HILO — The state Board of Education on Thursday named Esther Kanehailua the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area superintendent.
Effective July 1, Kanehailua will have oversight of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, which includes Hilo and Waiakea high schools along with their elementary and intermediate feeder schools.
Kanehailua has been serving as deputy complex area superintendent since October for the Hilo-Waiakea and Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa complex areas.
According to the state Department of Education, Kanehailua began her education career with the DOE nearly three decades ago and taught at Hilo High before going on to serve as vice principal and principal at various Hawaii Island schools, including Hilo High, Hilo Intermediate, Haaheo Elementary and Waiakea High.
She replaces Chad Keone Farias, superintendent of the Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area, who also has served as the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area superintendent since former CAS Brad Bennett was placed on “department directed leave” Dec. 22, 2017.
At that time, the DOE said it was investigating a complaint made against Bennett but did not provide specifics about the complaint or the nature of the investigation.
In August 2018, the DOE confirmed that Bennett was no longer employed with the department, but provided no further information about the nature of his departure, the investigation or its findings.
Farias will continue his role overseeing the Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area and Art Souza remains West Hawaii Complex Area superintendent overseeing the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area.
“It has been a pleasure serving my community,” Farias said. “The east side of Hawaii Island is my home, and I will be around. And I’d definitely do it again if asked. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be a partner with the other two complex area superintendents on the island.
“It was a pleasure, and I’m glad the superintendent and deputy superintendents had that trust in me to allow me to serve my community and do my job.”
Farias said he has known Kanehailua for 27 years. Both began teaching at Hilo High and got into administration at the same time.
“I’m excited for her,” he said. “I wish her the best and a huge congratulations. I can’t wait to partner with her and Art and do what’s right for the keiki of Hawaii Island.”
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.