HPU’s Sam Moku to Join Blangiardi Administration

Sam Moku, a senior administrator at Hawai‘i Pacific University, will leave the university at the end of the month to become chief of staff in the administration of newly elected Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. 

HPU President John Gotanda, in congratulating Moku, noted his impact on the university at a pivotal time, particularly as liaison with government and community leaders, and also in his work with private donors. 

“Sam has been instrumental in opening doors and building bridges for HPU as we have made our move to become a vibrant, urban campus, serving our community and state from our downtown Honolulu location,” Gotanda said. 

“While we will miss Sam greatly, we look forward to working with him and Mayor Blangiardi in new and exciting ways in our mutual service to our city and county,” Gotanda added. 

Moku joined HPU in 2013, leading the university’s government relations. After expanding his role, as vice president of University Relations, Moku then took the helm of the HPU Sharks athletics program, as executive director of Athletics. 

“Mahalo to so many people throughout my time here at HPU, from our wonderful students and student athletes and their families, to treasured staff and faculty colleagues, and President Gotanda and President Bannister before him,” Moku said.  “It’s been a privilege to play a part in helping this university as it comes of age and, as President Gotanda often says, ‘Once a Shark, always a Shark.’”  

President Gotanda has named Lauren Conching, currently assistant athletics director and head coach of women’s tennis, as interim athletics director. A national search to fill the HPU AD position will begin immediately.