Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Speaker Scott K. Saiki has appointed Natalie Iwasa to the HART Board of Directors, effective January 5, 2021. This appointment was made pursuant to Act 1 (SLH 2017, First Special Session), which requires the Speaker of the House and the Senate President to each appoint two individuals to HART as non-voting, ex-officio members. Act 1 intended to provide the Legislature with access to HART proceedings and to enhance legislative oversight.
Speaker Saiki stated: "The City and County of Honolulu's rail project poses a significant financial concern and there must be more scrutiny over HART decision-making. Ms. Iwasa is an independent, critical thinker who is knowledgeable and who has formed her own opinions on HART and mass transit. Ms. Iwasa's official engagement on the Board will ensure increased accountability and transparency at HART."
Iwasa is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) practicing in Honolulu since May 2003. She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Iwasa's term runs for an indefinite period of time.