HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green appointed Ciara Kahahane to be the First Deputy of the state Commission on Water Resource Management. 

Her appointment comes after Kaleo Manuel stepped down from the position in December. 

When wildfires broke out on Maui, Manuel’s decisions on Aug. 8, 2023, made him a political lightning rod. 

Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang reassigned Manuel to the state Historic Preservation Division the following week. However, a public backlash emerged, and a lawsuit demanding his reinstatement was filed. 

In October, he was reinstated. 

Kahahane’s appointment still requires approval by CWRM. 

Kahahane currently serves in the Complex Litigation Division of the Department of the Attorney General. 

“Ciara is a dedicated public servant and I’m confident she will help lead the commission through the many complex issues surrounding management of water resources throughout Hawaii,” Green said in a statement. “As last year’s devastating Maui wildfires demonstrated, how we conserve, manage and allocate water is one of the most critical issues state government faces.”

Working in the AG’s office, Kahahane coordinated the comprehensive review and analysis of the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires. 

“Ciara brings unique expertise as the CWRM Deputy,” said DLNR and CWRM Chair Dawn Chang. “She is proficient in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, has lineal and cultural connections to West Maui, and understands the law, including our public trust duties. Her personal and professional experience equips her to address some of the most challenging water issues with cultural sensitivity and adherence to the law.”

Kahahane has also worked in the Public Safety, Hawaiian Homelands and Housing Division of the Department of the Attorney General, providing litigation support and counsel to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. This work included assisting staff with rules governing the provision of water service by HHFDC. 

A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools Maui, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2016 and a law degree from UH Manoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law in 2019.  

To complete ongoing work at the AG’s Office, Kahahane will not begin her role at CWRM until Oct. 10. 

In the meantime, Dean Uyeno will continue to serve as Interim First Deputy.