Continuing our series on newly appointed County Department Directors, reflecting the role of government in responding to community values and needs. Keith Regan holds the “No. 2” position in the County administration, a role he also filled in Mayor Arakawa’s administration from 2004 to 2006 following two years as Director of Finance. On a day-today basis, as the Director of the County’s Department of Management, Regan provides management oversight to the 16 County Departments and mediates between them whenever necessary. His Department of Management also oversees the County’s extensive IT (information technology) network and its GIS (geographic information systems) function, providing mapping and other resources.
Regan’s current priorities are streamlining the County permitting process, improving infrastructure, and promoting balanced and sustainable economic development. “I’m a nuts-and-bolts guy, and I like to see how long-term vision will affect the community positively,” he notes. “I believe in the importance of providing well-paid opportunities here in Maui County for our children so they do not have to leave for other places. That’s why economic diversification is key.” In addition to the technology sector, Regan sees promise in developing the film industry and in promoting sports activities as practical examples of growing the County’s economic base.
In 2001, Regan was named by Pacific Business News as Young Business Person of the Year and Community Leader of the Year. Regan is a committed volunteer—he is a board member of several organizations, including the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, and two of Maui’s Kiwanis Clubs. Regan is currently involved in a relief effort he cofounded with his wife, Lynn: “Following the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we launched the Aloha Initiative, to provide home-stay respite here in Hawaii for citizens of Japan affected by the disaster. Over 140 families here have volunteered as hosts for evacuees for up to three months—truly ‘living aloha’,” Regan explains.
