The County of Hawaiʻi announces leadership changes in the Department of Public Works. As of yesterday, June 13, Ikaika Rodenhurst no longer serves as Director of the Department. Additional changes include the appointment of Julann Sonomura as Acting Building Division Chief and Neal Tanaka as Acting Deputy Building Chief. Deputy Director Steven Pause will be the primary point of contact for the Department until a new Director is named.

“We would like to thank Ikaika for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors, as well as welcome both Julann and Neal to their new positions,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Our administration remains committed to helping our community thrive and succeed, and through that, we will continue to work diligently to address the issues surrounding our building permitting process. We understand that our folks rely on a consistent flow of permits to keep food on their tables and roofs over their heads, and we are dedicated to ensuring that they have every opportunity to do just that.”

As per County policy, no further comment will be made on the employment status of the individuals referenced in this release. For additional non-personnel-related questions for the Department of Public Works, please contact Sherise Kanaʻe-Kāne at Sherise.Kanae-Kane@hawaiicounty.gov or 808 961-8499.