Major General Kenneth S. Hara

January 27, 2025

Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara assumed his duties as the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, on Dec. 6, 2019. On Feb. 20, 2018, Hara was dual-hatted as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army National Guard, Operations G3, Eighth U.S. Army Korea, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

In 1987, Hara received his commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry through the Hawaii Military Academy, Officer Candidate School, Hawaii Army National Guard. He has served in numerous positions of increased authority and responsibility from platoon leader and most recently as the commanding general of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

In 2005, Hara deployed as the commander of the 2nd Battalion 299th Infantry to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2008, he deployed to Kuwait as the deputy commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In 2012, Hara deployed a third time as the commander of the Operations Coordination Center – Regional Command South, Security Forces Assistance Advisory Team, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

In addition to his Federal mobilizations, Hara served on several state missions in support of local authorities. Most notable were his duties as the Assistant Operations Officer with the 2d Battalion, 299th Infantry following Hurricane Iniki which on Sept. 11, 1992 devastated the island of Kauai; as Task Force KOA commander, comprised of Hawaii Army Soldiers and Air National Guard Airman, that conducted National Guard Civil Support operations following an earthquake that struck the island of Hawaii on Oct. 15, 2006; and as the Dual Status Commander of Joint Task Force – 50 in support of the Kilauea volcanic eruption and Hurricane Lane responses in 2018. Hara served as the Deputy Adjutant General, State of Hawaii, Department of Defense from October 2015 until December 2019.

Hara’s military education includes the U.S. Army War College at Car-lisle Barracks, Pa., Command and General Staff Officer Course from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Combined Arms Service Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course at Fort Lee, Va., Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course at Fort Rucker, Ala. and the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga.

He holds a Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Human Services from Hawaii Pacific University.

Hara’s awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

He is married to the former Myoung Park and has five children, Kristin, Julia, Nichole, Justin, and Alicia.

Change of Command 2004
Change of Command 2013
2015
Promotion 2015
Promotion 2019
Change of Command 2019
2020
Retirement 2024

Another Hara Commands Infantry Battalion

By Spc. Benjamin T. Donde and Master Sgt. Stephen M. Lum

Lt. Col. Kenneth S. Hara

(Picture from the 2004 April – September Pūpūkahi)

There’s a new commander in town at the Hilo-headquartered 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, but the name’s a familiar one. The Hawaii Army National Guard unit welcomed Lt. Col. Kenneth S. Hara in a change of command ceremony held in August at the Keaukaha Military Reservation armory. He replaces Lt. Col. Bruce E. Olivera, who joins the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade as deputy commander.

Hara takes command of the unit his father, retired Lt. Col. Henry S. Hara, led for 13 years, more than 16 years ago.

Some people never know what they want to do, but 20 years ago, at age 17, he joined the military. It was an easy decision to join the Hawaii Guard family, which included not only his father and uncle, retired Col. Horace S. Hara (former Hawaii Army Guard G-4, logistics officer), but his three brothers.

“When I was a high school senior, I told my father that I was thinking about joining the Guard; I could just see his eyes light up,” said Hara with a smile as he reminisced about the occasion. “And, in May 1984, my brother, Gary, swore me into the Hawaii Guard.”

After serving three years as an enlisted helicopter mechanic, he enrolled in officer candidate school and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1987. He started off as a pilot like his brother Gary, but switched to infantry for career progression. As an infantry officer, he served as a staff officer in the 2nd Battalion before moving to the 103rd Troop Command.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Hawaii Pacific University in 1998.

He returns to the 2nd Battalion after spending nine years in Pearl City, which included serving as 103rd Troop Command headquarters detachment commander, 103rd physical security officer, commander of the Ordnance Training Brigade Regional Training Site-Maintenance, and finally as executive officer of the 103rd.

His eldest brother, Gary, is the Hawaii Army Guard chief of staff. His second brother, Dennis, is the first sergeant for Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation. His brother, Larry, is the motor sergeant for Company C, 193rd Aviation. Larry is currently serving in Iraq along with his son, Ryan, an active Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with the 82nd Medevac Company.

