Mayor appoints ex-Land Board chairwoman as agricultural advocate

Honolulu’s mayor has named a liaison to serve as an advocate for Oahu’s agricultural community.

Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Monday Laura Thielen is appointed to the newly created position.

Thielen has served as chair of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management. She has also served as director of the State Office of Planning.

She is a member of the Waimanalo Agricultural Association and past president of Hawaii Women Lawyers.

The mayor’s office says the liaison’s duties include capitalizing on state and federal agricultural funding opportunities.