Daligdig named new Civil Defense manager

LIHU‘E — County officials announced Wednesday that Theodore “Teddy” Daligdig III, a retired colonel in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, has been selected to manage the Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency.

 Daligdig will replace Kylan Dela Cruz who will be leaving the county to pursue other interests. He will assume the manager’s position on Tuesday, a county news release states.

“We look forward to Teddy joining our team,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “He has the skills, expertise and experience to handle this key position in county government.”

Daligdid said he looks forward to joining the county team.

“I have worked in the different levels of government in various capacities and fully understand the importance of collaboration amongst all parties,” he said in the release.

The mayor noted that Dela Cruz has been an asset to the county over the years, having served as deputy director of the departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, and most recently as the Civil Defense manager.

“Kylan has always been willing and enthusiastic about taking on any task,” Carvalho said. “I will be forever grateful to Kylan for his loyal service over the past 4.5 years.”

Daligdig retired as a colonel and island commander of the Kaua‘i branch of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard in 2004 after 38 years of service in active duty and the reserves. During his military career, Daligdig held various positions including HIANG island commander for recovery efforts after Hurricane Iniki and deputy chief of staff at Ft. Shafter.

Following his retirement from the National Guard, Daligdig worked as the director of education and health programs for the state Department of Defense. He retired from DOD a few months ago.

From January 2002 to December 2007, he served on the county Planning Commission, including one term as chair.

Daligdig is a graduate of Kapa‘a High School and attended the University of Hawai‘i and the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College.