Gov. Josh Green filled a pair of key vacancies on Thursday, appointing former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Hannah Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management and nominating Kauanoe Jackson for Third Circuit Court (Hawaii Island) judge.

What You Need To Know

  • Pending state Senate confirmation, Springer will assume the Loea seat on the commission, which is reserved for a member with substantial experience or expertise in traditional water resource management techniques and riparian usage
  • A native of North Kona, Springer has served on numerous advisory councils, nonprofit boards and state commissions focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage and community-based resource management
  • Springer replaces V.R. Hinano Rodrigues, who had been serving on the commission on an interim basis since October pending Senate approval for the permanent Loea seat
  • Jackson currently serves as supervising deputy prosecuting attorney in the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney-West Hawaii Office, where she oversees felony prosecutions

 

Pending state Senate confirmation, Springer will assume the Loea seat on the commission, which is reserved for a member with substantial experience or expertise in traditional water resource management techniques and riparian usage. The commission is charged with administering the state Water Code.

“Hannah Springer’s lifelong commitment to aina stewardship, cultural wisdom and public service makes her an invaluable addition to the Commission on Water Resource Management,” Green said. “Her perspective will help ensure that our approach to managing water resources reflects the values and priorities of Hawaii’s people and places. I am proud to appoint her to this important role.”

A native of North Kona, Springer has served on numerous advisory councils, nonprofit boards and state commissions focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage and community-based resource management. She previously served as a member of the Hawaii County Planning Commission and the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. She has also led the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Kuaaina Ulu Auamo and the Kaupulehu Marine Life Advisory Committee.

"If confirmed, I look forward to bringing the sensibility of a kamaaina of a water-scarce and fire-prone region to the work of the commission,” Springer said.

Springer replaces V.R. Hinano Rodrigues, who had been serving on the commission on an interim basis since October pending Senate approval for the permanent Loea seat. Rodrigues, who was the subject of a state Ethics Commission investigation over his relationship with a Maui land developer, withdrew from consideration earlier this month.

Green’s pick for circuit court judge is a prominent figure in the Hawaii Island legal communication.

Jackson currently serves as supervising deputy prosecuting attorney in the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney-West Hawaii Office, where she oversees felony prosecutions. In 18 years with the department, she has served as circuit court co-supervising deputy and as a lead prosecutor in several high-profile felony trials. She has also taken on specialized assignments in narcotics and traffic safety. 

“Kauanoe Jackson’s extensive courtroom experience, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety and justice make her exceptionally qualified to serve on the bench,” Green said. “Her deep understanding of Hawaii Island’s communities and legal landscape will be a tremendous asset to the Third Circuit."

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.