HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced the appointment of Roy Miyahira as the City and County of Honolulu’s new Director of Homeless Solutions. A seasoned operations professional with extensive experience in logistics, facility management, and strategic planning, Miyahira brings a wealth of expertise to this critical role.
“Roy Miyahira’s leadership experience and ability to develop and implement operational strategies will be invaluable as we continue our fight against homelessness,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “His dedication to teamwork, efficiency, and innovative results-driven solutions will help us build a more coordinated and effective response to homelessness on O‘ahu.”
Miyahira, a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a degree in Political Science, has over two decades of experience in high-level operational roles, including positions at Nestlé Waters North America and Ready Refresh by Nestlé in Northern California. His extensive background in logistics, safety, and facilities management, combined with his ability to foster strong team environments, makes him well-suited to tackle the complexities of homelessness on O‘ahu.
“I am honored for this opportunity—a chance of a lifetime to serve my community and provide life-changing solutions for our houseless citizens,” said Miyahira. “Homelessness is driven by many factors, and our current situation has reached a crisis point. We must not only improve our existing response systems but also implement new solutions that are immediate, effective, and scalable. My office will collaborate frequently with all stakeholders, embrace solutions from those with lived experience, and take an all-hands-on-deck approach to drive meaningful progress.”
More than 500 beds were added to the City’s inventory in 2024, significantly expanding shelter capacity and support services for those in need. As the Mayor’s Director of Homeless Solutions, Miyahira will be responsible for sustaining the momentum the City built in 2024 and carrying it into 2025, starting with the opening of the Iwilei Center. This 100-bed facility will provide shelter and a healing space for individuals, couples, and kūpuna experiencing homelessness. The City expects to open the facility later this month.
“Roy’s extensive operational experience makes him a strong fit for this role,” said Anton Krucky, Director of Community Services. “We are eager to see his leadership in action as he implements our strategies. He will be building his team within the Department of Community Services and utilizing the City’s full range of community support programs.”
Miyahira will work closely with City agencies, service providers, and community partners to develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness and improving access to essential services. He will also collaborate with the state and Governor Green’s Coordinator on Homelessness, John Mizuno, to ensure a unified and coordinated approach. Additionally, he will focus on strengthening public-private partnerships, identifying innovative solutions, and leveraging available funding to maximize the impact of the City’s efforts.
Miyahira’s first day in his new role will be Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
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