By Associated Press
Hilo, Hawaii—Former Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Harry Kim has been sworn in as the Big Island’s seventh elected mayor.
Kim is believed to be the first U.S. mayor of Korean ancestry, and representatives of South Korea were among those attending the ceremony.
Four former mayors looked on as Kim, 61, took the oath of office from Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra in a noon ceremony last Monday at the Hilo Civic Center. Prosecutor Jay Kimura and the nine-member County Council also were sworn in.
The Rev. Henry Kahalehili set the tone for the program when he called on Kim, Kimura and the council members to “serve from the heart.”
Kim pledged to do just that in his brief, extemporaneous remarks, and said he would lead with integrity. In his short talk, he did not discuss the plans for the county but expressed his love for his family, lifelong friends and those who voted for him.
He said simply that his agenda is to earn the trust of voters over the next four years.
Kim was elected as a Republican but considers himself to be politically independent. |
