Press Releases

HILO, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i County Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, who will be sworn-in at noon Monday, announces the selection of administrators to lead four additional departments and offices. These appointments include the directors and deputy directors for the Department of Environmental Management, Department of Research and Development, and Office of Housing and Community Development, and the administrator for the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience. “I am excited to continue to grow our team, and I am confident in the skills and experience that each of these leaders brings to the County,” Alameda said. “With these appointees in place, we will work hard to improve our wastewater and solid waste infrastructure, grow our economy, expand affordable housing, and support sustainability across Hawai‘i Island.” Department directors are appointed by the Mayor and will face confirmation by the County Council. Selected directors, deputy directors, and administrators are: Wesley Segawa: Department of Environmental Management Director Wesley Segawa holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and has decades of experience in engineering, administration, and project management. He began his professional career as an engineer with Hawaiian Dredging and Construction Company and later established Wesley R. Segawa and Associates, Inc., focusing on public and private engineering and construction management projects. Craig Kawaguchi: Department of Environmental Management Acting Deputy Director Craig Kawaguchi has served as the County’s Recycling Coordinator since 2022 and received the award of County of Hawai‘i Supervisor of the Year in 2024. He previously served as an Executive Assistant under Mayor Billy Kenoi and a Recycling Specialist where he assisted with the start of the HI-5 recycling program on Hawai‘i Island. Kawaguchi will serve as acting deputy director until a permanent appointment is made. Kehaulani Costa: Office of Housing and Community Development Director Kehaulani Costa has worked for the County of Hawai‘i as a Housing Planning Specialist and Division Manager for the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Existing Housing Division, which administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Costa brings decades of experience in non-profit management, education, and housing policy advocacy to the County. Keiko Mercado: Office of Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Keiko Mercado has dedicated her career to serving the people of Hawai‘i Island and nurturing relationships between community and government. Throughout her career, she’s learned that true leadership is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to serve our community. This commitment has shaped her approach to government work, driving a passion for creating solutions that directly benefit residents and strengthen the fabric of communities across Hawai‘i Island. Benson Medina: Department of Research and Development Director Benson Medina has served at an executive level in tourism, manufacturing, natural resource development, agricultural tourism and community education. Medina also serves as the President of Hui ʻOihana, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and is the District Governor Nominee for Rotary International in Hawai‘i. He directed the islandwide 2022 Access to Care survey that provides critical data for healthcare providers on Hawai‘i Island and was the principal grant writer and project manager for the Hawai‘i Ag-Tourism Association. Medina is an active member of Hula Halau O Kawananakoa and speaks frequently on the relationship between Native Hawaiian values and business. Dennis Lin: Department of Research and Development Deputy Director Dennis Lin was recently employed as the Community Relations Administrator for HPM Building Supply where he managed their community outreach and government relations. As an active member in his community, he has served as Chair of the Windward Planning Commission and on numerous community boards and councils. Lin is an active member of the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce as Vice President and Economic Development Chair, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i. Laura Acasio: Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience Administrator Laura Acasio has served the people of Hawai‘i as a former state senator and public school teacher. She currently serves on the County’s Environmental Management Commission and is a member of numerous nonprofit boards, including the governing board for Ka Umeke Kaʻeo Hawaiian Immersion Public Charter School and the Hui ʻOihana Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce. Acasio will start the position on Feb. 1, 2025. Staff photos can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IovmtwBOXF40XI1974BGboBL4f9OMDm7?usp=sharing ###

