Correa and Matsui selected by Arakawa to Head Parks Department

By Wendy Osher

Maui Mayor-Elect Alan Arakawa continued his list of administrative appointments today by naming Glenn Correa and Patrick Matsui as Director and Deputy Director of the County Parks & Recreation Department, respectively.

Glenn Correa and Patrick Matsui. Courtesy Photo.

Correa served as Deputy Director of the Parks Department under the Apana Administration, and as Director between 2003 and 2006, during Arakawa’s first term.  During his time with the department, The Parks division the Tadashi Sato Mura was completed at War Memorial Stadium, the Waiehu Golf Course maintenance building and the Keopuolani Boundless Playground were constructed, and the Wailuku Pool and Pali to Ukumehame Park were purchased.

Correa was first employed by the Department in 1973 when former Mayor Elmer Cravalho hired him as an electrician helper, and was later promoted under the Hannibal Tavares administration, to a licensed journeyman electrician.  After that, he became a General Maintenance Construction Supervisor under the former Mayor Linda Lingle administration.

Born and raised on Maui, Correa is married to Ululani Correa, the Executive Director of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

“In looking back during my previous term as mayor, Director Correa was one of the most outstanding and hardworking directors in my administration,” said Arakawa.   “Whatever goals that the managing director or I set for the Department, Director Correa worked tirelessly and collaboratively to accomplish the goals in an efficient manner.  I have every confidence that Glenn will do the same this time around,” said Arakawa.

“I am humbled that Mayor-elect Arakawa has asked me to serve again as his director of parks and recreation.  This is a department that touches the livelihood of everyone in our community and I look forward to working with the team of capable and experienced staff of the P&R department,” said Correa.

Lifelong Maui resident, Patrick Matsui, meantime, was appointed as the incoming Deputy Director. He is currently the Chief of Planning and Development for the department, a post he has held for the past 17 years.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Matsui was hired by County of Maui.  Matsui is a 38 year employee of the County of Maui, having worked with the Planning Department, Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works and, most recently, the Department of Parks & Recreation.

“As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement and, with the renewed interest in physical fitness within our communities, the demands for recreational programs and facilities will continue to accelerate.  I am eager to work tirelessly to address these challenges,” said Matsui.