Governor Confirms Deputy of Environmental Health

Governor David Ige has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Keith Kawaoka as the Deputy Director of Environmental Health.

Dr. Kawaoka has been with the Hawai‘i Department of Health for over 15 years, and has more than 35 years of experience in the environmental protection field, both in the public and private sectors.  He recently served as the program manager with the Department of Health’s Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office.

Prior to joining the Department of Health, Kawaoka held various senior positions at environmental firms, and was involved in the country’s first disposal program for chemical and nerve agents in pre-World War II munitions.

Dr. Kawaoka holds a master’s degree in public and environmental health, and a doctorate in environmental science and engineering, both from the University of California at Los Angeles.