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Kanazawa stepping down
HILO, Hawaii—Chris Kanazawa, a White House appointee under President Obama’s administration, announced yesterday his departure from his position as state director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development at the end of 2016.
Chris Kanazawa, state director for Hawaii and Western Pacific, steps down from his post at the end of the year. (Contributed Photo)
Kanazawa was appointed to his post in February 2010, supported by recommendations from the late senator Daniel K. Inouye and retired senator Daniel Akaka. As one of 47 Rural Development state directors across the nation, Kanazawa has been responsible for investments in Hawaii, American Samoa and the Western Pacific regions.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants for a variety of purposes including home loans and repairs, water and wastewater infrastructure, business assistance, utilities, renewable energy, and essential public facilities in rural communities. During Kanazawa’s tenure, he facilitated nearly $3 billion in financial assistance across Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
“For the past seven years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and help improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunities for families and rural communities in Hawaii, American Samoa, and the Western Pacific,” said Kanazawa.
Prior to Kanazawa’s appointment, his professional career included holding president and CEO positions with Amfac/JMB Hawaii, Coldwell Banker Pacific Commercial Properties, and Parker Ranch, Inc. Kanazawa did not indicate any future plans upon his departure from USDA.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, offers programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. More information is available at www.rd.usda.gov/hi. (USDA)
