HONOLULU — Liliuokalani Trust announced a leadership transition plan, effective Feb. 1, 2021.
Robert Ozaki will succeed retired Judge Patrick K.S.L. Yim as trustee, the Trust, or LT, announced today. Ozaki, current president and CEO, was recently nominated by the Board of Trustees and appointed by the probate court. Both men will resign their respective positions Jan. 31, 2021.
Dawn Harflinger, current vice president and CFO, will succeed Ozaki as president and CEO. 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 Keahuolu 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, 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, 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.”
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.”
Liliuokalani Trust was established in 1909 by Hawaii’s last ruling monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Her Deed of Trust directs that the Queen’s assets be utilized to serve and provide for orphan and destitute Hawaiian children in perpetuity.