HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.025 2016-2018 PICAREDG
(b1,44. IGS
TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF JOSEPH KAMELAMELA FOR CONFIRMATION AS
COUNTY OF HAWAII CORPORATION COUNSEL 2t
Date of Hearing: January 4, 2017 (Wednesday) r,
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Time of Hearing: (unknown)
Location: County Council Chamber
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Honorable Chair Kanuhu and members of the Government Relations Commitwe: —
I am submitting this testimony in strong SUPPORT of Mr. Joseph
Kamelamela's (Joe) confirmation as Hawaii County Corporation Counsel. Joe and I
have known each other for over 30 years. We were law school classmates in
Richardson Law School in the late 70s. We were also dining hall buddies for over
a year, talking about the law while enjoying the Saga meals. We continued to see
each other from time to time when I am on business in Hilo while I was practicing
with the State of Hawaii as a deputy attorney general.
One thing I can say about Joe is that he is passionate about the law,
dedicated to public service and has the highest integrity. He is also thoughtful
and compassionate, a trait that is most important for someone who holds such an
important position. In all the three years of our time in the law school together, I
have never heard a single bad word about or criticism of Joe. And since the years
then, I have only heard good things about his legal work when he was with the
corporation counsel.
Last time I saw Joe was at our class Christmas reunion. He told me that he
had already retired, but Mayor Kim had approached him and asked him to
consider serving in his cabinet. Joe is well deserving of his retirement after
serving the county for over 30 years, yet he did not hesitate to serve when the
Mayor's call came. That is what I mean when I say that he is dedicated to public
service. The people of the County of Hawaii will be well served by Joe as
Corporation Counsel and I humbly asked you to nfir im for the position.
Wil redo Tun of (HSBA #2550)
2512 Komo Mai Drive
damn Noi Pearl City, HI 96782
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Ref. Date JAN