HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 041 2025-05-06 2024-2026. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: May 6, 2025 Re: Comm.No. 269
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,to which was referred
Communication No. 269,reports as follows:
Communication No. 269,transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 17, 2025,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of John T. Kimura to the
Board of Appeals.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to
introduce Mr. Kimura, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Kimura why this was his first choice of Boards and
Commissions to serve on. Mr. Kimura said he believed it was an important board to serve on.
Chair Kagiwada asked if he had any relevant experience regarding this board. Mr. Kimura said
that he looked into it and watched a couple of past sessions on the website. Chair Kagiwada
asked if he knew the responsibilities it entailed, and Mr. Kimura responded that he is retired and
able to do the reading required.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas mentioned that there are several cases that continue to be
postponed by the Board of Appeals and asked if he would be willing to reach out to Council
Members when cases from their district come before the Board of Appeals for background
information. Mr. Kimura said he would be willing to do that. Member Villegas said that it
would be helpful if the members were able to reach out and make sure they have all the
information available.
Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen said that it would be inappropriate for a Board of Appeals
member to contact a Council Member to discuss active cases. Ms. Schoen said that it is a public
hearing, so a Council Member could provide any information they felt was relevant as public
testimony so that it would be available to all the Board members.
Committee Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder spoke in favor of the
appointment.
GOEAC Report No.41
GOEAC-41 Page 2 May 6,2025
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 9, Section 6-9.2 of the Hawaii County Charter,members of the
Board of Appeals shall be 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. 269,and recommends confirmation of the
appointment of John T. Kimura to the Board of Appeals.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA X EX E AL FAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X JE KAGI A, CHAIR
ONISHI X GOEAC REPORT NO.: 41
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 2 1 2025