Rodrigues has decided to withdraw from the Loea seat on the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to focus on “healing with this community and our people.” Governor Josh Green, M.D., had nominated Rodrigues in October. He served in an interim capacity pending Senate confirmation after more than two decades dedicated to cultural preservation and community engagement. His term was set to expire on June 30, 2028.
“I want to thank Hinano for stepping up to serve his community,” said Governor Green. “At the time of his nomination, his extensive experience and understanding of Hawai‘i’s cultural and environmental landscape and his previous years of service that worked to preserve and protect our state’s natural resources equipped him with the insights and skills necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing CWRM commissioners,” he added.
CWRM Deputy Director Ciara W.K. Kahahane also expressed gratitude for Rodrigues’ contributions and is looking forward to new applicants filling his seat along with two other upcoming vacancies. “The work CWRM does is culturally significant, rewarding, and serves the entire state,” said Kahahane.
CWRM consists of seven members: five appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate, while the remaining two are the chairperson of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources who serves as chairperson of the Water Commission, and the director of the State Department of Health. The positions are unpaid with limited terms.
The vacancy left by Rodrigues will be announced publicly on CWRM’s website as a Loea seat requiring substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques. Applications submitted by March 31 will be reviewed by a nominating committee before candidates are presented to the Governor for consideration.
