HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has announced the appointment of Michael O’Keefe as its new Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO). U.S. Transportation Department releases $250 million for Honolulu Rail O’Keefe will st ep into the role on the heels of Rick Keene’s upcoming retirement, scheduled for April 2025 after serving in the position for just over four years. 3 ways to dive into AI gig side hustles: Hawaiʻi finesses money matter O’Keefe will work closely with HART’s Executive Director and CEO, Lori Kahikina, to oversee the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s financial and project management. He succeeds Keene, whose leadership has been instrumental during his tenure. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You “I’m grateful to Rick for his significant contributions to HART, and I’m excited to welcome Mike to the team,” said Kahikina. “Mike’s experience and character align perfectly with HART’s values, and I look forward to collaborating with him as we enter a new chapter in the rail project, especially with the guideway and station construction in Downtown Honolulu.” 5 takeaways from latest economic data: Hawaiʻi money matters Before joining HART, O’Keefe served as Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV). Over his 16-year tenure with the City, O’Keefe was responsible for overseeing the department’s finances, including the revenue bond program and long-range financial planning. He also helped manage the City’s extensive infrastructure, including sewer lines, wastewater treatment plants, and waste-to-energy facilities. What happened to the trees cut down during the rail’s construction? “Mike has been a key player at ENV, and his leadership has been invaluable,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “His extensive experience and dedication to public service make him the ideal person to help steer the rail project forward.” Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news O’Keefe holds a bachelor’s degree in Law & Society from DeSales University, along with two master’s degrees: one in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California and another in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. ...read more read less