Honolulu Managing Director Mike Formby, one of the most senior officials in Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration, is leaving city government at the end of May to take a leadership role in the private sector, marking a significant transition for the City and County of Honolulu at a time when several major policy and infrastructure issues remain in focus.
City officials said Formby’s final day in office will be May 29. He is set to become chief executive officer of Pacific Marine & Supply Company, a Hawaii-based maritime business with a long history in ship repair, engineering and related industrial services. The move ends more than five years of service in a role widely seen as central to the day-to-day operation of Honolulu’s government.
Formby has served as managing director since the start of Blangiardi’s term in January 2021. In Honolulu’s government structure, the managing director functions as the mayor’s top administrative aide, overseeing daily operations across departments while helping coordinate policy execution, public services and internal management. That makes the office one of the most influential positions in city government, even though it often operates outside the public spotlight.
Mayor Blangiardi has designated Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram to step into the role following Formby’s departure, although the appointment will still require City Council confirmation. The transition is expected to be watched closely, given the managing director’s role in keeping city agencies aligned on everything from budgeting and public works to housing, transportation and service delivery.
Formby’s exit is notable not only because of his rank, but also because of the breadth of experience he brought to Honolulu Hale. Before joining the Blangiardi administration, he held several prominent government and public affairs positions in Hawaii, including serving as director of the city’s Department of Transportation Services. He also worked as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, served on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and built a reputation as a seasoned political and policy operator with deep knowledge of local government.
That experience was especially important for Blangiardi, who entered office as a political outsider after careers in broadcasting and sports. Formby was widely viewed as a key figure in helping translate the mayor’s agenda into government action, particularly during a period that included pandemic-era management challenges, administrative reforms and ongoing public pressure over housing, transportation and permitting.
His next destination also signals a high-profile crossover from public administration to business leadership. Pacific Marine & Supply Company, founded in the 1940s, is part of Hawaii’s long-established maritime and industrial sector. The company has emphasized innovation, advanced manufacturing and maritime technology as part of its long-term growth strategy. Formby’s appointment suggests the firm is looking for an executive with both operational experience and strong knowledge of Hawaii’s public and economic landscape.
In statements surrounding his move, Formby described the opportunity as a chance to help guide new technologies and modern manufacturing efforts in Hawaii. That message aligns with broader conversations in the islands about economic diversification, skilled jobs and the relationship between local industry and national security, especially in sectors tied to ship repair and Pacific logistics.
For Honolulu’s city government, however, the immediate focus will be on succession and continuity. Jayaram, the designated replacement, is not a newcomer to senior leadership. He previously served as the city’s first deputy corporation counsel before moving into the deputy managing director position. His background in government law and administration may help reassure officials looking for a steady transition at a time when city leadership is still under pressure to show results on core public concerns.
The leadership change also comes as the Blangiardi administration continues to face close public scrutiny over efficiency, housing policy, capital projects and the pace of improvement in city services. In that environment, the managing director’s office carries unusual weight because it sits at the center of implementation. A smooth handover will likely be critical if the administration wants to maintain momentum and avoid disruption.
While Formby generally maintained a lower public profile than elected officials, he remained an important behind-the-scenes decision-maker throughout the administration. His departure removes one of the mayor’s most experienced internal lieutenants and creates an opening that could shape how the rest of Blangiardi’s term is managed.
For now, the transition appears orderly, with City Hall moving quickly to install a successor and the private sector gaining a veteran government hand. The broader test will be whether Honolulu can preserve administrative stability while one of its top officials moves from public service into a business role at a pivotal moment for both the city and Hawaii’s economy.
