Kau selected as MEMA deputy administrator
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Francis Kau has been selected as deputy administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency.
Kau will work with MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett on day-to-day operations, emergency preparedness and response, and coordination with county, state, federal and community partners.
Kau most recently served as an emergency management lead in resilience and logistics with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Following the August 2023 Maui wildfires, he helped plan, manage and operate five disaster recovery centers while coordinating with federal, state and nongovernmental agencies.
He previously served as first assistant to the Maui County managing director from 2007 to 2009 and later as assistant administrator of the county Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.
Kau also has disaster recovery experience with Adjusters International and Ceres Environmental Services, including work involving individual and public assistance, hazard mitigation, debris management and long-term recovery.
A former U.S. Army officer, Kau holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu. He also has completed military and Federal Emergency Management Agency training.
Kau said preparation, coordination and strong relationships are important to protecting communities. He said he looks forward to working with MEMA and its partners to strengthen emergency readiness.
Kau succeeds Peter "Kono" Davis, who will remain with MEMA during the leadership transition before returning to retirement in the coming months. Davis previously retired after 30 years with the Maui Fire Department.