VIDEO: Maui Council Sworn In, Reorganization Finalized

By Wendy Osher

Members of the Maui County Council today took the oath of office and are poised to finalize leadership roles this afternoon for the 2011-2013 term.  The inauguration this morning included a blessing and benediction performed by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata, and the administration of oaths by Judge Blaine Kobayashi. 

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County Clerk Jeffrey Kuwada presents West Maui Councilmember Elle Cochran with her certificate of office.

Danny Mateo will continue to chair the council, while Joseph Pontanilla will serve as both Vice Chair and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee–the latter of which he has held since 2005.  Pontanilla has served as the Kahului representative since first being elected to the council eight years ago.

All council members, except Chair Mateo, will lead the council’s various committees.

During their upcoming third terms, Upcountry Councilmember Gladys Baisa will lead the new General Plan Committee, and Wailuku Councilman Michael Victorino will return as chair of the Water Resources Committee.

Three freshmen council members will also chair committees.  Elle Cochran of West Maui will chair the Infrastructure Management Committee, Don Couch of South Maui will chair the Planning Committee, and Mike White of Makawao will chair the Economic Development, Agriculture and Recreation Committee.

Returning to the Council after hiatuses are Riki Hokama of Lanai, who will chair the Policy Committee, and Robert Carroll of East Maui, who will chair the Land Use Committee.

The council was expected to formally adopt the resolution for the new organization at a meeting in the Council Chambers this afternoon.

Council Inauguration 2011. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The two Mike's: White and Victorino taking the oath of office. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Judge Blaine Kobayashi administers the oath of office during the 2011 Council Inauguration. Photo by Wendy Osher.