Aloha State News

Office of the Governor issued the following announcement on Nov. 30.

Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of Max Otani to serve  as the director of the Department of Public Safety, effective Dec. 1,  2020.

Otani replaces Nolan Espinda, who retired in September.

“With Max taking the helm at Public Safety, I am confident that we  can continue moving forward with initiatives set in motion by PSD’s  previous director, Nolan Espinda and acting director Fred Hyun,” said  Gov. Ige.

Otani is currently a board member for the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority  (HPA). He has worked in a variety of positions in the state’s  corrections and judicial systems for more than three decades. Otani  began his criminal justice career with the Judiciary, as a Family Court  officer and Circuit Court probation officer from 1985 to 1987. From  there, he served more than two decades with the HPA in various  positions. Otani became the Oahu Intake Services Center manager from  2003-2005, before he was promoted to  Intake Service Center Division  Administrator from 2011-2013. He then moved on to become PSD’s deputy  director for Corrections from 2013-14, before returning to his previous  position as administrator of the Intake Service Center Division, where  he remained until his retirement from PSD in 2016.

“During his career in corrections, Max initiated evidence-based  practices with the incarcerated, parole and pretrial populations in  efforts to reduce recidivism,” said Acting Director Fred Hyun. “He  brings a wealth of knowledge to the job and I look forward to working  with him in his new position.”

“I would like to thank Governor Ige for the opportunity to return to  work with the Department of Public Safety. I look forward to working  with staff, other agencies and community partners to address the needs  of the department,” said Otani.

Acting Director Hyun will return to his position as the chair of the  HPA, effective Dec. 1, 2020. He will remain on board as Special Master,  appointed by the governor, until Dec. 30 —  to complete the assessment  of the Department of Public Safety.

“I’d like to thank Fred for stepping in to oversee the department  during this transition period. COVID-19 is putting a huge burden on  PSD’s overcrowded and aging correctional facilities. Once Fred reports  his findings, I am confident he and Max will work together to address  areas of concern and prioritize mitigation measures that will enable the  department to operate more effectively,” said Gov. Ige.

Otani’s was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i. He is a graduate of  Hilo High School and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Otani also  attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he earned a master’s  in social work.

Otani’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Original source can be found here.