HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0049.001 2024-2026TESTIMONY OF DARYN ARAI
before the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Jenn Kagiwada, Chair
Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Aloha, Chair Kagiwada and Vice Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Members of the Committee,
SUBJECT: Communication No. 49
Appointment of RENEE N.C. SCHOEN as Corporation Counsel
I would like to offer my strong support of the appointment of Renee N.C. Schoen as Corporation
Counsel.
During the latter years of my career with the Planning Department, I was fortunate to get
acquainted with Ms. Schoen in her capacity as Deputy Corporation Counsel and later as
Assistant Corporation Counsel, where she provided counsel to my department or through her
support of other County agencies and boards.
Simply put, when she said that she would follow up on things or render a decision on a pending
matter, it would get done. Promptly! She would also provide a solid foundation for her opinion
or a clear explanation of why she took a particular path. She was always sensitive to the needs
of the department, never being overconfident to the point of being cavalier or reckless, and
never so unsure of herself so as to be paralyzed from rendering an opinion or recommended
course of action.
Ms. Schoen served the County as its Deputy and Assistant Corporation Counsel with aplomb,
and I have no doubt that she will serve the County just as well as its Corporation Counsel!
For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your support of the appointment of Renee N.C. Schoen
as Corporation Counsel for the County of Hawaii.
With kind regards,
Daryn Arai
PO Box 4501
Hilo, HI 96720