HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0001.018 2004-2006 BRUCE & KAREN SHIOJI ~ .'~J ~ l i , f J_ ~ ~ ~ y 1 ,
1228 Honua Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Apri114, 2005
Mr. Stacy Higa, Hawaii County Council Chairman
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: CONFIRMATION OF WILLIAM "BILL" SMITH AS DEPUTY COUNTY CLERK
Dear Chairmmt Higa and Council Members,
I am writing in support of William "Bill" Smith's confirmation to the position of Deputy County
Clerk. My name is Karen Shioji. I have been a probation officer with the District Court for the
past 22 years. I have known Bill for about 12 years now. We shared many cases at the District
Court level prior to his assignment to the Family Court. Since his Family Court assignment, we
have continued our relationship as colleagues and friends, often times exchanging ideas about
cases, laws, and ways to improve the system.
Bill has always been very passionate about his work as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. He is
organized and well prepared whenever entering into any Courtroom. His expertise and
professionalism is unsurpassable. These qualities were probably cultivated from his experiences
of being on both sides of the Bench, as practicing attorney as well as a per diem judge.
He is a born leader. I have witnessed many instances where court proceedings have gotten out of
control. The enthusiasm and vehemence with which many defendants and attorneys present their
case can easily set court proceedings on a path to confusion and mayhem. In these instances,
where most court staff will passively look to one another far solace, Bill will immediately
intercede and restore the order befitting a Court of Law. He is undaunted in his quest to
maintain order and fairness in all situations.
Bill is a person of integrity. He adheres to a standard of values that have served him well in his
professional and personal life. In 1983, he was one of the original founders of the Life
Organization, dedicated to provide aid to persons tested positive for HIV. The organization
provides counseling and legal assistance. It also provides support and guidance to those eligible
for government funded services. It is reportedly the oldest running organization of it's kind in
the State, currently servicing over 600 HIV patients statewide. Bill's compassion and foresight
have helped to make this possible. p
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He is honest and "above board. " In many of our discussions, we are not always on the same
side; nonetheless, Bill is willing to listen and consider all sides. Although he comically professes
to be "right all the time," he is not beyond reproach, and will do whatever he can to enhance the
good of the whole. His current position as a part-time instructor at the University of Hawaii is
proof of his dedication and commitment to educate our younger generations, and instill in them
the essential values and leadership qualities to become contributing citizens of our community.
His usual day begins when he leaves his residence in the Volcano area around 4:30 a. m. On the
days that he instructs class, his work day as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney ends at 4:30 p. m. He
goes directly to the university, where he instructs class from 5:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. He then
begins his 40- minute trek home. He is tireless in his commitment to be a viable part of our
community. He is hardworking and very capable.
Although he will be sorely missed in our court system, I truly believe that Bill has the
organizational skills and leadership qualities to do great things in this County Clerk position.
His creativity and dedication will serve him well in any task that he might undertake. I sincerely
urge you to confirm him as Deputy County Clerk. Should you have further questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me at 959-4824.
Sin r lye, '
aren . Shio~: