HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.009 2016-2018 ��
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(\ Ted H.S. Hong
ra."I�i N J Attorney at Law
-\�' Employment, kP8
Workplace Law&Litigation
\ --k3ri December 14, 2016
0 CO
%, j��\` The Hon. Dru Kanuha =
�(i, Chairperson
(� ' Governmental Relations and �`
�' \ Economic Development Committee .-r—
J� Hawaii County Council
N'O 25 Aupuni Street vc
' J 4111 Hilo, Hawaii 96720
10, //,i�..
it ki RE: Confirmation of Joseph K. Kamelamela, Esq.
`'r' `J Corporation Counsel
►(y
1.Q Dear Chairperson Kanuha and Members of the Governmental Relations and
,� Economic Development Committee:
� G�
,
,/11)411 :.'-- I am privileged to recommend for your favorable consideration the nomination of Joseph K.
1
Kamelamela, Esq., for the position of Corporation Counsel, County of Hawaii. I supervised Mr.
it \': Kamelamela from 1992 through 1999, when I served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the
' �� County of Hawaii. After leaving the County, I litigated several cases against Mr. Kamelamela who
v , d represented the County of Hawaii. Mayor Kim could not have selected a better candidate for the
jposition of Corporation Counsel.
-- �.00
v E"� � Mr. Kamelamela was one of the more committed and dedicated attorneys in the Office of the
Corporation Counsel. I would often see him working late at night, on weekends and holidays. Mr.
-,,,,. ;.1,,
�►, Kamelamela was always well prepared for court, understood his case and the law. What I
` appreciated about him was how well thought out he approached his cases.
'ON� Mr. Kamelamela is a chess player and looked at his cases from a strategic standpoint. In every case
`' that I needed a response from him, Mr. Kamelamela had a strategic plan to defend the County. As
i 1i his supervisor, he was an individual that I could trust to do the best he could in representing the
���. County of Hawaii.
. y Mr. Kamelamela is also an individual of great integrity. It shows in small and big ways. I recall that
^� `/.J� when he had a hearing or case in Honolulu, he would use the City and County bus to get to and from
�l the Honolulu Airport. I also recall instances where he was adamant that pursuing a certain path in a
\� � case was wrong and he would strongly oppose it.
-'.,, appreciated about Mr. Kamelamela was his demeanor. No matter how hostile or
\ \� What I also pp
Ali confrontational an opponent would be, including myself, Mr. Kamelamela would always react in a
respectful but firm tone. I never heard of or witnessed him reacting out of anger or frustration
1.914 �� towards opposing counsel. That doesn't mean he wasn't passionate about his cases. He would' always be professional and focus on the issues.
-�
Aomma Ro, I 41.9
� Ref. To: p ,
.1"://'1) Ref. Date N 017
'. P.0.Box 4217 Hilo,Hawai'i 96720 Phone: (808)933-1919 Fax: (808)935-8281 Email:to n e o
1
Tyr
The Hon. Dru Kanuha
1` Chairperson
7; '� .,0 Governmental Relations and
�`Ii ;
Economic Development Committee
i ( 1\I Hawaii County Council
,\ �'- December 14,2016
l/ (15, Page 2 of 2
4-.*- --,-
- Mr. Kamelamela isn't a flashy, outspoken attorney. His responses are measured and thoughtful. His
,,-,. quiet, good natured demeanor is too often underestimated by opposing counsel,to their
'// �I \ detriment. When Joe is representing the other side,you have to be prepared to do your best. That is
!i k A the hallmark of a good litigator.
>�,,7, 1N-' Kamelamela, based on myexperience, you will have someone thoughtful,
A ,e % If you confirm Mr. P
-"\)01respectful of people and the process, someone well prepared, someone who will be easy to talk to
-"\)01�)� Y,' despite any differences and most importantly, someone who at all times will conduct himself
'`S 1ST ethically and will expect and require those around him to act in an ethical and respectful manner.
t1 As the attorneys for the County, there is a world of difference between being an"enabler,"trying to
,(I, ) make things"legal" and someone who acts and helps others stay within the law. I believe Mr.
rIP Kamelamela will be a Corporation Counsel who will give wise counsel to the County throughout his
lo term of office.
I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend the County Council approve Mr. Joseph K. Kamelamela,
//j „N Esq., as the Corporation Counsel for the County of Hawaii.
\,. Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this worthy candidate. If you have any questions or
= ` concerns,please do not hesitate to contact me.
/% Respectfully,
, j
ilit ..!)C
-1" Ted H. S.lki
Hong
', ''t<-l-- i_ 'k ;
cc: Joseph K. Kamelamela, Esq.
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