Mayor Kimo Alameda

Mayor Kimo Alameda is a proud father of seven children who has dedicated his professional career to serving the people of Hawaiʻi Island.

Prior to being elected as Mayor, he led Bay Clinic as CEO, the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, and was the Executive of the County of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Aging.

A licensed psychologist and former coach, Mayor Alameda leads the County to build healthy communities, support geographic equity, and create a stronger island for all. 

Managing Director Bill Brilhante

Bill Brilhante was County Human Resources Director from September 2017 until June 2021 after serving as Human Resources Deputy Director from November 2016. 

Born in Honokaʻa, Bill additionally served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County, was a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Hawaiʻi, worked as a County Firefighter, and was the Assistant Regional Counsel for the Social Security Administration in San Francisco.  

Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto

Merrick Nishimoto resides in Kealakekua where he was born and raised. He is the former Development Manager for the Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation. 

He also 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.

Pualililehua Carriaga

Executive Secretary to the Mayor 

Pualililehua Carriaga is the former Mohala Family Center Director for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. She previously was an administrative assistant for the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force and Executive Assistant for Bay Clinic. 

Emarie Carvalho

Executive Secretary to the Managing Director

Emarie Carvalho is a former Paralegal at The Law Offices of Robert Marx where she focused on civil litigation.

She started at the County’s Office of the Corporation Counsel in 2007 as a Legal Clerk and worked her way up to her current position as Division Head of the Clerical Staff: Supervising Legal Technician. She has 17 years of dedicated County service.

Amy Toafili

Executive Secretary to the Deputy Managing Director

Born and raised in Kona, Amy Toafili has over 25 years of administrative management experience, from irrigation contracting to government compliance director. 

Amy has created a federally approved ELDT Commercial Driving Curriculum and safety plans. She spearheaded a Heavy Equipment Course for the keiki construction trades program by coordinating with non-profit organizations, industry businesses, private foundations, and volunteers to give Hawaii’s keiki an opportunity to experience multiple hands-on construction trade projects. 

Micah Alameda

Executive Assistant (Boards and Commissions)

Micah Alameda graduated in 2006 from Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi and studied at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He oversees recruitment for County boards and commissions, coordinates volunteer efforts, and connects the Mayor’s Office with the inter-faith community. Micah previously served as a board member with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, a nonprofit executive, and as a legislative aide at the State and County levels. 

Tom Callis

Executive Assistant (Public Information Officer)

Media inquiries: tom.callis@hawaiicounty.gov

Tom Callis brings nearly 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the Mayor’s Office. From 2012-2019, he covered County government, the State Legislature, and major local events as a reporter for the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald.

He later worked as a Communications Specialist for the County and an Exhibit and Digital Media Education Specialist for the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Malia Louis

Executive Assistant (Sister City Coordinator)

Born and raised in Hilo, and a resident of Kailua-Kona for over 30 years, Malia Louis brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, business operations, and community engagement to her role.

Passionate about the advancement of the Hawaiian community, Malia is dedicated to supporting the County’s Sister City relationships and fostering connections within West Hawai’i communities.

Tracey Niimi

Executive Assistant (Social Media & Electronic Communications)

Tracey Niimi is an award-winning photographer and videographer who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Prior to joining the County, he was a Co-Founder of Abstract Collab, and operates TN Photography/Tracey Niimi & Co.

Through the use of digital and social media, Tracey is committed to reintroducing the County to the community while showcasing the amazing work of our County employees.

Erin Samura

Executive Assistant (Health, Equity & Human Services)

Erin Samura is a dedicated pharmacist committed to improving community well-being. As an Executive Assistant, she supports the mayor’s initiatives to improve healthcare access, health literacy and public health outreach with underserved communities. 

She previously worked as a community pharmacist at Walmart and Walgreens and served as a clinical pharmacist for the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center. She continues to volunteer with the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force.

Clifford Victorine

Executive Assistant (Public Safety, Complaints & Events)

Clifford Victorine brings nearly 40 years of experience in public safety and investigations to the Mayor’s Office. A former police officer, security guard, and Army reservist, he serves as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and departments responsible for public safety (Animal Control, Civil Defense, Fire, Liquor Control, Police, and Prosecuting Attorney). Additionally, he assists in coordinating events and handles public complaints. 

Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Clifford was a Claims Investigator/Adjustor for the County’s Office of Corporation Counsel.

Barbara Kossow 

Administrative Specialist

Barbara Shim Kossow has worked with the Mayor’s Office for 24 years. She finds passion in community service and has an extensive background with community organizations and non-profits.  

She is a former Deputy Managing Director and, as Administrative Specialist, she plans organizes and coordinates functions for the Mayor's Office at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center and acts as a liaison between the public and various agencies and departments. 

Kaycie Saiki

Administrative Services Assistant

With over 21 years of service at the Mayor's Office of Hawaiʻi County, she has occupied multiple roles such as, clerical services assistant, fire commission secretary, clerical services supervisor, DCAB liaison, and administrative specialist. Currently, she serves as the Administrative Services Assistant, acting as the Human Resources representative for the office, while also assisting with the office's finances, accounting, and payroll.

Jonnette Soares-Padilla

Clerical Services Assistant

Jonnette Soares-Padilla has served in the Mayor's Office under multiple administrations and greets every visitor with a smile. She is proud to be part of the County and grateful for each opportunity she gets to uplift the community.

Damon Williams

Clerical Services Assistant

Damon Williams has been a singer/songwriter for nearly 30 years and is a three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards finalist. He previously was the Chief Audio Engineer for the Keaʻau Youth Business Center and enjoys surfing, cooking for family, and serving the community.