The Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) has appointed Dean Minakami to serve as their executive director.
Minakami had been serving as interim executive director since March 31. He has been with the HHFDC since 2019.
Approximately 25 candidates submitted resumes for the position, with Minakami, a lifelong planner, determined to be the most qualified candidate for the position.
Minakami’s tenure with HHFDC began with a role as Development Section chief in January 2019. He would advance to the position of Development Branch Chief in October of the following year. During his time at HHFDC, MInakami helped guide a number of notable projects including Koa Ridge in Central Oʻahu.
MInakami was previously a senior planner at A&B Properties Hawaiʻi, and held roles at PBR Hawaiʻi, Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaiʻi, WIlson Okamoto and the City and County of Honolulu.
“Mr. Minakami was the clear, standout candidate,” said HHFDC Chair Gary Mackler. “Dean is not only highly respected; his extensive public and private sector experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead HHFDC.”
According to James Kunane Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Minakami’s efforts with the Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing Program to help displaced Maui families and individuals, further served to shore up his leadership credentials.
“Dean and his staff were instrumental in establishing the program,” he said, further noting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross were also impressed with MInakami’s work.
The HHFDC executive director serves at the pleasure of the nine-member board. HHFDC’s primary mission is to advance affordable housing opportunities for the people of Hawaiʻi.
