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PORT OFT E <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, <br /> RELATIONS,AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> DATE: January 5, 2021 Re: Comm. No. 37 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 5:14 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development, to which <br /> was referred Communication No. 37, reports as follows: <br /> Transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, via Communication No. 37, dated December 8, 2020, <br /> submitting for the Council's review and confirmation the appointment of Ms. Elizabeth A. Strance <br /> as Corporation Counsel. . <br /> Mayor Roth said he was excited to introduce Judge Strance to the Council. With over 30 years of <br /> legal experience and over 10 years "on the bench" as a judge, she was more than qualified to <br /> take on the position of Corporation Counsel. Judge Strance earned her law degree from Lewis <br /> and Clark College Law School in 1987 and was admitted to the Hawaii Bar Association in 1988. <br /> Judge Strance was available via Zoom for the meeting and she thanked Mayor Roth for selecting <br /> her for this position. She emphasized her collaborative style of working and laid out her <br /> preference for mediation over trials for resolving issues. She also noted that that she is well <br /> versed in providing independent, candid advice to clients even when that advice is not always <br /> something they want to hear. <br /> Several Council Members praised Judge Strance's glowing recommendations and extensive <br /> resume. Others who know her personally were able to highlight her ongoing commitment to <br /> equity and fairness. <br /> Pursuant to Article VI, Section 6-5.2 of the Hawaii County Charter, "The corporation counsel <br /> shall be appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the council and may be removed by the mayor <br /> with the approval of council. The corporation counsel shall be an attorney licensed to practice <br /> and in good standing before the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai'i." <br /> Eight Council Members voted aye and Council Member Lee Loy voted "kanalua," aye. <br /> GOREDC Report No. I <br />