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So here we have it folks. The end of the Kenoi saga and the start of Kim 2.0.
I'm not too excited about many of his appointments. Pretty much politics as usual -- friends hire friends. No real visionary appointments.
I wonder if Harry truly understands the minefield he has now stepped on to? This go around won't be so warm and fuzzy. IMHO, Harry works well and has a great public radiance when everyone is listening...everyone is agreeing...and everybody respects him. A style that fit Civil Defense quite well at that time. But these days have changed. People are more rude to each other than ever before. Social Media has emerged. The island has more poor folks than ever. Mayor Kim (like Billy Before) will be challenged, questioned, disrespected, and vilified more than he ever did in the first go around. Again I ask, I wonder if Harry has any idea of the proverbial minefield he has just walked in to? Stay tuned...
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unfortunately 2live, i agree with you. something about social media has radically changed people. maybe the 'instant' response of everything. but people seem to enjoy being rude and aggressive and that doesn't fit harry's style at all. but, i have also seen harry knows how to push back. he has also grown older and wiser. so, like i say about trump, lets give the guy a chance and see what positive comes about. anything seems better than this last administration... and i went in with a lot of hope for billy...
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I have friends who work in the County government, and they say Harry has already come in like a bull in a china shop. He has a friendly persona for the public, but on the job he is dismissive of his employees, prone to angry curse-filled outbursts, and stuck in a 1950's/my way is always right mentality. Apparently numerous candidates have turned down appointment opportunities, and several of the folks who have received cabinet appointments do not appear to meet the minimum Charter requirements. But knowing our Council, they'll be confirmed anyway. It is interesting that the Civil Defense post, which one would think would be among his highest priorities, remains unfilled.
I hope I'm wrong, but I fear that Harry will not be the success that many expect or hope he will be.
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I fear that Harry will not be the success that many expect or hope
I don't think we can afford any more Kenoi-style "success" around here.
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quote:
Originally posted by KeaauRich
I have friends who work in the County government, and they say Harry has already come in like a bull in a china shop. He has a friendly persona for the public, but on the job he is dismissive of his employees, prone to angry curse-filled outbursts, and stuck in a 1950's/my way is always right mentality.
I tried to reach out to Harry Kim after his election victory, but was on the receiving end of his angry, curse-filled outburst. He did call me back a day or so later to apologize. However, the phone conversation left indelible impression on me that the next four years will be...... difficult.
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"It is interesting that the Civil Defense post, which one would think would be among his highest priorities, remains unfilled." Why bother?
(This is your Hawaii County Civil Defi ah-ah Mayor, Mayor Harry Kim. The National Weather Service is predicting cloudy skies tonight and tomorrow, citizens are advised to stay off the roads, all schools and public offices will remain closed until conditions improve.)
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We would do better with Pete Hoffman or Wally Lau.
Harry never impressed me.
Had Angel Pilago been elected in 2008, we probably would be better off today.
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Harry is probably trying to figure out how he could be Director of Civil Defense again and collect overtime.
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Harry is already being tested.
Harry does not to well when challenged publically....or challenged in general, for that matter. Like I said earlier -- he does well when everyone listens to him and agrees. Not only will people disagree with him, but it will be filmed, recorded, and documented on social media for all to see.
His handlers have done well in terms of capitalizing on the "we are not billy" slant. Well, the election is over now. This is where the rubber meets the road. Again I state, I wonder if Harry has any idea of the minefield he has walked in to. His greatest challenges will come when interacting with public -- especially when that public ask hard questions and demand immediate answers.
Danny Paleka lost his seat pretty much for not being able to contain himself in the heat of public questioning. Harry, although much older and seasoned in county politics -- also has a way of letting his temper get the best of him. This has not changed. Remember the old saying, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Harry's metal will be tested. Stay tuned...
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quote:
Originally posted by leilanidude
Harry is probably trying to figure out how he could be Director of Civil Defense again and collect overtime.
Check it out, leilanidude. This is from the
updated Civil Defense page (Bold by me):
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/
INTERIM CIVIL DEFENSE ADMINISTRATOR: Harry Kim
DESCRIPTION: The role of the Civil Defense Agency is to direct and coordinate the development and administration of the County’s total emergency preparedness and response program to ensure prompt and effective action when natural or man-caused disaster threatens or occurs anywhere in the County of Hawai‘i.
