Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball has been selected chairwoman and North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba vice chairman of the new County Council that will take office in December.
Kimball said the majority of incumbent and incoming council members voted on the the new leadership. The group decided to go ahead with the leadership selection even though the Hilo District 2 seat has yet to be decided on.
“It’s really irrelevant,” Kimball said when asked why the council didn’t wait for the seat to be filled to allow that member to also participate. “I had the five votes and so did Holeka.”
The state Sunshine Law allows the County Council to meet outside the public view for the purpose of organizing themselves.
In the District 2 primary election, Jennifer Kagiwada had just a 40 vote lead — about half a percentage point — over Matthias Kusch in a race that drew 6,971 votes for candidates. The two face off in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat being vacated by Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung.
Kimball said the council will hold off on committee assignments until all seats are filled and might restructure committee responsibilities as well.
“I am very excited about the composition of the next Council. We have a talented group, with a diverse set of skills, experience, and expertise. I look forward to serving the team as the chair and supporting each of the members to do their best work for their communities,” Kimball said in a statement. “I am also thrilled to have Holeka as Council Vice Chair; we have worked well together and he’s proven himself to be a talented Council Member.”
Inaba was satisfied with his new role as well.
“I am honored and grateful to serve as Vice Chair as we continue to build a stronger and more collaborative Council moving forward,” Inaba said in a statement. “I share my sincere appreciation to my fellow Council Members for supporting Council Member Kimball and me in these new roles.”
The leadership and committees will be formalized in the inaugural council session on Dec. 5.
Eight out of the nine council seats were decided in the August primary election. Michelle Galimba will fill the District 6 seat vacated by the outgoing council Chairwoman Maile David, who was term limited.
Galimba said of the incoming council, “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to work and learn from the incredibly talented and caring members of this Hawaii County Council.”
Cindy Evans, who was elected to the District 9 seat said of the new council and the chair position, “ I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with our dedicated Council Members, and support Council Member Kimball as Chair of the new council. She has demonstrated a commitment to solve problems and work collaboratively.”