Hawaii County committee forwards three mayoral nominations, including two to police commission, to full council

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs on Dec. 16 advanced three mayoral nominations to the full Hawaii County Council with favorable recommendations and votes recorded as eight ayes and one member absent.

Mike Alameda, executive assistant in the Office of the Mayor, presented the first nomination, communication 650, for Alan Salovea to serve on the Hawaii County Police Commission representing Council District 6. Alameda said the nomination would take effect "on or as soon as 01/01/2026" with a term ending 12/31/2030 and described Salovea's background in county planning and work with Kamehameha Schools and local planning offices. "It is my honor to introduce to you folks communication 650 nominating Alan Salovea to the police commission," Alameda told the committee.

Alan Salovea, the nominee, said he brings "a community-centered perspective" and emphasized the importance of ensuring rural districts are heard at the policy level. Councilmember Kanieli Kleinfelder asked the administration to confirm Salovea's residence in the correct district after noting boundary changes; Alameda said he had checked and would reverify the address and report back within two weeks. A motion by Councilmember Inaba, seconded by Councilmember Eustace, to close file on communication 650 and forward the favorable nomination passed, recorded as eight ayes with one member absent.

Alameda then introduced communication 651, nominating Shane Pelakot Nelson to the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee for a term expiring 05/31/2028. Alameda highlighted Nelson's longtime civic work and previous service on the Kona CDP. "I'm very excited to work under the administration ... bringing some support to the process of planning," Nelson told the committee, saying he hoped to strengthen advisory ties to the planning department and encourage cohesive island-wide planning. Multiple councilmembers praised Nelson's experience and volunteerism. A motion by Councilmember Inaba, seconded by Councilmember Onishi, to forward the nomination passed 8-0 (one member absent).

Before the third nomination, Patty Cook of Waimea offered public testimony in support of recent and incoming police commission members, thanked current commissioners for volunteering their time, and said the community is grieving the loss of Chief Todd. "It's really about community service and people who are willing to volunteer time and talent to making this a better, safer place," Cook said.

Alameda presented communication 652, nominating Franz Junior Fisher to the Police Commission to represent Council District 8 for a term beginning 01/01/2026 and expiring 12/31/2030. Alameda described Fisher's background in construction management and community coaching. Fisher said he hopes to "reestablish a partnership between the police department and the community" and cited his multigenerational ties to Kona. The committee moved to forward the nomination (motion by Inaba, second by Eustace); the motion passed, recorded as eight ayes with one member absent.

All three nominations will appear before the full Hawaii County Council for final confirmation on the council's schedule. The committee adjourned at 10:35 a.m.