HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.018 2016-2018 Renee N.C. Schoen
do 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 2016 DEC 30 PH 2: 56
Hilo,HI 96720
December 30, 2016
Dru Mamo Kanuha
Chair, Committee on Governmental Relations
and Economic Development and Committee Members
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Comm. 19: Appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel
Wednesday,January 4. 2016
Dear Chair Kanuha and Committee Members:
It is my privilege to offer support for the appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela("Joe")
as Corporation Counsel. I have been practicing law for 23 years and am currently an attorney
with the Office of the Corporation Counsel. I have worked with Joe for approximately 10 years.
During my time at the Office of the Corporation Counsel, Joe served as the litigation
supervisor and then the Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel. I observed him to work tirelessly,
with passion and a steady resolve to ensure County's rights were always protected. The litigation
team he supervised and lead was very effective and saved the taxpayers of the County thousands
of dollars. Joe was always more than willing to help or train any attorney in our office despite
his own workload. It was not unusual for Joe to be at the office at 2:00 a.m. or working 16+hour
days.
There are so many important cases that Joe handled for the County over the course of his
career,however one case that I think exemplifies this work ethic and resolve is the Mamalahoa
Bypass case. That case involved complex litigation and very experienced litigators representing
property owners, lenders and the bonding company. As a former litigator, and with only a
peripheral view, I was impressed with the complexity of that case. Joe was instrumental in
assisting our special counsel in numerous depositions,motions, and ultimately obtaining a
favorable settlement to ensure the bypass was constructed.
When Joe left the County,I was assigned to the Department of Public Works,the
Department Joe had represented immediately before retirement. I was amazed at the amount of
complex issues and important cases he worked on toward successful resolution. For those
matters that were not completed when he retired,Joe continued to offer me his help and was
more than happy to meet with me in person or talk on the phone.
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Dru Mamo Kanuha
Chair,Committee on Governmental Relations
and Economic Development and Committee Members
Page 2
On a personal note,I know Joe to be very kind, considerate, and always humble. He is
always concerned about others—their work life and personal life—and is fiercely loyal. I
consider it a privilege to call him a mentor and my friend.
I have no doubt that Joe will be an excellent Corporation Counsel for this County. I
strongly urge you to confirm him as Corporation Counsel. I may be reached at 961-8251 should
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
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Renee N.C. Schoen