GOV. IGE SELECTS HHFDC DIRECTOR TO HEAD BUDGET & FINANCE DEPARTMENT

News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 4, 2019

HONOLULU –  Gov. David Ige has appointed Craig Hirai as the director of the Department of Budget and Finance, effective Dec. 16, 2019.

Hirai has served as executive director of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC), State of Hawai‘i since 2013. He is also the sole member of Craig K. Hirai, CPA, LLC. Previously, Hirai was a consultant (shareholder/director) at Bowen Hunsaker Hirai Consulting, Inc. and Bowen Hunsaker Hirai, Certified Public Accountants. In addition, Hirai has worked as a tax attorney in private practice.

Hirai is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) where he earned an M.S. in accounting and an M.B.A. He went on to earn his J.D. at Hastings College of Law at the University of California San Francisco, and his LL.M – a Master of Laws (in taxation), a post-graduate law degree from New York University.

“Craig’s extensive experience and knowledge, along with his administrative skill set will serve our state well. I am elated that Craig has agreed to come onboard as a member of my cabinet,” said Gov. Ige. “I would also like to thank Neal Miyahira for agreeing to temporarily serve as Budget and Finance director and for doing a fine job while we searched for a permanent candidate.”

Miyahira returns to his position as budget division administrator at the Department of Budget and Finance.

Hirai’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

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