The Associated Press and The Maui News

HONOLULU — Directors leading Hawaii’s health and public safety departments are retiring amid a surge in coronavirus cases on Oahu and an ongoing outbreak at the state’s largest jail.

Gov. David Ige announced Monday the retirements of Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson and Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda.

Anderson will retire on Sept. 15. Dr. Libby Char, an emergency physician, will take over.

Espinda will take personal leave through September and will officially retire on Oct. 1. Maria Cook, deputy director for administration, will be interim director, and Espinda will be available for advice before October.

The Department of Health has been criticized over its contact tracing efforts as Hawaii has seen an alarming surge in reported coronavirus cases in recent weeks, especially on Oahu.

West and South Maui Sen. Roz Baker, chairwoman of the state Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health, on Monday offered her support for the appointment of Char.

“The Department of Health needs a leader that has the ability to effectively guide our critical public health initiatives going forward, and I’m confident that the governor made the right decision in choosing Dr. Libby Char to lead the department at this critical juncture as its interim director.”

Char “understands the importance of collaboration, funding of essential services and the necessity to maintain our critical health care infrastructure,” Baker said. She also has the experience to help hospitals, care facilities and community health centers.

Baker said her committee would have held oversight hearings on the department’s budget, contemplated cuts in services and “lack of leadership exhibited during the COVID-19 crisis” had the Legislature been in session.

“I look forward to working with her (Char) in the months ahead as we endeavor to address health disparities and curb the spread of COVID-19 in communities across Hawaii,” said Baker.

She also thanked Anderson for his years of service in state government.

A COVID-19 outbreak infected more than 200 people at the state’s largest jail, and officials ordered the release of nonviolent inmates Aug. 16 over concerns there was not enough room to properly socially distance and stop the virus from spreading.

“Both directors have served admirably under extremely challenging conditions, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ige in a statement. “I thank them for their many years of service to the people of Hawaii and wish them well as they retire and are able to spend time with their families.”