HILO, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i County Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda announces the selection of additional key cabinet members as he prepares to take office at noon Dec. 2. These appointments include the selection of directors for the departments of Planning, Finance, and Parks and Recreation, in addition to other members of his executive team. “I could not be more proud of our team and those who have stepped forward to serve,” Alameda said. “I am confident that each of these individuals will bring a tremendous work ethic to their departments and roles, will lead with aloha, and will work in partnership with our communities to help uplift Hawai‘i Island.” Selected directors and deputy directors are: Jeffrey Darrow: Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow is an accomplished administrator and planner who has held multiple leadership positions within the County’s Planning Department, where he currently serves as Deputy Director. During his 26-year career with the department, he has also served as Planning Program Manager, Planner, and Zoning Inspector. Michelle Ahn: Planning Deputy Director Michelle Ahn is an attorney who has served the Planning Department as a Deputy Corporation Counsel since 2023. In this role, she has represented the department in hearings before the State Land Use Commission, prosecuted code enforcement actions, and provided legal training for department staff. She lives in Kona and has previously practiced law in the states of California and Hawai‘i. Clayton Honma: Parks & Recreation Director Clayton Honma returns to the Parks and Recreation Department which he led as director from 2012-2016. Prior to that appointment, he was the department’s Deputy Director from 2009-2012. Honma is currently a Program Planner for the County’s Office of Aging where he oversees all contracts for services. Honma is a youth recreation advocate and leader in the community, and has served as Co-Founder and Coach for Flygirlz Basketball Organization, Assistant Coach for the Waiakea High School Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Team, and Coordinator for the Jimmy Yagi Basketball Camp. Melissa Samura: Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Melissa Samura is an active community leader and youth coach with more than 20 years of experience in educational counseling, recreation management, customer service, and program coordination. She lives in Waimea and previously worked for the department as a Recreation Director where she managed facility use and recreational programs, coordinated events, and designed community programs across the County. Diane Nakagawa: Finance Director Diane Nakagawa has served as Finance Director since January 2024 after serving as the Deputy Finance Director since 2022 and Purchasing Agent since 2019. Prior to joining the County, she spent 16 years at the City of Phoenix, primarily specializing in economic development and budget administration. Born and raised in Kona, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs. Nakagawa served as the Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of Phoenix prior to returning home. Malia Kekai: Finance Deputy Director Malia Kekai is an attorney who has served as the County’s Public Works Deputy Director since 2022. At Public Works, she assists with the administration of department divisions and staff, enforcement of the construction code, and supervision of County buildings. Kekai previously served as a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County where she provided legal advice to departments, defended the County in litigation, and reviewed legal documents, including financial instruments. Appointments of department directors are subject to approval from the County Council. Alameda’s office appointeesand areas of focus are: Pualililehua Carriaga: Executive Secretary to the Mayor Pualililehua Carriaga is currently the Mohala Family Center Director for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. She previously was an administrative assistant for the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force and Executive Assistant for Bay Clinic. Emarie Carvalho: Executive Secretary to the Managing Director Emarie Carvalho is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Robert Marx focusing on civil litigation. She started at the County’s Office of the Corporation Counsel in 2007 as a Legal Clerk and worked her way up to her current position as Division Head of the Clerical Staff: Supervising Legal Technician. She has 17 of dedicated County service. Executive Assistant Appointees: Micah Alameda: Boards and Commissions, Volunteers, and Inter-Faith Relations Micah Alameda is a local consultant who focuses on public and government relations and social sector programs. He previously served as a nonprofit executive and legislative aide at the State and County levels. He recently served as a Board Member with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, which he was appointed to by Governor David Ige in 2018 and confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Tom Callis: Communications Director Tom Callis brings about 17 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the Mayor’s Office. From 2012-2019, he covered County government, the State Legislature, and major local events as a reporter for the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald. He later worked as a Communications Specialist for the County and an Exhibit and Digital Media Education Specialist for the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Callis previously served on the board of the Big Island Press Club and Taishoji Soto Mission. Malia Louis: Sister City Coordinator, and West Hawaii and Legislative Affairs Malia Louis of Kailua-Kona brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, operations, and community engagement, and is committed to advancing the well-being of the Hawaiian community and the people of Hawai‘i. From 2014-2024, she was the Hawaiʻi Stations Operations Manager for Mokulele Airlines, where she spearheaded the launch of five new stations. Tracey Niimi: Social Media and Electronic Communications Tracey Niimi is an award-winning photographer and videographer. He is a Co-Founder of Abstract Collab, and operates TN Photography/Tracey Niimi & Co. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and has served on the boards of Friends of the Big Island Drug Court and East Hawai‘i Kiwanis. Erin Samura: Health, Equity and Human Services Erin Samura is a Clinical Pharmacist for the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center and volunteer for the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado. Amy Toafili: West Hawaiʻi Administrative Support Amy Toafili of Kona is an experienced office and administrative manager. She is currently the Office Manager for JC Tax Solutions and previously worked for Hawaiʻi CDL & Safety Programs, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Toafili is a graduate of Konawaena High School. Clifford Victorine, III: Public Safety, Complaints, and Events Clifford Victorine has served as a Claims Investigator/Adjustor for the County’s Office of the Corporation Counsel since 2013. He is a former County police officer, security officer, and Army Reservist. Staff photos are available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1R_uwPt9WWgbjYqWRbKJyTYOmbPY5UFMz ###

