New Managing Director For Mayor Kenoi?

Mayor Billy Kenoi may have a new managing director when his administration takes office next Monday.

The current managing director, Bill Takaba, has spent 38 years in county service, including the past four years as the No. 2 position in the county.

Takaba told Big Island Now that there is a “good chance” that he will retire.

Takaba said that if he does, he first wants to make sure there’s a smooth transition to a new managing director.

“I want to make sure the whole cabinet is set before I make a decision,” he said.

Kenoi could not be reached for comment.

The managing director serves as acting mayor when the mayor is away on trips. If the mayor’s post becomes vacant, the managing director moves up and finishes out the remaining term.

Takaba spent more than two decades in the county Office of Aging before being picked by then-Mayor Lorraine Inouye to serve for two years as director of the Department of Finance.

Takaba continued as finance director for eight years under Mayor Harry Kim.