“I hope my experiences as an enlisted soldier to my last position in Troop Command, which entailed getting Guard soldiers mobilized and down range without any incidents, will pay off,” said Hara. “I’ve been practicing for 20 years to play in the big game and now it’s my turn. It’s my biggest challenge yet.”

Hara joins his father and brothers in Hawaii Guard careers that include full-time jobs and more than 20 years of service. Sharing his journey has been his wife, the former Myoung Park of the Republic of Korea, and his five children, Kristen, Julia, Nichole, Justin and Alicia.

“I credit most of my success to my wife and family,” said Hara. “The job would have been impossible without their support.”
– 2004 April – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

BROTHERS IN ARMS – New 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, Col. Kenneth S. Hara receives the brigade colors from his brother, Brig. Gen. Gary M. Hara, then Hawaii Army National Guard commander, at Kapolei High School field. HIARNG photo

Colonel Kenneth Hara, who was also confirmed by the Senate as the Deputy Adjutant General, Senator Lorraine Inouye; (D) KaupulehuWaimea- North Hilo, Gaylene Logan, Brigadier General Arthur “Joe” Logan, and Senator Will Espero; (D)Ewa Beach - Iroquios Point pose for picture after the confirmation vote. (Air National Guard Photo by TSgt. Andrew Jackson / Released. — Colonel Kenneth Hara, who was also confirmed by the Senate as the Deputy Adjutant General, Senator Lorraine Inouye; (D) KaupulehuWaimea- North Hilo, Gaylene Logan, Brigadier General Arthur “Joe” Logan, and Senator Will Espero; (D)Ewa Beach – Iroquios Point pose for picture after the confirmation vote. (Air National Guard Photo by TSgt. Andrew Jackson / Released.

Rare double-pinning ceremony, Hawaii Army National Guard

First woman of native Hawaiian ancestry to become a general in the Hawaii Army National Guard

Rare double-pinning ceremony, Hawaii Army National Guard

Rare double-pinning ceremony, Hawaii Army National Guard

Rare double-pinning ceremony, Hawaii Army National Guard

Rare double-pinning ceremony, Hawaii Army National Guard

(Pictures for the 2015 December Pupukahi)

Hawaii’s Governor, David Ige, recently pinned the Hawaii Army National Guard’s newest generals, Brigadier General Kenneth Hara, and Brigadier General Suzanne Vares-Lum in a rare double pinning ceremony. General Kenneth Hara, Hawaii’s Deputy Adjutant General, comes from a family history of service in the Hawaii Army National Guard, with three generations having served. He is the second general in the family, his brother Major General Gary Hara is the U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard.

General Vares-Lum is the first native Hawaiian female to reach the rank of general in the Army. She serves as the U.S. Pacific Command’s Mobilization Assistant, Strategic Planning and Policy.
– 2015 December Pupukahi pp. 1

Hawaii Dept. of Defense welcomes newly promoted Hawaii Adjutant General

The Adjutant General of Hawaii, Maj. Gen. Arthur “Joe” Logan, relinquishes responsibility to former Deputy Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara during a transfer of authority ceremony as Soldiers, Airmen, distinguished guests, family and friends gather at Washington Place, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2019. After five years of leadership as the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Logan will be retiring from the Hawaii Army National Guard next month with over forty years of dedicated service. Please join the State of Hawaii in bidding a fond farewell to Maj. Gen. Logan and his ohana, for his service and dedication.

Hawaii Dept. of Defense welcomes newly promoted Hawaii Adjutant General

(Pictures from 2019 Winter Pupukahi)

Honolulu, HI- A transfer of authority ceremony and a promotion ceremony was held Dec. 06 for Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara, the newly appointed Hawaii Adjutant General. Hara was first promoted from Brig. Gen. to Maj. Gen., and then was transferred authority as Adjutant General from his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Arthur Joe Logan. Over a hundred people attended the ceremony at Washington Place, including Governor David Ige.

