REPORT FROM THE RED CROSS – Retired Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva has joined the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross as its Chief Operating Officer. Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Hawaii Red Cross Chief Executive Officer said, “We are thrilled to have Ken join our Red Cross team.
His expertise with disasters and knowledge of our local community will enable him to make a significant contribution to our humanitarian mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and generosity of donors.” Ken Silva added, “I’m excited to be a part of the Red Cross. I’ve always admired the dedication and commitment they have in helping our community.”
Ken served as Fire Chief of the Honolulu Fire Department for the last 7 years and has over 30 years of leadership, supervisory, administrative, and command experience with the Honolulu Fire Department. He served on the Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Hawaii State Fire Council, Honolulu Firefighters Foundation (Executive Vice President), International Association of Fire Chiefs (Board of Directors), International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and Western Fire Chiefs Association (Vice President, Hawaii).
He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii at West Oahu and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ken has been involved with numerous community organizations such as the Hawaii Special Olympics, Kaneohe American Youth Soccer Organization, Kaneohe Police Activities League, Kaneohe Police Activities League, Muscular Dystrophy Association, New Hope Christian Fellowship, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.