HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 005 2025-01-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: January 7, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 49
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 49, reports as follows:
Communication No. 49, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated December 9, 2024,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of Renee N. C. Schoen as Corporation Counsel.
Mayor Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Ms. Schoen, who was also
present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee.
Multiple Committee Members inquired about the ability of Corporation Counsel to balance the
best interests of the Administration and the Council. There was also a question regarding level of
preparedness and Ms. Schoen assured the Council that she would be available and prepared.
When asked about her approach to litigating legal risks to the County, Ms. Schoen said she
would be working with the Risk Management Office and providing the Council Members and
County staff with training on risk mitigation.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 5, Section 6-5.2 of the Hawaii County Charter, Corporation
Counsel is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 49, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
Renee N. C. Schoen as Corporation Counsel.
sim
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
REPORTvNiFir
2 jo:24
jE,N1?1kAdKkT57A-, CHAIR
GOEAC
ADOPTED: 2025