Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has named Solomon Kanoho to lead Kauaʻi County’s recovery from Hurricane Lowell, which struck on Labor Day and left damage and destruction in its wake.
In this role as disaster recovery and mitigation manager, Kanoho will coordinate recovery work across county departments and serve as the main point of contact for state, federal and community partners. He reports directly to the mayor.
The position is part of the County’s Disaster Recovery Framework, which guides how the county moves from emergency response into long-term recovery. To view the framework, visit kauai.gov/kema and click County of Kauaʻi Pre-Disaster Recovery Framework.
The Office of Economic Development will assist Kanoho with the recovery effort, with a focus on supporting local businesses and the island’s economy.
Kanoho has two decades of public safety experience with the county, including service as a battalion chief and assistant fire chief with the Kauaʻi Fire Department. He most recently served as executive officer of the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.
“Recovery doesn’t end when the roads are cleared, and the power comes back on,” Kawakami said in a news release. “It takes steady, coordinated work in the months ahead, and Sol has the experience and relationships to lead it.
“He knows this island, he knows our people, and he understands what our communities need to get back on their feet.”
Kanoho said his focus will keeping the recovery coordinated and “making sure no community gets left behind.”
Recovery updates, resources and information will be posted at www.kauairecovers.org.
For more information, please contact the Office of the Mayor at 808-241-4900 or CountyPIO@kauai.gov.
