HONOLULU – O'ahu residents appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle to serve on various state boards and commissions were sworn in Thursday at a ceremony held at Washington Place.

Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. presided over the ceremony and Associate Justice James Duffy of the Hawai'i Supreme Court administered the oath of office to 259 new members from O'ahu.

"Through this important public service, these individuals are taking personal responsibility to help improve the quality of life for all the people of Hawai'i," said Lingle said in a news release issued by her office. "I appreciate the time, talent and expertise board and commission members provide our Administration as we work to enhance government services."

Nearly 1,300 people statewide serve on more than 160 boards and commissions that were established by the state constitution, state statutes, or executive orders. This year's appointees include 457 people from around the state to serve on boards that cover a wide range of industries and issues. A list of new appointees from O'ahu is attached. Swearing-in ceremonies for neighbor island board and commission members are being held on the other islands.

For a list of the new board and commission members, click on the adjacent PDF link.