HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0052.000 2024-2026 C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D. William V.Brilhante,Jr.
Mayor rr Managing Director
_ Merrick Nishimoto
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii - Office of the ,-Mayor
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • Phone(808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
Phone(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
December 10, 2024
The Honorable Chairman Holeka Goro Inaba and
Members of the County Council m
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairman Inaba and Members of the County Council,
It is my pleasure to submit for your confirmation the appointment of Benson P. Medina
("Mr. Medina") as Director for the County of Hawaii Department of Research& Development,
pursuant to Section 6-8.2 of the Hawaii County Charter. This appointment was effective
Monday, December 9, 2024.
From 2016 to December 6, 2024, Mr. Medina was an Infrastructure Partner at
Sustainability Partners LLC. While there he collaborated with the State and County to develop
infrastructure projects. Prior to this role, he worked at various places including Hawaii
Community College and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Mr. Medina will serve a term co-terminus with my tenure, which will end on December
4, 2028.
Pursuant to Rule 5(6)(a) of the Rules of Procedures and Organization of the Council of
the County of Hawaii, I respectfully request that this nomination be placed on the next available
Committee meeting.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerel
Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor, County of Hawaii
Enclosure Council Action Due By: February 7, 2025
Last Council Meeting: February 5, 2025
u., f ' 24
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Benson P. Medina
Professional Experience
Infrastructure Partner
Sustainability Partners LLC, Hilo, HI I January 2016 — December 6, 2024
• Collaborated with State of Hawaii agencies and all four counties to develop infrastructure
projects using long-term funding, design, procurement, and maintenance solutions.
• Pioneered a "utility model" for sustainable infrastructure, focusing on user -based funding.
• Key Achievement: Advanced Hawaii's 10-year contract for electric vehicles, charging
infrastructure, and energy grids.
Program Coordinator
Hawaii Community College, Hilo, HI I November 2019 —July 2020
• Coordinated non-credit educational programs for adults and children in Hawaii County.
• Fostered relationships with educators, administrators, and community leaders to meet local
learning needs.
Electrical Sales and Educational Consultant
American Electric Company, Hilo, HI 12014 — 2018
Conducted workshops on NFPA 70E electrical safety standards for public and private sectors.
Promoted career opportunities in the electrical industry across Hawaii Island.
Project Director/Principal Grant Writer
Howai'i Agri -Tourism Association, Hilo, HI 1 2011— 2014
• Led projects integrating agriculture and tourism, securing federal (USDA), state, and private
funding.
Partnered with nonprofits to promote economic development initiatives across Hawai'i County.
Supervisor/Field Trainer
U.S. Department of Commerce — Bureau of Census, Honolulu, HI 12009 — 2011
• Directed field operations for the 2010 Census, including recruitment, training, and data
collection.
U.S. Representative
Innovations Development Group, Honolulu, HI 12006 — 2008
• Designed community education programs empowering Maori communities to develop natural
resources sustainably.
VP of Sales and Marketing
Usher Precision Manufacturing, Forest Grove, OR 12006 — 2008
• Directed national sales and marketing efforts for a leading aerospace manufacturing company.
Additional Work Experience
• Partner, Hawaii Electrical Maintenance Services, Hilo, HI
• Partner, Pacific Marketing and Events, Portland, OR
• Director of Sales, Hawaiian Airlines, Seattle, WA
• National Sales Manager, American Express Travel, Seattle, WA
• Classroom Teacher, Tigard School District, Portland, OR