Local News

Razo-Porter sworn in as Personnel Services director

The Maui News

Longtime Maui County employee Cynthia Razo-Porter was sworn in as director of the Personnel Services Department on Wednesday, replacing outgoing Director David Underwood, who retired Wednesday after 30 years with the county.

Razo-Porter has worked for the county since 1996 and has served as deputy director of the department since 2016, according to a county news release. She is a Baldwin High School graduate and has a degree in business from the University of Hawaii Maui College. Her new position takes effect today.

"She's well-versed with policies and civil service procedures," said Arnold Wunder, chairperson of the Civil Service Commission that selected Razo-Porter. "She has good relationships with the various unions. We felt she would be the best one to replace David Underwood as the director."

Kainea Aiwohi-Alo, who has worked for the county since 2009, was sworn in Wednesday as deputy director of the department.

"We're truly grateful for Director David Underwood's three decades of public service," Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. "His valuable leadership, dedication and vision have served our county well. I look forward to working with Director Razo-Porter and Deputy Director Aiwohi-Alo, two very capable leaders who bring with them extensive experience, and thank the commission for their diligent work to select the department's new leadership."

The department's responsibilities include recruiting applicants for positions, training employees and handling labor relations issues.