HILO, Hawaii – Incoming County of Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda announces the selection of Bill Brilhante as Managing Director and Merrick Nishimoto as Deputy Managing Director following his win in the Nov. 5 general election. Both have held leadership positions in the County, with Brilhante previously serving as Human Resources Director and Nishimoto previously serving as Public Works Deputy Director. “I am excited to welcome Bill Brilhante and Merrick Nishimoto to our leadership team,” Alameda said. “They have served under multiple County administrations and bring a wealth of experience from the public and private sectors. I know they will work tirelessly to bring positive change for the whole island.” Brilhante, an attorney who resides in Hilo, was County Human Resources Director from September 2017 until June 2021 after serving as Human Resources Deputy Director from November 2016. Born in Honokaa, Brilhante additionally served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County, was a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaii, worked as a County Firefighter, and was the Assistant Regional Counsel for the Social Security Administration in San Francisco. Nishimoto is currently the Development Manager for the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation. He resides in Kealakekua where he was born and raised. Nishimoto previously worked in the Public Works Department for more than 12 years, serving in the positions of Civil Engineer and Deputy Director. In total, he has more than 24 years of experience in project development, operations, and personnel management. Alameda beat incumbent Mitch Roth with about 55% of the vote and majorities in nearly every precinct across Hawaii Island. In addition to making these appointments, he hit the ground running on Wednesday by returning emails from constituents and finalizing his 100-day plan. Alameda and other elected County officials will be inaugurated on Dec. 2. Prior to the inauguration, he will be selecting other members of his cabinet, including department directors who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. These include the heads of the departments of Public Works; Environmental Management; Parks & Recreation; Planning; Research & Development; Office of Housing & Community Development; Finance; Information Technology; Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience; and Corporation Counsel. Other department administrators are either civil servants, elected, such as the Prosecuting Attorney, or appointed by a commission. Alameda said that existing department directors and staff in the Mayor’s Office may also be considered for positions. Anyone interested in applying for an appointed position needs to send their resume to connect@kimoformayor.com by Friday, Nov. 15. ###

HILO, Hawaiʻi---The Friends of Kimo Alameda would like to issue a correction regarding a recent radio advertisement for Dr. C. Kimo Alameda's mayoral campaign. The advertisement incorrectly stated that "the Hawai‘i County Police Department endorsed Dr. Kimo Alameda." This statement was inaccurate. The State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), which is the union representing Hawai‘i County police officers, has endorsed Dr. Alameda, not the Hawai‘i County Police Department itself. Dr. Alameda was made aware of this error and immediately took steps to rescind and correct the advertisement. He apologizes for the mistake and takes full responsibility for the oversight. "I sincerely apologize for the error in our radio advertisement," said Dr. Alameda. "It's crucial that we maintain accuracy in all our communications, and I take full responsibility for this mistake. We have corrected the ad to accurately reflect that it is SHOPO, the police officers' union, that has endorsed our campaign, not the department itself." Dr. Alameda continues to express his gratitude for the growing support his campaign has received. "I would like to thank SHOPO, as well as the United Public Workers (UPW), Hawai‘i Government Employees Association (HGEA), Iron Workers Union Local 635, and the Kanaka Movement for their endorsements. Their support means a great deal to our campaign and our vision for Hawai‘i County."

HILO, Hawai‘i---In a significant development for the 2024 mayoral race, the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) has officially endorsed Dr. C. Kimo Alameda in his campaign for Mayor of Hawai‘i County. "As our county faces rising crime and a statewide police staffing crisis, our community needs leaders with a proven track record of putting public safety first. Additionally, we believe we will need a leader who will bring the community together. Dr. Kimo Alameda has demonstrated his ability to make tough decisions and establish strong community relationships," said Sean Phelan, Hawai‘i County SHOPO Chair. SHOPO represents over 2,600 police officers across the State of Hawai‘i, including many on Hawaiʻi Island who provide essential public safety services. "I am humbled and honored to receive this endorsement by SHOPO," Alameda said when accepting the endorsement. "I have the utmost aloha and respect for the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day for us." This endorsement adds to Alameda's growing list of supporters, which now includes the Iron Workers Union Local 625, HGEA, and UPW. Alameda expressed his gratitude for the mounting support, stating, "I'm excited to earn the support of everybody who wants to bring the spirit of aloha back to County government."

