Message from Acting Mayor Kirk W. Caldwell

Mayor Hannemann's departure from Honolulu Hale represents a profound loss for the City and County of Honolulu ohana and the people of Oahu.  But that certainly doesn't mean there will be any diminution in our commitment to the missions and goals of the City, any lessening of our desire to work together for the greater good.

Having served as managing director, and now as acting mayor, I've been overseeing the daily operations of our City agencies and a workforce of 9,000 employees.  My responsibilities have given me invaluable experience and insight into the complexities of our government, as well as a deep appreciation of the dedication and professionalism of our City ohana who work so hard to fulfill our duties.

Thanks to this strong team, we've made remarkable progress on so many fronts.  Public safety, parks and public facilities, rail transit, clean water, sewers, solid waste, homelessness, and a host of concerns have been at the forefront of the administration's accomplishments, and you can expect there will continue to be progress on these fronts and more.

With regard to homelessness, we continue to work with our partners in government and the non-profit sector to make progress in finding solutions to help the homeless move off the streets, and in returning our beaches and parks to the public at large.  And regarding rail transit, we have come so very far, and in such a short period.  I will do everything in my power to keep this project on track.

To our City employees, it has been a pleasure to work alongside such an outstanding corps of professionals as your managing director, and I know the coming months will be marked by the same energy and enthusiasm that I've come to appreciate.

To the residents of Oahu, rest assured that you will continue to benefit from the same outstanding caliber of public service you've enjoyed from your City team.

Aloha.

Biography

Kirk Caldwell is the acting mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the 13th largest municipality in the United States.

He was named managing director by former Mayor Mufi Hannemann in January 2009.

Mr. Caldwell has extensive experience in public service and the private sector.  Prior to joining the City, he was a partner in the law firm of Ashford and Wriston for three decades.  His practice focused on finance, litigation, and government relations.

He also served in the state House of Representatives from 2002-2008, the last two years as majority leader.  Mr. Caldwell was a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye and law clerk to former Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice William S. Richardson.

Born in Waipahu and raised on the Big Island, where his father was a plantation physician, Mr. Caldwell graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy and earned his undergraduate degree from Tufts University.  He received a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and his law degree from the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law, where he served on the Law Review.

As managing director, Mr. Caldwell has been the administration's point person for two of the biggest issues facing Honolulu, transit and homelessness.  He has also been involved in other City programs and projects.

He has served in leadership roles in numerous civic, professional, and neighborhood organizations, including the American Bar Association, Judiciary History Center, Housing Hawaii, Hawaii branch of the International Dyslexia Association, board member of the Friends of John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kaimuki Neighborhood Board, and Manoa Neighborhood Board.

Mr. Caldwell and his wife, Donna Tanoue, live in Manoa with daughter Maya and their dog, Orion.