Civil rights Executive Named Director of Human Services

A leader in the Hawaii Civil Rights movement was appointed Director of the Department of Human Services.

Governor Neil Abercrombie named attorney Pat McManaman to the post saying, “Pat McManaman is a true public servant with the intelligence, compassion, and character to lead DHS in these challenging times. She understands that government cannot do this alone, and she has the credibility and skill to bring everyone together and forge solutions that will meet the needs of our families.”

Gov. Abercrombie gave thanks to those on the Valley Isle during a celebration at Lahainaluna High School held over the weekend. The full story can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of this post. Photo by Wendy Osher.

McManaman served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission since November 2008.  She has been practicing law in Hawaii since 1979 and served as a per diem judge in the First Circuit District Court for the state of Hawaii for 17 years.  She also served as the Chief Executive Officer for Na Loio, an Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Legal group for 12 years.

So far, Gov. Abercrombie has named 12 department directors and six deputy directors to his Cabinet.  The governor is still interviewing applicants for director posts of the Health, Attorney General , Defense and Transportation departments.

In acknowledging the importance of the post, Gov. Abercrombie said, “Given the weak economy of the past few years, government and charitable resources are at their lowest just at the time when the need for human services is highest.  Furthermore, DHS resources have been depleted, plans for the department have been unclear, and morale among its public employees is understandably low.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information courtesy Office of the Governor, Hawaii)  *** If you enjoyed this post, you might also like our story and video on the Confirmation Ceremony for Abercrombie at Lahainaluna High School.