Lt. Gov. to Keynote Maui Council Inauguration

Photo Courtesy: Maui County Council

Lieutenant Governor Josh Green will deliver the keynote address at the Maui County Council inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Council Chair Mike White announced today.

Green served in the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives from 2004 to 2008. From 2008 until 2018, Green served in the State Senate as Chair of the Health Committee and Chair of the Human Services Committee. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in November 2018.

Wailuku Attorney Anthony Takitani will serve as master of ceremonies. The Honor Guard of the county’s Department of Fire and Public Safety will present the colors and the national anthem will be sung by two fire fighters and a retired battalion chief.

Judge Kirstin M. Hamman will officiate the swearing-in ceremony for the members for the 2019-2021 council which includes: Riki Hokama (Lānaʻi); Tasha Kama (Kahului); Kelly T. King (South Maui); Alice L. Lee (Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū); Michael J. Molina (Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia); Tamara A. M. Paltin (West Maui); Keani N. W. Rawlins-Fernandez (Molokaʻi); Shane M. Sinenci (East Maui); and Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura (Upcountry).

Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona and Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua will provide entertainment. The oli, pī kai and pule will be performed by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata, accompanied by Hālau Hula ʻo Ka Malama Mahilani. Pūnana Leo o Maui will perform Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.

At 2 p.m. the council will hold its organizational meeting for the new term.  The meeting will include the election of a Council Chair and Vice Chair, establishment of standing committees, adoption of rules and appointment of staff.

Several appointments will come up for approval including Josiah Nishita as County Clerk, Maria Zielinski as Director of Council Services, Margaret Clark as Deputy County Clerk, David Raatz as Supervising Legislative Attorney in the Office of Council Services and the re-appointment of Lance Taguchi as the County Auditor.  January 2nd is also the first official day of the new administration.

The inauguration ceremony and the council meeting are open to the public, with limited seating. Both events will be shown live on Akakū Channel 53 and on MauiCounty.us.