The Hawaii State Board of Education has approved Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s recommendation to appoint Esther Kanehailua as Complex Area Superintendent to oversee East Hawaii Island schools.

Effective July 1, Kanehailua will have oversight of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area, which includes Hilo and Waiakea high schools along with their elementary and intermediate feeder schools.

Kanehailua has been serving as Deputy Complex Area Superintendent since October for the Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Keaau-Pahoa complex areas.

Kanehailua, who 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 Hawaii Island schools including Hilo High, Hilo Intermediate, Haaheo Elementary and Waiakea High.

She will replace Chad Keone Farias, who has been serving in the interim as Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Superintendent while retaining his position as Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area Superintendent. Farias will continue his role overseeing the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area. Art Souza remains West Hawaii Complex Area Superintendent overseeing the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area.