HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has announced the appointment of Michael O’Keefe as its new Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
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O’Keefe will step into the role on the heels of Rick Keene’s upcoming retirement, scheduled for April 2025 after serving in the position for just over four years.
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O’Keefe will work closely with HART’s Executive Director and CEO, Lori Kahikina, to oversee the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s financial and project management. He succeeds Keene, whose leadership has been instrumental during his tenure.
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“I’m grateful to Rick for his significant contributions to HART, and I’m excited to welcome Mike to the team,” said Kahikina. “Mike’s experience and character align perfectly with HART’s values, and I look forward to collaborating with him as we enter a new chapter in the rail project, especially with the guideway and station construction in Downtown Honolulu.”
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Before joining HART, O’Keefe served as Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV). Over his 16-year tenure with the City, O’Keefe was responsible for overseeing the department’s finances, including the revenue bond program and long-range financial planning. He also helped manage the City’s extensive infrastructure, including sewer lines, wastewater treatment plants, and waste-to-energy facilities.
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“Mike has been a key player at ENV, and his leadership has been invaluable,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “His extensive experience and dedication to public service make him the ideal person to help steer the rail project forward.”…