Hawaiʻi County hires Kanani Aton for new position of recovery officer

The County of Hawaiʻi has hired Hilo resident Kanani Aton for its new recovery officer position.

Aton, who has served in a volunteer role in support of the county’s Nāʻālehu Cemetery recovery effort, begins Nov. 2 as part of the Mayor’s Office.

As recovery officer, she will be responsible for leading and coordinating the county’s disaster recovery operations and overseeing community engagement.

She previously served as public information and disaster recovery specialist with the County Civil Defense Agency. She supported emergency response communications and helped to develop recovery programs for island disasters.

She also previously served as public Information and education specialist with the county Department of Water Supply.

She most recently was senior project manager for the Kamehameha Schools ʻŌiwi Leadership Institute. And, earlier in her career, she taught Hawaiian language, ukulele and hula at Konawaena High School and led Native Hawaiian education initiatives and research statewide.

This new recovery officer position aligns with Bill 157 adopted by the County Council. While the legislation calls for a recovery officer to serve for the duration of a recovery operation following a disaster, Mayor Kimo Alameda made the role a permanent position within the administration to ensure continuity, effective coordination between agencies, and responsible long-term planning in support of residents and communities.

“As we have seen with the numerous disasters that have happened this year — from the Kona low storms through Hurricane Lala — recovery planning is not limited to a single event,” Alameda said in a press release. “It requires year-round commitment, and we are excited to welcome Kanani Aton, who has the experience and knowledge needed to ensure that our island always comes back stronger than before.”

Alameda added: “From the start, our administration has made it a priority to improve disaster response and recovery – including coordination between government agencies, nonprofits and the community – and Kanani will play a key part in that effort.”

Aton said her focus will be on coordinating the efforts of county departments with state and federal partners, as well as affected communities, “to deliver a recovery that is well organized, inclusive and builds long-term resilience for Hawaiʻi Island.”