Council Members and Districts

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The Hawai‘i County Council is comprised of nine members, each elected from one of Hawai‘i County’s nine council districts and serving two-year terms. The Council’s powers and functions are governed by Article 3, Section 3-1, Hawai‘i County Charter, which states that the legislative powers of the County shall be vested in the County Council. Its primary function is legislation and public policy formulation. The Council is responsible for passing the laws that govern this County, as enacted by ordinance, and written in the Hawai‘i County Code.

District 1 - Heather L. Kimball

North Hilo, Hāmākua, and Portion of Waimea.

Northeast of Amau‘ulu Road, Northwest of Kulaniapia Drive until Pu‘u Nani Drive of Waimea, Northwest until Kukuihaele; includes (from West) Kukuihaele to part of Waimea; Honoka‘a, Pa‘auilo, Laupāhoehoe, Honomū, Pepe‘ekeo, Pāpa‘ikou, Pauka‘a, and part of Wainaku

Contact

Phone: (808) 961-8828
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 1
Email: heather.kimball@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

For the 2022-24 council term, Heather Kimball serves as the Hawaiʻi County Council Chair. Chair Kimball also serves as the Hawaiʻi County representative on the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties. Chair Kimball serves as a Vice-Chair for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Environmental, Energy, and Land-Use Steering Committee, Vice-Chair of the NACo Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Subcommittee, and Vice-Chair of the NACo Resilient Counties Advisory Board. In January 2023, Chair Kimball was appointed by the Environmental Protection Agency to serve as a member of the Local Government Advisory Committee.

2020-2022 Positions:

Chair – Government Operations
Vice Chair – Finance
Vice Chair – Climate Change and Regenerative Agriculture
HSAC Representation

Her priorities for the term include protecting the health and safety of Hawaiʻi’s residents, encouraging local agriculture and small business, increasing government transparency and accountability, and addressing the challenges of climate change.

A mother of four and a small business owner, Heather has worked in the public and private sectors for over two decades. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and her Masters in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo. Her leadership positions in the community have included:

Zonta Club of Hilo – Advocacy Chair
Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi County Committee Chair
Pacific Eco Innovations – Executive Advisor
Hāmākua Harvest – Member at large
Sustainable Energy Hawaii Steering Committee
Think B.I.G. Steering Committee
UH Hilo Graduate Council – Student Representative
Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi – Executive Committee
Grassroots Community Development Group – Secretary

She lives in Hāmākua with her husband Scott, who runs a local architecture firm in Hilo. She is honored by the opportunity to serve again and excited to continue to work.

District 2 - Jennifer "Jenn" Kagiwada

Hilo, portions of South Hilo

South of Amau‘ulu Road, West of Manono Street, North of West Lanikaula, West Kawili,and West Puainako until of Malawana Street, Northwest of Haihai Street; includes downtown Hilo, Puainako, Waiākea Uka, Kaumana, Mauna Kea and Pohakuloa, and part of Saddle Road until split at Daniel K Inouye Hwy

Contact

Phone: (808) 961-8272
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 2
Email: jennifer.kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Jenn Kagiwada serves as Chair of the Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-Being, Vice Chair of the Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee, and Alternate Representative to the Hawai’i State Association of Counties. Her priorities are to keep the well-being of families and children as the focus on policy discussions and decisions. Jenn has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on Public Policy and her work experience includes; Instructional Coach, PE Teacher, and substitute teacher (HIDOE), Executive Director of a non-profit, Federal GSA Regional Child Care Coordinator, Education Consultant, Hawaiʻi State Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign and Child Care Teacher.

She and her husband raised their two college-age children in Piʻihonua, near Boiling Pots in Hilo. In her limited free time, Jenn loves playing tennis and pickleball, going for hikes with her family and enjoying all Hilo and Hawaiʻi Island have to offer!

Jenn’s parents and grandparents taught her the value of hard work, education, and family, along with the importance of contributing to community. She is grateful to serve the people of Hilo in this role.

