HCDA CONSIDERS APPOINTMENT FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

News Release from HCDA, Nov 17, 2016

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) will consider the appointment of Jesse K. Souki as its executive director in an upcoming special meeting on November 23, 2016.

Mr. Souki was the director of the state Office of Planning from 2011 to 2014 and served as the first deputy director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2014. He currently serves as the director of planning, permitting, and right of way for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the community and stakeholders together and empower them to create a long-term vision for Kakaako, Kalaeloa and Heeia,” Souki said. “We can continue to create well-planned communities where our residents can truly live, work and play.”

“During the screening process I was impressed by Jesse’s broad range of experience – from Climate Change Adaptation to Transit Oriented Development,” said John Whalen, HCDA board chairman. “Of the finalists we considered, he definitely stands out.”

While with the state, Souki led the development of a food security strategy. Prior to joining the state, he practiced law in the areas of planning, permitting, land use and real estate development. He also served as a deputy corporation counsel for the County of Maui and the City and County of Honolulu.

Souki was raised on Maui and moved to Oahu after law school. He is married and has a three-year-old son.

About the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA)

The HCDA is a state agency created by the Hawaii State Legislature in 1976 to redevelop historically underutilized areas across the state.  The HCDA’s mission is to build communities in the designated Community Development Districts of Kakaako, Kalaeloa and Heeia, to provide more opportunities for residents to grow in a vibrant environment.  In Kakaako, the HCDA is committed to revitalizing the urban core and providing housing opportunities to residents of all income levels.

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