The state Senate on Friday confirmed Kaulana Park as chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Gov. Linda Lingle in August appointed Park to head the agency, which provides housing to Native Hawaiians on former kingdom lands.

One of Park's chief challenges will be working on ways to get more Native Hawaiians into homes. Thousands of Native Hawaiians are on waiting lists.

Senators praised Park's leadership abilities and determination before confirming him. Park replaces Micah Kane, who resigned Aug. 12 to become a Kamehameha Schools trustee.