Mayor Blangiardi names Jiro Sumada DPP Deputy Director

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, 14 December 2022

HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced today the appointment of Jiro Sumada as Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) effective December 15. Sumada replaces Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, who was named Director Designate last week.

Sumada will be returning to the same position he held at the DPP from 2010 to 2013. He also served briefly as Acting Director. In addition, his government experience includes deputy director, Highways Division, Hawaii Department of Transportation, and deputy director, Department of Public Works, Hawaii County.

“I am excited to bring Jiro on board to help drive and oversee the execution of many of the changes we’re making in the department,” Takeuchi Apuna said. “Having served in that capacity, he can hit the ground running and is familiar with DPP processes, people and challenges.”

Sumada is an engineer with experience that also includes serving as public outreach coordinator with SSFM International, and land manager with W.H. Shipman. Most recently, the Hilo native was the transformation facilitator with QRSE in Honolulu.

Sumada is a graduate of Hilo High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii.

“Jiro brings a wealth of knowledge back to the DPP and is committed to supporting Dawn in moving DPP in a positive direction,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “With Dawn’s leadership and Jiro’s experience, I know they will make the critical changes needed so we can better serve the public.”

—PAU—