Hawaii Gov.-elect David Ige will appoint Ford Fuchigami to return to his previous role as director of the state of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.

“Ford proved to be a stellar administrator of one of the most complex and vital departments of the state, and I’ve asked him to return,” Ige said in a press release Tuesday. “I believe that he will be an important link to the city, working cooperatively on critical transportation projects such as rail.”

Fuchigami had been named by Mayor Kirk Caldwell last month to lead the city’s Department of Enterprise Services.

Ford Fuchigami.

City & County of Honolulu

Fuchigami served as DOT deputy director in the Abercrombie administration, where he oversaw the state’s 15 commercial and general aviation airports. He became interim director in May, replacing Glenn Okimoto, who returned to work for the University of Hawaii

Fuchigami’s appointment, which is subject to state Senate confirmation, begins when Ige takes office on Dec. 1. Caldwell will announce a new DES director at a later date.

Meanwhile, Ige has extended the deadline through this Wednesday to apply for a job in his new administration

“Individuals interested in cabinet, director, deputy and other staff positions are encouraged to apply,” says a press release. “Additionally, individuals interested in being considered for board and commission positions should also submit their qualifications.”

Thus far, 802 applications have been submitted.