New Hawai’i County Council to be sworn in Monday

The new Hawai‘i County Council will be officially sworn in during a special public event at noon Monday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.

The Hawai‘i County Inaugural Ceremony will feature the swearing in of the incoming County Council members, including newcomers Cindy Evans, who will represent District 9; Jenn Kagiwada, who will represent District 2; and Michelle Galimba, who will take the District 6 seat.

Returning members also will be sworn in.

The opening ceremony will be given by the Waiākea High School Ka Leo Wai Club and Ka Papa Hula. An oli will be presented by kumu Keala Ching. Presentation of Colors will be performed by the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy, with the National Anthem and “Hawai‘i Pono‘ī” being performed by Tani Waipa.

Pastor Mark Zier of Christ Lutheran Church will provide the invocation and the welcome speech will be given by Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth.

Judge Robert D.S. Kim of the 3rd Circuit Court will administer the oath of office to the incoming Council members and present each with a certificate of election.

Incoming Council Chairwoman Heather Kimball and Vice Chairman Holeka Inaba, who represent District 1 and District 8, respectively, will address the new Council and those in attendance. Acknowledgements will be given by master of ceremonies Ku‘ehu Mauga.

“Hawai‘i Aloha” will be performed by Waipa as part of closing ceremonies, with Ching providing another oli and the Waiākea High School Ka Leo Wai Club officially closing the event.

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The first meeting of the new Council will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers at the Hawai‘i County Building in Hilo. The public can attend the meeting in person or view it online.