Press Releases

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