Mayor announces the departure of Kēhaulani Pu‘u from the Department of Parks and Recreation

News Release from Office of the Mayor, June 17, 2024

HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced today the departure of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) Deputy Director, Kēhaulani Pu‘u, as she pursues a new position as the Chief Operating Officer at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

“We are extremely grateful to Kēhau for three years of excellent service as part of our City ‘ohana,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Kēhau brought an enormous depth of knowledge and experience on so many levels to our parks operations, from shepherding special events, like the Memorial Day Ceremony and Kapolei City Lights, to revitalizing DPR’s recreational programming and coordinating community efforts to improve our parks. Kēhau accomplished quite a lot in her time with us. Her departure to OHA is bittersweet. While we are sad to see her go, we know her heart is leading her to this opportunity to better serve her lāhui.”

Pu‘u joined the City in June 2021 after working at Kamehameha Schools, where she excelled for over a dozen years, occupying multiple positions ranging from Community Education Director to Program Manager of the Enrichment Department.

“When I started with DPR, I spoke of my kuleana (responsibility) to give back to my lāhui through education and service,” said Kēhau Pu‘u. “I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in these three short years, and I am now excited to continue this journey of service working for the benefit of Native Hawaiians in my capacity as OHA’s COO.”

Her last day with the City will be June 30, 2024. The search has begun for her replacement. All interested applicants should send resumes to Director Laura H. Thielen at parks@honolulu.gov.

—PAU—