HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 096 2026-02-03 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: February 3, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 706
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 706, reports as follows:
Communication No. 706, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 15, 2026,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Shawn "Kele" Makaiau to the
Leeward Planning Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Ms. Makaiau, who was present via remote technology.
Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Holeka Goro Inaba spoke in favor of the appointment.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Ms. Makaiau if she is aware of the meeting schedule and
will be committed to attending meetings. Ms. Makaiau said that she was aware of the schedule and
that she was committed to being at the meetings.
Chair Kagiwada asked.Mr. Alameda how many realtors are on the commission. Mr. Alameda said
that there was one other realtor recently confirmed and if Ms. Makaiau is confirmed, there would
then be two. He stated that he would investigate if there were any others he was unaware of. Chair
Kagiwada stated that she appreciates the work that the Mayor's Office puts into finding unique
and diverse perspectives and encouraged them to continue to seek applicants from different
backgrounds. She mentioned there is also a prevalence of nominees who are graduates of
Kamehameha School and encouraged additional effort be taken in the future to find nominees
from diverse backgrounds. Members Villegas and Inaba added additional comments on this subject.
Mr. Alameda appeared to be in agreement with these points and said they would continue to do
what they can to find diverse and qualified applicants.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 7, Section 6-7.4 Hawaii County Charter, members of the
Leeward Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 96
GOEAC-96 Page 2 February 3, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 706, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
Shawn "Kele" Makaiau to the Leeward Planning Commission.
shn
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
�y
JENNN KAGIw A, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 96
ADOPTED: FEB 1R2n