New Civil Defense
chief picked for Big Isle
HILO >> Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has named Troy Kindred, 40, a full-time National Guard captain who served as liaison to Hawaii County Civil Defense, to become the new head of that agency. Kindred begins his new duties on June 16.
Kim said he sought a person with good teaching, communication and writing skills.
"This guy had a tremendous reputation of being good in those things," he said.
Kim took the "exceptionally unusual" step of forming a committee from county and state agencies to review applicants, he said. The office has a small staff, and most just retired, will soon retire or are on long-term leave, he said. "We're beginning the selection of a brand-new staff," he said.
Kindred said rebuilding the staff will be his first priority. "I'm in it for the long haul," he said.
Kindred is a helicopter pilot with experience on anti-drug and emergency medical service flights. He is also trained in helicopter maintenance.
He has been training officer for the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, for the past three years.
Born in Humboldt County, Calif., he graduated from Konawaena High School in 1980 and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 2000 with a degree in political science.
He is married with two daughters, ages 2 and 9.
Kindred replaces William Davis, a former hotel executive and Hawaii County managing director, who held the Civil Defense post from 2000 to February of this year.
Kim's aide, Wendell Hatada, formerly with Civil Defense, has been acting head of the agency since February.
County of Hawaii