Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

NEWS RELEASE

Masagatani Confirmed As Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission

Senate makes permanent Gov. Abercrombie’s appointment

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, Mar. 8, 2013 — The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed Ms. Jobie Masagatani as Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This action by the Senate makes permanent the interim appointment made by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in May of 2012.

“I would like to thank the members of the State Senate for their vote of confidence, and especially Governor Abercrombie, his Administration, and the many in our community who took the time to submit testimony, for their unwavering support in my abilities to steward the trust established by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaole,” said Masagatani.  “There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I am fortunate to have a committed and dedicated staff.  There is much we can achieve through our partnerships, our collaboration with our community leaders, and our willingness to be innovative.”

Masagatani, 48, earned a master’s degree in public affairs/urban and regional planning from Princeton University.  She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Northwestern University. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Ms. Masagatani is a resident of Kailua.

Prior to coming back to the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Masagatani served at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) as Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer. Before that, she was an assistant to the President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems. She also previously served as a Land Investment Analyst for Kamehameha Schools, and as Deputy to the Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

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Media Contact:
Darrell T. Young
Deputy to the Chair
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
(808) 620-9510
[email protected]