HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.013 2016-2018 December 30, 2016
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Chair Dru Mamo Kanuha 1016 DEC 3 0 AM I I: 07
Committee on Governmental Relations
and Economic Development
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,HI 96720
Re: Comm. 19: Appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel
Dear Chair Kanuha:
I am writing in support of the appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela("Joe")as
Corporation Counsel. I am currently the litigation supervisor with the Office of Corporation
Counsel and Joe was my direct supervisor for approximately five years. During that time, I was
able to observe Joe's work habits, strengths and abilities.
Joe worked for the County for approximately thirty years and his knowledge of County
government and civil litigation is unmatched. As a supervisor, Joe was always available to
answer any questions I had and provide assistance. Joe would frequently recognize attorneys
and staff for a job well done and he was not the type of supervisor to scold someone in front of
others or be unreasonable. I always felt that he treated me fairly and he would always listen to
any concerns I had.
In working with Joe, it was evident that he has a sincere passion for the work our office
does, as well as for public service, in general. He always worked diligently in order to ensure
that the"right"thing happened and he often worked late into the night and on weekends.
I have also found Joe to be a very compassionate and caring person. No matter how busy
Joe is,he always took the time to interact with his co-workers and see how they were doing. Joe
is also very active in the community and volunteered at Hospice as well as coaching soccer.
Despite his caring nature, Joe is a fierce litigator. His expertise is exemplified by the
Mamalahoa Bypass Project("Bypass"). Joe was the lead attorney on this matter and his work
ensured that the Bypass became a reality. First,Joe condemned the parcels required for the
Bypass. Since some of the lot owners refused to sell and disputed the value of the property, Joe
undertook a lengthy trial and obtained a favorable verdict for the County.
Secondly, when the developer failed to honor its obligations to construct the Bypass,Joe
filed a lawsuit against the developer and the bonding company. The bonding company and the
developer vigorously defended the lawsuit and multiple attorneys were representing each
defendant. This litigation would be considered both complex and high stakes. Pleadings were
filed virtually every day the Court was open and over sixty depositions were taken. Joe took the
lead and calmly guided our office through the litigation. Eventually, Joe was able to negotiate a
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Chair Dru Mamo Kanuha
December 30,2016
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settlement in which the bonding company paid $12.5 million and the developer paid$20 million
for a total settlement of$32.5 million.
However, Joe's work did not end with the settlement. When the developer declared
bankruptcy,Joe continued to represent the County's interests in the bankruptcy proceedings and
ensured that the County received every dime owed under the settlement agreement. In the end,
the settlement exceeded the cost of constructing the Bypass.
Joe's work on the Bypass was extraordinary and I believe few attorneys could have
achieved these results. This work demonstrates not only Joe's skill and legal knowledge, but his
determination and commitment to public service. I often joked that the Bypass should be called
"Kamelamela Drive" as a result of Joe's impressive and valuable contribution. Despite the
impressive results Joe achieved,he was always humble and I never heard him brag or remind
people of what he had done. He seemed to take it all in stride and simply part of his job.
I feel very fortunate to have worked with Joe in the past and I hope that you will confirm
him without hesitation so that our office and the County will have the benefit of his services in
the future. His experience, knowledge, integrity, compassion and dedication will serve the
County and the Office of the Corporation Counsel well.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Joe's appointment. Please do not hesitate
to contact me should you have any questions.
Very Truly Yours,
Laureen L. Martin
do Office of Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo,HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8251