(ABOVE VIDEO) Footage from the inaugural ceremony in Hilo by Baron Sekiya of Hawaii247.com, voice of Sherry Bracken (who also served as MC of the event)

ABOUT

Earlier today, the 2014 – 2016 Hawaii County Council was sworn into office during an event held at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. The councilmembers include Valerie T. Poindexter, serving Hamakua; Hilo Council members Aaron Chung and Dennis “Fresh” Onishi; Puna council members Greggor Illagan and Daniel Paleka; Maile David, who serves Ka’u through South Kona; Central Kona councilmember Dru Kanuha; North Kona council member Karen Eoff; and Margaret Wille, serving Kohala and Waimea.

Mayor Billy Kenoi was the keynote speaker for the event.

All eight Council members will serve a two year term.

The Council members also held their first meeting today at 3 p.m. The first order of business is electing Dru Mamo Kanuha as the new Council Chair and Valerie Poindexter as the new Council Vice Chair.

EXTENDED VIDEO

The new Council Chair is Kona councilmember Dru Kanuha, who gave this traditional “council chair-elect” address on Monday. Video by Hawaii247.com.

Mayor Billy Kenoi delivered the keynote address at the event.