MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced the appointment of Max Otani as deputy director of corrections with the state Department of Public Safety, effective immediately.

Max Otani

“Max brings decades of experience to his position, from many years ‘on the line’ as a parole and probation officer and in leadership roles at the Hawaii Paroling Authority, to most recently as division administrator at the Department of Public Safety,” Abercrombie said.

“His familiarity with Public Safety issues and sound leadership, professionalism and efficiency are sure to be an asset to the department and the state as we work to implement our Justice Reinvestment Initiative objectives,” he said.

Since 2011, Otani has served as the division administrator at the Department of Public Safety’s Intake Service Center.

Previously, he served in a variety of roles for the Hawaii Paroling Authority, including field service branch administrator from 2010 to 2011, paroles and pardons administrator from 2007 to 2010, field service branch administrator from 2005 to 2007, Oahu intake service center from 2003 to 2005, and field service branch administrator from 1997 to 2003.

He also worked as a parole supervisor and parole officer for the authority and as a probation officer for the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Active in the community, Otani is a member of the Interagency Council on Intermediate Sanctions and the Justice Reinvestment Working Group. He is also the head instructor of the Newtown Shinseikan Judo Club.

Otani earned his master’s degree in social work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and bachelor of arts at UH Hilo.

He resides in Aiea with his wife, Ann.