Hinano Rodrigues

Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has appointed V.R. Hinano Rodrigues to the Commission on Water Resource Management.

According to the governor’s office, Rodrigues has more than two decades of experience in cultural preservation and community engagement, and a wealth of knowledge relating to Hawai’i’s environment and cultural heritage. Rodrigues is a native of Olowalu and has led multidisciplinary teams while championing initiatives for the benefit of the state’s natural resources. Per the process outlined in state statute, Rodrigues will serve as interim until he is confirmed by the Hawai’i Senate.

The governor’s office says Rodrigues’ work as a History and Culture Branch chief at the Department of Land and Natural Resources has equipped him with the insights and skills necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing Hawai’i’s water resources.

“All three candidates nominated for this role were incredible individuals, each with unique qualifications and deep commitments to serving our communities,” Gov. Green said in a statement. “Hinano stood out as best suited for the commission due to his extensive experience and understanding of Hawai’i’s cultural and environmental landscape. This role is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of our most precious resource — water — and requires a leader who can honor the balance between housing needs and cultural preservation. I am confident that Hinano’s knowledge, dedication and passion for safeguarding Hawai’i’s heritage will serve the people of our islands well in this vital role.”

In his new role on the commission, Rodrigues will work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of Hawai’i’s water resources while honoring cultural values. His term is expected to end on June 30, 2028.

Green recently appointed Ciara Kahahane as first deputy of the Commission on Water Resource Management. Kahahane, a Lahaina native and former deputy with the attorney general’s office, joins Department of Land and Natural Resources First Deputy Director Ryan Kanakaʻole and Chair Dawn Chang in leading DLNR as an all-Native Hawaiian executive team.

Additionally, the governor’s office also announced the appointment of members to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Salary Commission, which is tasked with studying and making recommendations for the salaries of the members of the board of trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The appointees are Ian Custino, Tyler Gomes, Kawehi Inaba, Reyn Kaupiko, Anita Naone, Dennis Rose and Venus Rosete-Medeiros.

Gov. Green also appointed a number of members to the state Commission on Salaries, which reviews and recommends salaries for justices, judges, legislators, department heads, executive officers and deputies within the executive branch, excluding the University of Hawaiʻi and Department of Education. The appointees include Beth Amaro, Susan Arnett, Pankaj Bhanot, Cathy Betts, Margery Bronster, Colleen Hanabusa and Wesley Machida.