In 1987, General Hara received his commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry through the Hawaii Military Academy, Officer Candidate School, Hawaii Army National Guard. He has served in numerous positions of increased authority and responsibility, from 29th Infantry Brigade Commander and most recently as the Commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard. In addition to multiple federal mobilizations, he’s also led Hawaii National Guard efforts on several recent state missions, including responses to Hurricane Lane, Tropical Storm Olivia and the Kilauea volcanic eruption.

The former Hawaii Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Logan, has served five years in his leadership role with the State of Hawaii, Department of Defense and will now retire from the Hawaii Army National Guard in January.
– 2019 Winter Pupukahi pp. 1

The Hawaii Army National Guard held a change of command ceremony at the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Readiness Center in Kapolei, Hawaii Oct. 6, 2019. Fellow Soldiers, family members, and distinguished guest gathered to witness Brigadier General Kenneth S. Hara relinquish command to Brigadier General Moses Kaoiwi Jr. charging him with the prestigious responsibility as commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard. (Hawaii Army National Guard Photos by Sgt. Tinisha Mellein/Released)

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara officially swears in as the State of Hawaii Adjutant General, March 16, 2020 Honolulu. The ceremony was held at the Governor of Hawaii’s ceremonial room directly after Hara and the Deputy Adjutant General, Col. Stephen F. Logan were confirmed by the Senate. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt Andrew Jackson)

Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan becomes the 22nd Adjutant General of the State of Hawai‘i

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawai‘i) | Story by Sgt. John Schoebel | Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

KALAELOA, Hawaiʻi — A transfer of authority ceremony took place at the 29th Infantry Brigade Readiness Center on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, marking a leadership transition within the Hawaiʻi National Guard. The ceremony signaled the end of one era and the beginning of another, as the organization welcomed a new leader.

Presided over by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green, the ceremony saw the outgoing Adjutant General (TAG), Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara, officially relinquish his authority after five years of service in the appointed position, and the newly promoted Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan assume the role. Hara had been appointed by former Gov. David Ige and also served as the director of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency during his tenure.

“It is with immense respect and gratitude that we mark the transfer of authority from current State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, to ‘newly minted’ Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan,” said Green. “Both of whom embody the highest values of duty, integrity, selfless service and also the Hawaiian values of Laulima (cooperation and joint action), Haʻahaʻa (humility) and Kuleana (responsibility, privilege, and authority).”

After 40 years of military service and dedication to the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, Hara is set to retire next month.

“When I enlisted in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard in May of 1984, I never envisioned becoming the state’s Adjutant General and never thought I would serve for over 40 years,” said Hara. “My success would not have been possible without the leadership, mentorship and support of others.”

Under Hara’s leadership, the Hawaiʻi National Guard was called upon for an array of state responses over the past five years. Hara led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was called upon again to lead the state’s response to the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires.

“I knew right away that General Hara was the person to call when the Maui wildfires devastated our state,” said Green. “He took up the mantle again as lead for the state’s response and assistance. This is where his 35-plus years of leadership, multiple federal deployments, multiple state responses that included hurricanes, lava, floods and more came into focus.”

During Hara’s tenure as TAG, Logan served as the Deputy Adjutant General (DAG) and “dual-hatted” as the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard commander.

Prior to the transfer of authority ceremony, Logan was promoted to the rank of major general.

“I’d like to thank Gov. Green for having the confidence to appoint me as the 22nd Adjutant General of the State of Hawaiʻi,” said Logan. “I recognize the trust you’ve placed in me and will work tirelessly to serve our state and its citizens as unselfishly as you do.”

Logan received his commission as a second lieutenant of infantry through the Hawaiʻi Military Academy, Officer Candidate School, Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, in 1983. He has served in numerous positions of increased authority and responsibility, from platoon leader through Hawaiʻi Army National Guard commander and DAG.

“Our Hawaiʻi National Guard is a source of great pride for all of us, whether in times of war or peace,” said Green. “It is made up of our neighbors, our friends, our family members, those who have sworn to serve our state and nation with the highest dedication. Today, with this transfer of authority, we ensure that this proud tradition continues into the future, strong and secure under the capable hands of Maj. Gen. Logan.”
– 2024 Summer Pūpūkahi pp. 1