Patricia McManaman is returning to her post as director of the state Department of Human Services on Monday just five weeks after stepping down.

The reason for her short leave of absence was never made known to the public and surprised even her own colleagues.

Both McManaman and Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office, which announced her return on Friday, wouldn’t disclose why she left in the first place.

A DHS spokeswoman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Thursday, the day before the announcement, that she was unaware McManaman was returning. While on leave, McManaman received her regular monthly salary of $11,128, DHS said.

On Feb. 7, McManaman announced in an internal memo to employees that she was stepping down from her position for personal reasons.

"It has been an immense honor and privilege to work with you to advance the mission of the department," she said in the letter. "Thank you for all the kindness and support you have extended to me over the past three years. I treasure all that you have taught me and will carry those lessons with me as I move forward."

After a call from the Star-Advertiser on Thursday, McManaman sent out another note to employees after 6 p.m. that she was returning and thanked them for "assuring progress in our legislative and program agendas" while she was away.

"Fortunately, my personal circumstances were favorably resolved much sooner than anticipated," she said. "Gov. Abercrombie has asked me to resume my full-time duties effective March 17. I look forward to our continuing collaboration."

McManaman had been with the Abercrombie administration since 2010.

She practiced law in Hawaii for more than 30 years, holding a variety of public-interest legal positions prior to being named DHS director. In addition, she served as a per-diem judge in District and Family Court for 17 years.

"I’m happy to see Pat back in a position to build on the solid foundation she has built in the department," Abercrombie said.