Chief of Staff Sarah K. Blane departs County of Kaua‘i
LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami announces that Chief of Staff Sarah K. Blane will depart the County of Kaua‘i in July after more than 17 years of dedicated public service, including nearly 15 years at the Office of the Mayor.
“Sarah has been a steady hand through some of the most challenging times in our island’s history—from record-breaking floods to a global pandemic,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Sarah leads with humility and aloha, and she cares deeply for island residents and visitors. We are truly grateful for her years of service and wish her the very best as she moves into her next chapter.”
Blane served with the City and County of Honolulu’s Rapid Transit Division prior to joining the County of Kaua‘i in 2010 as a Public Information Officer. She was initially appointed Chief of Staff by former Mayor Bernard Carvalho in 2017 and continued on to serve Mayor Kawakami when he took office in 2018.
Throughout her tenure, Blane played a central role in the County’s crisis response efforts, including the historic April 2018 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Kaumakani wildfire in 2024. She served as a political advisor to the mayor, served on the county’s budget team, and was a key liaison between the county and the community. She helped in developing coordinated public messaging during emergencies, ensuring the timely and accurate flow of information to residents and stakeholders.
Blane is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus and received her BBA and MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business. She is known for her calm leadership under pressure, and her ability to mentor, motivate, and guide both staff and the public with compassion and clarity.
“It’s been an extraordinary honor to serve the Office of the Mayor and the people of Kaua‘i,” said Blane. “Kaua‘i’s generosity and ability to care for one another, especially in times of crisis, is unmatched. This island has taught me the importance of building trust between government and the community it serves, and the need for community-focused leadership in government. While my family and I are excited about our next adventure in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island, I will certainly be leaving a piece of my heart here at the County of Kaua‘i.”
A replacement Chief of Staff has not yet been appointed.
Sarah K. Blane, Chief of Staff.
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