Gov. Green nominates Tokioka for Hawaiʻi’s economic chief; Senate rejected first choice

Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green nominated James Kunane Tokioka of Kauaʻi to serve as the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Tokioka, a former member of the Kaua‘i County Council and Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, worked his way through the hotel industry, both in Hawai‘i and across the United States.

Tokioka was previously the state Director of the Airports Division. His nomination is subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

Green’s original nominee for the position, Chris Sadayasu, was rejected in March by the Senate in a 15-8 vote. Sadayasu, a Big Island Native and graduate of Hilo High School, will return to the Department of the Attorney General.

“Director Tokioka is stepping up to help move foward important priorities for the state,” Green said in a press release. “He will immediately hit the ground running and foster collaboration amongst the various attached agencies at DBEDT.”

The Department of Transportation is expected to announce Tokioka’s replacement at the Airports Division in the coming days.

Green’s original nominee for the Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development also was rejected by the Senate. The vote about Scott Glenn was 12-12 in the 25-member Senate, one vote shy of confirmation. Big Island Sen. Sen. Joy San Buenaventura was not in attendance to vote.

Green said he is committed to finding another qualified candidate who exemplifies the commitment to public service and the duties of the office, including land use, transit-oriented development, coastal zone management, climate adaptation and other planning requirements for Hawaiʻi.

Current administrator Mary Alice Evans will serve as acting director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

Glenn will take time off to spend with family before returning to help the administration work on climate and environmental solutions.