Newswatch

Campaign agency hires new head

The state Campaign Spending Commission will soon have a new executive director.

The panel yesterday hired Kristin Izumi-Nitao to lead the agency beginning Nov. 4.

Current director Barbara Wong is retiring Oct. 28 after five years at the agency's helm.

Izumi-Nitao is a deputy state attorney general with responsibility for the Hawaii Internet and Technology Crimes Unit. It investigates and prosecutes crimes involving the Internet and children.

Earlier in her career, she was legal adviser to the board that oversees the state Employees' Retirement System, a Honolulu deputy prosecutor and a law clerk for a chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Obama robocall backs Hanabusa

President Barack Obama's recorded voice urging a vote for Democrat Colleen Hanabusa is being heard around Hawaii's 1st Congressional District.

Hanabusa spokesman Richard Rapoza says automated telephone calls began yesterday to 68,000 voters in the district, which represents urban Oahu.

He says the calls were financed by Hanabusa's campaign but coordinated by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the White House.

Rappelling for funds

The Over the Edge of Waikiki fundraiser tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. features Special Olympics Hawaii supporters rappelling 31 stories down the Sheraton Waikiki. Participants were required to raise a minimum $1,000 each by the day of the event. Entertainment will be provided for onlookers. More information at www.specialolympicshawaii.org.