Big Island residents Cyrus Johnasen and J. Elise Hannigan were recently tabbed by Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green as two of 3 people to fill open positions on two state panels.
All three appointments require Hawai‘i Senate confirmation.
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.
He recognizes the “immense kuleana” his new position with the land commission carries.
“The decisions before the commission can shape our communities, our ʻāina and the opportunities available to generations yet to come,” Johnasen 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 now 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.
He also serves on boards of directors for Child & Family Service Hawaiʻi, Teach For America and Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center.
Johnasen is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
His term would ends June 30, 2030, if he’s confirmed.
Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board
J. Elise Hannigan has been a public school educator 15 years and was named 2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. She 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,” Hannigan said. “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.”
She is dedicated to maintaining high professional standards while advocating for equitable education for all students, particularly those in rural and outer island schools.
Outside the classroom, Hannigan co-hosts a podcast that creates space for teachers to share their experiences in the classroom.
Her term will end June 30, 2029, if she’s confirmed.
Kristen Lum Brummel of Honolulu 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 20112 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year.
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.
Brummel’s term would end June 30, 2028, if she’s confirmed.
