New Civil Defense Chief Could Be Existing One

Later this year, Hawaii County may have its third Civil Defense Agency administrator in less than two years.

Or it may not.

An announcement was made last week that electronic applications are being accepted for the position at the county jobs website.

However, that does not necessarily mean a new face will be in charge at civil defense headquarters at 920 Ululani St.

Retired Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, 51, has been filling the post since Jan. 9.

Interim Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira. Courtesy photo.

Oliveira took over following the departure of Ben Fuata, a colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard who was hired for the top civil defense position in April 2012.

Fuata left the post early this year, saying that the job and its around-the-clock responsibilities were too demanding for his health and family.

Oliveira, who retired in August 2011 after nine years as fire chief, has been serving as civil defense administrator under two 89-day contracts.

He told Big Island Now that the contracts have given the county time to restart the process of looking for a permanent administrator, which is a civil service position.

Oliveira, 51, said he will be applying for the position.

“If (Mayor Billy Kenoi) finds someone more qualified, that’s fine,” he said. “I’m just here to help. I feel very comfortable working with everyone.”

Oliveira said taking the position on a permanent basis would require some decisions on behalf of his family.

Following his retirement from the fire department, Oliveira and his family moved to Oahu where his wife is employed.

The recruitment period for the position began on Sunday and runs through Tuesday, June 25.