Robert Kroning, a former officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has been appointed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to lead the city’s Department of Design and Construction.

Kroning replaces Chris Takashige, who left the department earlier this year to to take a job as the engineering program manager for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Robert Kroning’s appointment requires City Council approval.

City of Honolulu

Kroning spent 24 years with the Army Corps and moved to Hawaii in 2005 where he served as chief of facilities and construction in the Pacific branch of the U.S. Army, according to a press release from the mayor’s office. In that role, he developed the a $1 billion-plus program called the Military Construction Program for the Department of Defense Future Years Defense Program.

He also served as the deputy district commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Honolulu, according to the press release. Following, the Kauai dam breach that killed seven people in 2006, Kroning oversaw the Army Corps’ inspection of all other dams in Hawaii to ensure their safety.

“I initially came to Hawaii in 2005 to work for the US Army Corps of Engineers,” Kroning said in a statement. “I immediately discovered what a special place it is: the aloha spirit, the strong sense of ohana, and of course, the remarkable natural beauty. It’s these characteristics that drew me to join the City and County of Honolulu where I am looking forward to working with great people whose goal it is to make Oahu an even better place for all.”

 Kroning’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the City Council.