Honolulu's rail authority announced Dean Hazama as its new director of finance Wednesday.
According to HART, Hazama will oversee the important divisions within the organization, including its: finance and budget, purchasing and contract administration, and claims departments.
He'll also act as a liaison to city, state and federal oversight agencies, as well as legislators and constituent groups.
According to a press release, Hazama will report directly to HART's deputy executive director, Rick Keene.
Hazama comes to HART after serving five years as a business management officer for the state's department of commerce and consumer affairs.
Between 2012 and 2017, he was chair of Honolulu's planning commission. He also worked as an analyst at the state Department of Transportation's programs, plans and budget division.
Until last month, Hazama also served as the finance committee chair for HART's board of directors.
Hazama enters the role during a critical time for the rail authority. Despite additional financial assistance from the city, in the form of the newly enacted county hotel tax, the rail project still faces budgetary challenges.
HART is also expecting to start the next phase of construction along the Dillingham corridor. Additionally, the authority is still in the process of making repairs to close a gap between the rail car wheels and the track.
Hazama will also be responsible for developing a revised recovery plan for the Federal Transit Administration.
