Molokai’s Abbey Mayer Appointed State Director of Planning

Linda Lingle has appointed Abbey Mayer, a community-based planner on Molokai, to serve as director of the state Office of Planning. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

“Abbey has a strong background in strategic, long-range, community-based planning and he understands the importance of balancing economic growth and development with protecting our natural and cultural resources,” said Gov. Lingle.

Both Lingle and Mayer support Molokai Properties Limited’s (MPL) controversial plan to develop La`au Point. The millionaire’s subdivision recently took a big step backward when the Land Use Commission showed signs of not accepting the MPL’s Environmental Impact Statement.

If confirmed, Mayer will oversee the Office of Planning which represents the state in hearings before the Land Use Commission.

“I am extremely excited about working with Gov. Lingle,” said Mayer. “I am honored to be entrusted with such great responsibility and I thank the governor for her confidence in my abilities in these matters.”

Mayer is currently the executive director for Ke Aupuni Lokahi, the Molokai Enterprise Community. According to the EC, Ke Aupuni Lokahi is the planned recipient of 1,100 developable acres as well as payouts of up to $10 million dollars from MPL should the La`au development go through.

Prior to joining the MEC in 2006, Mayer was executive director and plant manager for the Molokai Livestock Cooperative. In this capacity, he managed and oversaw the financial and operational responsibilities for the cooperative, including developing a comprehensive business plan for the revitalization of the cattle industry on Molokai.

Mayer previously was the resident manager and contractor for the Eddy Foundation, Black Kettle Farm, a private land trust in Essex, New York. He also served as foreman and brokerage manager for Dutch Wharf Boat Yard and Marina in Branford, Conn.

A graduate of Yale University, Mayer recently completed the Executive Accounting Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Mayer replaces Laura H. Thielen, who was confirmed as director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. He starts his new position on Feb. 20.

Excerpts of this story are from a press release via Russell Pang, the Chief of Media Relations for the Office of the Governor.