News Release from Office of the Mayor February 9, 2013
David Z. Arakawa – Corporation Counsel. Arakawa knows the job – he returns to Corporation Council where he served from 1997 to 2005. He has been the Executive Director of the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii since 2007, where he played a major role in developing new laws relating to important agricultural lands, Department of Education impact fees, environmental impact statements, planning and permitting, and infrastructure. He earned his law and undergraduate degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is a graduate of Punahou School.
Gerald H. Saito – Director of Enterprise Services. Saito was in charge of Hawaii’s Longs Drugs stores from 1995 through 2006, at which time it was sold. As Senior Vice President for the Hawaii Region, he was in charge of 2,500 employees, improved the supply chain from the west coast to Hawaii, created statewide print ad capability, implemented 24-hour store operations, and led fundraising efforts for non-profits and provided scholarships. He most recently worked as a sales and marketing consultant. He is a U.S. Army veteran, graduated from the University of Oregon, and attended an Executive Management Program at Cornell University.
Toni P. Robinson – Director of Parks and Recreation. Robinson brings a wealth of experience in the city’s parks department. She served as Assistant Administrator, District Manager, Complex Supervisor, and Recreation Director during her 36 years with the department. She was named the department’s Manager of the Year in 2005. After her retirement she volunteered to help implement online camping permits and improve environmental protections and services at Hanauma Bay. She has also served as a lecturer in Kinesiology and Leisure Science at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
George I. Atta – Director of Planning and Permitting. Atta, a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners and LEED AP certified, has more than 30 years of professional experience in urban and regional planning with public agencies as a planning consultant, and in processing land use entitlements in the State of Hawai‘i. As a Principal at Group 70 International Inc., he oversaw urban design plans, environmental documents, and various land use permit applications. He also coordinated community advisory groups, public meetings, project scheduling, budgets and consulting. He has a Masters Degree from Harvard University.
These newest appointees join the members of Mayor Caldwell’s cabinet previously announced:
- Michael D. Formby – Director of Transportation Services.
- Lori Kahikina – Director of Environmental Services
- Sheri Kajiwara – Director of Customer Services.
- Carolee C. Kubo – Director of Human Resources.
- Pamela Witty Oakland – Director of Community Services.
- Mark Knapp Rigg – Director of Emergency Services.
- Ross S. Sasamura – Director of Facility Maintenance.
- Chris T. Takashige – Director of Design and Construction.
Positions remaining to be filled are:
- Director of Budget and Fiscal Services
- Director of Information Technology
- Medical Examiner
All appointments must be confirmed by the Honolulu City Council.
The directors of the Board of Water Supply, Emergency Management, HART, and Chiefs of the Fire and Police Departments are not appointed by the Mayor.
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