#Chris Sadayasu

Gov. Green appoints James Kunane Tokioka as DBEDT director

Governor Josh Green, M.D. announced James Kunane Tokioka will serve as the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. A former member of the Kaua‘i County Council and Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, Tokioka worked his way through the hotel industry, both here in Hawai‘i and across the United States.

Senate takes vote on key gubernatorial nominees

The Hawaiʻi state Senate took votes Friday on key gubernatorial nominees. Keith Regan (formerly of Maui) who was nominated as Comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services, received a unanimous vote for Senate confirmation.

Senate committee rejects nomination of DBEDT director

A senate committee on Thursday voted to reject the nomination of Chris Sadayasu as director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.  Despite the committee’s recommendation against consent, Sadayasu’s nomination will move forward for a vote and final consideration by the full 25-member Senate.

Visitor Industry on Maui experiences continued recovery in January 2023

There were 228,743 visitors to Maui in January 2023, up nearly 25% from the 183,278 visitors who arrived in January 2022, and down -2% from the 233,422 visitors who came in January 2019.