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

"Wally and Patsy both come to the Hawaiian Homes Commission with strong ties to their respective communities," Abercrombie said in a news release.

"I am confident about their commitment and ability to serve Native Hawaiian beneficiaries in moving the commission and department forward."

Ishibashi fills the East Hawaii seat on the commission. He is a retired ILWU Local 142 officer and is the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s cultural monitor for the Office of Mauna Kea Management. He is also a business agent, contract and benefits negotiator, workers’ compensation specialist and youth basketball and baseball coach. He is chairman of the Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission and a member of the Big Island Community Coalition, which advocates alternative energy.

Sheehan fills the Kauai seat, and previously served on the commission from 1993 to 1997. Her experience includes work in education and real estate, successfully restarting a family business in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki. She holds seats on various boards and commissions, including Hoo­pula­pula Hara­gu­chi Rice Mill, Hui o Laka, Kapiolani Health Foundation, Kauai Historic Preservation Review Commission, National Tropical Botanical Garden and The Wai­oli Corp. She is a graduate of Punahou School and holds a degree in fine arts and dance from Bennett College.