The Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) board of directors recently hired Esther Kia’aina as its new executive director.  Kia’aina served as US Interior Department’s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas under the Obama Admin and she visited American Samoa during her tenure. She is pictured here during the 2016 Flag Day celebration. PBDC is a regional non-profit organization located at the East West Center at UH- Manoa. It advances economic and social development issues for the US. Pacific.  [SN file photo]