Categorized | News

Kenoi stacks up county administration

Karin Stanton / Hawaii247.com Contributing Editor

Big Island Mayor-elect Billy Kenoi has announced a few key appointments officially, while others have been trumpeted in a variety of public forums over the weekend.

Wally Lau, who has been the director of Neighborhood Place of Kona for 10 years, will take over as deputy managing director, Kenoi confirmed Friday.  

Kenoi cited Lau’s long experience in social service work, his board membership with Kamehameha Schools, and his humble spirit as reasons for the appointment.  He said Lau understands West Hawaii development trends and can work well with various groups of people.  Lau will work out of the mayor’s office in Kona and represent the mayor on a day-to-day basis.

Kenoi also named West Hawaii Today reporter Bobby Command to the newly created position of executive assistant for West Hawaii. Command, who served as sports editor, news editor and as a reporter during 25 years at WHT, will spearhead West Hawaii projects and ensure they get completed.  

Kenoi said Command’s long history in Kona gives him background and perspective to help get projects completed.  

Also Saturday, the Honolulu Advertiser announced its Big Island reporter Kevin Dayton will be joining Kenoi’s administration. Dayton, who was attached to the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks back in 1985, also will have the title of executive assistant.

Saturday morning, Hunter Bishop, former Hawaii Tribune-Herald reporter and current Puna blogger, will sign on as Kenoi’s public information officer. He said he will blog no more, but will continue to be an advocate for Puna.

Last week, Kenoi announced former finance director William Takaba as managing director.  

Takaba’s deputy director, Nancy Crawford, will become county finance director, with Deanna Sako, currently the Finance Department’s account division chief, slotting in as deputy finance director.  

Kenoi said Saturday he has no other appointments solidified. He has appointed interim directors, people currently within the departments, in the departments of Planning, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation to ensure the county continues to function smoothly.

— Find out more:

* Hear a 30-minute interview with Mayor-elect Billy Kenoi  on “Island Issues,” which airs Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 a.m. on KKOA 107.7 FM and at 8 a.m. on LAVA 105.3 FM and online at 8 a.m., www.lava105.com.

* Hunter Bishop: www.hunterbishop.com

* Honolulu Advertiser: www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081129/NEWS0101/811290358/1001/localnewsfront

One Response to “Kenoi stacks up county administration”

  1. damon says:

    I wish Hunter as well as the rest of the Kenoi Administration smooth sailing!

    Karin –

    Are you now blogging? Are many reporters now switching to this medium?

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