Schatz Keynote Speaker for Maui Council Inauguration

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Maui Council Inauguration, that is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in the Council Chamber.

Others participating in the program will be Master of Ceremonies Deidre Tegarden, protocol officer for the office of the governor, Judge Richard Bissen, who will administer the oaths of office, and Kealoha, Poet Laureate of Hawaiʻi, who will perform his poem, “New Day.”

Newly elected council members Don S. Guzman of Kahului, and Stacy Crivello of Molokai are among those taking the oath office for the 2013-2015 term.  They will join returning council members, Gladys Coelho Baisa (new council chair), Robert Carroll (new vice chair), Elle Cochran, Don Couch, G. Riki Hokama, Michael Victorino and Mike White, who will also take oaths during the ceremony.

The ceremony will also include music by fire fighters Ikaika Blackburn and Kamakoa Lindsey Asing; music from Raiatea Helm; an opening oli with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata; presentation of colors by the Department of Fire and Public Safety’s Honor Guard; National Anthem led by Battalion Chief Louis Romero and fire fighters Ikaika Blackburn and Jerry Javier; and a cleansing ceremony and singing of Hawai`i Pono`i led by Kumu Pueo,

The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the general public, with limited seating. There is also two-hour parking that may be available in front of the county building.

Additional parking will also be available at 2307 Main Street. Signs will be posted near the turn-off point on Main Street, before the Bailey House Museum. Council staff will direct cars to the appropriate parking area between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m.

At 2 p.m., the council will hold its organizational meeting in the Council Chamber. At the meeting, the council will officially elect officers, establish standing committees, adopt rules, and appoint staff.