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Vy��s Mt ."!tM', Lincoln S.T. Ashida William P. Kenoi ^ �1��; Corporation Counsel Mayor ,:j -. °%,'1:• Katherine A. Garson Assistant Corporation ''�o.w•'`�' Counsel COUNTY OF HAWAII OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL 333 Kilauea Avenue, Second Floor • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8251 • Fax(808)961-8622 E-mail: corpcounsel @co.hawaii.hi.us February 10, 2014 Honorable J Yoshimoto Chair, Hawaii County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Yoshimoto: RE: Brenda J. Ford v. Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, S.P. NO. 13-1-34K Request for agendizing payment of special counsel fees to Robert Kim, Esq., for services rendered to Department of Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd in defending against a dismissed lawsuit The Office of the Corporation Counsel requests this communication be agendized for the purpose of the Hawaii County Council considering a request for payment of attorney fees to Robert Kim, Esq., for his representation of Department of Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd. Ms. Leithead-Todd was sued, and it was alleged she did not qualify to hold the position of Director of the Department of Environmental Management, despite a majority affirmative vote of the Council after significant deliberation. This case against her was dismissed by the Third Circuit Court on December 30, 2013. The County of Hawaii is not a party to this case. The Office of the Corporation Counsel sought to intervene in this case, alleging the County had a significant interest since the Mayor nominated Ms. Leithead-Todd, and the Council confirmed her. However, our request was denied by the Circuit Court. Mr. Kim sent a billing for his services to the County, and now it is incumbent on our office to forward same to the Council for your consideration. If the Council makes a Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider