Updated at 12:01 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008
New planning director named for Hawaii office
Advertiser Staff
Abbey Seth Mayer, a community-based planner on Moloka'i, was named today by Gov. Linda Lingle as director of the state Office of Planning.Mayer is executive director for Ke Aupuni Lokahi, the Moloka'i Enterprise Community, part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture' program to assist economically depressed regions of the country.
Mayer, a graduate of Yale University, was the former executive director and plant manager for the Moloka'i Livestock Cooperative.
"Abbey has a strong background in strategic, long-range, community-based planning and he understands the importance of balancing economic growth and development with protecting our natural and cultural resources," Lingle said in a statement. "His experience will help our administration continue to move forward on key initiatives such as coastal zone management and the Leeward Coast Initiative."
Mayer's appointment must be confirmed by the state Senate. He is expected to start work in late February. He replaces Laura H. Thielen as state planning director. Thielen is now director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
State Sen. Paul Whalen, R-3rd (Kohala, Kona, Ka'u), had expressed interest in the position. Whalen is facing a challenge in his district this year from state Rep. Josh Green, D-6th (N. Kona, Keauhou, Kailua, Kona).
