The Focus Maui Nui process identified the key role of government and public officials in responding to community values and needs, and the importance of open, ongoing communication. To promote the dialogue, we present the first in a series of profiles of the newly appointed County Department Directors.
David Goode, appointed in January 2011 as County of Maui’s Director of Public Works, has been here before – he served as Deputy Director of Public Works, and then Director, in the County administrations of Linda Lingle and James “Kimo” Apana between 1995 and 2002. Sandwiched between his two stints, David served as President of KSD Hawaii, one of Maui’s premier development companies. “Working in both the public and private sector has given me an excellent overall view of how things work – and how they can work better,” says Goode.
The Department consists of three divisions: Highways, Engineering, and the Development Services Administration. Its work includes road paving, designing, installing and taking care of sidewalks and drainage systems, maintaining traffic signals and signs, and managing the County’s Kalana O Maui complex in Wailuku. The Department of Public Works also oversees building and housing codes, grading and nuisance ordinances, and beautification projects. “One of our primary goals is to streamline the permit process and upgrade our codes, and help people navigate through the regulatory process” says Goode. “We also put a very high priority on responding to the public and listening to what our residents want.”
Goode has a long track record in construction project management. “I love to see things built and to play a part in making projects happen,” he says. When he’s not seeking constant improvement and efficiencies in his County role, Goode enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and coaching AYSO soccer. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Carden Academy, the independent school Upcountry, and serves on the State Board of Land and Natural Resources, which oversees all policy decisions for DLNR.