Education

1990 Sacramento State University, BA Child Development
1992 Mills College, MA Early Childhood Education

District 3 - Susan “Sue” L. K. Lee Loy

Portion of South Hilo and Portion of Kea‘au

South of Banyan Drive, East of Manono Street, Southeast of West Lanikaula, West Kawili, West Puainako; East of Komohana, Southwest of Haihai Street; Southeast of Kanoelehua Avenue until Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road; Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road until Kaloli and 21st; includes part of Orchidland and Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP), Panaewa, Puainako, and Keaukaha

Contact

Phone: (808) 961-8396
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 3
Email: sue.leeloy@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Ms. Susan “Sue” Keohokapu-Lee Loy was re-elected as District 3 Council Member for the 2022-2024 Hawai‘i County Council and serves as Chair of the Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets.

Sue, her husband, Ian, their three children, and her mother live in Panaʻewa. Ian is a detective with the Hawaiʻi County Police Department serving for over twenty years. Her father, the late David Keohokapu, was a career longshoreman, ILWU member, active in his community, and a distinguished member of the Royal Hawaiian Guard. Her mother, Patricia, was a longtime Hilo Hospital nurse, HGEA member, and now an avid volunteer. Sue previously served as County Council Aide at the Hawai‘i County Council for nearly 10 years.

Sue would like the public to know: “My door will always be open. Your voice will always be heard. I am ready to serve and I will work hard for you.”

Public Service and Community Involvement

Water Board of the County of Hawai‘i, Member
Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Member
Keaukaha-Pana‘ewa Farmers Association, Member
Waiākeawaena Elementary, Robotics Coach
Waiākeawaena Elementary, PTA Special Education Class Representative
Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, PTO Founding Board Member

District 4 - Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz

Lower Puna, Pāhoa

Southeast of Kaloli Drive, Southeast of Kea‘au-Pāhoa Hwy until Pāhoa Road; East and West of Pāhoa Road until Kalapana and end of Chain of Craters Road; includes part of HPP, Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale Estates, Leilani Estates, Kamaili, Black Sands, Seaview, and Kalapana

Contact

Phone: (808) 961-8265
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 4
Email: ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Ashley L. Kierkiewicz is Hawai’i Island born and raised. She was re-elected as the District 4 Council Member for the 2022-2024 Hawai‘i County Council, and is serving her second term. Ashley is focused on empowering community, leveraging public-private partnerships, and activating local economy so all residents can thrive.

Ashley has an open door policy, and takes a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground, collaborative approach to her work on the Council. During her first term, her office spearheaded Activate Puna, a community revitalization and pono placemaking project. She helped secure and direct funds to assist with eruption recovery, and was instrumental in bringing community and government together take creative action on re-establishing the Pohoiki boat ramp.

During COVID, she worked in partnership with community to launch successful emergency response initiatives including Keiki Care Packs, #FeedThePeopleHI meal bag project for Puna, Rapid Response Landlord Tenant Mediation Program, and the Hawai’i Island Emergency Resilience Loan Fund. Through her work with Vibrant Hawai’i, Ashley has helped communities launch Resilience Hubs and is working with a diverse set of stakeholders on economic diversification initiatives.

Ashley’s public service mantra is “community-driven, government-supported.” She believes the key to building community resilience is for government to provide residents with tools and support to take action, then get out of the way. Ashley is engaged to Kaui Nakanelua, a Hawai‘i County firefighter. Together they are raising their two children, Arya and Toby, in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

2022-2024 Council Committees

Chair, Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development
Vice Chair, Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets

2020-2022 Council Committees

Chair, Planning Committee.
Vice Chair, Human Services & Social Services Committee.
Vice Chair, Governmental Operations, Relations, & Economic Development.
Chair, Housing Agency

2018-2020 Council Committees

Chair, Planning Committee.
Chair, Government Relations & Economic Development Committee.
Alternate, Executive Committee of the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties.

Education

St. Joseph School (K-12)
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (B.S. in Political Science)

Work Experience

Hastings & Pleadwell: A Communication Company, Senior Account Executive
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka Washington D.C. Office, Staff Assistant (Fall 2009)

Community Experience & Awards

Past President, Zonta Club of Hilo
Regional Director, Temple Children (arts and sustainability organization)
Former Board Member, YWCA of Hawai‘i Island
Former Board Member, Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board
2014 Vice Chair of the Hawai‘i County Cost of Government Commission
Named a Woman to Watch by Pacific Business News in 2014
Board of Directors & Economy Stream Chair, Vibrant Hawai’i
2019 Pamantasan Tagumpay (Success) Award

