(BIVN) – A new Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Superintendent has been named.

Esther Kanehailua, recommended for the position under Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, was approved by the Hawaiʻi Board of Education to oversee Hilo and Waiakea high schools, along with their elementary and intermediate feeder schools.

Kanehailua, who will start in her new position on July 1, has been serving as Deputy Complex Area Superintendent since October for the Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Keaau-Pahoa complex areas, the DOE says.

Kanehailua will replace Chad Keone Farias, who has been serving in the interim as Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Superintendent as well as the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area Superintendent. Farias will continue his role overseeing the Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area.

According to the DOE, Kanehailua began her education career with the Department of Education “nearly three decades ago, taught at Hilo High before going on to serve as vice principal and principal at various Hawaiʻi Island schools including Hilo High, Hilo Intermediate, Haʻaheo Elementary and Waiakea High.”