Committee sends favorable recommendations for two mayoral nominations to full council

The Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee voted unanimously in favor of sending two mayoral nominations to the full County Council with favorable recommendations: Macy Wilson to the Board of Appeals and David Kuahi Binui to the Kau Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee.

Bridal Alameda of the mayor's office introduced Macy Wilson, noting she is a Hawaii Island native, a Waiakea High School graduate, and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration (finance) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Alameda summarized Wilson's professional background in the State Department of Labor, asset protection at Target, and as an administrator of safety, health and security at Hawaiian Electric. Wilson told the committee she seeks to "give back to my community" and, if confirmed, would study county bylaws and work to understand zoning, permitting and planning processes central to appeals.

Council members asked about time availability and familiarity with technical documents. Wilson said she would put in the time required, noted prior experience in workers'compensation and regulatory environments, and said she would follow law and county precedent in decision'making. Council member Kirkowitz offered full support; the committee voted to close the file and forward a positive recommendation on Macy Wilson's nomination. The clerk recorded eight ayes with Council member Kani Lee Kleinfelder absent.

The committee then considered the nomination of David Kuahi Binui to the Kau CDP Action Committee. Alameda introduced Binui, who described deep roots in Nalehu, long community volunteer service including free community meals and youth fishing tournaments, and local work experience in hospitality, utility work and coffee. Members from Kau and other districts spoke in favor, noting Binui's community ties and volunteer leadership. Binui told the committee he would follow CDP guidelines, listen to community members and seek to create local jobs and safety improvements. The committee voted to close the file and send a favorable recommendation for Binui; the clerk recorded eight ayes and one absence.

Both nominations will now move to the full County Council for final confirmation. Committee members encouraged the mayor's office and nominees to continue outreach to districts to be sure the nominees can access technical background and case histories relevant to appeals and CDP work.