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HONOLULU / JANUARY 15, 2020 – Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) today announced a leadership transition plan, effective February 1, 2021:

Robert Ozaki succeeds retired Judge Patrick K.S.L. Yim as trustee.  Mr. Ozaki, current president and chief executive officer, was recently nominated by the Board of Trustees and appointed by the Probate Court.  Both men will resign their respective positions January 31, 2021.

Dawn Harflinger, current vice president and chief financial officer/chief investment officer, will succeed Mr. Ozaki as president and chief executive officer. Effective immediately, she will be an executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“Given the critical decade LT is facing, with major program expansion, the 1,200-acre Keahuolū development on the Big Island, and our growing portfolio of investments, we were seeking leaders with expertise in these areas,” said Claire Asam, chair, Board of Trustees.

“Mr. Ozaki has successfully orchestrated the transformation of LT in both financial and program areas through a culture of innovation and excellence, positioning LT to achieve significant outcomes and transform the lives of our most vulnerable Hawaiian children,” Asam said.

Prior to joining LT in March 2002, Mr. Ozaki held executive positions at the Queen’s Health Systems, where he oversaw diagnostic, insurance, and investment operations; and, at Amfac, Inc., where he oversaw agribusiness, alternative energy, and real estate activities.

At LT, Ms. Harflinger started in social services programs overseeing budgets, accounting and financial reporting for all charitable activities. Her duties expanded to include property management and investment management before ascending to a chief financial officer role in early 2017.

“Since joining LT in February 2005, Dawn Harflinger has progressed swiftly through the ranks and is a key member of our executive team,” said Asam. “She brings a strong background in social service programs, investment, administration and finance; and, has been a key contributor strategically and operationally.”

Ms. Harflinger is a graduate of Pacific University.  She is a CFA Charterholder, CFA Institute.

Patrick Yim was appointed LT trustee in August 2002.  He retired from the Judiciary in December 1994 after a distinguished career which included positions as District Family Court Judge, Trial Judge of the Criminal Division, Administrative Judge of the Civil Division, Trial Judge of the Domestic Violence Backlog Reduction Program, and Probate and Guardianship Judge.

“During Judge Yim’s tenure as trustee, he has been a strong advocate for impactful programs which transform the lives of youth for the long term, and for strengthening evaluation, technology, and organizational development,” said Asam.  “We are grateful for his dedication in building organizational capability to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

Chair Asam said that these appointments will assure a seamless leadership transition as LT builds on core competencies in culturally-informed case work; develops early childhood and youth development programs to strengthen services to the most vulnerable Hawaiian children; and, manage and grow assets to support its mission.

About Liliʻuokalani Trust

Liliʻuokalani Trust was established in 1909 by Hawaiʻi’s last ruling monarch, the beloved Queen Liliʻuokalani.  Her Deed of Trust directs that the Queen’s assets be utilized to serve and provide for orphan and destitute Hawaiian children in perpetuity. With its vision of “e nā kamalei lupalupa, thriving Hawaiian children,” LT believes that every child has the inner strength and self determination to discover their path to a thriving life, and strives to transform lives.