Hawaiʻi County Council select leadership positions for the upcoming term

Leadership and standing committee assignments have been made for the 2026-2028 council term.

The Hawaiʻi County Council selected council member Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba to continue serving as council chair alongside council member Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, who will serve as the council vice chair.

“I look forward to working alongside Chair Inaba and our fellow council members to serve the
people of Hawaiʻi Island,” Onishi said. “We may represent different districts, but we share a common responsibility to our communities. By working together, listening to our residents, and keeping the focus on solutions, we can accomplish a lot for our island.”

Inaba’s selection marks a significant milestone in the Council’s history, as he becomes the
first council chair in 24 years to be selected to serve consecutive terms in the leadership
position.

“I am grateful for the continued trust and confidence of my colleagues and look forward to
building on the progress we have made together,” Inaba said. “Each council member brings unique experiences, perspectives, and priorities to the table. My goal is to ensure that every member has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully as we work together to address the challenges facing our island and plan for its future.”

The Hawaiʻi County Council announced the following standing committee leadership assignments for the 2026–2028 term:

• Finance Committee: Chair James Hustace, Vice Chair: Dennis “Fresh” Onishi
• Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs: Chair: Manu Powers, Vice Chair: Ikaika Rodenhurst
• Committee on Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight: Chair: Jennifer Kagiwada, Vice Chair: Lloyd Enriquez
• Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions: Chair: Heather Kimball, Vice Chair: Manu Powers
• Committee on Planning and Economic Development: Chair: Ikaika Rodenhurst, Vice Chair: Heather Kimball
• Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure: Chair: Zed Kaʻapana-Aki, Vice Chair: Jennifer Kagiwada
• Committee on Public Safety, Health, and Community: Chair: Lloyd Enriquez, Vice Chair: Zed Kaʻapana-Aki

The Council also announced its representatives to the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties:

● Hawaiʻi County Representative: Jennifer Kagiwada
● Alternate Representative: Manu Powers