Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs convened on February 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to review and vote on five executive nominations submitted by Mayor C. Chemo (Kim) Alameda. Councilmembers Kimball, Galimba, Viegas, Inaba, O'Nishi, Kirkowitz, Houstis, and Chair Kagiwada were present; Councilmember Kleinfelder was absent. There was no public testimony regarding the nominations. The committee unanimously approved all five nominees for their respective boards and commissions, emphasizing the need for meeting quorum and the diverse community backgrounds of the appointees.

Consent Calendar

• Communication 703: Closed file and sent a favorable recommendation for Jennifer L. Lawson to the Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Vote: 8 ayes, 0 opposed (Councilmember Kleinfelder absent).
• Communication 704: Closed file and sent a favorable recommendation for Luisa Sasa Anthony Lee to the Environmental Management Commission. Vote: 8 ayes, 0 opposed.
• Communication 705: Closed file and sent a favorable recommendation for Kanoi Suganuma Wilson to the Windward Planning Commission. Vote: 8 ayes, 0 opposed.
• Communication 706: Closed file and sent a favorable recommendation for Sean Kelley Makayao to the Leeward Planning Commission. Vote: 8 ayes, 0 opposed.
• Communication 707: Closed file and sent a favorable recommendation for Rollin Rabara to the Fire Commission. Vote: 8 ayes, 0 opposed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was offered during the hearing on any of the five nominations.

Discussion Items

Jennifer L. Lawson (Public Access Commission)

• Project Description: Nominated to represent Council District 9 for a term ending December 31, 2030. She is the Executive Director of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Councilmember Houstis expressed that Ms. Lawson is an "amazing community member" and a "great asset" to the commission for her work in North and South Kohala.
  • Councilmember Viegas stated she was "absolutely spectacular," attended her symposium, and expressed "full support" for the nomination.
  • Chair Kagiwada expressed appreciation for Ms. Lawson's commitment to the meeting schedule to ensure quorum.

Luisa Sasa Anthony Lee (Environmental Management Commission)

• Project Description: Nominated to represent Council District 3 for a term ending December 31, 2030. She is the director of operations at Kawunēke Public Charter School.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Ms. Lee stated she was motivated by "frustration around some of the things that are happening," specifically regarding wastewater and solid waste in Kā'ū, and expressed a desire to channel that "frustration into something positive."
  • Councilmember O'Nishi expressed support for bringing a community member who is directly experiencing the issues of wastewater and landfill to the commission.
  • Councilmember Kirkowitz praised her for "practicing what you preach" and serving as a "positive example" for students regarding community service.
  • Councilmember Houstis emphasized the necessity of prioritizing committee attendance to avoid meetings being cancelled due to lack of quorum.

Kanoi Suganuma Wilson (Windward Planning Commission)

• Project Description: Nominated for the at-large seat representing the Puna Judicial District, ending December 31, 2030. She is a Senior Project Manager with Kamehameha Schools.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Councilmember Kirkowitz expressed "100%" trust in Ms. Wilson and stated he is "fully supporting" her nomination, noting her history of rallying for quorum.
  • Councilmember Viegas expressed that he is "deeply grateful" and "humbled" to support her, trusting her intention to serve "seven generations"
• Project Description: Nominated for a term ending December 31, 2030. She is a licensed realtor with Hawaii Life.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Ms. Makayao expressed excitement and stated she believes the commission shapes the island for "generations after us," specifically noting she had her first granddaughter the previous day.
  • Councilmember Viegas expressed that he trusts her to "cleave to the wisdom of your ancestors" and support the community.
  • Councilmember Kirkowitz noted that while there is a historical concern regarding realtors on planning commissions, he trusts Ms. Makayao's "deepest intention" for the seven future generations and supports her 100%.
  • Councilmember Kirkowitz and Councilmember Viegas discussed the potential impact of having two realtors on the Leeward Planning Commission (Ms. Makayao and a previous nominee, Mrs. Ayers), with Councilmember Kirkowitz acknowledging the need for "diversity and perspectives."
  • Councilmember Inaba noted that the Mayor's office has addressed the quorum issue by looking into having the Puna commission on Zoom.
  • Councilmember Kagiwada expressed gratitude for the inclusion of "descendants of cultural practitioners" but maintained vigilance regarding the diversity of career paths, noting the prevalence of Kamehameha School graduates on the current slate.
  • Councilmember Inaba emphasized that qualifications and ability to serve should be the primary criteria over high school alma maters.

Rollin Rabara (Fire Commission)

• Project Description: Nominated to represent Council District 7 for a term ending December 31, 2030. He has over 28 years of service with the Hawaii Police Department.
• Speaker Positions:
  • Councilmember Houstis noted the importance of having a non-firefighter perspective on the commission as the county prepares to select a new Fire Chief.
  • Councilmember Galimba expressed hope that the next Fire Chief will be supportive of and build the volunteer firefighting force in rural communities.
  • Councilmember O'Nishi disclosed a familial relationship (cousin) and congratulated Mr. Rabara.
  • Councilmember Viegas expressed "full support" and confidence that Mr. Rabara's experience as a first responder will provide wisdom as the Fire Department recovers.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Support: All five nominees received eight ayes against zero opposed (Councilmember Kleinfelder absent).
• Quorum Directives: The committee unanimously prioritized nominees' commitment to attending all meetings to resolve chronic quorum issues. Chair Kagiwada asked all nominees to confirm their ability to commit to the schedules, and all affirmed their commitment.
• Commission Leadership: The Fire Commission nominees are identified as critical for the upcoming selection process of the next Fire Chief.
• Diversity Discussion: Council members engaged in a discussion regarding the diversity of nominees, specifically regarding the number of real estate professionals and Kamehameha School graduates, while acknowledging the value of their community roots.
• Meeting Schedule: The Mayor's office indicated ongoing efforts to increase quorum, including virtual access options for commissions like the Puna Planning Commission.