HILO — Festooned with lei and applauded by a full room of staff and well-wishers, Randy Kurohara was confirmed Wednesday by a unanimous County Council vote as the county’s new managing director.
Kurohara, 53, replaces Wally Lau, who in late January stepped down as managing director in order to run for mayor. Kurohara had been deputy managing director since December 2012. He served as director of the Department of Research and Development from February 2009 to December 2012.
Mayor Billy Kenoi, in a rare appearance before the County Council, praised Kurohara as the person to finish ongoing projects over the next nine months as the mayor’s eight-year tenure ends in December because of term limits.
Kenoi characterized Kurohara as “someone who’s respected, someone who’s calm, someone who’s very, very smart,” when introducing his new managing director.
The managing director is charged with overseeing the county’s 18 departments and approximately $463 million annual budget. The position pays about $120,000 annually.
Kurohara, as deputy managing director, was the county purchasing card, or pCard, administrator for the Mayor’s Office during the time of Kenoi’s admitted misuse of his pCard for personal purchases. The county Board of Ethics last year cleared Kurohara of any wrongdoing, agreeing with his attorney that while he had authority over the staff in the Mayor’s Office, he didn’t have authority over the mayor.
“Randy truly cares and loves his community … our community,” Kenoi said.
Even Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, a frequent critic of the mayor, had nothing but positive things to say.
“I want to commend Mayor Kenoi’s good choice in this case,” she said, drawing chuckles from the packed room.
Other council members also heaped on the praise.
“You have all the qualities of a good manager,” said Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung.
“I think you are the right person at the right time,” said North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff.
“You have the skills that are needed in this position,” said Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter.
“I know you’re going to do a great job,” said Hilo Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi.
Kurohara appeared a little taken aback by the outpouring of good will.
“All these kind words are difficult for me to sit here and take,” he said. “I’ll work hard. I’ll continue to serve as I’ve always done. I’ll make sure we end and we leave everything in good order and goals and objectives are all met.”
