Veteran newsman Ron Mizutani is leaving television station KHON to become president and CEO of the Hawaii Food Bank.
The longtime news reporter and anchorman, who started at KHON in 1985, will begin his new role at the nonprofit Monday after finishing his last show today.
“How exciting is that? I’ve actually wanted to be part of a nonprofit for some time,” said Mizutani, 52, who served for seven years as a board member of Easter Seals Hawaii. “I fell in love with nonprofits — just the compassion and passionate people who were a part of that world. When this opportunity came I took a complete leap of faith and wanted to give it a shot. I’m really humbled to be a part of this organization.”
Malcolm Inamine, the food bank’s interim president and CEO since November, will assume the role of vice president and chief operating officer.
Mizutani has left TV before. He had stints in public relations as vice president of corporate communications for Hawaiian Telcom and senior vice president at Communications Pacific. In both cases he eventually returned to TV news.
He said his decision this time to leave the news business after 33 years was based on family, as well as a desire to serve the community.
While news is in his blood, Mizutani said he has a greater purpose.
“What’s more in my blood is serving. That’s how I approach my job at KHON every day,” he said. “I honestly felt I had a responsibility to serve the community in our newsroom, and this allows me to do that in a very deep way. I can see the results and the work that we do and the impact we have on people’s lives. I really am grateful for this opportunity.”
Price confirmed as isles’ U.S. attorney
The U.S. Senate confirmed Kenji Price as U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii on Thursday.
The Hawaii-born Price, a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger, had been serving in an interim capacity since he was appointed in January.
Price was one of three U.S. attorney nominees confirmed Thursday, joining Timothy Garrison (Western District of Missouri) and Nicola Hanna (Central District of California).
“Kenji Price is an excellent choice to serve as the U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii, and I look forward to having him serve in that role,” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). “Kenji has previous experience as an assistant U.S. attorney and in private practice in Hawaii, and he has also served with distinction as a U.S. Army Ranger. Additionally, as a graduate of Mililani High School, Kenji has a keen understanding of our community, which will serve him well in this position.”
Price previously was a partner of counsel at Carlsmith Ball in Honolulu and also served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New York.
