Hawaii County hires recovery officer to help with disaster response

Hawaii County has hired Kanani Aton as a permanent recovery officer within the mayor's office to coordinate disaster response and community engagement. Aton, a Hilo resident with previous experience in the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, will oversee long-term planning for disaster recovery. Mayor Kimo Alameda established the role as a permanent position to ensure continuity following a year marked by multiple weather-related disasters.