91Ö±²¥

YWCA of 91Ö±²¥ Island has selected two veteran emergency management heroes, Darryl Oliveira and Chris Leonard, as honorees at its 15th annual Remarkable People luncheon.

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the UH Hilo Campus Center Dining Room.

For tickets and table sponsorship opportunities, contact (808) 930-5764 or events@ywcahawaiiisland.org, or visit https://bit.ly/4t3iEbC.

“From fire to flooding to earthquakes, disease outbreaks, eruptions and tephra falls, 91Ö±²¥ County has seen its share of disasters,” said Lorraine Mendoza, who co-chairs the event with Margaret Almada Collins. “This year we wanted to acknowledge Darryl and Chris for their lifelong commitment to keeping us safe before, during and after an emergency.”

Born and raised in Hilo, Oliveira began his career as a first responder when he joined the 91Ö±²¥ Fire Department in 1980. Over the next three decades, he would serve in every community on the island in a variety of roles including fire chief, a position he held from 2002 until his retirement in 2011.

From 2013-2016, Oliveira came out of retirement to serve as administrator of the 91Ö±²¥ County Civil Defense Agency, then joined HPM as director of risk management in 2017. In 2023, Oliveira served as interim administrator for the Maui Emergency Management Agency when the incumbent director stepped down after the Maui wildfires. He returned to Hilo and HPM in December 2023.

Leonard, born on Oahu and a 91Ö±²¥ County resident since 1992, is president and general manager of New West Broadcasting Corp., which owns and operates six radio stations on 91Ö±²¥ Island, including KWXX Hilo. During a disaster, these radio stations serve as a vital communication tool for the public to receive alerts and learn about resources.

Leonard serves as president and legislative chair of the 91Ö±²¥ Association of Broadcasters, a nonprofit trade organization advocating on behalf of more than 100 radio and television stations statewide. He is also chairman of the 91Ö±²¥ State Emergency Communications Committee.

All funds raised from the luncheon and silent auction stay in the county to ensure YWCA of 91Ö±²¥ Island’s vital services are available to those who need them.

YWCA of 91Ö±²¥ Island is headquartered at 145 Ululani St. in Hilo. Visit www.ywcahawaiiisland.org for more info.