Ministry of Land and Natural Resources

JOSH GREEN, MD

GOVERNOR
KE KIA’ĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN ELECTS CIARA KAHAHANE AS HEAD OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 August 2024

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., has appointed Ciara (pronounced Key-ruh) Kahahane, who currently serves in the Department of Justice’s (AG) Complex Litigation Division, to serve as the next First Deputy Commissioner of the state’s Commission on Water Resources Management (CWRM). Her appointment is subject to approval by the CWRM.

“Ciara is a dedicated public servant and I am confident she will help the Commission address the many complex issues surrounding water resource management across Hawaii,” said Governor Green. “As the devastating wildfires on Maui last year demonstrated, how we conserve, manage and distribute water is one of the most critical issues facing state government.”

Dawn Chang, DLNR and CWRM Chair, added, “Ciara brings unique expertise as Deputy CWRM. She is fluent in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, has direct and cultural ties to West Maui, and is knowledgeable about the law, including our responsibilities as a public trust. Her personal and professional experience equips her to address some of the most difficult water issues with cultural sensitivity and compliance with the law.”

Over the past year and a half in the Attorney General’s office, Kahahane has represented the state in several notable cases, including those involving legal issues of statewide importance. On behalf of the Attorney General, she continues to coordinate the August 2023 comprehensive review and analysis of the Lahaina wildfires. This role includes assisting the independent team of experts conducting the review.

Attorney General Anne Lopez said, “Ciara is a remarkable woman and an outstanding lawyer. Ciara’s intelligence, understanding of the tensions surrounding water rights and use, and leadership skills will benefit her and the people of Hawaii.”

Previously, she worked in the Department of Justice’s Public Safety, Hawaiian Homeland Security, and Housing Division, where she assisted the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) with litigation and advised on a variety of legal matters. In this role, Kahahane assisted staff in adopting and amending administrative regulations, including regulations governing the provision of water services by the HHFDC.

After graduating from Kamehameha Schools Maui and the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM) in 2019, she served as a law clerk for Judge Robert J. Faris, Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawai’i. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies in 2016, also from UHM.

In order to complete ongoing work in the Office of the Attorney General, she will not begin her duties at CWRM until October 10. Dean Uyeno, who served as interim First Deputy, will continue to hold that role until then.

“I am grateful and pleased to have been elected as the first alternate of the CWRM. I look forward to learning from the Commission’s experienced and dedicated staff as we address the complex and sometimes challenging water-related issues facing Hawaii. I will support the CWRM’s mission to protect and enhance the benefits of Hawaii’s water resources through prudent and responsible management for current and future generations,” said Kahahane.

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RESOURCES
(Image courtesy: DLNR)

Photo – Ciara Kahahane.

Media contacts:
Erika Engle
Press Officer
Office of the Governor of the State of Hawaii
E-mail: (email protected)

Makana McClellan
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor of the State of Hawaii
E-mail: (email protected)

Daniel Dennison
Director of Communications
E-mail: (email protected)