HART Board Member Robert “Bobby” Bunda stepping down
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced Friday that Robert “Bobby” Bunda will be resigning from the agency’s board of directors to spend more time with his family.
Bunda said he has been proud to be part of the HART board and to contribute to building Honolulu’s first metro rail system. Bunda is a Wahiawa resident who also served as a state legislator for more than 25 years, including six years as Senate president. He will step down on June 30.
“The experience I have gained as a member of the HART board has given me a deep sense of appreciation for my colleagues on the board and for the entire HART team, all of whom work hard each day to make the project successful,” Bunda said. “The one thing we never get back is time. For that reason, I have chosen to spend more time with my family. “
“Senator Bunda has been an immensely valuable board member and contributed greatly during his tenure on the board. His dedication to public service and his insights into the state, federal and local legislative process have been essential to our work,” said HART Board Chairman Ivan Lui-Kwan.
“Senator Bunda’s service on the HART board and his passion for community service has played a big role,” said Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “The community has truly benefitted from Senator Bunda’s commitment to improving our island’s transportation system.”
Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernest Martin thanked Bunda for his dedication and service on the HART Board. “Senator Bunda has been a very valuable member of the board, contributing greatly to the overall progress of the rail project. On behalf of the City Council, we wish him well and commend him for his public service.”
HART Executive Director and CEO Dan Grabauskas also thanked Bunda for his work on the board. “Working with Senator Bunda has been an honor for me and for the entire HART ohana, and he will be greatly missed,” Grabauskas said. “The project has benefitted immensely from his work on the board.”?
Bunda was first appointed as the tenth board member in 2011, and was re-appointed to serve a second term in July of 2013. His term was set to expire on June 30, 2018.
According to the City Charter, the tenth HART Board member is selected by the other HART board members through a public process. The HART Board will issue a call for nominations from the public in July and begin the public hearing and selection process shortly thereafter.