October 14, 2023 — Kitty Simonds, one of the most influential people in the Pacific in U.S. fishing policy, says she’s actively seeking someone to replace her as executive director of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, a post she’s held for 40 years.
“I haven’t decided exactly when,” Simonds said of her impending departure. “I have been searching for suitable candidates.”
Simonds said she’s not ready to reveal the identities of any of her possible successors or the people that she and others at Wespac have been talking to, but the process has been playing out for many months.
One name that has been floated among those keeping an eye on Wespac’s future is Esther Kiaaina, currently a member of the Honolulu City Council.
Kiaaina said that while she’s heard the same rumors, she has not been approached by Simonds or any others from Wespac about taking on the position nor is it something that she is interested in pursuing should Simonds ultimately decide to retire.