Our Story
We are the Hawaii Local Technical Assistance Program, dedicated to enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure through specialized training and workforce development. As a vital component of the national LTAP/TTAP network, we provide technical expertise to our local partners, ensuring that our transportation systems are resilient and sustainable for future generations.
The Hawai'i Local Technical Assistance Program will serve as a main source for enhancing the knowledge, abilities, and competences of the local and state labor force. We will also work to improve the effectiveness, safety, efficiency, and environmental quality of the highway system in Hawaii.
Vision
To foster an atmosphere that is conducive to learning by creating and providing a wide range of high-quality training, transferring technology, and exchanging information through collaborative partnerships that encourage best practices across the State's transportation network.
Mission
Meet the Team
Guohui Zhang, Ph.D
Program Director
Professor of Civil and
Environmental Engineering
guohui@hawaii.edu
Rodger Chen, Ph.D
Program Associate Director
Associate Professor at UH Manoa
rbchen@hawaii.edu
Ashley Caro
LTAP Manager
acaro@hawaii.edu
808-784-9502
LTAP Steering Committee Members
The Hawaiʻi LTAP Steering Committee brings together transportation professionals and agency representatives from across the state. Members provide guidance on local transportation needs, training priorities, technical assistance, and opportunities to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s transportation workforce.
State of Hawai'i Department of Transportation
Casey Abe
Engineering Program Manager
Highways Division
Federal Highway Administration
Amy Ford-Wagner
LTAP Program Manager
FHWA Hawai'i Division
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Dr. Guohui Zhang
Hawai'i LTAP Program Director
Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
Mark Garrity
Executive Director
Oahu MPO
Kasie Apo Takayama
Executive Director
Maui MPO
Dr. Roger Chen
Hawai'i LTAP Program Associate Director
Associate Professor
Ashley Caro
Hawai'i LTAP Program Manager
City & County of Honolulu
Timothy Trang
Chief, Civil Division
Department of Design & Construction
County of Hawai'i
Neil Azevedo
Deputy Director
Department of Public Works
County of Maui
Micheal Kinores
Highways Division Chief
Department of Public Works
County of Kaua'i
Bryson Vivas
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Dustin Harbottle
Chief of Road Maintenance
Department of Facility Maintenance
Kason Pacheco
Department of Public Works
Rodrigo "Chico" R. Rabara
Engineering Division Chief
Department of Public Works
Michael Moule
Chief of Engineering
Department of Public Works
Craig Chung
Traffic Engineer
DTS Representative
Alan "Keone" Thompson
Department of Public Works
Melanie DeMello
Deputy Division Chief
Engineering Division
Department of Public Works
John Edward Datiles
County of Maui
Ty M. Takeno
Civil Engineer
County of Maui
John Smith
Office of Recovery Administrator
County of Maui
Hawai'i Department of Transportation
HDOT Director
HDOT Deputy Directors
Tammy Lee
Administration
The Hawaiʻi Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is supported in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT). Through this partnership, Hawaiʻi LTAP works to strengthen transportation agencies and communities statewide by providing training, technical assistance, and workforce development opportunities.
Below are members of the HDOT leadership team who support Hawaiʻi’s transportation programs and initiatives.
Robin Shishido
Highways
Ed Sniffen
“Dre” Kalili
Harbors
Curt Otaguro
Airports