District 5 - Matt Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder

Upper Puna and portions of Keaʻau

South of West Mamaki Street, West of Highway 11 and Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road until Ainaloa Drive; Northwest of Ainaloa Drive until Paolani Street of Royal Hawn Estates; includes part of Kea‘au; Kurtistown, Orchidland, Tiki Gardens, Hawn Acres, Fern Acres, Eden Roc Estates, Fern Forest, Mountain View, and Royal Hawn Estates

Contact

Phone: (808) 961-8263
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 5
Email: matt.kanealii-kleinfelder@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Matthew Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder lives in Kurtistown with his wife, Dawn, and their two children, Adam and Maya, while their oldest child Alexis attends Avila University in Missouri. He attended Hawaii Community College and U.H. Hilo where he received his Associate in Liberal Arts. He wears many hats: he is a server, a bartender, an electrician, a solar installer, a glassblower, and a small restaurant owner. Yet at his core, Matt holds true to family values, honesty and hard work. Today, he’s ready to make a difference that goes beyond single rooftops and help make decisions that uplift his community.

District 6 - Michelle Galimba

Kāʻu, portions of South Kona, Volcano

West of Royal Hawn Estates, West of Mauna Loa Road, Southwest of New Volcano Road until end of South Point Road; Old Mamalahoa Hwy until Highway 11; State Hwy 11 until South of Trousseau Road; includes Mauna Loa Estates, Volcano, Pahala, Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Waiohinu, Ocean View, Hōnaunau-Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, and Kealakekua

Contact

Phone: (808) 323-4277
Fax: (808) 329-4786
Website: District 6
Email: michelle.galimba@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Michelle Galimba was born and raised in South Kona and Kaʻu, and currently helps to run her familyʻs cattle ranch - Kuahiwi Ranch - in Naʻalehu. She has also lived in Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu, on the U.S. mainland and in Taiwan. As a working rancher, she is an advocate for Hawaiʻi agriculture and locally grown food, as well as the preservation of open space and the natural and cultural treasures of our unique and beautiful island.

Education

B.A., Asian Studies, University of Oregone
M.A. and Ph.D, Comparative Literature, UC Berkeley

Employment

Kuahiwi Ranch, 1999 - Present

Community Advocacy/Public Participation

County of Hawaiʻi Windward Planning Commission, Vice Chair
USDA Farm Service Agency, Chair, County Committee
USDA Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, Administrative Committee and Outreach Steering Committee
AgHui
Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi
Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council
Hawaiʻi Employers Mutual Insurance Company (HEMIC)
American AgCredit Nominating Committee
Kaʻū Stewardship Hui
County of Hawaiʻi Charter Commission
Hawaiʻi State Board of Agriculture
Farm Credit Services of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi County 4-H Livestock Association
Vibrant Hawaiʻi
Kaʻu Community Development Plan Steering Committee
Hawaiʻi Cattlemenʻs Association & Hawaiʻi Cattlemenʻs Council
Hawaiʻi Beef Industry Council
Ka Ohana O Honuʻapo
Kaʻu Farm Bureau
Kaʻu Soil and Water Conservation District
Hawaiʻi Island Energy Co-operative
Taste of the Hawaiian Range Steering Committee
County of Hawaiʻi Commission on the Status of Women
2019 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference Keynote Speaker
2015 Hawaiʻi Business 20 for the Next 20
Contributor, Food and Power in Hawaiʻi: Visions of Food Democracy

District 7 - Rebecca Villegas

Portion of Kona and South Kona

North of Trousseau Road, State Hwy 19 until Nani Kailua Drive; West of State Route 11 until Luhia Street; Northeast of Kona Belt Road until Old Mauka Government Road Trail; includes Honalo, Kahalu‘u-Keauhou, Holualoa, and part of Kailua

Contact

Kona Council Offices
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway,
Building A, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone: (808) 323-4267
Fax: (808) 329-4786
Website: District 7
Email: rebecca.villegas@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Rebecca Villegas was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. She is the fifth generation of an ohana with a long history in the islands. Rebecca has been married to Robert Villegas for 13 years. They have two daughters, Miranda & Maiana, and are thrilled to be welcoming their first grand child into the world in 2019.

