State Office of Consumer Protection Names New Director

Stephen Levins has been named executive director for the State Office of Consumer Protection by Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón.

Levin’s role will go into effect on Feb. 13.

Over the past three years in his role as deputy attorney general at the state’s Office of the Attorney General for the Commerce and Economic Development Division, Levins has provided legal advice to various boards, including dental and pharmacy boards.

In addition, Levins also serves as the lead attorney for all consumer protection, a job that involves multi-state consumer protection matters involving the Office of the Attorney General, with the inclusion of multi-state investigations of abuses involving finances.

“I am excited that Steve has agreed to return to DCCA.” said Director Awakuni Colón. “Steve’s expertise in the area of consumer protection, combined with his passion to safeguard consumers will greatly benefit the people of Hawai’i.”

Levins will be returning to his previous post as executive director for OCP, a position he held for 13 years. During his previous tenure, between 1998 and 2011, he led the recovery of more than $30 million in restitution for Hawai’i consumers and secured more than $20 million in penalties paid to the State of Hawai’i.

Other roles held by Levins include service as deputy corporation counsel and deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu.

“I have devoted my legal career to protecting Hawai’i consumers from unfair or deceptive trade practices,” said Levins. “I’m very excited to once again have the opportunity to serve the people of Hawai’i as the executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection.”

OCP is the state’s primary agency responsible for reviewing, investigating, and prosecuting allegations of unfair or deceptive trade practices in consumer transactions.