The state Senate voted yesterday to confirm three of Gov. Linda Lingle's Cabinet nominations, including two who are replacing directors the Senate had rejected last session.

Laura H. Thielen was confirmed as director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. She replaces Peter Young, who lost a confirmation battle last session. Several senators said they would continue to monitor ongoing management problems at the department's Bureau of Conveyances and staff turnover in the state historic preservation division.

Clayton Frank was confirmed as director of the state Department of Public Safety, replacing Iwalani White, who was not confirmed last session after eight months as interim director.

Senators hope Frank, a department veteran, will bring stability to the job and continue to address issues such as proper treatment for mentally ill prisoners and bringing female prisoners staying in Mainland facilities back to the Islands.

Darwin Ching was confirmed as director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Ching replaces Nelson Befitel, who chose not seek another term after it became apparent the Senate would not confirm him.