Governor announces LUC, BOE nominees

Gov. David Ige announced Thursday his nominations for the state Board of Education and the Land Use Commission. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

The governor appointed Dawn Chang and Gary Ukuda to the Land Use Commission.

Chang has served 14 years as deputy attorney general with the Land/Transportation Division and counsel to various state boards and commissions, such as the Land Board and Water Commission. She is principal of Kuiwalu, a public affairs company.

Okuda has practiced law in Hawaii since 1981, specializing in diverse real estate matters.

The governor also reappointed Commissioner Jonathan Scheuer, whose current term expires on June 30.

Hawaii Island Commissioner Nancy Cabral’s term ends June 2017. Effective June 30, terms will end for Maui Commissioner Kent Hiranaga and at-large commissioner Chad McDonald.

The Board of Education, the governor appointed former educator Patricia Bergin and former news reporter Bruce Voss.

Bergin, a former teacher, is currently the coordinator for leadership teams of Ka Huli Mua, a consortium of preschool programs on three islands. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Chaminade University.

Voss is a partner with the law firm of Bays Lung Rose and Holma. His practice emphasizes business, real estate, employment law and litigation. He previously worked as a news reporter for Pacific Business News and KHON2 News.