LIHUE – The Kauai Board of Water Supply announces the appointment of Steven Kyono to the position of acting manager and chief engineer for the Department of Water, effective Feb. 12.
LIHUE – The Kauai Board of Water Supply announces the appointment of Steven Kyono to the position of acting manager and chief engineer for the Department of Water, effective Feb. 12.
KBWS’ decision to appoint an interim manager comes as a result of an upcoming position vacancy due to the resignation and relocation of its current manager and chief engineer, Kirk Saiki, which will become effective Feb. 9. Kyono will serve as acting manager while KBWS proceeds with the formal recruitment process for a manager and chief engineer through the County of Kauai, Department of Human Resources.
Kyono served as Kauai’s County engineer from 1986-1990. In 1991, he joined the State Department of Transportation Highways Division as Kauai district engineer, and served in that capacity until 2008. During his tenure with the county and the state, Mr. Kyono also served as an ex-officio voting member of the Kauai Board of Water Supply.
“Having spent a considerable portion of my career in public service, I consider it an honor and privilege to once again serve the people of Kauai,” Kyono said.
If you look at the top positions of the Board of Water Supply on Kauai as well as the City of Honolulu, you will noticed a usually high number of Japanese being over represented. Another indicator that nepotism is alive and well for this particular group throughout not just the BOW, but the entire State as well. Even though they account for 17% of Hawaii’s population, but amount to over 67% of all State organizations!
Harry I say “high five” to anyone who takes on a government job. There’s so much shibai to put up with and I know I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’ve known Steve for decades and he’s a man of honesty and honor. So what if he’s Japanese-American.
I’ve know Steve for quite some time and he is qualified, through experience and training. I’ve in government for 35 years, including being Director of Public Works and Chief of Operations of the water utility and upper level management positions are difficult and thankless. Steve is doing it for the love of his community. Steve is that kind of person and it has nothing to do with race, nationality, or nepotism.