Local News

Managing Director Akana to retire Dec. 31; mayor appoints deputy to position

The Maui News

Maui County Managing Director Kekuhaupio "Keku" Akana will retire at the end of this year, citing a desire to spend more time with his ohana, including his seven grandchildren, Mayor Richard Bissen announced Tuesday.

"When I took office in January, I was honored to have retired Deputy Police Chief Kekuhaupio Akana agree to join our team as Managing Director," Bissen said in a news release. "His commitment to help set a strong foundation in our first year has given us an inspiring leader that has nurtured and guided our team as we navigated through our inaugural year. We wish him all the best and mahalo his family for sharing him with us and for their support throughout this year."

Akana served in the Maui Police Department for 25 years and retired as deputy chief in 2006, according to the county news release. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

In 2013, Akana and others founded a community care van called A Cup of Cold Water, which provides water, food, hygiene and first aid supplies to those in need.

An accomplished weightlifter and football player, Akana also provided community outreach through the Queen Emma Athletic Club for youth and the Wailuku Weightlifting Club for adults.

Akana's retirement will take effect Dec. 31. Bissen is appointing Josiah Nishita, the current deputy managing director and head of the newly formed Office of Recovery, to take Akana's place. The appointment is subject to Maui County Council approval.

The Department of Management oversees the county's 17 departments.

"I'm looking forward to the strong contributions that Josiah will make and am confident that he will be successful in his support of our many departments," Bissen said.

Nishita has served as the deputy managing director since 2020. He worked in the Office of the County Clerk for eight years, nearly seven years as deputy before serving as county clerk, according to the news release.