Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointments of Wallace A. Ishibashi, Jr. of Hawaii Island and Patricia W. Sheehan of Kauai to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, effective immediately.

In a news release issued by the governor’s office, Abercrombie said: “Wally and Patsy both come to the Hawaiian Homes Commission with strong ties to their respective communities.” He added, “I am confident about their commitment and ability to serve Native Hawaiian beneficiaries in moving the commission and department forward.”

 Wallace A. Ishibashi, Jr. fills the East Hawaii seat on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. A retired full time officer of ILWU Local 142, Ishibashi draws from a range of experience that includes his current position as UH Hilo’s cultural monitor for the Office of Mauna Kea Management as well as time as a business agent, contract and benefits negotiator, workers compensation specialist, and youth basketball and baseball coach. He is also currently the chair of the Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission and a member of the Big Island Community Coalition, an organization that works to reduce the high cost of electricity through alternative energy.

 Patricia W. Sheehan fills the Kauai seat on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Sheehan previously served on the commission from 1993 to 1997 and has worked in fields ranging from education to real estate and successfully restarted a family business in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki. She serves on various other boards and commissions, including Hoopulapula HaraguchiRice Mill, Hui o Laka, Kapiolani Health Foundation, Kauai Historic Preservation Review Commission, National Tropical Botanical Garden, and The Waioli Corporation. She is a graduate of Punahou School and holds a degree in fine arts/dance from Bennett College.