FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   October 30, 2009

MAYOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

(Honolulu, October 30, 2009)- Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced today that Dr. Kanthi De Alwis is retiring as the City & County of Honolulu’s Chief Medical Examiner.

“Dr. Kanthi has devoted more than 25 years to serving the people of Honolulu.  She’s leaving the Medical Examiner’s Office in great shape, as evidenced by it recently attaining National Accreditation.  I personally want to thank her for her service, and for the caring and professional attitude she has displayed while leading the ME’s office, and wish her all the best as she retires to pursue other endeavors.”

Dr. De Alwis began her career with the city in 1984.  She rose through the ranks and became Chief Medical Examiner in January 2001.  Mayor Hannemann appointed her Chief Medical Examiner again shortly after he took office in January 2005. 

“I’ve had a very fulfilling quarter of a century in public service and have accomplished my major goals and objective for both the Medical Examiner’s Office and for our community,” Dr. De Alwis said. “I want to thank Mayor Hannemann and his administration for their support over the years, which I know will continue with whoever succeeds me in this important position.”

Dr. William Goodhue, who’s been serving as First Deputy Medical Examiner since August of 2001, will become interim Chief Medical Examiner while the City conducts a search for a successor for Dr. De Alwis.

                                                                        #