LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Mayor-elect Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. released the names of most of his Cabinet appointees yesterday, and he is relying heavily on veterans with extensive county experience.

"I am so excited about the team that has been assembled to move our goals and priorities forward," Carvalho said in a press release. "These individuals are fully committed to our vision and to serving the people of Kaua'i."

Gary Heu will be reappointed to the position of administrative assistant and Wallace G. Rezentes Jr. will be reappointed as finance director.

Other appointments include:

• Director of Parks and Recreation: Lenny Rapozo Jr.

• Director of the Office of Economic Development: George Costa Jr.

• Deputy Director of Finance: Belma Baris (reappointment).

• Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation: Kylan Dela Cruz (reappointment).

Additionally, Beth Tokioka will be appointed executive assistant to the mayor and will be responsible for communications, governmental affairs and community relations. Mary Daubert will be reappointed as public information officer and will report to Tokioka.

Rapozo has been employed by the state Department of Public Safety for 20 years and is currently the branch manager for Kaua'i. He is also chairman of the county's Parks & Recreation Department Advisory Committee, and a member of the Kaua'i Police Commission.

Costa is general manager of the Kauai Hilton Resort, and has 32 years experience in hotel management on Kaua'i. He is president of the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association — Kauai Chapter. For the past six months, he has served as a member of the Landfill Siting Committee for Kaua'i County.

Tokioka has served for the past five years as director of the Office of Economic Development. Before that, she served as the county's public information officer and executive secretary to the mayor.

The positions of county attorney and chief engineer have not yet been filled. Those interested in applying for these positions should forward a cover letter and resume to Mayor-elect Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., P.O. Box 3510, Lihu'e, HI 96766.