Like nearly everything else in 2020, Hawaii County’s inauguration ceremonies will look and feel quite different this year as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
There’ll be no packed auditorium, lei giving or jubilant gatherings as the county works to comply with guidelines and regulations imposed amid the pandemic, said County Clerk Jon Henricks. Instead, the inauguration will be closed to guests and the public, and broadcast online and over the air with officials taking the oath of office from Council Chambers in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
“It’s just doing our best to create a traditional inauguration in nontraditional times,” said Henricks, emphasizing that while the virus may put a damper on the festivities, he hopes the public sees the broadcast as a “response” to their historic turnout in this year’s primary and general elections.
The one-hour virtual event gets underway at noon Monday and can be viewed live at www.hawaiicounty.gov/2020inauguration, as well as on Na Leo O Hawaii Channel 55.
In another first, Hawaii County history will be marked with Mayor-elect Mitch D. Roth being inaugurated on the island’s west side. Since the County Charter took effect in 1969, all inaugurations have taken place in Hilo.
Roth, a Hilo resident, hopes taking the oath in West Hawaii sends a message that Kona should no longer feel “underappreciated” and that the Big Island is one island. Sans pandemic he would have opted to hold the entire program outdoors at the Old Kona Airport Park.
“For too long, this side of the island has felt it has been underappreciated and I wanted to send a message that in our administration, Kona voices will matter,” said Roth.
The oath of office will be administered to Roth by 3rd Circuit Court Chief Judge Robert D.S. Kim in Kailua-Kona. Hilo Circuit Court Judge Henry T. Nakamoto will administer oaths of office in Hilo.
In addition to Roth, five council members are set to take the oath in West Hawaii. Prosecutor-elect Kelden B.A. Waltjen and four council members will take the oath in Hilo, said Henricks.
Incumbent council members to be sworn in are Hilo Councilman Aaron S.Y. Chung, who is set to be the council’s new vice chair, South Kona Councilwoman David Maile, who is set to be the council’s new chair, Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Puna Councilwoman Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, Kohala Councilman Tim Richards and Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas.
New to the panel are North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba, who will fill a seat being vacated by term-limited Karen Eoff, and Hamakua Councilwoman Heather L. Kimball, who will take the seat of term-limited Valerie T. Poindexter.
Darrin “DC” Carlson will serve as master of ceremonies while Kahu Brian Welsh of Haili Christian Church will provide the invocation, and the benediction, or oli, will be given by Kumu Keala Ching. Musical offerings will be presented by Doug McClure of YWAM Symphony of the Pacific performing “America the Beautiful,” Ryane Kealoha-Yamanaka’s performing “Hawaii Ponoi,” and YWAM Symphony of the Pacific performing “Hawaii Aloha” to close the event.
Former Hawaii County Mayor William P. “Billy” Kenoi will give the welcome, or opening, speech. Henricks said Kenoi, who served as mayor from 2008 to 2016, was selected for his credentials, name recognition, charisma and ability to provide an uplifting address.
“From our standpoint, when we thought about who hits those marks (Kenoi) is probably the best person we could find ourselves,” said Henricks, clarifying that the mayor-elect has no say in the choice of speaker.
When asked about Kenoi’s history, including being acquitted by a jury on all four theft charges filed for alleged misuse of his county-issued purchasing card and the former mayor’s own acknowledgment of ethics violations, Henricks said the issues hadn’t crossed his mind.
“There are people out there that probably feel he shouldn’t be able speak publicly, I can guarantee it. I would hope that those people would understand that all human beings are far from perfect and that none of us should be condemned to a life of exile unless the crime we’ve committed merits such a punishment on that level,” said Henricks, noting Kenoi’s Nov. 6 virtual speech to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii was well-received.
After all the newly and re-elected executive and legislative officials are sworn-in, five-minute addresses will be given by Roth, Waltjen and incoming council Chairwoman David.
“By tuning into this inauguration event, you’ll get your first glimpse at their vision for the community. Perhaps, why they bothered to run for office, why it was so important to them, what they see forthcoming, what they see in the present, what matters and their vision for how they intend to lead so that Hawaii Island becomes an even safer healthier and better place to live,” said Henricks.
Roth, reached late Tuesday, said he was unaware Kenoi was to give the opening speech, but noted he was excited to hear from the former mayor.
“I have had a chance to talk to Billy since the election and I think that he has some really great perspectives, being with what he’s been through in the last several years,” Roth said. “I’m just thankful that he’s in good health and I really look forward to hearing from him.”
Because there will be no public inauguration events, the mayor-elect urged supporters and well-wishers to donate to local charities rather than purchase lei.
“I’d much rather see people giving to local charities than be given a lei. I appreciate that, and I know the flower shops could use the business, but I’d much rather see a bunch of donations going to local charities to take care of people,” Roth said.
Monday’s inauguration will follow a 9 a.m. council meeting that includes resolutions honoring outgoing council members Poindexter and Eoff, who were each term-limited after serving four two-year terms.
At 2 p.m., following the inaugural activities, the 2020-22 council term begins with an organizational meeting.
The virtual inauguration ceremony will be archived for viewing at any time online at www.hawaiicounty.gov.