Education

1991 Konawaena High School
1995 U. H. Manoa, BA, Business Management
2016 Ulumau- Hawai‘i Island Leadership Series

Work Experience

AmeriCorps, National and Community Service
Catholic Charities, Home for Teenage Foster Girls
Kona Brewers Festival, Planning Team
Kona Brewing Company, HI Marketing Manager
Bamboo Shute Creations, Owner

Community Service

Surfrider Foundation, Kona Kai Ea Chapter, President
Kohanaiki ‘Ohana, President
Keiki Surf for the Earth & Beach Clean Up, Managing Organizer
Maka’ainana Foundation, Board Member
Mana’o Pono Sustainability Inc, President and CEO
Daughters of Hawaii

District 8 - Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba

North Kona

North of Nani Kailua Drive, between State Hwy 19 and Kona Belt Road; Northeast of State Route 19 until Waikoloa Beach Resort; includes part of Kailua; Kaloko, Kaiminani, and part of Waikoloa

Contact

Phone: (808) 323-4280
Fax: (808) 329-4786
Website: District 8
Email: holeka.inaba@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba was born and raised in Kona, Hawai‘i. His father, Don Inaba, comes from Hōlualoa where his ‘ohana started the iconic Kona Hotel. Kawehi Inaba, Dr. Inaba’s mother, is a long time Kona resident and founder of Mokulele Airlines, Kona’s hometown airline.

As a Native Hawaiian who is fluent in the Hawaiian language and knowledgeable in Hawaiian culture, Dr. Inaba is eager to provide a culturally grounded and future focused perspective to the county council.

For the 2022-2024 term, Dr. Inaba serves as Vice Chair of the County Council, Chair of the Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee, and Vice Chair of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development Committee

For the 2020-2022 term, Dr. Inaba served as Chair of the Parks & Recreation and Public Safety Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management Committee.

Education

Liberty University, Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Chapman University, M.S. Health and Strategic Communication
Chapman University, B.A. Integrated Educational Studies and Communication Studies
Kamehameha Schools (Kapālama), High School Diploma

Employment Experience

Communication Consultant, Kūpaʻa Business Planners
Enrichment Instructor, Kamehameha Schools
Donor Relations Assistant, Chapman University
Administrative Staff and Social Media Manager, Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino
Instructor of Business and Professional Communication, Chapman University

Community Service

Director, Board of Directors, Ali'i Health Clinic
President, Board of Directors, West Hawaiʻi Mediation Center

Publication

Co-Author: How celebrity lives affect our own: Understanding the impact on Americans public and private lives. (2019). Lanham: Lexington Books.

District 9 - Cynthia "Cindy" Evans

Kohala, portions of Waimea

Evans_2023

| District 9 Written Description | District 9 Map |

Junction of Daniel K Inouye Hwy and State Route 200; West of Daniel K Inouye Hwy; East of State Route 200; North of State Hwy 200 until end of State Hwy 270; includes Waikoloa, Puako, Waimea, Hāwī, Kapa‘au, and Halaula

Contact

Phone:
- Hilo - (808) 961-8564
- Kapaau - (808) 889-6512
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Website: District 9
Email: cindy.evans@hawaiicounty.gov

Reports

Biography

For the past 23 years, Cindy has sought to serve and improve the Kohala community. As a former long-time state representative, she understands the critical challenges facing our communities and knows what it takes to make lasting change. She is excited to bring her experience and expertise to the Hawai‘i County Council, where she is currently the chair of the Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee. This term, her legislative priorities are increasing attainable housing, promoting public heath and wellness, and developing a sustainable and robust economy that respects our people and our ‘āina. Additionally, she is personally passionate about doing more to address issues concerning domestic violence and animal welfare. She is grateful for this opportunity to continue her public service. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys volunteering with community organizations, spending time with her husband Rick, and gardening at their home in Kohala.

Education

B.A., Business Administration, Evergreen State College

Professional Experience

Majority Leader, Hawai‘i House of Representatives
Chair, Committee on Water & Land, Hawai‘i House of Representatives
Chair, Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, Hawai‘i House of Representatives
Chair, Committee on Economic Development & Business, Hawai‘i House of Representatives
Chair, State and Federal Relations, Council of State Governments West

Community Involvement

Over the years, Cindy’s public participation and community engagement has included:

Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Waikōloa Lions
Daughters of Hawai‘i
Girl Scouts of America
North Hawai‘i Domestic Violence Action Committee
Former Trustee, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Former Board Member, Mental Health Kokua
Former President, Waikōloa Village Outdoor Circle

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