Committee on Governmental Operations Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs convened on December 16, 2025, at the West Hawaii Civic Center to review three nominations for County boards and commissions, including two for the Police Commission and one for the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. The meeting featured introductions by the Mayor's office nominee supporters, brief statements from the nominees, and extensive council deliberation focused on residency verification, community representation, and the current state of the Police Commission during a leadership transition.

Consent Calendar

No routine consent calendar items were listed; all agenda items were treated as discussion nominations requiring specific motion and vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patty Cook (Waimea): Expressed gratitude for the nominees' willingness to serve and offered strong support for the Police Commission members. She expressed collective grief over the loss of former Chief Todd. She emphasized the difficulty of the volunteer role and urged the council to support the new commissioners. She specifically requested support for nominee Franz Junior Fisher.
• No other public testifiers were present in the West Hawaii Civic Center or elsewhere.

Discussion Items

• Nomination of Alan A. Salavea (Police Commission, District 6):

  • Nominee Profile: Mike Alameda (Executive Assistant to the Mayor) introduced Salavea as a former Castle High School graduate of Oahu, now residing in Volcano/District 6. He holds degrees from Hawaii Community College and UH Hilo, with a background in planning for the County and Kamehameha Schools.
  • Council Concerns: Councilmember Connie Kleinfelder questioned the nominee's District residency, noting that Royal Hawaiian Estates is in District 5, not District 6. She requested verification before the final vote.
    • Response: Alameda acknowledged the need to re-verify the exact address, stating the nominee likely lives on the border of District 6 but promised to double-check and return to the committee with confirmation within two weeks.
  • Commission Context: Councilmember Houstis requested details on the Police Commission's administrative capacity and support during the hiring of a new Chief. Alameda responded that the commission has administrative support and is working toward implementing a live stream for public viewing, potentially by the next meeting.
  • Nominee's Position: Salavea stated he brings a community-centered perspective to ensure rural areas are heard at the policy level and emphasized the commission's role in maintaining public trust while respecting police independence.

• Nomination of Shane Paticott Nelson (Kona CDP Action Committee):

  • Nominee Profile: Alameda introduced Nelson as a West Side native, Konawana High School graduate, and Hawaii Pacific University alumnus with over 20 years in government. Nelson has previously served on the Kona CDP under prior administrations.
  • Council Support: Councilmembers Inaba and Viegas expressed strong support, praising Nelson's authentic connection to the community, vested interest, and willingness to serve despite challenging circumstances. Galimba echoed these sentiments.
  • Nominee's Goals: Nelson expressed a desire to bring order to chaotic development in South Kona, strengthen advisory roles to the Planning Department and Mayor, and develop cohesive planning strategies for rural areas considering socioeconomic and technological shifts.

• Nomination of Franz Junior Fisher (Police Commission, District 8):

  • Nominee Profile: Alameda introduced Fisher as a Hawaii Preparatory Academy graduate with a degree in construction management from San Diego State University, returned to Hawaii Island in 2016. He currently coaches youth football.
  • Nominee's Position: Fisher highlighted his multigenerational perspective (having a 1-year-old child and a 94-year-old grandmother) as a basis for his goal to reestablish partnership between the police department and the community.
  • Council Support:
    • Councilmember Inaba: Welcomed Fisher's addition to balance backing up the police department while putting them in check, noting it rounds out the board.
    • Councilmember Viegas: Acknowledged Fisher's perspective on navigating the challenges facing the police department amidst national homeland security trends and local community impact.
  • Additional Inquiry: Councilmember Kleinfelder asked about affiliations with the Iron Man group; Fisher stated he is a "patient spectator" and does not volunteer.

Key Outcomes

• Communication 650 (Alan A. Salavea): The committee voted to close the file and send a favorable recommendation to the full Council for appointment to the Police Commission. (Vote tally: Unanimous support in committee; final confirmation required at the January 7, 2025, full Council meeting, though transcript implies a January 7 date for the full council action after this committee's favorable recommendation). Note: The transcript states the confirmation vote for the full council will be on January 7th.
• Communication 651 (Shane Paticott Nelson): The committee voted to close the file and send a favorable recommendation to the full Council for appointment to the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. (Vote tally: 8 Ayes, Councilmember Kirkowitz absent).
• Communication 652 (Franz Junior Fisher): The committee voted to close the file and send a favorable recommendation to the full Council for appointment to the Police Commission. (Vote tally: 8 Ayes, Councilmember Kirkowitz absent).
• Residency Verification Directive: Councilmember Kleinfelder's concern regarding Alan Salavea's residence in District 6 was not resolved during this meeting. Executive Assistant Mike Alameda agreed to re-verify the address and report back to the committee within two weeks.
• Live Stream Initiative: The committee was informed that the Mayor's office is in early discussions to implement a courtesy live stream for Police Commission meetings, aiming to launch at the next meeting.