Lingle taps Masuda
for DLNR post

Gov. Linda Lingle has appointed a former Honolulu parks director and retired YMCA executive as deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Robert Masuda, who lives in Waimea on the Big Island, will begin the job May 9, said a release from Lingle. He replaces former land deputy Dan Davidson, who returned to the private sector several months ago.

During his time as president and chief executive officer of the Island of Hawaii YMCA, Masuda oversaw the consolidation of three independent YMCAs into one organization and established a system of environmental and outdoor education programs. He also held several positions with the YMCA of the USA and was president and CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu, Lingle's release said.

Masuda was director of the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation under former Mayor Eileen Anderson and has served on numerous community and professional organizations.