Mayor Harry Kim has one more major hire to make as he fills out his administration.
Ed Teixeira, who started as interim Civil Defense administrator last May, retired Monday, leaving the administrative position vacant for the time being.
County Managing Director Wil Okabe said Kim, who served 24 years as leader of that agency, a tenure that included the Kalapana lava flow, is looking at that issue carefully.
“This is his baby,” he said, adding Kim has met with Civil Defense staff each day this week.
“What the mayor is doing right now is the last few days he is assessing the situation,” Okabe said. “What kind of training, what kind of things they need at Civil Defense. He’s going to be actively looking for another Civil Defense director.”
He said he couldn’t offer a timeline for when the position would be filled.
“We’re off and running and we’re trying to get the most qualified person we know will keep the people of Hawaii County safe,” Okabe said.
“As long as it’s under his watch as mayor, he will make sure the county is safe in any natural disaster,” he said.
Kim, who was mayor from 2000-08, was sworn in Monday for another four-year term.
His picks for other department chiefs include: Charmaine Kamaka, Parks and Recreation; Bill Kucharski, Environmental Management; Michael Yee, Planning; Jules Ung, Information Technology; Frank DeMarco, Public Works; Diane Ley, Research and Development; Neil Gyotoku, Housing and Community Development; Joe Kamelamela, Corporation Counsel; and Collins Tomei, Finance.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
