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Gov. Ige appoints 3 new directors, retains leaders at the state Department of Defense

Sophie Cocke

Gov. David Ige has appointed new directors for three state departments and will be retaining leaders at the state Department of Defense.

Rod Becker has been appointed director of the Department of Budget and Finance. He’s served as the comptroller and head of the Department of Accounting and General Services since Nov. 2016. He replaces Laurel Johnston who retired last month.

Curt Otaguro, who most recently served as an executive at First Hawaiian Bank, is replacing Becker as state comptroller. Otaguro served as the the executive vice president and division manager of the digital banking division for First Hawaiian Bank.

Scott Murakami, a University of Hawaii director, has been appointed to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, replacing Leonard Hoshijo. Murakami most recently served as the director of Workforce Development in the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges.

Major General Arthur “Joe” Logan will continue on as adjutant general, Hawaii National Guard, Department of Defense, a position he has held since Jan. 2015. Logan oversees the training and preparedness of more than 5,000 soldiers and airmen in the Hawaii National Guard. Logan also serves as the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, as well as Ige’s Homeland Security Advisor.

Ige also reappointed Brigadier General Kenneth Hara as deputy adjutant general, Hawaii National Guard, Department of Defense, a position he has served in since Jan. 2015.

All five appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.

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