Council confirms Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to Leeward Planning Commission after divided vote over ethics and optics

The Hawaii County Council confirmed Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission on April 16 after public testimony in support and a divided council debate over optics and potential ethics questions tied to her family relationship with the council chair.

Nomination and vote: The council considered GOAC 30, Communication 200 (nomination of Rebecca Kavehi Inaba). A motion to confirm the nomination passed; the clerk recorded that the motion carried with five votes in favor, three opposed and one member excused from voting. The council then returned the chair to Chair Holaka Inaba after the vote.

Public testimony and support: Several residents and community leaders testified in favor of Inaba during the public comment period. Mahina Paeishawn, identified as an outgoing Leeward Planning Commissioner and resident of North Kona, described Inaba as "a bold and culturally grounded leader" and urged the council to confirm her. Malia Lewis, who said she works with the county and the mayor's office but was testifying on her own behalf and representing La'iupua 2020, also urged members to support the nomination. Testifiers emphasized Inaba's community ties, cultural grounding and experience in local programs.

Council debate and ethics questions: Multiple council members acknowledged Inaba's qualifications while expressing differing views about the optics of a close familial relationship between a planning commissioner and the council chair. One councilmember said the board of ethics had advised that there was no current legal prohibition and that any specific conflicts would need to be addressed if and when particular matters arose before the commission or council. Several members said their concerns centered on appearance and public trust rather than a demonstrated legal conflict; one member said they would vote "no" for that reason. Chair Holaka Inaba took the chair off the dais and announced a recusal from discussion and voting because the nominee is a close relative.

Why it matters: Planning commissioners advise on land‑use and development matters that can have long‑term effects on neighborhoods, cultural sites and resources. Several council members and speakers framed their positions as balancing the nominee's qualifications against public perceptions of consolidation of influence within local governance.

Next steps: The confirmation fills a vacancy on the Leeward Planning Commission. Councilmembers who raised optics concerns said they expect commissioners and council members to follow Sunshine Law and to use any available Board of Ethics guidance if specific conflicts arise; several urged disclosure of off‑dais communications if they occur.

Provenance: Public testimony in favor of Rebecca Kavehi Inaba appears early in the record (testimony by Mahina Paeishawn and Malia Lewis). The nomination discussion and roll call vote are recorded later in the agenda under GOAC 30, Communication 200.