Gov. Green Announces Appointments to Land Use Commission, Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board

Gov. Josh Green today announced the appointments of Cyrus Johnasen to the state Land Use Commission, as well as Kristen Lum Brummel and J. Elise Hannigan to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (HTSB).

Land Use Commission

Cyrus Johnasen is a Hawaiʻi Island-based executive, communications strategist and community leader with experience spanning media, government, business and public affairs and recognizes the “immense kuleana” the position carries. 

“The decisions before the commission can shape our communities, our ʻāina and the opportunities available to generations yet to come,” he said. “I will approach this work with an open mind, respect for the people and places affected by each decision — and the confidence to make thoughtful choices grounded in what I believe is in the long-term best interest of our home.” 

He currently serves as General Manager of Pacific Media Group Hawaiʻi Island and is founder and principal of Kōnane Consulting, where he advises organizations on strategic communications, government relations, stakeholder engagement and community affairs. 

Johnasen previously served as chief of staff and director of communications for Hawaiʻi County and currently serves on the boards of directors of Child & Family Service Hawaiʻi, Teach For America and Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center.

He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. His term ends June 30, 2030.

Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board

Kristen Lum Brummel brings 25 years of dedicated service to Hawaiʻi’s public education system as a classroom teacher, instructional mentor, presenter and educational specialist. She received National Board Certification in 2009 and was named Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year in 2011.

In her current role leading the Hawaiʻi Teacher Induction Center, she oversees statewide systems that support beginning teachers, mentors and complex-area induction teams. She also designs and facilitates programming for Hawaiʻi’s Teachers of the Year.

“My career has been dedicated to recognizing strengths in others and opening pathways for students and educators to collaborate and grow. As a member of the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board, I look forward to bringing a grounded, evidence-informed perspective to setting high standards, honoring professional integrity  and ensuring a sustainable, thriving teacher workforce for all of Hawaiʻi’s students,” Brummel said.

Brummel’s term ends June 30, 2028.

J. Elise Hannigan has been a public school educator for 15 years and was named 2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. She currently works as an English teacher and Freshman Academy Coordinator at Kea‘au High School and has a background in curriculum and assessment design and service on various Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association committees.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to represent Hawai‘i’s teachers on this board. I look forward to continued work toward building our profession and creating more opportunities for residents to teach, while maintaining the high professional standards necessary to ensure all of Hawaiʻi’s students receive a quality education.”

Hannigan is dedicated to maintaining high professional standards while advocating for equitable education for all students, particularly those in rural and outer island schools. Outside of the classroom, Hannigan co-hosts a podcast that creates space for teachers to share their experiences in the classroom.

Hannigan’s term will end on June 30, 2029.

All three appointments require Senate confirmation.