Gov. Abercrombie named Colin Kippen as his new homelessness coordinator today and signed a bill into law aimed at ending and preventing the problem statewide.

Kippen is a 62-year-old Native Hawaiian who served as the National Indian Education Association executive director in D.C.  His official start date is June 25.

The law establishes the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness under the Department of Human Services, which is required to conduct a study on designating safe facilities for the homeless.

The 24-member council, created by executive order last July, is tasked with developing a unified plan on addressing homelessness. The law formalizes the council as it begins to implement an ambitious 10-year strategic plan.

Kippen replaces Marc Alexander, who resigned Jan. 6 less than a year after being appointed. Alexander was accused of having a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest.

Abercrombie said Kippen offers a “fresh perspective” and “cultural sensitivity.”

— Nathan Eagle