Hawaii County committee confirms three youth commissioners

The Hawaii County Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs in Hilo closed files and confirmed three appointments to the Hawaii County Youth Commission on motions sent from Mayor C. Kimo Alameda.

Micah Alameda, executive assistant to the mayor, introduced the three appointees and said each had been appointed and sworn in earlier in February. "It is our honor to have appointed Kamaha'o M. Halemanu to the youth commission," Micah Alameda said of the first appointee, adding that the mayor had appointed him on Feb. 13 and he is actively serving on behalf of Hawaii County.

Chair Jen Kogiwada opened the meeting by welcoming the new commissioners and said the council wants to hear from the next generation as it makes decisions. "It is been the mindset of this council that we need to hear from the next generation as we're making decisions that affect your lives and your futures," Council Member Kimball said.

Kamaha'o M. Halemanu introduced himself as a senior at Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i High School from Council District 2 and said he is proud to represent Hilo and the Big Island. After the introduction the committee moved to close the file on communication 147; Council Member Eustace made the motion and Council Member Onishi seconded. The committee voted in favor; the clerk recorded six ayes and four council members excused.

The committee then considered communication 148, the appointment of Kenneth Hodge to the youth commission (communication dated Feb. 13, 2025). Micah Alameda said Kenneth had been appointed and sworn in earlier in February. Kenneth Hodge introduced himself as a sophomore at Kamehameha Schools Keaau who lives in Waiakea Uka in District 3. Council Member Villegas asked whether he was related to Richard (the appointee confirmed Richard is his uncle). Council Member Galimba moved to close file on communication 148 with a second from Council Member Eustace; the committee recorded six ayes and the motion passed.

The final appointment, communication 144 dated Feb. 7, 2025, was Behebaalani (Beheba) Alani Gapero. Micah Alameda said she had been appointed and sworn in in early February. Gapero introduced herself as a sophomore at Kamehameha Schools who lives in Waiakea, said she wants youth voices heard on education, cultural preservation and sustainability, and noted volunteer work at school events. Council Member Galimba moved to close file on communication 144 with a second from Council Member Eustace; the committee recorded six ayes and the motion passed.

Each item was presented by administration staff and closed by committee motion rather than by roll-call confirmation of the appointments on the record. The clerk announced that Council Members Connelly, Kleinfelder, Kirkowitz (recorded variously in the transcript as Kerkowitz/Kirkewitz/Kirkowitz) and Inaba were excused from the votes on these communications.

The committee concluded shortly after the appointments were completed.