On June 28, 2024, the Office of the Governor announced several key appointments and the formation of a task force to address property insurance issues.
Christine Maii Sakuda has been appointed as the State of Hawai‘i Chief Information Officer, effective August 5. Sakuda holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa College of Business Administration. She brings nearly two decades of experience in IT transformation initiatives within healthcare and government sectors, alongside 15 years in nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Transform Hawai‘i Government.
Danton S. Wong and Barbara B. Polk have been appointed to the Campaign Spending Commission. Wong graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1979 and obtained his law degree from Hastings College of Law in 1982. His career has focused on real estate acquisitions, sales, financing, development, commercial leasing, business consultation, and related areas. He has also held various leadership roles including Director and President of The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace.
Polk received her Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College in 1962 and her Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968. Her academic career includes positions such as assistant professor, Dean of Instruction, Provost at various institutions, and Policy and Planning Officer at the University of Hawai‘i.
Debra Cabebe has been appointed to the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority Pulehunui board. Cabebe is currently CEO at Maui Economic Opportunity Inc., where she has worked since 2000.
Governor Green also appointed seven individuals to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Salary Commission upon OHA's request; these appointments took effect on June 21.
Andrew Pereira joins the Stadium Authority Board while serving as Director of Public Affairs for Pacific Resource Partnership.
Joshua Faumuina has been named Student Regent for the University of Hawai‘i system; he holds a Bachelor’s degree from UH Manoa and is pursuing a law degree at William S. Richardson School of Law.
In addition to these appointments, Governor Green established a joint Executive-Legislative Task Force aimed at addressing complex property insurance challenges impacting condominiums among other housing concerns.
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Erika Engle