New Mayors Take Over Kauai, Big Island

HONOLULU -- Monday was inauguration day on the Big Island and Kauai as new mayors and county council members took office.

In Hilo, Billy Kenoi, 39, became Hawaii County's youngest mayor.

The ceremony was held at noon at the Civic Auditorium in Hilo. The Hawaii County Band played during a short procession as the mayor elect and new county council entered to take the oath of office.

Kenoi was sworn in first. The council members took the oath of office as a group.

The politicians said they will focus on replacing Hilo's aging landfill, improving the island's infrastructure and deal with the ailing economy.

The new mayor said the economic problems will overshadow everything else.

"Everyone is going to have to focus on the economy," Kenoi said.

Sen. Dan Akaka and former Big Island mayors were there for the ceremony, including outgoing mayor Harry Kim.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann also flew over for the ceremony. Hannemann said it is important for the county governments work closely together.

In Lihue, Bernard Carvalho Jr. took the oath of office as the mayor of Kauai. He defeated former Mayor JoAnn Yukimura in November in a special election.

Carvalho takes over for the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste, who died of heart problems earlier this year.