Liu, who was born in Taiwan and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was previously a managing director of
Morgan Stanley and headed the firm's investment banking business for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. He also served as deputy chief executive officer for
China International Capital Corporation, China's first joint venture investment bank.
"Ted brings an impressive background in management and business at the local, national and international levels," said Gov. Lingle. "His credentials, worldwide contacts, and keen understanding of international business and investment strategies will be major assets in positioning Hawai`i as a place that is open for business."
In 1980, Liu helped found
China Daily, China's first English language newspaper. A graduate of the
University of Michigan and
New York University School of Law, he moved to Hawaii two years ago.
"I have focused my professional career on fostering international investment and business among emerging Asia-Pacific economies and the United States," said Liu. "Hawai`i is well positioned to benefit from the growth in this arena, but it will require redefining the approach we take to supporting and expanding our existing local businesses and attracting new business and investment."
As for Haraga, he managed and directed several programs and projects during his 32 years with the City of Los Angeles, including municipal buildings, police and fire facilities, emergency operations, sewers, bridges, storm drains, fire/life safety programs, earthquake reconstruction programs, and seismic restoration.
"Hawai`i is at a critical point where our future growth and prosperity is dependent on our ability to efficiently and safely move people and cargo into, out of, and between our islands," said Haraga.
A licensed civil and structural engineer, the
St. Louis High School graduate directed projects for the
Federal Highway Administration, and, following the Northridge earthquake in 1994, Haraga served as lead negotiator for Los Angeles to obtain $140 million in emergency federal funds.
"The quality, reliability and safety of the transportation systems around our island state have a direct impact on our economy and our overall quality of life," Gov. Lingle said. "Rod understands the challenges ahead, and I am confident that he has the management experience, technical expertise, and creativity to come up with viable, long-term solutions."
Haraga received an undergraduate degree from
Purdue University, an executive MBA from
UCLA, and a masters in public administration from
California State University.
Liu succeeds former DBEDT director Dr. Seiji F. Naya. Haraga succeeds former DOT director Brian Minaai and interim director Glenn Okimoto.
