You Won't Believe What Regan Just Revealed About His 'Part-Time' Lieutenant Governor Role!

In a significant transition for Hawai‘i's political landscape, Keith Regan has stepped into the role of acting Lieutenant Governor following the announcement of an indefinite unpaid leave of absence by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. Regan, who previously served as the state comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Services, was appointed by Governor Josh Green to ensure continuity in the office.

Regan, who has no political ambitions, views his new role as an extension of his commitment to public service. “I have no political aspirations,” he stated in a recent interview with Aloha State Daily. “I’m purely serving in this role as a public servant.” His appointment comes with the understanding that the position carries significant responsibilities, including overseeing the ongoing initiatives that Lt. Gov. Luke had championed, such as the “Connect Kākou” high-speed internet project aimed at improving digital access in the islands.

Although Regan was aware that his position as comptroller placed him fifth in line for the lieutenant governor role—behind key figures like the Senate president and the House speaker—he admitted that he was caught off guard by the call to take over just days after Luke's announcement. “When the governor called me in on that Thursday morning to talk about what was transpiring, it was a conversation that—although I wasn’t prepared or expected it to happen—I understood where it was coming from,” he explained.

Since taking over, Regan has focused on quickly acclimatizing to the duties of the office while ensuring the smooth operation of essential functions. His immediate priority involves the management of hundreds of documents that pass through the lieutenant governor's office weekly, including critical authentication requests for new birth, marriage, or death certificates. Additionally, he is responsible for signing off on all new administrative rules adopted by state departments, a task that requires careful attention to detail.

Regan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been appointed as comptroller in 2022 and previously serving as the managing director for Maui County. His background equips him to handle the broad range of responsibilities associated with the lieutenant governor's office. “At DAGS, I supervise eight divisions within the department, and in Maui, I worked with nearly 20 different county departments,” he noted. This extensive experience allows him to approach his duties with a comprehensive understanding of governmental operations.

As he navigates his new responsibilities, Regan must also remain engaged with his work at DAGS. While Deputy Comptroller Meoh-Leng Silliman has been temporarily elevated to acting comptroller during Luke’s leave, Regan continues to fulfill his original role without a pay increase. “It’s kind of like they got a two-for-one deal,” he quipped, highlighting the demands of balancing both positions.

Regan's workdays typically begin early, around 6 a.m., and involve a rigorous schedule of reviewing and signing documents at DAGS before transitioning to his duties at the Capitol. Even after hours, he remains committed, often spending additional time at home to respond to emails and follow up on pressing matters. The current legislative session, which concludes this week, adds to the urgency of his responsibilities as he reviews and signs off on testimony for the lieutenant governor’s office.

“It’s just something that’s absolutely necessary, and it’s my commitment as a public servant to do these things, and that’s why we sign up for these jobs, right?” he stated, underscoring his dedication to the role. While it remains uncertain how long he will serve as acting lieutenant governor, Regan expressed his intention to “do the best job that [he] possibly can,” regardless of whether it’s for another week or until the end of Luke’s term.

Looking ahead, Regan is open to opportunities that may arise following the completion of Luke’s term, indicating that he would be “honored” to continue in his role as comptroller if Governor Green or a future governor requests it. As Hawai‘i navigates these transitional times, Regan’s approach reinforces the importance of dedicated public service amidst shifting political landscapes.

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