As published on hgea.org The Big Island deserves a leader who respects public employees. With county departments facing severe staffing shortages and an overworked and demoralized workforce, the board of directors of the Hawaii Government Employees Association is endorsing Dr. Kimo Alameda in the Hawaii County mayor’s race. This was a unanimous decision, based on Alameda’s demonstrated leadership as an advocate for community health and for working families. The board is confident Alameda will be a mayor who stands with civil servant employees in providing critical services to the public. During his time as a leader in the administrations of Mayors Billy Kenoi and Harry Kim, Dr. Alameda worked closely with leaders in various departments, including police, fire, housing, and transportation and he will be ready to go to work on day one. The Big Island deserves a leader who respects the rights of public employees and treats them fairly — someone with a history of aloha for all, a trait Dr. Alameda demonstrated while serving as the CEO of the Bay Clinic Health Center and leading the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force to address a community health crisis that has touched nearly every family in the county. It’s time for the Big Island to get the mayor it deserves. That’s why we’re urging our members to vote for Dr. Kimo Alameda. Media Contacts: Malulani Moreno Communications Manager (808) 543-0024 mmoreno@hgea.org Kristina Lum Senior Communications Specialist (808) 543-0063 klum@hgea.org

HILO, Hawaiʻi—The United Public Workers (UPW) Local 646 has endorsed C. Kimo Alameda for the Mayor of Hawaii County. UPW State Director, Kalani Werner believes that Dr. Kimo has the vision and experience to help improve the lives of its members and their families. UPW Local 646 is the Hawaii chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and a member of the Hawaii AFL-CIO. Dr. Kimo attended the UPW interview in April and was the unanimous choice for mayor. “I am so humbled by the UPW leaders and their nearly 1,500 county employees islandwide and over 13,000 statewide. Hawaii County public workers are the backbone of our county’s infrastructure and operations. We count on them in almost every department for park maintenance, janitorial services, environmental management, wastewater, landfill operations, roads, painting, carpentry, and other blue-color services. These are dedicated hard working people who care about the future of our island. I am very grateful for their courageous support and commitment to a better Hawaii.” Alameda has a long list of accomplishments and leadership positions in both the private and public sector and is grateful for another major endorsement following the recent endorsement by the Hawaiʻi Iron Workers Union Local 625 back in February. More information on Dr. Kimo and his candidacy can be found at www.kimoformayor.com.

Hilo, HAWAI‘I — Tragedy struck the Alameda ‘Ohana on Friday, May 3, 2024, with the sudden passing of Star Alameda, wife of mayoral candidate Dr. C. Kimo Alameda. Star was found unresponsive Friday morning. Valiant efforts by family and Hawai‘i County EMS personnel were unable to revive her. Star was immensely proud of her seven children, one grandchild, and her large extended island ‘ohana. Before joining her husband on the campaign, she taught reading at E. B. DeSilva Elementary and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Star was well-known in her community for her kindness, generosity, and love of children. “Gentle and soft-hearted”, “a spiritual giant”, “humble and sweet”, “approachable and dedicated” are a few of the hundreds of comments on their Facebook page. “My mom was everything to us. Always putting the needs of others before her own. We are super sad, but we know she is still guiding us and my dad to do good and to be happy,” shared Angel Alameda, the eldest of Star and Dr. Kimo’s seven children. In a statement, Dr. Kimo Alameda said “Star was the light of my life and the backbone of our family. Through everything, she stood right by my side as my number one supporter and advisor. Her memory will continue to shine on to everyone who was lucky enough to know her.” When asked about the campaign, he stated that he intends to continue, but “my immediate focus right now is to be with my family as we remember Star. I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers and aloha during this difficult time.” Born in Hilo, Star was the daughter of the late Herbert Ishibashi and also survived by her mother Mona Ishibashi, brothers Sky (Tina) Ishibashi, Herbert Pua (Gloria) Ishibashi, and sister Roxy Tubbs. Star’s children include Angel Alameda, Kekaulike Alameda, Seizen (Tavita) Ika, Kekaukahi Alameda, Kekaulana Alameda, Kira Alameda, and Kimo Alameda Jr. Updates on any services or arrangements will be forthcoming. ### About Dr. Kimo Alameda https://www.kimoformayor.com For media inquiries, please contact: William “Bill” Brilhante, Jr. East Hawaiʻi Campaign Manager connect@kimoformayor.com

