Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Chris J. Sadayasu was born and raised on the island of Hawaii. He is a proud graduate of Hilo High School, Claremont McKenna College, and the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Sadayasu is currently the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). As Director, he leads DBEDT’s efforts to support the growth, diversification, and resiliency of Hawaii’s economy.

Sadayasu has over seventeen years of experience as an expert in economic development in DBEDT’s various attached agencies including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Community Development Authority, and Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

He has also held positions at the Aloha Tower Development Corporation and City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Strategic Development. Sadayasu most recently served as the Charities Program Administrator with the Department of the Attorney General.