Members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) on December 5 selected Anthony J. H. Ching as its new executive director.  Ching assumed his duties at HCDA on January 2, 2008.  He filled the post left vacant with the resignation of Daniel Dinell in August 2007.  HCDA Project Manager Teney Takahashi has served as Interim Executive Director since that time.

Ching, who has considerable experience in planning and land use, has worked as an administrator in state agencies for more than 25 years. Most recently, he served as the Executive Officer of the State Land Use Commission (LUC), a position he has held since 2001. In that capacity, he oversaw the Commission’s administration of the State Land Use Law, promotion of appropriate patterns of human settlement throughout the State, preservation of the natural environment, and the development of inclusive communities.

Prior to directing the operations of the LUC, Ching held positions as the Deputy Director of Health, Environmental Ombudsman, and Senior Planner for the State Department of Health.

Ching attended the Kamehameha Schools and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii.

In announcing Ching’s selection as HCDA Executive Director, HCDA member and leader of the Executive Director selection committee Theodore Liu stated, “The board unanimously agreed that Anthony Ching has the skill sets and the experience that make him the ideal choice to serve as HCDA’s executive director. His managerial and administrative capabilities and his in-depth knowledge of land use will serve the agency well as it moves forward on a number of important projects.”

“I am excited about the work being carried out by HCDA,” said Ching. “The agency and its board are in the forefront of working with government agencies, the public, and stakeholders in ensuring that Kaka‘ako and Kalaeloa become vibrant and vital communities. With the planning for the new transit system added to the existing mix of projects in Kaka’ako and Kalaeloa, I look forward to working with the Authority towards a better tomorrow.”