Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Of Appeals Nomination topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee forwards John T. Kimura nomination to Board of Appeals with favorable recommendation
Summary
The Hawaii County committee voted unanimously May 6 to forward John T. Kimura’s nomination to the Board of Appeals to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the nominee cited local business and volunteer experience and would serve through Dec. 31, 2029 if confirmed.
John T. Kimura, nominated by Mayor Kimo Alameda, received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Hawaii County Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs on May 6, 2025, advancing his nomination to the full County Council.
Mike Olamide, executive assistant to the mayor, presented Communication 269 and said Kimura ‘‘has a record of giving back’’ to the island through service on local boards and a 30‑year career operating JK Electric. The chair noted that, if confirmed, Kimura’s term would expire Dec. 31, 2029.
Kimura told the committee he has lived on the Big Island for 75 years and is currently a resident of Council District 2. ‘‘I am a retired electrical contractor who together with my wife, Gail Kimura, started our company back in 1983,’’ he said, describing business and board experience that he said taught him ‘‘making decision[s] based on being impartial and fair.’’
Council members in both Kona and Hilo voiced support. Ashley Kerkowitz (Hilo) said she appreciated Kimura’s introductory email to members and noted endorsements from community references. Council Member Cody Wada asked about Kimura’s experience with the Board of Appeals; Kimura said he has watched sessions online and is retired and available to serve.
A council member raised whether board members could receive materials from council representatives about pending cases; Renee, corporation counsel, advised this would be inappropriate for an adjudicatory board and recommended submitting information as public testimony at hearings so it would be available to all board members.
With no further discussion, the committee closed the file on Communication 269 and the clerk recorded nine members in favor. The committee’s favorable recommendation now goes to the full County Council for consideration.
