Astute businessman, Hakim Ouansafi has built quite a reputation on the island of Hawaii. On the occasion of the week dedicated to Mohammed VI, a look back at the itinerary of an expatriate who has Morocco in his heart.
Hakim Ouansafi, Moroccan, native of Marrakech, has, at the age of 48, found a place within the government of Hawaii, at the head of the Strategic Department of Housing of this Pacific American state.
At the head of Diamond Hotels & Resorts and Managing Director of a service company, his rise is reflected in his unfailing efficiency. Thus, he was able to bring back to balance the budget of this administration which had suffered, before he took office, from a chronic deficit for 26 years.
This rigor of results was behind the choice made for him to take command of the Department of Housing, where Hakim Ouansafi has a budget of nearly 500 million dollars for some 300 employees.
A dream that comes true
A strong Moroccan authenticity, and a love for Hawaii, Hakim Ouansafi says he has always dreamed of seeing “Morocco in Hawaii”.
“This week constitutes our pride. Thanks to its strategic position, Morocco is an ideal platform towards Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arab world. A characteristic that it shares with Hawaii, a gateway to Asia-Pacific.”
Hakim Ouansafi
Hakim wants to see a bridge built between the Kingdom and Hawaii, in line with the privileged partnership uniting Rabat and Washington.
About Hakim Ouansafi
The fifth of six children, Hakim was marked by the rigor of a father who was a school principal, thus guiding his professional career.
A man of heart, he took charge of the adoption of his brothers and sister, whose family experienced a tragedy which forced the authorities to entrust them to three different homes.
Very busy, Hakim Ouansafi is also president of the Islamic Association of Hawaii, bringing together some 4,000 members. Recognized, he received several awards, including the Flame of Hope Award and was especially named man of the year in Hawaii in 2001.
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