HILO — Mayor Harry Kim has one more major hire to make as he fills out his administration.
Ed Teixeira, who started as interim Civil Defense director 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 head 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 could 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.