The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has identified the members of a search committee formed to recruit candidates to fill vacancies within the department's State Historic Preservation Division.

Search committee members include retired First Circuit Judge Patrick K.S.L. Yim, who also is a trustee for the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust; Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and educator Ku Kahakalau, who founded the charter school Kanu o ka 'Aina Learning 'Ohana in Waimea on the Big Island; and Timothy Johns, former chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and a current member of the board. Johns is also president and chief executive officer of the Bishop Museum, and a trustee for the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust.

"The State Historic Preservation Division plays a pivotal role in maintaining our state history and unique sense of place. We appreciate the time and expertise these respected leaders are volunteering to help the state reach out to the broader community to identify the qualities essential for successful leadership within SHPD," said DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen.

Thielen formed the search committee after the recent resignation of embattled division administrator Melanie Chinen. Chinen was publicly criticized by Hawaiians concerned with burials and by archaeologists who argued the agency was not functioning properly under her leadership.

Committee members will meet with division staff, as well as cultural, archaeological and historic preservation organizations, to hear their ideas on the qualifications and support necessary to ensure the successful operation of Hawai'i's historic preservation program. They will consider all input and then seek the best leadership, according to an announcement yesterday from the DLNR.

A temporary transition team is managing the division while the newly formed committee searches for a new administrator as well as branch chiefs for the division's archaeological, history and culture branches.

The division administrator is responsible for leading a comprehensive program of historic preservation at all levels of government to promote use and conservation of land and other resources for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawai'i residents.

Candidates interested in leading the State Historic Preservation Division can apply by submitting resumes and cover letters to Laura H. Thielen c/o Jennifer Barra, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809, or by e-mail to SHPD.Recruitment@hawaii.gov.

Candidates interested in applying for other division positions can visit the DLNR Web site at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr for more information.

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