Kealakekua accountant Stephen J. Arnett has been named by Big island Mayor Billy Kenoi to head Hawaii County's Office of Housing and Community Development.

Arnett has maintained a certified public accountant's office in Kealakekua since

1985. He starts today as director of the county's housing office.

Arnett, 64, earned a PhD. in business economics from UCLA in 1976. The Indiana

native also holds a masters degree in business administration and bachelor's degree

in accounting from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. He is a member of

the American Institute of Public Accountants, Hawaii Society of Certified Accountants,

and Hawaii Association of Public Accountants, according to a news release from Kenoi's office.

An active outdoorsman, he participates in a variety of sports such as tennis,

volleyball, swimming, paddling, surfing, racquetball and golf. He also enjoys orchids.

The Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning,

administration and operation of all of the County of Hawaii's housing programs such as

the Section 8 rental assistance for qualified families.