Hawaii County council chair stresses unity, cultural stewardship and collaboration at inauguration

Maile Medeiros David delivered the Hawaii County Council's official address at the inauguration, urged collaboration with the new mayor's administration and emphasized cultural stewardship, climate resilience and economic recovery from the pandemic.

The chair noted the county's COVID-19 challenges and praised the previous administration for its handling of the crisis. In her remarks, she described being "the first Kanaka Maoli wahine" to lead the council and underscored the cultural responsibilities that inform her approach.

Maile Medeiros David used part of her address to present a Hawaiian word chosen by each council member that reflects their priorities and values, and she repeatedly called for working together across districts to address climate change, public-health recovery and economic hardships.

Prior to the address, judges in Kona and Hilo administered oaths to newly elected and re-elected council members. The chair thanked county staff, volunteers and community partners who helped stage the socially distanced ceremony, and the program closed with musical performances and acknowledgements of floral donors and volunteers.