Secretary Jewell Statement on the Senate Confirmation of Esther Puakela Kia'aina as Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Esther Puakela Kia'aina to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas:

“Esther will bring considerable expertise to the issues facing the U.S. territories and the freely associated states, and I am pleased the Senate has voted to confirm her to this important leadership post at the Interior Department. Born in Guam to Native Hawaiian parents, Esther has strong connections to Pacific islands and extensive experience on Capitol Hill. She will be a valuable asset to this Department as we work with island leaders, the White House Interagency Group on Insular Areas, and partners across the federal government to further the islands' social and economic progress.”

For more information on the nomination of Esther Puakela Kia'aina, click HERE. More information on Office of Insular Affairs and Interagency Group on Insular Areas is HERE.