Posted on: Saturday, November 23, 2002

State labor negotiator Yogi begins airports job

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Davis Yogi, the state's human resources director, has resigned to become the airports administrator for the state Department of Transportation, effective yesterday.

Yogi had the unique distinction of being both human resources director and chief labor negotiator for the state. Gov. Ben Cayetano appointed him chief labor negotiator, then named him to head the Office of Collective Bargaining in 1998. Yogi was tapped in August 2000 as acting human resources director, a job he won formally through Senate confirmation the following spring.

Yogi represented the state in negotiations with the state's public worker unions, including contentious talks with the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly and Hawai'i State Teachers Association last year. Both led to strikes.

Yogi was chosen for the airport position through the civil service process "because of his extensive work experience in managing a state department while being well versed in government personnel, procurement, budgeting and legislative matters," Transportation Director Brian Minaai said yesterday in a prepared release.

Yogi was previously vice president of Brewer Environmental Industries for six years.

"He will need to rely on his past experiences to develop and implement a sound financial plan for Hawai'i's airport system while addressing slumping duty-free revenues, complying with the Transportation Security Administration security regulations and carefully balancing airline requirements," Minaai wrote.

Yogi replaces Jerry Matsuda, who retired last year. He will earn $65,000 to $93,000 annually, said Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.

Yogi's new job is permanent. The positions of chief labor negotiator and human resources director both conclude with the administration of Gov. Ben Cayetano, who leaves office Dec. 2.

Reach Gordon Pang at 525-8070 or gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.