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Committee forwards three nominations and closes ad‑hoc review of preservation acquisition process
Summary
The committee advanced three nominees — to the Board of Ethics, Cost of Government Commission and Hamakua CDP Action Committee — and voted to close the ad hoc review of the public access/open‑space acquisition process, leaving recommendations available for future legislation.
The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs on April 21 advanced three nominations to full council and voted to close an ad hoc committee’s review of the county’s public access, open space and natural resources preservation acquisition process.
Chair Connelly Kleinfelder opened the meeting and asked Councilmember Glenn Wood to present the ad hoc panel’s final report on the acquisition portion of the Preservation program, noting the group reviewed process and procedures rather than evaluating specific projects. Following brief discussion, the committee voted to close the file on Communication 340; clerk recorded eight members in favor and the ad hoc would be dissolved.
The committee then considered three nominations presented by Micah Alameda of the mayor’s office. Alameda introduced a nominee for the Board of Ethics, Jason (spelled during the hearing). The nominee said he has lived in West Hawaii for about five years, works as a software engineer and applied to serve to "give back to the community." The committee voted to forward the nomination with a favorable recommendation; Mr. Alameda told the committee the nominee’s term would expire Dec. 31, 2027 if confirmed.
Micah Alameda next introduced Kari Clark for the Cost of Government Commission; staff said Clark would serve an 11‑month term once the commission activates. Councilmembers congratulated Clark and discussed priorities for the new commission, including whether some boards and commissions could be reorganized as advisory task forces to reduce regulatory burden. Clark said efficiency in government and serving the community motivated her to accept the nomination. The committee forwarded the nomination with an affirmative vote.
Finally the committee advanced Leonard Luis to the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee; Alameda said Luis would serve through Dec. 31, 2026 if confirmed. Luis described his community service and work with seniors; councilmembers praised his background and the motion carried.
All three nominations and the motion to close the ad hoc file were recorded as passed by the committee and will be taken up by the full council. Several members noted appreciation for the nominees’ willingness to serve and asked staff to pursue any follow‑up required before the council hearing.
