The state Senate yesterday 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.

13 CHARGED WITH KAUA'I GAMBLING

Kaua'i police arrested 13 people for allegedly gambling in the main pavilion at Salt Pond Beach Park, The Garden Island newspaper reported.

Police Chief Darryl Perry said officers responding to complaints discovered that card and dice games were being conducted in the pavilion from early evening to late-night hours.

The arrests were made April 2.

The 13 people were charged with misdemeanor gambling and released on $100 bail.

Police said they confiscated about $5,500 in cash, illegal drugs and gambling devices.