December 1, 2008 – Hilo, Hawaii

VIDEO by David Corrigan

During today’s inauguration ceremony at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Jay Kimura was sworn in to another term as the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney.

After the taking the oath of office, Kimura addressed the crowd in attendance. Speaking on the topic of the challenges facing the Big Island heading into 2009, Kimura briefly mentioned the recent marijuana ballot question controversy. The measure hoped to make marijuana related enforcement the lowest priority for police, and it was approved by the voting public in the November election. However, many legal authorities believe the measure is invalid, pre-empted by state and federal laws. Kimura says he has consulted with state Attorney General Mark Bennett on the issue.

Kimura also mentioned that Charlene Iboshi will be the First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney heading into his new term.

Fighting the public health threat of fake drugs