New Dean Recommended for UH College of Engineering

Brennon Morioka is being recommended as the new dean of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Engineering . PC: UH.

Brennon Morioka was recommended as the next dean of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Engineering by UH Mānoa Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Vice Chancellor of Research Michael Bruno.

Formal action will be taken after the appointment is posted on the agenda of the UH Board of Regent meeting on Jan. 31. The appointment would be effective April 1.

Morioka is currently the general manager for electrification of transportation at Hawaiian Electric Company whose goal is to increase the adoption of electrified transport, including ground transportation and airport and harbor operations, into Hawai‘i’s cultural fabric.

He was previously the deputy executive director for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation as well as the former director of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation.

“Dr. Morioka impressed the search advisory committee and all stakeholders with his management experience, his passion for the college and the university and his deep connections to the community,” said Bruno. “I believe that he possesses the leadership skills, background and experience to work effectively with the campus community and our external stakeholders to move the college to still higher levels of accomplishment and impact.”