LIHUE — County of Kaua‘i’s Managing Director Michael Dahilig will leave his role next month to take a position as senior policy counsel for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i.
The transition was announced in a statement on Thursday by Schatz spokesperson Michael Inacay.
The statement highlighted Dahilig’s extensive experience, noting he currently manages “14 departments and a more than $300 million operating budget” as the county’s managing director.
“Mike (Dahilig) brings years of public policy, management and local political experience to this new position,” said Schatz in a statement. “We are excited to have Mike take on this new role and continue to use his experience and skills to serve the people of Hawai‘i.”
Dahilig will be based on O‘ahu for the new role, which was created in an effort to grow the senator’s policy team in the state.
County Director of Finance Reiko Matsuyama was tapped to replace Dahilig on Thursday. She has been working for the county since January 2019.
“The decision to bring (Matsuyama) on board was an easy one, and we are excited to see her continue to grow and thrive in this new capacity as our managing director,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a statement on Thursday.
Kawakami called the announcement of Dahilig’s new position “bittersweet,” noting that Dahilig’s presence would be missed in his office.
“We thank Mike for his 15 years of service to the County of Kaua‘i, and wish him the very best in his new position with Senator Schatz and his team,” Kawakami said.
Matsuyama, who was born and raised on Kaua‘i, said she was “humbled and honored” to accept the managing director position.
“I am grateful to Mayor Kawakami, my family, and our entire team of county associates for this opportunity to make a difference in our community,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
“I look forward to expanding the great progress that has been made within the Department of Finance throughout our county as a whole.”
Matsuyama will move into her new role as managing director after being sworn in on Aug. 7. Dahilig is set to start his new position with Schatz’s office in September.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
