The state Senate on Friday unanimously confirmed Suzanne Case to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“Ms. Case’s wide range of experience at The Nature Conservancy, which ranges from land acquisition, to watershed management, to the restoration of near-shore marine resources, makes her well suited for the position of Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources,” Sen. Laura Thielen, chair of the Senate Water and Land Committee, said in a release.

“Her ability to create partnerships in order to accomplish her agency’s mission will also serve the Department well,” Thielen said.

Suzanne Case stands with Gov. David Ige at an April 7 press conference announcing her nomination to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Senate confirmed her Friday.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

After withdrawing his first choice of Carleton Ching over concerns about his lack of qualifications, Gov. David Ige’s second choice more than met public muster.

Case, who worked for The Nature Conservancy for 28 years, has broad experience protecting natural resources throughout the islands and internationally.

“I deeply appreciate the Senate’s vote of confidence to serve as the Chair of DLNR and I’m very excited to start as quickly as possible,” Case said in the release. “It’s a very important job for Hawaii and I will give it my all.”

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