Gov. David Ige has appointed a well-known business leader to head-up Hawai‘i’s efforts in developing a plan for economic and community stabilization, recovery and resiliency. Alan Oshima, former President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Co., has been appointed to the newly-created role of Economic Recovery and Resiliency Navigator.

Oshima will lead a collaborative effort of government and business interests, non-profit organizations, and the community in developing and implementing the Hawai‘i Economic and Community Recovery Resiliency Plan. Oshima is currently the senior executive advisor for HECO. He started that position in February, after spending five years as HECO’s president and chief executive. Commenting on the new position, Gov. Ige said, “This is an important step to address the state’s immediate needs while working on a path to economic recovery.”

Oshima spoke at Wednesday’s media briefing on COVID-19 at the Governor’s office.  He said he plans to draw together people from all segments of the community — cultural, arts, nonprofits, business, and more– to address critical needs of our community post COVID-19.   He said “speed is the need” and he promised transparency, especially as it comes to using funds from the CARES Federal Funding Act.

Osima led the transition of the Hawaiian Electric Companies from separate entities into one organization with more shared resources.  He said on Wednesday that when Governor Ige called, “In a time of crisis…all you can do is say ‘yes'”.