Senate OKs Chin, Espinda for top Cabinet positions

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The Senate unanimously confirmed two more of Gov. David Ige’s Cabinet members on Thursday: Douglas Chin as state attorney general and Nolan Espinda as director of the Department of Public Safety.

Chin spent 12 years with the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s office and three years as city managing director, and recently served as managing partner at law firm Carlsmith Ball.

"This is a huge honor and I’m really looking forward to getting back to public service and serving all the citizens of the state of Hawaii," Chin said in a news release.

Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (D, Waihee-Wailuku-Kahului), chairman of the Judiciary and Labor Committee, praised Chin for having public and private legal experience and the ability to manage people and grasp complex legal and community issues.

"All of these traits and qualities will help him serve as a successful attorney general," he said in a news release.

Espinda said in a news release that he plans to standardize operations at the state’s penal institutions and make improvements to practices that are lacking.

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Sen. Will Espero (D, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point), chairman of the Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee, said Espinda has 32 years of service with the state and understands the challenges facing the Department of Public Safety.

With the confirmation of Chin and Espinda, 23 of Ige’s 41 nominations are now confirmed.

So far, the Senate has confirmed directors for the departments of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Human Resources Development; Budget and Finance; Taxation; and Transportation.

Also confirmed were chairpersons for the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Public Utilities Commission, deputy directors, and 11 members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority board.

Outstanding confirmations include chairpersons for the boards of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources and the adjutant general of the Department of Defense.

Departments awaiting confirmation of a director include Accounting and General Services; Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Health; and Human Services.