The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is naming an interim administrator for its Historic Preservation Division.

The department is also forming a committee to find a long-term replacement for the previous administrator who resigned earlier this month. Pua Aiu stepped down after a federal report criticized the way her office responded to operational problems threatening funding.

The department said Friday Bureau of Conveyances Registrar Nicki Ann Thompson will serve as acting administrator through Sept. 30.

A four-person committee will review and interview candidates for a long-term appointment.

Committee members are department Chairman William Aila, Deputy Director Esther Kiaaina, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chief Executive Officer Kamanaopono Crabbe and University of Hawaii anthropology and ethnic studies professor Ty Kawika Tengan.