Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: February 3, 2026 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 706 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 706, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 706, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 15, 2026, <br />requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Shawn "Kele" Makaiau to the <br />Leeward Planning Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Ms. Makaiau, who was present via remote technology. <br />Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Holeka Goro Inaba spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Ms. Makaiau if she is aware of the meeting schedule and <br />will be committed to attending meetings. Ms. Makaiau said that she was aware of the schedule and <br />that she was committed to being at the meetings. <br />Chair Kagiwada asked.Mr. Alameda how many realtors are on the commission. Mr. Alameda said <br />that there was one other realtor recently confirmed and if Ms. Makaiau is confirmed, there would <br />then be two. He stated that he would investigate if there were any others he was unaware of. Chair <br />Kagiwada stated that she appreciates the work that the Mayor's Office puts into finding unique <br />and diverse perspectives and encouraged them to continue to seek applicants from different <br />backgrounds. She mentioned there is also a prevalence of nominees who are graduates of <br />Kamehameha School and encouraged additional effort be taken in the future to find nominees <br />from diverse backgrounds. Members Villegas and Inaba added additional comments on this subject. <br />Mr. Alameda appeared to be in agreement with these points and said they would continue to do <br />what they can to find diverse and qualified applicants. <br />Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 7, Section 6-7.4 Hawaii County Charter, members of the <br />Leeward Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />GOEAC Report No. 96 <br />