Updated at 8:34 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2007
New city department replaces O'ahu Civil Defense
Associated Press
The O'ahu Civil Defense Agency has been replaced by the city's new Department of Emergency Management.Mayor Mufi Hannemann created the new department after the City Council acted Wednesday to approve authorizing the reorganization.
"This change recognizes the expanded role the O'ahu Civil Defense Agency has played in the administration and oversight of federal homeland security programs for the city and protecting the populace," Hannemann said yesterday.
"The O'ahu Civil Defense Agency has done a fine job for many, many years, and it's about time we acknowledge that it is a vital, Cabinet-level body," the mayor said.
"The term emergency management is a more accurate reflection of the prevention, preparation, response and recovery coordination role of OCDA in today's society."
Peter Hirai, acting administrator of the O'ahu Civil Defense Agency, will lead the new department on an acting basis, Hannemann said.
"We are modernizing and emerging into the 21st century with additional duties and responsibilities that have been placed on us since 9/11," Hirai said.
"This elevation from an agency to a department will enhance our role in the protection of the residents and visitors on O'ahu," he said. "We will continue to work with other city entities to prepare for, prevent and recover from a disaster.