HILO, Hawaiʻi—In the first major endorsement of the 2024 mayoral race, the Hawaiʻi Iron Workers Union Local 625 threw their support behind Dr. C. Kimo Alameda in his run for Mayor of Hawaiʻi County. “Local 625, under the leadership of Mr. T. George Paris, is proud to endorse Dr. Kimo Alameda for mayor. We know he will always put the community first, and fight for the infrastructure investments that Hawaiʻi Island needs,” the union said in a statement. Local 625 represents almost a thousand members across the state, including many on Hawaiʻi Island, who provide essential construction, repair, and maintenance services for critical infrastructure projects. “Almost a hundred years ago, my grandfather was an ironworker in Hilo,” Alameda said when accepting the endorsement, “Back in those days, he and his crew would build and fix all the steam engines, railroad tracks, boilers, and other machinery used on the old sugar mills. Today, Local 625 continues to keep that legacy of hard work and dedication alive. I am very proud to be supported by the amazing members of Local 625.” The endorsement signals that the Big Island mayor’s race is now in full swing as other unions and organizations consider which candidates they might support. Alameda is hopeful that he will receive additional endorsements as well, saying “I’m excited to earn the support of everybody who wants to bring the spirit of aloha back to County government.” ### For media inquiries, please contact: C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. (808) 345-9280 - or - William “Bill” Brilhante, Jr. East Hawaiʻi Campaign Manager billbril@hotmail.com (808) 756-5584

Dr. Kimo Alameda provided the following statement in response to the recent homeless sweep in Hilo: I believe homeless “sweeps” are a poor solution to a long-standing problem. Today's relocation of individuals in downtown Hilo was misguided in several ways. First, nonprofit agencies like Going Home Hawaii, HOPE Services, and the Neighborhood Place of Puna who deliver the majority of homeless services in the county appear in disagreement with the county and it would be better for the county to have a unified inclusive approach. These service providers work with our houseless ‘ohana every day and are the experts, so elected officials should look to them for guidance. Second, the Downtown Improvement Association should be consulted because in the past, the county’s relocation efforts have pushed people who need assistance to the front of the stores, which hinders positive business traffic flow. Third, there will be a point-in-time count next week, which is a federally mandated census of people experiencing homelessness across our island. It is so important that we get an accurate count because that data is used to apply for resources from the federal government to address homelessness. Conducting a sweep right before makes it difficult to get an accurate count, which could reduce the amount of funding our island receives. I remember the Kona sweep a year ago when ACLU Legal Director Wookie Kim sent a letter to Mayor Mitch Roth, Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina, Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz, and Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance stating in part that “when houseless people in the County have no safe place to go without being subjected to the County’s laws that punish sheltering in public spaces…violate the mandates of the U.S. and Hawaii constitutions.” The letter continued to demand the county stop the homeless sweeps, yet the county continues to force the visibly homeless individuals to neighboring communities. We understand that there are individuals out in our community that are experiencing homelessness and we will work on a multipronged approach to address their needs. Some individuals will not want to be “housed” but have other areas they feel safe relocating. Some have greater needs such as medication, mental health, and addiction. The county has to work on these options in collaboration with those experiencing homelessness, service providers, and law enforcement. If elected, we would work closely with the community, nonprofits, and churches to expand programs that work and eliminate practices that break trust between our houseless ‘ohana and service providers. Many of our houseless individuals have simply been priced out of housing in Hawaii, and I would work to expand programs like HOPE services Sacred Heart Affordable Housing Program, which provides permanent affordable housing and alternative structures for kupuna. I think Twinkle Borge from the Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae group on Oahu sets another example we can emulate. She is the leader, mentor, and sergeant-in-arms in the village. We can replicate that model if the county can work better with the community, law enforcement, churches, and non-profits. Most importantly, I would listen to the people who have experienced homelessness, housing insecurity, and those who are living it right now. They are the experts in their own lives. They have lived through these unnecessary “sweeps,” know how far it can set a person back from getting off the streets, and they know we can make a better way. Together, we can Save Hawai‘i And Keep Aloha. ### About Dr. Kimo Alameda https://www.kimoformayor.com Dr. Kimo graduated from St. Joseph High School and earned his doctorate in psychological, educational, and cultural studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Born in Hilo, Dr. Kimo grew up on a ranch in the hills of Waiākea Uka. He worked alongside his siblings, making ends meet with his parent’s plumbing business, and helped on the family ranch. This work ethic translated easily to other areas as Dr. Kimo gained many athletic and academic accolades and quickly became a state and county government leader: •Executive, Hawai‘i County Office of Aging •Director, Office of Health Equity, Department of Health •Executive, Office of Multicultural Services, Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division •State Transition & Behavioral Specialist, Department of Health-Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division •State Technical Assistance Consultant / Supervisor, Department of Education-Pacific Resources for Education and Learning After his time in government, then came the opportunity to fulfill the role of CEO of the Bay Clinic Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where Dr. Kimo ultimately fulfilled his vision of creating an entity that would serve and improve health care island wide - the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center (HICHC) - created by merging the east-side Bay Clinic with West Hawai‘i Community Health Center. Dr. Kimo then served as the HICHC Vice President of Business Development before stepping down to pursue a run for the Mayor's Office. For media inquiries, please contact: C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. 808-345-9280 connect@kimoformayor.com - Or - William “Bill” Brilhante, Jr. East Hawaiʻi Campaign Manager billbril@hotmail.com 808-756-5584

