Ige appoints Farias as executive director of School Facilities Authority

Gov. David Ige has appointed Chad Keone Farias to serve as executive director of the School Facilities Authority, which is charged with the development, planning and construction of public school capital improvement projects.

Farias, currently the Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa complex area superintendent, joined the Authority last year. He has worked for the state Department of Education since 1993 as a teacher, counselor, vice principal, principal, and superintendent.

The Hawaii Island-born Farias earned his bachelor’s degree in history and education from Loyola Marymount University, and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Hawaii.

“As a proud Hawaii public school graduate, I’m excited to guide the School Facilities Authority in creating the facilities our students deserve,” Farias said. “This kuleana is great and I look forward to the opportunity to improve education access for all of Hawaii.”

Farias’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he would serve a six-year term.