HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.031 2016-2018 Lio41. Ii
January 3, 2017 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time 2 1St Pm By ( S
Honorable Chairperson Dru Kanuha Date Ay 3 7ph7
And Council Members of the
Governmental Relations and
Economic Development Committee
of the County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairperson Kanuha and fellow Council Members:
I've known Joseph Kamelamela for the past 30 to 35 years. I don't remember exactly when we first met but many
of my treasured friendships began with those paths we've crossed as a Jaycee. JC's or Jaycees,formerly known as
the United States Junior Chamber, now JCI or Junior Chamber International, has become a global organization with
some 200,000 young active members and more than five million alumni, spread over 100 countries,with a mission,
"to empower young active citizens to create positive change in their communities."
I remember Joe as a Lehua Jaycee where we worked together on numerous signature projects. Joe was involved
within the chapter,willing to break sweat when the task required and was open to the ideas of others as the
success of the project was a shared reward for all. Jaycees provided the perfect opportunity for personal growth
as one could fail yet would never be ridiculed, it was a learning experience and the post-project report would
detail achievements and shortcomings along with the recommendations for the future chairperson. Some notable
U.S.Jaycees are Bill Gates, Larry Bird and Howard Hughes. Local notables include the late Yasu Kuwaye, Larry
"Juice" Isemoto, Valta Cook,the Honorable Greg Nakamura and the Honorable Henry Nakamoto.
I believe there's become too much concern over what was a compassionate outreach by Joe to provide people an
advanced heads-up to be aware of opportunities that may be available. I've worked more than half of my life in an
industry where I've been an employee at will,that's at the will of the employer. My recollection of when those
whom were notified of their termination, it came in the same style as the attack on Pearl Harbor,with no advance
notice. When I became a financial advisor I accepted the terms and responsibilities of the industry. When
individuals accept certain positions in government they know from day one that their positions may be affected by
the outcome of each election. To cry foul after the fact is like explaining to the police officer that it was only one
drink and I'm not intoxicated.
Joe is compassionate, diligent, hardworking and honest. I would consider the County of Hawaii fortunate to have
Joseph Kamelamela as Corporation Counsel and humbly urge your positive support of his confirmation.
Maha
14, /6 I
cpm: No. _
Ref. Toi J6 DC
Ref. Date JAN 8 1
Ti othy S.Young