Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Laverne Omori was confirmed Wednesday as director of the county Department of Research and Development.

Omori was nominated by Mayor Billy Kenoi and confirmed by the County Council.

Omori assumed the director’s responsibilities in December when Randy Kurohara took over as county deputy managing director.

Omori, of Kealakekua, has been with the country for more than 20 years and most recently served as deputy director at Research & Development.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in human development from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.