial Services for The Queen's Medical Center, will take over as director of Budget and Fiscal Service.

Meanwhile, Hannemann selected David Tanoue as director of Planning and Permitting, where he is currently serving as deputy director.

Both will need City Council confirmation.

Mauer, who will replace outgoing budget director Mary Pat Waterhouse, has worked for The Queen's Medical Center since 1983. Before that, he worked in the healthcare industry in California.

Hannemann said Mauer has no government experience, but is regarded as one of Honolulu's most experienced financial officers.

"It always helps to have fresh eyes and fresh perspective in your organization," Hannemann said. "He has done an excellent job at managing a very important organization in the state of Hawai'i. ... I know he will come in with some new ideas for us to deal with this budget," he said.

Tanoue will be promoted to director of Planning and Permitting, replacing retiring director Henry Eng. Hannemann said Eng "enthusiastically endorsed" Tanoue for the job.

Hannemann said government and private sectors have expressed a need for the building permitting process to be streamlined.

"I can think of no one with more experience to handle this monumental task," he said.

Hannemann said he still plans to fill several more vacancies in his Cabinet before inauguration day. They include Department of Design and Construction, Department of Facility Maintenance and possibly a vacancy in the managing director's office.

Managing director Wayne Hashiro is seeking the top post at the Board of Water Supply. Hannemann said he is considering possible replacements if Hashiro were to leave.