HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board Fact Sheet WATER BOARD
06/05/2026
Purpose: To manage, control and operate the County waterworks; adopt
rules and procedures relative to the operation, preservation and
protection of the waterworks; to adopt annual operating and
capital budgets for the Department of Water Supply; make
decisions relating to the acquisition of property and issuance of
revenue bonds.
Authority: Hawaii County Charter,
Article VIII, Section 8-1 and 8-2.
Appointment: Mayor with Council approval. Normal five-year staggered terms.
Full Membership: Nine members. Manager-Chief Engineer of DWS, Planning
Director, and Director of DPW are ex-officio members.
Specific Representation: One member from each Council district.
Requirements: No more than five members may belong officially to the same
political party.
Meetings: Normally, fourth Tuesday of each month for 1-2 hours, beginning
at 10 a.m. in Hilo, or occasionally in outlying area.
Financial Disclosure: Members must file Financial Disclosure within 20 working days
of taking the oath of office. Thereafter, annual disclosures must
be filed on or before January 31. The disclosures are confidential
and will be kept on file by the Board of Ethics. County Code,
Chapter 2, Section 2-91.1.
Reappointment: Following the expiration of a term, no member may be
reappointed for at least two years unless originally appointed for
a term of two years or less.
Qualities: Respected by the community as being community-minded and
oriented. Able to focus on the community needs as a whole
without catering to special or self-interest.
Current Members: CD
Colin Miura, Term Expires 12/31/2029 1
James Lee, Term Expires 12/31/2028 2
Guy Alameda, Term Expires 12/31/2027 3
Michael Kekela, Term Expires 12/31/2026 4
Emily Taaroa, Term Expires 12/31/2028 5
Keith Unger, Term Expires 12/31/2027 6
Nicholas Riznyk, Term Expires 12/31/2030 7
Stephen Lopez, Term Expires 12/31/2026 8
Philip Aiona, Term Expires 12/31/2029 9
Secretary/Contact Person: Ka`iulani Matsumoto 808-961-8050
Attorney Assigned: Diana Mellon-Lacey
*The information on this sheet is condensed. For full information, see appropriate
Sections of the County Charter, County Code and/or Hawaii Revised Statutes.