HILO, Hawaii: Frank DeMarco, on the job as Director of the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management for less than a year, has resigned his position.

This media release was issued by the administration today:

The Director of the Department of Environmental Management, Frank DeMarco, recently submitted his resignation from this position to transfer back to the Department of Public Works, effective August 1. DeMarco, a licensed professional engineer, will return to his former position as the Floodplain Manager in the Engineering Division.

Dora Beck, current head of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Division will be temporarily assigned to the Director’s position. Beck has worked in various engineering capacities for the department since June 2003. She holds a MS degree in Civil Engineering, with emphasis in Environmental Engineering, from San Jose State University. Beck is a licensed professional engineer in California and Hawaii.

In announcing these changes, Mayor Billy Kenoi praised DeMarco for his leadership in addressing difficult situations, and for carrying out the critical work of the department. He also expressed gratitude for Beck’s willingness to step in to provide continued leadership and expertise.

According to Kenoi, “I feel fortunate to have had a man of Frank DeMarco’s background on our team. I appreciate his willingness to tackle the many challenges of the department and I respect his decision to spend more time with his family. We look forward to working with Ms. Dora Beck in her new role as acting Director of the Department of Environmental Management.”

DeMarco is the second director of the challenged county department to resign since Mayor Billy Kenoi took office in December 2008. DeMarco was the successor to Lono Tyson, who resigned the same position previously.