Big Island resident Barry T. Mizuno has been nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to represent Hawaii County on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Big Island resident Barry T. Mizuno has been nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to represent
Big Island resident Barry T. Mizuno has been nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to represent Hawaii County on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.
On Tuesday, Abercrombie’s office announced the nominations of Mizuno, Eugene Bal III, and Randolph A. Moore to fill three spots on the board. The nominations are subject to state Senate confirmation.
Bal and Mizuno’s terms for the Maui and Hawaii County seats, respectively, are effective July 1, 2013. Moore begins his term immediately upon confirmation by a full Senate vote. He will complete the term of At-Large Regent Michael Dahilig, who resigned before his term ends on July 1, 2013. Moore will then begin a new term on July 1, 2013.
“These nominees have exceptionally strong leadership qualities and the experience and expertise to guide the University of Hawaii System to its full potential,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “As a UH alumnus, I understand the critical role the university plays in our state economy and the opportunity it provides for students and researchers. These appointees are fully committed to resolving the governance challenges currently at issue. They know the UH System needs and deserves our support.”
The governor’s nominees were selected from a list of nominations provided to the governor by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council.
Mizuno has been a leader in the geothermal power business for 20 years. As onsite manager for the Puna Geothermal Venture, he oversaw the project at its infancy from 1992 to 2006. Mizuno retired in 2006 to form BTM LLC, a private energy consulting firm before retiring in 2012.
Mizuno has also served in positions within Hawaii County across two administrations, including finance director and managing director. A certified public accountant, he has resided on the Big Island since 1983 when he became the chief financial officer, treasurer and controller of Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc. He currently serves on the UH Board of Regents as chair of the Planning and Facilities Committee, vice-chair of the Committee on University Audits, and member of the Committees on Community Colleges and Budget and Finance.
Mizuno earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
In accordance with the State of Hawaii Constitution, the UH Board of Regents have the power to formulate policy and exercise internal organization and management of the university through its executive officer, the president of the university. Consisting of 15 members, the UH Board of Regents includes at least one member who is a UH student (currently Jeffrey Acido) at the time of his or her initial appointment. At least 12 non-student members represent specific geographic areas in the state, with two from Hawaii County, two from Maui County, one from Kauai County, and seven from the City and County of Honolulu.
