Honolulu’s Managing Director Michael Formby to Exit City Hall for Private Sector CEO Role

Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby will step down from his role as Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s second-in-command on June 1 to become CEO of Pacific Marine & Supply Company, leaving City Hall amid several high-profile infrastructure projects.

Formby, who has served as the city’s chief operating officer since January 2021, announced his departure Tuesday, citing the opportunity to lead the Keehi Lagoon-based maritime supply company as too significant to pass up.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” Formby said in a statement. “Working alongside Mayor Blangiardi and our dedicated team to tackle Honolulu’s biggest challenges has been the honor of my career, but this opportunity represents a chance to contribute to Hawaii’s economy from a different vantage point.”

The timing creates uncertainty for several major city initiatives currently under Formby’s oversight. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s troubled rail project remains years behind schedule and billions over budget, with Formby serving as a key liaison between City Hall and HART officials.

Similarly, the city’s ambitious affordable housing plans, including developments in Kalihi and Wahiawa, are at critical junctures. Formby has been instrumental in navigating the complex web of federal funding, environmental reviews, and community input that these projects require.

Leadership Vacuum at Critical Time

Formby’s departure comes as the Blangiardi administration faces mounting pressure on infrastructure spending and climate resilience initiatives. The managing director role oversees all city departments and serves as the mayor’s primary policy executor.

“Mike has been an invaluable partner in implementing our vision for a more efficient, responsive city government,” Mayor Blangiardi said. “While we’re disappointed to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him success in his new role.”

City sources indicate Blangiardi is already conducting a national search for Formby’s replacement, though the process could take several months. Deputy Managing Director Faith Miyamoto is expected to serve as interim managing director during the transition.

The departure raises questions about continuity in the mayor’s office, particularly given Formby’s deep institutional knowledge of ongoing projects. Before joining the Blangiardi administration, Formby served as deputy director of the state Department of Transportation under former Gov. David Ige.

Private Sector Opportunity

Pacific Marine & Supply Company, where Formby will take the helm, provides marine equipment and services throughout the Pacific. The company, founded in 1975, operates from a waterfront facility near Honolulu Harbor and serves commercial fishing, shipping, and recreational boating industries.

Industry observers note the company’s strategic position as Hawaii seeks to diversify its economy beyond tourism. Pacific Marine has been expanding its renewable energy maritime services, including support for offshore wind development projects.

“Mike brings exactly the kind of leadership and government relations expertise we need as we expand our operations,” said company board chair Jennifer Liu. “His understanding of Hawaii’s regulatory environment and infrastructure needs will be invaluable.”

The move represents a significant career shift for Formby, who has spent most of his professional life in public service. His departure follows a pattern of senior Blangiardi administration officials transitioning to private sector roles, including former Budget Director Nelson Koyanagi, who joined a local consulting firm last year.

Unfinished Business

Formby leaves behind several initiatives in various stages of completion. The city’s response to climate change, including sea level rise adaptation measures for Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, requires ongoing coordination between multiple departments.

Additionally, implementation of the city’s Complete Streets policy, aimed at making roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists, remains a work in progress. Formby has been a key advocate for these infrastructure improvements, particularly in urban core areas like Chinatown and Kakaako.

The managing director’s office also oversees the city’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, including distribution of federal relief funds and coordination with state health officials on public safety measures.

For Honolulu residents, Formby’s departure means potential delays in project timelines as his successor gets up to speed. The rail project, already facing scrutiny from federal oversight agencies, could see additional complications during the leadership transition.

The mayor’s office expects to name an interim replacement within days and launch a formal search process for a permanent managing director by mid-May. City Council Chair Tommy Waters indicated the council looks forward to participating in the vetting process for the new appointment.

Formby’s last day at City Hall is May 31, giving him approximately six weeks to brief his successor and ensure continuity on critical projects that will shape Honolulu’s future.