HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle announced that Darwin Ching has resigned as director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). Ching, who has served as director since August 2007, resigned his position in preparation for his campaign to run for Honolulu City Prosecutor. His last day as director will be June 15.
“I appreciate Darwin’s leadership as labor director,” said Governor Lingle. “During his tenure, Darwin was instrumental in assisting thousands of Hawai‘i’s workers who lost their jobs as the global recession impacted our state. Throughout this challenging economic period, Darwin and his team remained focused on ensuring the well-being of Hawai‘i’s workers while helping to create new jobs for our residents. I wish him well in his future pursuits.”
The Governor has named Pearl Imada Iboshi to serve as DLIR’s interim director. Imada Iboshi is currently deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). She also served as the state’s economist since 1995 and has been a member of the Council on Revenues since 1997. She also headed DBEDT’s Research and Economic Analysis Division, which produces and distributes business information products including the State of Hawai‘i Data Book, census information through its State Data Center and economic and tourism research reports geared to business users. During the 2003-2004 legislative session, Imada Iboshi served as deputy policy advisor to Governor Lingle. Imada Iboshi will start her new position on July 1.
“Pearl has been a valuable public servant and an outstanding leader in our community,” said Governor Lingle. “She understands the challenges that Hawai‘i’s workers have faced as a result of the global recession and at the same time recognizes the opportunities that can help get our residents back to work.”
Report by Lenny Klompus, Governor’s office