Kasie M. Apo Takayama has been appointed as the executive director for Maui MPO. Courtesy photo

Kasie M. Apo Takayama has been appointed to become the executive director of the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization.

According to the organization, Apo Takayama brings nearly a decade of public service experience with Maui County Office of Council Services, where she served as senior legislative analyst.

She has worked extensively on legislative research, policy analysis, public engagement, strategic communications and coordination with county departments and community stakeholders across Maui County.

Throughout her tenure with the county, Apo Takayama staffed numerous committees related to government relations, environmental sustainability, public transportation, climate action, infrastructure, planning and resilience. She also contributed to key planning initiatives including the West Maui Community Plan update and the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan update.

A Maui native and graduate of Kamehameha Schools Maui, Apo Takayama earned dual bachelor’s degrees in sustainable development and psychology from Columbia University.

She also holds a Master Certificate of Leadership from the National Association of Counties Professional Development Academy and has remained active in numerous community and leadership organizations throughout Hawaii.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected by the policy board for this impactful role and for the opportunity to serve alongside the incredible Maui MPO staff,” Apo Takayama said. “What matters most to me is Maui — its people, environment and culture. As I work to advance positive, community-driven and mission-focused improvements for our island, those values will guide my decisions every day.”

As executive director, Apo Takayama will oversee the Maui MPO’s transportation planning process for Maui. The organization works collaboratively with federal, state and county partners to guide transportation investments and planning efforts.

For more information about Maui MPO, visit mauimpo.org.