Anthony Arakaki selected to head Maui’s CDBG Program

By Wendy Osher

Maui Mayor-Elect Alan Arakawa continues to fill leadership roles within his incoming administration.  In his latest announcement, Arakawa named Kula resident, Anthony Arakaki to the helm of the federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Maui.

Anthony Arakaki. Courtesy Photo.

As CDBG Coordinator, Arakaki will be responsible for overseeing the CDBG office.  That includes administering and apportioning CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).

Projects funded by CDBG are aimed at improving communities, primarily for those of low and moderate income.  This includes providing housing, suitable living environments, and increasing economic opportunities.

Arakaki is currently a Tax Returns Examiner with the State of Hawaii, Department of Taxation.   He previously managed and owned Pauwela Café in Haiku.  Arakaki has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa and is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting from the University of Hawai`i – West Oahu campus.

Ouside of work, Arakaki is involved with both the Kiwanis Club of the Valley Isle and the Maui Young Business Roundtable.

“Anthony is intelligent, innovative, and works well with people — important traits for the CDBG position,” said incoming Chief of Staff, Herman Andaya.  “Having the unique experience of owning and operating a small business on Maui and working in the public sector, Anthony will be a real asset to the CDBG office and the community as a whole,” said Andaya.

*** If you found this article interesting, you may also like our story on the appointments of J.D. Kim and Robert Rivera to the County Prosecutor’s office.