WAIMEA — Gov. David Ige recently announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” Masuda to the position of first deputy director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. He assumed his new position last Friday.
A Waimea resident for 24 years, in his new role Masuda will help manage, develop, oversee and implement initiatives, programs and policies for DLNR’s 11 divisions, including the implementation of Ige’s Sustainable Hawaii Initiative.
Masuda previously served as DLNR’s first deputy director from May 2005-May 2007. He led DLNR’s efforts during two natural disasters and was the department’s representative for numerous interagency working groups. Masuda has more than 55 years of experience as an executive leader, including top roles with the YMCA and the City and County of Honolulu.
“Bob is the right leader for the right time,” Ige said in an Aug. 3 prepared statement. “As second-in-command of DLNR, one of the key agencies developing sustainability and environmental leadership initiatives, I couldn’t be more pleased to have someone of Bob’s experience and dedication on board.”
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case added, “Bob is well known across the state as an inspirational leader with a passion for natural and cultural resource protection and education, and forestry and marine life sustainability. He knows DLNR well. We are fortunate and appreciative that Bob is willing to serve Hawaii in this capacity.”
Since 2007, Masuda has served as senior advisory for special programs development at the USDA’s U.S. Forest Service Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry. In this role he advised, consulted and assisted management and scientists with a variety of programs and projects related to inter-agency cooperation on multiple government levels.
“I’m honored to be returning to DLNR and happy to help continue its mission of protecting and perpetuating the natural and cultural resources of Hawaii,” Masuda said. “I believe my work on the local, national and international levels is very much in alignment with the governor’s and Chair Case’s vision for how we work through and improve upon the monumental tasks DLNR is responsible for. I’m excited to re-engage with many of my former DLNR colleagues and look forward to working with new co-workers who share my passion for protecting what makes Hawaii such a special place.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in science in applied behavioral science and group work education from George Williams College, and an executive master’s of business administration from the University of Hawaii.
Masuda’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation during the next legislative session.