Posted on: Thursday, August 21, 2003

Lingle names transportation official

Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle has appointed attorney Bruce Y. Matsui as deputy director of the state Department of Transportation.

Matsui, who begins his new position today, has served as a deputy attorney general since 1987 and advised the transportation department on legal matters relating to airports, highways and harbors.

"Having worked closely with the DOT for the past 16 years, Bruce understands the department's functions as well as the various issues and challenges, ranging from procurement concerns to land-use matters to airport lease negotiations," Lingle said. "Bruce will complement the leadership of director Rod Haraga and will work well with the harbors, airports and highways divisions to help implement the department's long-term plans to improve our state's transportation system and infrastructure."

As deputy attorney general, Matsui was involved in issues including state disputes relating to air carrier leases and airport concessions, as well as the rockfall mitigation projects at Waimea Bay, Makapu'u and Castle Junction.

Matsui worked previously as an attorney with the law firm of Kobayashi, Watanabe, Sugita, Kawashima & Goda. He graduated from the University of Hawai'i and Hastings College of Law.