Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday appointed Maria Zielinski as interim State Procurement Office administrator Monday after Aaron Fujioka unexpectedly retired last week.

Right before Fujioka stepped down, he suspended the procurement delegation that he’d given state department heads. He sent an order out Oct. 31 that said any subsequent authority would be issued by his successor.

That action effectively stopped Hawaii’s ability to secure goods, services and construction contracts for state and county agencies. 

Zielinski’s first order of business Monday was to rescind Fujioka’s order and reinstate that authority.

Fujioka’s third term as administrator ended Oct. 17. He was seeking another four-year appointment, but retired instead for unclear reasons. 

Zielinski, who was serving as deputy comptroller, will serve as administrator until Dec. 30 or until the governor picks someone to fill the position, which is then subject to Senate confirmation.

Read previous Civil Beat coverage here.

— Nathan Eagle

Aaron Fujioka. (Civil Beat file)