Construction Industry Partnership Award

Dr. Brennon Morioka has contributed to Hawaiʻi’s construction and infrastructure industry in nearly every way — through education, public service, private sector leadership, and energy innovation.

He is currently the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he has focused on strengthening partnerships between the university and the construction industry. He has expanded programs that give students real-world experience, helped align curriculum with industry needs, and worked to build a stronger local workforce.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Morioka served as Director of the State Department of Transportation, where he led the $2.3 billion Airport Modernization Plan, one of the largest capital improvement efforts in state history. He later became Deputy Executive Director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, helping to guide the Honolulu Rail Transit Project during critical phases of planning and delivery.

In the private sector, he served as Vice President at CH2M Hill, where he supported major infrastructure projects throughout the state. He also took on a key role in clean energy transportation as General Manager of Electrification of Transportation at Hawaiian Electric. There, he helped develop and implement the company’s first electric vehicle roadmap; advancing charging infrastructure, improving grid integration, and supporting the state’s broader clean energy goals.