Amata Welcomes DOI Appointments

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata welcomed two new appointees to the leadership team for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), as announced by the Department of Interior (DOI).

"It's good to have a strong team on board at the Department of Interior to devote their efforts to Insular Affairs priorities," said Congresswoman Amata. "I just want to extend a warm welcome to these administration officials as they take on this important work, and as the territories and DOI continue to work together for the needs of our people. I know that our ASG administration will make them very welcome upon any future opportunity for a visit to American Samoa."

The DOI announced Keone Nakoa of Hawai'i as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, and Betsy Hildebrandt of Virginia as the Senior Advisor for Insular Areas to the Assistant Secretary.

"I appreciate that Deputy Assistant Secretary Nakoa will bring the insights of Native Hawaiian life experience to island issues, along with extensive government qualifications," continued Amata. "Senior Advisor Hildebrandt has helpful and relevant experience in Washington and I look forward to working with them both."

Deputy Assistant Secretary Nakoa was serving as Bureau Chief in D.C. for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and has worked for Senator Daniel Akaka and the Chief Judge of the Hawai'i Intermediate Court of Appeals. He was born, raised and educated in Hawai'i.

Senior Advisor Hildebrandt has served in DOI previously, along with Capitol Hill experience, including communications and management roles.

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