‘Special advisers’ named
for 2 city departments

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has decided not to name deputy directors for at least two city departments and announced the appointments yesterday of "special advisers" instead.

Hannemann appointed the state's former chief procurement officer, Aaron S. Fuijioka, as the special adviser to the director of community services.

He also nominated Joan Manke, who had been chief of staff to the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink and now director of the medical staff at St. Francis Medical Center, as the special adviser to the director of customer services.

Hannemann said for each position, the move will save the city $10,000, which is the difference between the salary for a deputy director and the $85,000 for the special advisers. The positions are not subject to Council confirmation.

"It's a cost-savings measure, but basically they are the No. 2 person in that department and will function as the department head in the absence of the director," Hannemann said.

During his campaign last year, Hannemann said he wouldn't automatically fill all political patronage positions.

Hannemann also said the departments of Emergency Services and Information and Technology will not have a deputy director.

In other appointments announced yesterday, Hannemann named: