Chief of Staff

Barry Fukunaga brings 28 years of combined service in state and city government to his role as Chief of Staff. As Chief, Fukunaga coordinates all departments to ensure that  initiatives are successfully integrated and implemented to perfection.

His profound understanding of the immediate and long-term needs of Hawai‘i comes from his exemplary service as state transportation director and as the Department of Transportation’s deputy director of harbors, as well as from his previous roles in various capacities with the DOT Airports Division and with the City and County of Honolulu.

Prior to entering his distinguished career in government, Fukunaga was an Air Force officer, command-pilot and co-pilot from 1968 to 1973. During that time, Fukunaga completed his master’s of public administration and bachelor of business administration degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Fukunaga’s rich background in management and planning includes his influential role as director of the Department of Enterprise Services for the City and County of Honolulu from December 2000 – September 2004. Fukunaga’s leadership contributed to the continued success of such O‘ahu landmarks as the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Waikiki Shell,  Honolulu Zoo as well as many golf courses. Fukunaga also served as deputy director of the city’s Department of Environmental Services, where he was responsible for wastewater treatment facilities and solid refuse collection, among other programs.

Fukunaga’s comprehensive understanding of the function of government is the hallmark of his character, as he serves the people of the State of Hawai‘i with his extensive knowledge, integrity and loyalty.