HONOLULU — Honolulu Department of Emergency Management director Hiro Toiya will step down from his position on Sept. 27 to assume a new role with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Management Assistance Team for Region 9, which includes Honolulu, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced on Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

  • DEM deputy director Jennifer Walter will take over as acting director starting on Sept. 28
  • Toiya joined DEM in 2001 and has served as director since 2018. He is credited with leading the city’s efforts in preparedness, response, recover and mitigation for a broad range of emergencies, including natural disasters and public health crises
  • Walter has more than 24 years of experience in emergency management via government, the private sector and volunteer agencies. She has been part of the DEM leadership team since 2019

“Hiro Toiya has been an exceptional leader and a steady hand at the helm of our Department of Emergency Management,” Blangiardi stated in a release issued on Monday. “His commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities has been invaluable and his expertise will be greatly missed. While we are sad to see him go, we wish him nothing but the best in his new role with FEMA. This move is a testament to the remarkable work he has done here in Honolulu, and we know he will continue to serve with the same passion and dedication in Oakland.”

DEM deputy director Jennifer Walter will take over as acting director starting on Sept. 28.

Toiya joined DEM in 2001 and has served as director since 2018. He is credited with leading the city’s efforts in preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation for a broad range of emergencies, including natural disasters and public health crises.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with the Department of Emergency Management, particularly at the unique time in history that I was entrusted with the duties of the director,” Toiya said. “I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of DEM staff and volunteers, my city colleagues, partner organizations and the incredible community we serve. As I step into the next phase of my emergency management career, I carry with me a heartfelt respect for the residents of Oahu and a profound appreciation for the work that we have accomplished together. I am excited to continue supporting Hawaii as an IMAT Team Leader for Region 9.”

Walter has more than 24 years of experience in emergency management via government, the private sector and volunteer agencies. She has been part of the DEM leadership team since 2019.

Walter previously served as the Preparedness Branch chief at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, where she led the state’s planning efforts and managed statewide programs for training, exercises, hazard mitigation and partnerships with private sector and voluntary organizations. Walter also served as deputy state coordinating officer during the series of disasters that impacted Hawaii in 2018. 

Walter worked with the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., before moving to the Hawaii State Chapter as the response and preparedness manager. There, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the disaster services program, including the training and development of a 600-member volunteer workforce and coordinating responses to nearly 90 disasters annually. 

“Jennifer Walter personifies ‘poise under pressure’ in emergency situations,” Blangiardi said. “She is smart, has a broad understanding of emergency management systems, and is decisive in the command position. We are thrilled and most fortunate to have this talented professional in our ranks for such a critically important position.”

Walter will serve as Acting Director until the civil service process to select a permanent department director is completed.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.