Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Commission Appointment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee closes file on appointment of Colt Baptista to Hawaii County Youth Commission
Summary
The committee closed the file on Communication 378 and signaled support for the appointment of Colt Baptista to the Hawaii County Youth Commission representing District 8; members praised his academic record and commitment to cultural stewardship.
The committee closed the file on Communication 378, which introduced Colt Baptista as an appointee to the Hawaii County Youth Commission representing Council District 8.
Why it matters: The Youth Commission provides a forum for young people to advise county government. Council members and staff emphasized the value of keeping youth engaged and bringing their perspectives into local government.
What happened: Council Member Inaba introduced the appointment and invited Baptista to speak. Baptista told the committee he will be leaving on Aug. 14 to attend Arizona State University but intends to continue participating via Zoom despite the time difference. Michael Alameda, executive assistant to the mayor, testified in support and said he had sworn in Baptista previously; Alameda noted Baptista graduated as valedictorian of Kona Waena High School and described his family ties to the district.
Formal action: A motion to close the file on Communication 378 was put on the floor and approved; the clerk recorded eight ayes with one council member excused.
Additional context: Committee members encouraged Baptista’s interest in cultural stewardship and recommended the commission explore ways to increase youth participation. Alameda said Baptista is finishing out a previous appointment term that ends in December and that he expects to reappoint him to a full two‑year term in the future.
Ending note: Members welcomed Baptista and thanked him for agreeing to serve while pursuing college out of state.
