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HART BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES FINALIST FOR CEO POSITION   (Friday, Feb. 24, 2012) — The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's board of directors announced today that it has selected Daniel Grabauskas, chairman and senior strategic adviser of the Bronner Center for Transportation Management and former general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), as the finalist for the agency's chief executive officer position.   The full Board will vote on the selection after taking public testimony during its March 1 meeting at 10 a.m. at the Mission Memorial Annex Conference Room, 550 South King Street.   As chief executive officer of MBTA, Grabauskas had oversight of a 6,100-employee operation, with an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and an annual capital budget of more than $500 million, with operations in 175 municipalities throughout eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His work also included completion of several capital expansion projects, including an 18-mile commuter rail line. Grabauskas has also served as a senior fellow for public policy at the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth and as Secretary of Transportation for the state of Massachusetts, with oversight of a $1.4-billion annual administrative budget and an annual capital budget of more than $1.8 billion. In that cabinet-level role, Grabauskas had oversight of MBTA, highways and municipal airports.   "Dan Grabauskas is a proven leader in the transit industry and we are pleased to be considering him for HART's top job," said Keslie Hui, chairman of the HART board's Human Resources Committee. "His leadership experience with one on the nation's largest public transportation networks, his familiarity with navigating the federal funding process, and his passion for public service make him well-suited to lead HART at this important juncture."   If approved by the board, Grabauskas will begin his new role in mid-April.   "I am tremendously excited to have a part in this historic project and wish to thank the HART Board for their confidence. There is much that I have to learn about the project, and will rely on our staff, our elected leaders, stakeholders and the community for support in my transition. I am a strong believer in open and honest communication and look forward to hearing many perspectives on how to best get the job done," Grabauskas said. "I am truly honored to have been given this opportunity and humbled to be joining this community."   Grabauskas' proposed three-year contract includes an annual base salary of $245,000, a $36,000 a year housing allowance and a transportation allowance of $6,000 a year. The proposal also includes the potential for a $35,000 annual performance bonus.   Interim Executive Director Toru Hamayasu will continue leading the agency until the new CEO arrives, and he will then continue on with the project in a senior leadership position.   "Mr. Hamayasu's dedication is beyond compare," Hui said. "The project and our community will continue to benefit from his extensive experience. He will provide the continuity, knowledge and leadership needed to ensure we remain on track as we continue working to deliver rail on time and within budget."   To register to testify at the March 1 meeting, visit the HART website at http://www.honolulutransitorg/hart/register-to-speak-at-hart-meeting.aspx Comments can also be faxed to (808) 768-5110 or mailed to, HART Board of Directors, 1099 Alakea Street, 17th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, Attention: HART Board Administrator.   -30-   Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa. (808) 768-6172: cell: (808) 227-2350