HILO, Hawaiʻi — After months of community meetings across the island, including previous rallies held in Waimea, Nāʻālehu, and Kona, Dr. C. Kimo Alameda officially launched his campaign for Mayor of Hawaiʻi County at a community rally last night at Wailoa State Park, where he emphasized his connection with the Big Island and its people.  “This place, and all of its wonderful and diverse people, helped shape me into the person I am today” Alameda said to over 300 supporters in the audience, “And like so many of you, I want to make sure that this island can continue to shape the lives of our children and grandchildren, so that they can sustain and perpetuate our local culture and identity. Our campaign is an expression of gratitude and aloha for our island, our culture, and our people.”  Educated as a counselor and psychologist, “Dr. Kimo” worked at the state Department of Health as a mental health specialist and later as the director of the Office of Health Equity. In 2015, he entered county government as the Executive of the Office of Aging under Mayors Billy Kenoi and Harry Kim before becoming CEO of the non-profit Bay Clinic Health Center. He most recently served as vice president of business development for the newly-formed Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, one of the largest federally-qualified health centers in the state. “I have always been dedicated to building strong, healthy, and resilient communities,” Alameda said of his career, “And this campaign is an extension of that dedication. Ultimately, I want to bring my passion and commitment to our county government and serve the people of Hawaiʻi Island. As I have said before, we have an opportunity to bring the spirit of aloha back to our local government.” In his announcement, Alameda outlined his priorities of “Live, Work, and Play,” and specifically highlighted the lack of attainable housing as a key issue of his campaign. “My goal is to build a Hawaiʻi where people can get educated, find good jobs, raise their families, and enjoy this beautiful ʻāina that we’ve been blessed with,” he said. “Why is the county getting in the way of us building an additional dwelling on property we already own?... Our kids don’t want to move far away… if they could, they would move out of their parents’ house and live right in the back. I know because I have seven of um and three of um said they would.” In a statement before the rally, Alameda expressed his excitement for the coming race, saying “This election goes beyond ideas. I will continue to share my vision with communities all over our county, and I look forward to engaging with everyone who cares about this island and wants to see County government start working for all of us again.” Kimo and his wife, Star, currently reside in Hilo with their seven children and one grandchild. More information on Dr. Kimo and his candidacy can be found at www.kimoformayor.com.  Video News Release and Still Photo Assets available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zgYMFxLny-WPent9ZiRS8ssrjZmMtPTJ?usp=sharing ### About Dr. Kimo Alameda https://www.kimoformayor.com  Dr. Kimo graduated from St. Joseph High School and earned his doctorate in psychological, educational, and cultural studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Born in Hilo, Dr. Kimo grew up on a ranch in the hills of Waiākea Uka. He worked alongside his siblings, making ends meet with his parent’s plumbing business, and helped on the family ranch. This work ethic translated easily to other areas as Dr. Kimo gained many athletic and academic accolades and quickly became a state and county government leader: Executive, Hawai‘i County Office of Aging Director, Office of Health Equity, Department of Health Executive, Office of Multicultural Services, Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division State Transition & Behavioral Specialist, Department of Health-Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division State Technical Assistance Consultant / Supervisor, Department of Education-Pacific Resources for Education and Learning After his time in government, then came the opportunity to fulfill the role of CEO of the Bay Clinic Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where Dr. Kimo ultimately fulfilled his vision of creating an entity that would serve and improve health care island wide - the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center (HICHC) - created by merging the east-side Bay Clinic with West Hawai‘i Community Health Center. Dr. Kimo then served as the HICHC Vice President of Business Development before stepping down to pursue a run for the Mayor's Office. For media inquiries, please contact: C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. 808-345-9280 connect@kimoformayor.com - Or - William “Bill” Brilhante, Jr. East Hawaiʻi Campaign Manager billbril@hotmail.com 808-756-5584