Controversial state Land Board nominee survives confirmation hearing

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Despite criticism early on about her appointment, state Land Board Chair nominee Dawn Chang garnered unanimous support Friday from a Senate committee.

Her nomination now goes to the full Senate, where it is expected to be approved.

Shortly after her appointment, Chang’s role as consultant to developers drew opposition from some environmentalists and Native Hawaiian advocates.

But her handling of the job over the last three months got her powerful support.

She told senators she would recuse herself from anything involving her clients.

But there was little opposition to her appointment Friday, with most saying she has shown the ability to collaborate and listen to the community.

“I love this job. I love being DLNR chairperson,” Chang said. “I go home every day tired. But I go home most days good kine tired. I feel like I’ve done something you know.”

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