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Tuesday, October 14, 2014 Contact:  Mayor Caldwell's Press Office, 768-5768 (Jesse Broder Van Dyke mobile: 489-0341)   Caldwell appoints Ford Fuchigami to be Director of Enterprise Services       Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell today announced his appointment of Ford Fuchigami as Director of the Department of Enterprise Services, effective November 1.    "Ford brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the private sector and state government to the Department of Enterprise Services," said Mayor Caldwell.  "His experience managing the state's airports system for over three years and his leadership at the Department of Transportation are evidence of Ford's ability to effectively lead major government operations.  We're glad to welcome him to the city."   Director-designate Fuchigami is a Damien Memorial High School graduate.  He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa before embarking on a successful career in the hospitality industry that spanned more than three decades.  Ford's 34 years in the private sector provided him with a depth of experience in cultivating employee relationships, developing business opportunities, and managing large-scale operations.  Fuchigami currently serves as Interim Director of the State of Hawai'i Department of Transportation and previously lead the state's airports system.   Fuchigami will replace outgoing Enterprise Services Director Gerald Saito, who will return to retirement at the end of October.    "I'd like to again thank Director Saito for coming out of retirement to join my cabinet as Enterprise Services Director," said Mayor Caldwell.  "Gerald laid a solid foundation for the department to thrive.  His leadership, passion, and energy will be missed, and we wish Gerald the best in his new retirement."   Fuchigami's nomination is subject to confirmation by the Honolulu City Council.   The Department of Enterprise Services runs the Honolulu Zoo, Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Waikiki Shell, and city golf courses, and manages contracts with vendors at city facilities such as the Waikiki Grass Shack Bistro at Kuhio Beach Park and many more.    -END-