Oahu's quest for affordable housing takes new stride with Mayor Rick Blangiardi's recent announcement. Yesterday, Blangiardi named Kevin Auger as the new executive director of the City's Office of Housing. Auger, who served as deputy director since July 2023, brings nearly four decades of valuable experience to the table. His promotion follows the departure of the former executive director Denise Iseri-Matsubara, who transitioned to a new role with Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.
Auger’s extensive background includes experience in both housing development and commercial real estate investment banking. As the new executive director, he is set to quickly implement strategies aimed at stimulating housing acquisition, development, and preservation, while also addressing the urgent need for more affordable housing on Oahu. His key responsibilities will include leading the City’s Affordable Housing Working Group, which is crucial for increasing Oahu’s housing supply. According to a statement on Honolulu's government website, Mayor Blangiardi expressed confidence in Auger, saying, "He is perfectly qualified and well-suited to meet the many challenges we plan to overcome as we continue to achieve our housing goals and meet the needs of the people who call Oʻahu home."
Kevin Auger has not just local but global expertise, having held high-level positions across major financial centers around the world. His previous stints include serving as the Redevelopment Officer for the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, managing director for Wells Fargo Corporation in Hong Kong, and managing real estate investments for Lehman Brothers in South Korea.
Addressing the critical nature of his role, Auger highlighted the importance of housing, particularly affordable ones, for the residents of Oahu. "I am excited to continue the critical work that our dedicated and committed team in the Office of Housing has already done to make Oʻahu an affordable place to live, work and play," Auger told Honolulu's government website. His tenure officially began on Monday, and the Island community waits to see how his leadership will shape the future of housing in Oahu.
