La‘akea Chun joins Kaua‘i Charter Commission

LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Charter Commission has a new commissioner in La‘akea Chun following the unanimous approval from the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday during its scheduled meeting at the historic County Building.

Chun, a 12th grade student at Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School, was on hand to receive testimony before the council voted on an earlier communication from Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, where he asked for council consideration and confirmation to the Charter Review Commission.

Chun was surrounded by a group of her supporters, including her nominator, Ellen Ching, who is the head of the county’s boards and commissions. Council Chair Mel Rapozo jokingly told her before the vote that she needed to mind her comments because the vote appeared pretty close.

Chun said she wanted to get involved with government before “her teeth fell out.” When she started out, this was only a senior project with the goal of getting an ex-officio position.

Following the unanimous vote, Chun said her plan for the remaining several months before she leaves for college is to develop a better understanding with the Charter Review Commission and its members.

Council Chair Rapozo, in congratulating the new commissioner, encouraged her to stay involved and continue her interest in getting the “new generation” of leaders involved with government.

The wait on the final vote was prolonged, as the Kaua‘i County Council presented a certificate to Griffin Lin, a 9-year-old swimmer with the Swim Kaua‘i Aquatics program.

The program had a number of accomplishments at the recent state age group meet, which was held off-island.