Edwin (Ed) Hawkins is Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development (OED) on the staff of the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. OED is responsible for partnering with Oahu’s businesses, non- profit groups, and communities to support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Oahu’s residents. OED also manages and promotes International and Sister City relations for the City, which currently stands at 34 and covers six continents. The Mayor’s Agricultural Liaison and the Honolulu Film Office are also attached to OED.

Mr. Hawkins was a career Air Force military intelligence officer and a certified Foreign Area Officer. He has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s from Harvard University.

After leaving the Air Force, he led the Japan-America Society of Hawaii for seven years. While there, Mr. Hawkins coordinated the Hawaii effort following the Great East Japan Earthquake to assist Japanese victims.

Privately, he continues to be involved in projects promoting mutual understanding and educational and cultural exchange programs involving Hawaii and countries in the Asia-Pacific region.