Hawai'i Community Development Authority

HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

STERLING HIGA
CHAIR

STERLING HIGA IS THE NEW HCDA CHAIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2024

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority members unanimously voted Sterling Higa as chair.  Higa has been serving on the board since 2022.

“Congratulations Sterling Higa,” said Craig Nakamoto, HCDA executive director.  “We look forward to working with you in your new role.”

Sterling Higa is the co-founder and executive director of Housing Hawai‘i’s Future, a nonprofit creating opportunities for Hawai‘i’s next generation by ending the workforce housing shortage and preparing the next generation of leaders for effective civic engagement.  He is also a teacher and writer.  Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Higa is a Roosevelt High School graduate, with a master’s degree in education from Harvard. He also studied for his doctorate at the University of Hawai‘i.

“We are grateful for Chason Ishii’s service as chair of the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority from 2022 through July 2024,” said Nakamoto.  “His professionalism and guidance have been vital as we worked to build better communities from the infrastructure up.”

Chason Ishii is president of Atlas Insurance Agency Inc.  A member of the HCDA board since 2019 and as chairman since 2022, Ishii will now serve as vice chair.

Peter Apo was also reelected as the Secretary.

The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority is a public entity created by the  Legislature to establish community development plans and programs in community development districts and cooperate with private enterprise and federal, state, and county agencies.  The seventeen-member board, executive director, and staff work to bring the community development plans to fruition.

“I cannot thank our volunteer board enough for their hard work and dedication,” said Nakamoto.  “Thank you all for your service.”

The HCDA’s work should result in economic and social opportunities and aim to meet the highest needs and aspirations of Hawaiʻi’s people.

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RESOURCES:
https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hcda/

Media Contact:
Francine Murray
Community Outreach Officer
Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority
[email protected]
808-594-0300