Bethany Morrison

Interim Administrator

Bethany Morrison is the Interim Administrator for the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience, as of February 1, 2024.  Prior to this recent appointment, she spent 16+ years in the Planning Department, most of that time serving as long-range planner and a project lead in the long-range planning division.  She supervised a team of planners and served as the project manager for the comprehensive update to the County’s General Plan and the Integrated Climate Action Plan.  In her managerial role, she supervises consultants, facilitates community meetings, evaluates various development plans, and engages in legislative advocacy.  Bethany has demonstrated leadership in collaborating with colleagues across Hawaiʻi and the pacific for over 15 years to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.  Bethany is a trained facilitator and public speaker and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science.  Finally, Bethany has a deep connection and commitment to our island community, having been raised here and having the privilege to also raise her family here.

Kendra Obermaier

Sustainability Strategist

Kendra Obermaier has been with the County for three years, starting as an AmeriCorps VISTA and then coming on board as the Climate Change Specialist and now Sustainability Strategist. Kendra graduated from Indiana University with degrees in Biology and Environmental Sustainability, focusing on food systems and the connections between people and place. During her time at the County, Kendra supported the creation of the County’s Integrated Climate Action Plan and assisted with greenhouse gas inventories, grant acquisition, and community outreach. Kendra grounds her work in her own connection to her community and place and can be found paddling or backpacking with friends and family when out of the office.

Liam Birr

Climate Action Implementation Specialist

Liam Birr joins the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, specializing in climate action implementation. A recent graduate of Western Oregon University with a degree in Environmental Sustainability, Liam is deeply passionate about environmental stewardship and making a positive impact. His dedication to island sustainability was strengthened through his study abroad experiences: in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he contributed to island recycling efforts and played a key role in establishing the recycling program at the University of the Virgin Islands dorms; and at the University of Guam, where he collaborated with the Center for Island Sustainability on their watershed restoration initiatives. With a passion for lifelong learning, Liam is eager to immerse himself in Hawaiian culture and traditional sustainability practices, deepening his understanding and embracing the opportunity to contribute to its sustainable future.

Dylan Young

Data Analyst

Dylan Young woks as a Data Analyst for the OSCER office and has a decade of experience in information technology and 5 years dedicated to developing a strong academic and practical background in analytical modeling and programming. Dylan studied at Western Governors University and the University of North Georgia in Math and Data Analytics, published research in developing computational models for Color-Word LSA, and then went on to be the Director of Information Technology Operations at his county of residence in Georgia before moving to Hawaii to be closer to his family. He hopes to use his experience in statistical algorithms, and forecasting, to help build a more sustainable tomorrow.