Kia’aina easily approved for federal post

Esther Kia‘aina, who combines Capitol Hill experience with personal knowledge of Pacific island issues, was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on a voice vote Thursday as assistant secretary of insular affairs at the Department of the Interior.

"President Obama recognized a tremendous individual for this important post in Esther Kia­‘aina," U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday, joining his colleague Sen. Mazie Hirono in supporting her nomination. "Her confirmation is a testament to her distinguished career and expertise on Native Hawaiian issues and land management."

Kia‘aina was a former chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Ed Case and legislative aide for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka before becoming a land asset manager for Kame­ha­meha Schools and then chief advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

She was serving as first deputy director for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources when she was nominated for the federal post.

"The Senate’s overwhelming support for Esther’s nomination speaks to her strong qualifications to serve as DOI Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs," Hirono said in a statement. "I have no doubt she will serve with distinction and make Hawaii proud."

The Office of Insular Affairs coordinates federal policy in the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mari­ana Islands. It also handles federal aid to the Freely Associated States, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

"Born in Guam to Native Hawaiian parents, Esther has strong connections to Pacific islands and extensive experience on Capitol Hill," Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said in a statement. "She will be a valuable asset to this Department as we work with island leaders, the White House Interagency Group on Insular Areas, and partners across the federal government to further the islands’ social and economic prog­ress."