HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0001.019 2004-2006 Anne Kokubun
P.O. Box 357 ~._J I~,':, .1 [,~ri
Volcano, Hawaii 96785
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April 14, 2005
Chairman Stacy Higa
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Higa and County Council Members:
I am writing in support of the appointment of William Smith to the position of Deputy County
Clerk. I had the privilege to work with Mr. Smith over an eight year period when I was working
as a teacher, then as the administrator of the East Hawaii Regional Special Education Office in
Hilo. There were generally 30-50 special education students in the Hilo area involved with
Family Court at any given time and the Special Education Office was responsible for
coordination between the schools and the court, participation in Family Court hearings, and
implementation of any required follow-up actions or court orders.
In his capacity as a deputy prosecutor in Family Court, Mr. Smith demonstrated extraordinary
professionalism and dedication. He did not view his job with the narrow perspective of
prosecuting juveniles and closing cases, but in the larger context of the long term well-being of
the youth and his or her family, the safety of the community and the capacity and responsibility
of the school and community to provide the supports and services a youth might require.
Mr. Smith reached beyond the courtroom walls and his duties as a prosecutor to meet with
Department of Education personnel and to provide training for school administrators. Most
noticeable to all who work with Mr. Smith, however, is his passion for truth and his dedication to
the court-involved youth and the resolution of the issues that brought them to court.
1 have also known Mr. Smith fur fourteen years as a neighbor and community member. Here,
too, he reaches beyond his own home and self-interest to help his neighbors, keep the
neighborhood looking attractive, and always watching out for the safety and integrity of the
homes and people on our small country road. One could not ask for a better neighbor.
I have no doubt that Mr. Smith will carry out the responsibilities of the Deputy County Clerk
with the same intelligence, dedication and passion that he has demonstrated over the years in
every facet of his life, and I strongly recommend him for your consideration.
Sincerely,
l
Anne Kokubun
Comm. No.
Ref. To: Presedd
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