Okimoto and Nahale-a Confirmed to Cabinet Posts

By Wendy Osher

The state Senate unanimously voted to confirm two cabinet level directors today.  Glenn M. Okimoto was confirmed as Director of the Department of Transportation and Albert “Alapaki” Nahale-a was confirmed as Chairperson for  Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Photo courtesy Hawaii State Senate Communications.

Both were appointed to their respective posts by Governor Neil Abercrombie.

Glenn Okimoto (DOT Director) has held prior posts with the State Department of Transportation as the Airports Administrator and Harbors Administrator, and Deputy Director for the DOT Administration Division between 1994 and 2001.  Dr. Okimoto, 57, most recently served as the Budget Director for the University of Hawaii System, and previously worked as the State Comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services.  He earned his BA, MA and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from UH-Manoa.

Alapaki Nahale-a (DHHL Director) of Hilo comes to the post with experience as a DHHL Commissioner.  He also served on the Hawaii County Charter Commission and as a board member for the Kuikahi Mediation Center.  Nahale-a, 42, most recently served as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Charter Schools Network.  His government work includes time as a legislative auditor assistant for the Hawaii County Council.  Nahale-a is a 1986 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.