William J. Aila Jr.’s appointment is subject to Hawaii Senate confirmation.

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige recently appointed William J. Aila Jr. as interim chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Aila was confirmed as deputy to the commission chair in April. He has been serving as acting chairman since the departure of Jobie Masagatani on May 2.

Aila served as deputy to the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 2014-18.

Previously, he headed the Department of Land and Natural Resources and was harbor agent for the Waianae Boat Harbor in the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation under DLNR.

“William is a proven leader and steward of Hawaii’s natural resources. I am confident that he will continue to lead the department as it works to create vibrant homestead communities for Native Hawaiians,” said Gov. Ige.

“I thank Gov. Ige for this opportunity to continue to serve the Hawaiian community, and I look forward to working closely with homestead leaders to advance the vision of Prince Kuhio,” said Aila.