Former councilman named to city post

Advertiser Staff

Former City Councilman Steve Holmes was out of a job for less than 24 hours before being appointed to a $70,000-a-year post in Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration.

Harris announced the appointment yesterday, along with the shuffling of three other directors and deputies.

Holmes, considered to be a Harris ally on the council, will become an executive assistant in the managing director's office. A former park ranger known as "the green councilman," Holmes will coordinate the city's energy conservation program and the development of the city's sustainability master plan.

"Throughout his 12 years of service on the City Council, Steve Holmes has been a champion of the environment and energy excellence," Harris said in a release.

In August, Holmes received a national award from the U.S. Department of Energy for his achievements in energy conservation.

The mayor also announced three members of his administration will be switching jobs. Gerry Silva will become deputy director of the customer services department, moving up from special assistant to the director for that department. He replaces Patricia Nekoba, who is returning to the Department of Education.

Barbara Kim Stanton, head of the city's office of Waikiki Development, will become deputy director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, replacing Loretta Chee, who is retiring. Joseph M. Magaldi Jr. will be her replacement. Magaldi currently holds the position Holmes will assume.

Magaldi will remain at a $72,000-a-year salary, while the deputy directors will earn $94,500.