MAYOR HANNEMANN NAMES 7 TO CABINET

Mayor Mufi Hannemann today introduced seven new members of his Cabinet, who will replace officials who have retired or are moving to other city positions or the private sector.

“We’re very pleased to add this excellent group of highly talented individuals to our team,” Mayor Hannemann said. “Each of them brings valuable skills, energy and experience, and we welcome them as we move forward in an exciting new year full of challenges and opportunities.”

Hannemann said is also very pleased that two Cabinet members – Deputy Transportation Director Richard Torres and Customer Services Senior Advisor Ed Nishioka – are transferring to positions working on the city’s rail transit project, where they will provide valuable assistance with one of the city’s most high-priority initiatives.

The new Cabinet members are:

·        Jeoffrey Cudiamat, Director of the Department of Facilities Maintenance

Professional Engineer who has worked for a variety of engineering contractors and agencies, and owns two engineering firms. Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and, pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering. Recently named the Young Engineer of the Year by the Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies, and in 2008 was named Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce. Cudiamat replaces Craig Nishimura, who is returning to a civil service position in the Environmental Services department.

·        Tim Steinberger, Director of the Department of Environmental Services

Served as city director of Environmental Services from 2001 to 2003, then as director of Design and Construction through the early part of 2005 with the Hannemann administration. Professional Engineer with 12 years of government experience and 13 years in the private sector. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. Managed city compliance with a federal consent decree regarding the wastewater collection system. Steinberger replaces Eric Takamura, who is returning to the private sector.

·        Manny Lanuevo, Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Services

Electrical Engineer who has worked for the state Department of Transportation for the past 20 years, in the airport division’s engineering branch. Professional Engineer. Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Also a Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. Was chairman of the Sustainability Committee for the Honolulu International Airport modernization program, which won the 2008 state Team of the Year award for a photovoltaic project. Current president of the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers. Lanuevo replaces Kennth Shimizu, who is returning to the private sector.

·        Collins Lam, Deputy Director of the Department of Design and Construction

Professional Engineer with experience on a variety of water, wastewater, environmental remediation and environmental audit projects. Most recently worked for a major Honolulu engineering firm on projects such as the city’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion and headworks projects. Also worked as the firm’s Lanai utilities director, and as public liaison for a major Lanai landowner. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. Lam replaces Russell Takara, who will serve as acting director for two months before assuming an engineering position in the department.

·        Sandra Sagisi, Deputy Director of the Department of Customer Services

Worked in television news and public affairs for 15 years, most recently at a major Honolulu public relations firm. Also handled media for the Honolulu Festival. Owns a mortgage franchise, is a licensed realtor, and is a former director at a local university. Bachelor’s degree in communications, associates degree in fine arts. Twice nominated for Emmy awards in news writing and for her battle with cancer, and won a variety of reporting and media awards in Hawaii. Sagisi replaces Ed Nishioka, who served as the department’s senior advisor and is transferring to a position working on the city’s rail transit project.

·        Robert Sumitomo, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting

Professional Engineer with nearly 30 years of city experience, most recently as chief of the Site Development Division for the Department of Planning and Permitting, which is responsible for the review, approval and inspection of subdivisions; infrastructure improvements necessary to support new development; work within city rights of way; improvements to existing city infrastructure; and grading work. Also has private sector experience, primarily on transportation projects. Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Sumitomo replaces David Tanoue, who was recently named director of the department.

·        Sharon Ann Thom, Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation Services

Construction manager with 17 years of private sector experience, including as regional construction director for General Growth Properties, Inc. Recently oversaw the Ala Moana Center expansion project to house the new Nordstrom store. Bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and psychology. Thom replaces Richard Torres, who is transferring to a position working on the city’s rail transit project.

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Media contact: Bill Brennan, Mayor’s Office, 527-6928