Hawaii County Council forwards four mayoral nominees to advisory commissions

The Hawaii County Council on Feb. 27 advanced four mayoral nominees to advisory boards and commissions, forwarding each with a favorable recommendation after brief introductions and procedural votes.

Acting Chair (speaker 1) opened the session after a short recess and oversaw consideration of four communications from Mayor Kimo Alameda (speaker 2). The council moved and carried motions to send the nominations to the full council with favorable recommendations.

Mayor Kimo Alameda introduced Steven Paval (speaker 7) for the Cost of Government Commission (communication 775), noting Paval's prior service as chair of the Hawaii County Democratic Committee and work on the salary commission. Paval, who said he was honored to serve, told council members he would weigh county debt and revenue capacity alongside salary competitiveness when the commission reviews compensation issues. The council voted to forward Paval's nomination with a recorded tally of seven ayes and two members excused.

Alameda then presented Maile Ann Luovai (communication 776) for the Cost of Government Commission to represent Council District 3. Alameda described Luovai as an attorney by training, a grants administrator for the City and County of Honolulu working remotely, and president of the Pana'Ewa Farmers Association. Luovai was absent due to an emergency; Alameda asked the body to advance the nomination so she could appear at the next council meeting for questions. Members expressed support and urged timely seating of the commission so the body can meet its charter timetable; that motion carried with eight ayes and one member excused.

Alameda introduced Doreen L. Raymond (communication 777) to the Veterans Advisory Committee, describing Raymond's lengthy military and post-military service, including work that supported Department of Defense operations and outreach to veterans. Raymond (speaker 8) spoke briefly about using her experience to help veterans access services. Multiple council members praised her service; the council voted to forward her nomination with seven ayes and two members excused. Alameda noted the term on record for Raymond will expire Dec. 31, 2030.

The council returned to communication 774 — the nomination of David G. Okamura to the Game Management Advisory Commission — after earlier technical difficulties delayed the nominee's connection. Alameda said Okamura would represent Council District 8 and described his background as a program director with the Hawaii State Judiciary and as an active participant in game-management activities; he would replace his late wife in the seat. The council voted to forward Okamura's nomination with seven ayes and two excused.

All four nominations were advanced to the full council with favorable recommendations. Several council members emphasized the need to seat the Cost of Government Commission promptly so it can complete its limited-term work, and members asked the mayor's office to coordinate scheduling so nominees can appear for questions when practical.

With no further business, the acting chair adjourned the meeting at 9:49 a.m. The next committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.