Kenoi

WAILUKU – Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi will present the keynote address at the 2015 Maui County Council Inauguration on Friday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Council Chair Gladys C. Baisa announced.

“Like so many others, I was stirred by Mayor Kenoi’s commencement speech at Hawaii Pacific University earlier this year,” Baisa said. “A video of the mayor’s speech has since gone viral online.

“I value our friendship and thank him for accepting my invitation.”

Joining Baisa in taking oaths of office for the 2015-17 council term during the inauguration ceremony will be Councilmembers Robert Carroll, Elle Cochran, Don Couch, Stacy Crivello, Don S. Guzman, G. Riki Hokama, Michael P. Victorino and Mike White.

Wailuku attorney Anthony Takitani will serve as emcee. The Honor Guard of the county’s Department of Fire and Public Safety will conduct the presentation of colors, and the national anthem will be sung by a trio of firefighters.

Judge Richard Bissen will administer the oath of office. Entertainment will be led by Na Hoku Hanohano awardees Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey and her daughter, Napua Greig.

The oli, pikai and pule will be performed by Kumu Kimokeo Kapahulehua. Limited two-hour parking may be available in front of the County Building and at 2307 Main St.

At 2 p.m., the council will hold its organizational meeting for the 2015-17 term. At the meeting, the council will elect officers, establish standing committees, adopt rules and appoint staff.

Baisa said the inauguration ceremony and the council meeting are open to the public with limited seating. Both events will be shown live on Akaku Channel 53.

For more information, visit MauiCounty.us/meeting/2015inauguration or call the Office of Council Services at 270-7838.