HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.030 2016-2018 PIG REUG
Murashige, Laura
From: Cyndi Badua <cynbad@yehandmoore.com> COUNTY CLERK
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 8:54 AM COUNTY OF HAWAII'
To: Council Testimony RECEIVED
Subject: GREDC 1/4/17 Agenda, Comm 19 Time 7:,„0„„ BV
Attachments: Letter of Support -Joe Kamelamela.PDF; cynbad.vcf Date---A13 jLS(Y�17��-
Importance: High
Aloha,
Re: GREDC meeting on Jan. 4, 2017;Agenda Comm. 19
Attached is a letter of support for the confirmation of Joseph Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel being
submitted by Tom Yeh. A copy of same is being transmitted by fax too (just to cover the bases during this busy
holiday season).
Mahalo & Happy New Year!
Cyndi Badua, legal assistant, on behalf of Thomas L. H. Yeh, Esq.
LAW OFFICES OF YEH & MOORE
85 W. Lanikaula St, Hilo HI 96720-4199
ph. 961-0055
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Comm. No. 3 b
Ref. To: Q�bRbc-
Ref. Date AN 0 f Z017
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Law Offices of Yeh & Moore THOMAS L.H.YEHtly@yehendmoore.cor:
A Limited Liability Law Company MICHAEL W.MOORE
mmoore @ yehandmoore.cor
85 W.Lanikaula Street,Hilo,Hawaii 96720-4199 Of Counsel:
Telephone (808)961-0055 Fax (808)969-1531 JILL D.RAZNOV
jdraznov@gmaiLcor
December 29, 2016
Dru Kanuha, Chair
Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Support for Confirmation of Joseph Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel;
January 4,2017 Agenda, Comm. 19
Dear Mr. Kanuha and Members of the Council:
Please consider this letter of support for confirmation of Joseph Kamelamela as
Corporation Counsel. I have known Joe since he was a Clerk for the Honorable Shunichi
Kimura, and observed his transition from the Prosecuting Attorney to the Office of Corporation
Counsel while I was an attorney at the Corporation Counsel between 1981 and 1987. Thereafter,
while in private practice, I have had a number of occasions to work with Joe in variety of
contexts, whether it was litigation or dealing with agency matters.
First of all, I have been impressed with Joe's solid prosecutorial and litigation
background and with his firm yet cordial way of handling litigation. As a public servant looking
out for the County's interests, Joe has been able to zealously and effectively defend the County in
lawsuits, or prosecute claims on its behalf while maintaining a sense of civility and respect which
speaks highly of his demeanor. I have no doubt that his approach was shaped in part through his
experience as a law clerk with Judge Kimura, who exemplified what judicial demeanor and
compassion should be.
Just as importantly, Joe has had a wealth of experience e representing and advising most
of the County's departments and agencies, and he has also handled employment and labor issues,
as well as housing and budget issues. Joe probably has more experience than any attorney on the
island handling various matters on behalf of the County.
As a former deputy corporation counsel under the Matayoshi and Carpenter
administrations, I also understand what forces can be at play as between the Mayor's office, the
Council and the different County agencies. As public servants, we recognized that the correct
advice was that which followed the law. I have no doubt that having served under a variety of
administrations, and having advised many different councils and various agencies, that Joe brings
to the position the proper sense of loyalty to the County as a whole and will serve the County
well in this regard.
Law Offices of Yeh & Moore
A Limited Liability Law Company
Dru Kanuha, Chair
Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee
Hawaii County Council
December 29, 2016
Page 2
Finally, Joe is also a contributing member to the island community, and has devoted
much of his free time to developing youth while coaching soccer, and assisting in community
based programs. This is also an important reflection of his character and reflects on his
longstanding role in the community, not just as a county attorney but also as a civic minded
member who has been an important part of the island.
I respectfully urge you to consider these attributes and to confirm Joseph Kamelamela's
appointment as Corporation Counsel. Thank you for your review of the above.
Very truly yours,
LAW OFFIC OF YEH & MOORE
THO AS L. H. YEH