Hawai'i park to get new boss

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park will have a new superintendent this year.

Jim Martin, the present superintendent, retires this month.

He will be replaced by Cynthia Orlando, a 33-year veteran of the National Parks Service.

Orlando works in Washington, D.C., where she is the chief of concessions for the National Park Service. She will move to Hawai'i by March.

Orlando has lived in the state before. She attended Leilehua High School in Wahiawa and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

"Cindy's diverse background is tailor-made for Hawai'i Volcanoes," said National Park Service regional director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "She has ... a background in anthropology and archeology, as well as policy development (experience) in visitor and concessions management."

Orlando said she considered the new assignment to be the pinnacle of her career.

"I feel an emotional and cultural attachment to this special place," she said.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or at kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.