The state of Hawai‘i welcomed Cindy Matsushita into the role of Licensing Administrator for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). This appointment, effective last Monday, April 14, positions her at the helm of regulatory oversight for an array of 52 professions and vocations across the state.
Matsushita's career spans 25 years, primarily in legal and administrative capacities within the public sector, including stints at the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors, and most recently as the Student Transportation Services Administrator for Hawai‘i State Department of Education. These positions have prepped her for the responsibilities at PVL, which encompass the administration of 25 licensing regulatory boards and commissions, in addition to 27 licensing programs that operate without any board or commission, according to a statement published by the DCCA.
The duties of her new role include staffing support to licensing regulatory boards, managing licensing applications and renewals, and ensuring adherence to licensing laws and administrative rules. Professionals in the state rely on PVL's four branches—Licensing, Examination, Administration, and Real Estate—to navigate the licensing landscape, a process that DCCA strives to make more accessible and streamlined. "I look forward to the continued enhancement of our processes and strengthening trust in Hawai‘i’s professional landscape," Matsushita told the DCCA.
Her educational background features a degree from Punahou School, along with higher education credentials from University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. DCCA Director Nadine Ando expressed her confidence in Matsushita's suitability for the role, stating, "Cindy Matsushita’s dedication to fair and transparent service will be a great asset to our team and to our community," as per DCCA.
