Historic Preservation Commission elects Matsuda president, Nagas Warren vice president in 4–3 vote

The Historic Preservation Commission elected its officers for the coming term during the meeting.

Commissioner Matsuda was elected president by unanimous vote. The commission then voted 4‑3 to elect Commissioner Nagas Warren as vice president after nominations and a short deliberation. Some commissioners praised Commissioner Black’s seniority and long service; others argued for elevating newer commissioners to leadership roles to promote social and racial equity.

Why it matters: Officer elections determine who chairs hearings and often set procedural priorities for commission work; commissioners explicitly debated the choice through lenses of experience and equity.

What happened: One commissioner nominated Commissioner Matsuda for president and Commissioner Nagas Warren for vice president; Commissioner Foley offered an alternate slate with Commissioner Black for vice president citing seniority and tenure. A commissioner who supported Nagas Warren said promoting younger leaders of color helps advance social and racial equity on the commission. Following roll‑call votes, Matsuda’s election as president passed 7‑0 and the vice‑president motion electing Nagas Warren passed 4‑3 (Black, Foley and Soh voted no).

Next steps: The newly elected officers will assume leadership roles for commission meetings; procedural responsibilities and docket management remain with staff and the president.

Sources: Roll call and votes taken during the Historic Preservation Commission meeting.