Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency will transition to new leadership next month, with David Lopez replacing James Barros as administrator. Multiple sources report that Lopez brings extensive disaster recovery experience from coordinating Maui wildfire recovery efforts.
- James Barros will step down as HIEMA Administrator on July 1, 2026, after three and a half years of service
- David Lopez will assume the role as new HIEMA Administrator, bringing military background and emergency management experience
- Lopez previously served as State Disaster Recovery Coordinator and chief of Hawaii Office of Recovery and Resiliency (HI-ORR)
- He led development of the state’s disaster recovery framework and coordinated long-term recovery efforts following the Maui wildfires
- HI-ORR administered the Hawaii interim housing program and supported state agencies with recovery planning on Maui
- Barros guided HIEMA through significant emergencies including Maui wildfires, Kona Low weather events, and severe April storms
Sources
- Bigislandvideonews: Leadership Change Announced At Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency
- Governor of Hawaii: NEWS RELEASE: LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
- Hawaii Free Press: HIEMA Administrator Resigns
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