HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.019 2016-2018 C'nit"TY CI!"""i
AMY G. SELF Cr w ���
C/O Office of the Corporation Counsel
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325 I8 Ott 30 AM 11: 07
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
December 30, 2016
The Honorable Dru Mamo Kanuha
Chair and Presiding Officer of
Committee on Governmental Relations
And Economic Development
County Council
County of Hawaii
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. 19: Appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel
Dear Chair Kanuha:
I am writing in support of Comm. 19, relating to the appointment of Joseph K. Kamelamela
("Joe") as the next Corporation Counsel. After working as a deputy corporation with Joe for at least ten
years prior to his retirement from the County of Hawaii ("County"), I can tell you that Joe is one of the
most ethical attorneys with whom I have had the pleasure of working. Joe takes his role as an attorney
very seriously and does not allow politics to cloud his judgment. Even if there are times when a client
may disagree with his opinion, the client can be assured that his legal opinion has been thoroughly
researched.
Moreover, there is not a single attorney currently working in the Office of the Corporation
Counsel who has as much experience representing and fighting for this County as Joe. Joe deeply cares
for this County, which was always evident from his work ethic. Joe is a fierce litigator, but, more
importantly, he knows when it is in the County's best interest to litigate and when to settle a matter.
That type of judgment only comes through years of experience.
In addition to his legal experience,Joe is a very nurturing, caring, personable individual who
served as a mentor to many of us. He was especially helpful to me as I made my transition from private
practice to public service. Joe was always willing to answer questions or discuss legal issues with me at
any time regardless of his heavy workload and no matter how late it was in the evening. He was almost
always the last person to leave the office and would not allow myself or any of the female attorneys to
walk to our cars alone at night. There was even a time when Joe took on the role as my body guard
when an appellant began showing signs of physical aggression towards me. I was told by observers at
the hearing that Joe was sitting right behind me on the edge of his chair, ready to grab the appellant if
he tried to assault me. Fortunately, that didn't happen, but it shows Joe's protective nature over his
41
Comm. No. `1
Ref. To: 91(AF-0 G
Ref. Date JAM 0 ?alb
fellow colleagues. I feel proud and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Joe for so many
years.
Based on my years of working with Joe, there is no doubt in my mind that Joe is more than
qualified to be the Corporation Counsel for the County. I hope that you will confirm him without any
hesitation, so that the County and our office can move forward and reap the benefits from his
unwavering dedication to this County.
Very truly yours,
Amy G. Self