Testimonials

Bev Quiamas

I know Jo Kim as "Coach Jo".  She was my AYSO soccer coach since I was 9 years old.  I remember the first day of practice this short Korean lady comes running down to the field with her high heels, pencil skirt and a blouse.  We later found out she was also a lawyer and that explained her attire.  No matter how much we all drove her crazy she still wanted to be our coach the next year, the year after that, and the years after that until we were seniors in high school.  From a young age I realized that Coach Jo was fully committed to our team of 9 year old girls.  With her busy schedule of being a lawyer, I can’t recall her missing any of our practices or games.  She was tough and always pushing me to be the best of my ability.  She would help us plan for our future after high school taking us to the mainland to look at different colleges.  That's why I think Jo Kim would be a perfect fit as the County Councilwoman.  She's committed, always wanting the best for everyone, and cares so much about our community.

Rebecca Townsend

I first met Jo as she coached a U12 select girls soccer team going to Oahu for Kirk Banks Tournament.   At that time, Jo coached several girls’ soccer teams while serving as the AYSO board's regional commissioner.  I wondered why a successful, busy attorney with 3 sons would find the time to volunteer for the AYSO and to coach girl's soccer.  I eventually concluded that there were several reasons.  First off, Jo clearly loves the game of soccer.   Second, she loves interacting with the girls. That is logical considering that males surround her in her home.   Lastly, I believe that she valued the opportunity to serve as a role model to the girls.   She aspired to teach them to be fearless and confident.  She wanted to demonstrate the value of hard work and hopefully win a few soccer games in the process.

 Jo has the reputation of being a tough and passionate soccer coach. She coached my daughter in multiple AYSO tournaments and ultimately for 4 years of Honokaa high school varsity soccer.  She devoted herself to the team and in return had high expectations of the girls.  Many of these young girls, including my daughter, have been influenced to become   more confident, more assertive, and stronger   adult women through their association with "coach Jo".  

Jo Kim is a champion of the public school system.  When my children were ready to leave the Montessori school I faced the difficult decision as to which north Hawaii school to enroll them.  Jo made a very convincing argument encouraging me to use the public schools.   As I recall, the argument was based on a strong conviction that all children deserve access to high quality education.  She argued that public schools would be the means to provide this and that a strong public school system is possible if we all support it with our time and our energy.   She has had the opportunity to demonstrate her support of the local public schools by serving on multiple committees, coaching high school soccer, volunteering for the PTA, organizing and contributing to pot lucks etc. etc.    Basically," aunty Jo" is the lady that buys 2 of whatever your kids are selling. 

Jo is a great and loyal friend. You can trust her to support and work hard for the people and issues that she cares about.  She is known by friends, family and colleagues as a woman with strong opinions. I’ve always admired her willingness to speak out passionately for what she believes.  However, the quality I most respect is the willingness to listen to an opposing viewpoint.  She enjoys engaging in discussions with an open mind, especially when differences exist.  

Jo is genuinely interested in the difficult issues affecting all of our daily lives.    If you ever want to gain a better understanding of healthcare reform, sustainable farming practices, GMO, public school funding, the latest supreme court ruling, or most any of the important issues we face toady, just ask Jo.    Honestly, these are the kind of topics she reads about in her leisure time.  

Jo Kim has a proven passion for serving her community, she is fearless, and will always speak up for what she believes. She is intelligent and well informed.  I believe that the people of district would be wise to vote for Jo Kim. 

Residents of district 1 are fortunate that Jo Kim is offering to serve on the County Council. I have no doubt that she would do an amazing job.

Max Bowman

4 Reasons to Support My Mom Jo Kim For County Council

"Ano 'Ano Farms

Max working on his five acre farm on the Hamakua Coast 

growing sweet onions, cherry and grape tomatoes, and potatoes.

1- She’s dedicated.  Over the years I’ve come to know my mother as both a parent and an active, involved member of our community.  She has coached high school soccer, participated in PTAs in both Pa’auilo and Honoka’a schools, and donated countless hours to causes and people she cares about.  My mom understands the relationship between a positive outcome and the hard work and sacrifice necessary to bring it about.  Her tireless work ethic and steadfast commitment are qualities of enormous benefit to the County Council, ones that will directly benefit our families and neighbors.

2.  She understands the issues and the people behind them.  If you know my mom, you know she won’t commit to something without first learning everything she can in order to establish her position.  She is thorough, thoughtful, and reasoned in her approach to difficult problems and challenges.  One of the things I admire about mom is her ability to gather disparate opinions and ideas and then come to an informed, often unique, conclusion of her own.  Her understanding of the challenges and opportunities our county faces is unparalleled.

3.  She’s funny!  Or at least, she believes she is.  I can’t tell you how many times she’s told a joke she thinks is hilarious but no one else seems to get.  Most times she can’t even finish a story she finds funny because she’s laughing too hard while the rest of us are shrugging.  Since this happens often it’s probably fair to say her sense of humor is a little off, but aren’t unintentionally funny politicians the best kind anyway? 

4.  She’s generous.  My mom will willingly give her time and energy to the people she loves every time without fail.  She genuinely cares about others’ issues and will work diligently toward improving their situations.  Mom will dedicate herself to problems wholeheartedly, and expects the same in return.  She’s the smartest, bravest, and hardest working woman I know and would be an outstanding legislator for our county.

Jamie Ornellas

I have known Jo Kim for over 20 years, wow!  I began working with Jo in 1990 at what was then the domestic violence legal hotline.  It was there that I saw firsthand the impact she could and did make on families in crisis.  Jo was unwavering in her commitment to helping these families be safe from violence and abuse.  Jo was never daunted by the unique legal issues that would inevitably come up.  She just dove right in and solved the problem.  Jo’s leadership and drive is inspiring.  She encouraged all of us to work with her, as a team, and when a goal was reached she was quick to give credit to everyone involved.

Jo has the integrity and courage to do what is right and not necessarily what is popular.  She is not a person who can be easily intimidated and has always been an excellent advocate for the underdog.  Jo possesses the intelligence, wisdom, integrity and fortitude needed for political office!  I have no doubt that she will serve the people of District 1 of Hawaii County with great enthusiasm and honor.  Good luck Jo! 

Miles Okumura       

Compare the records of the candidates for the office of County Council, District 1.

       Jo Kim has greater experience and proven ability as an advocate for people in her roles as an attorney,   a community activist, and a parent involved in school issues.   Anyone who has witnessed her representing a client in a court of law, coaching her soccer teams, or advocating at community meetings will attest that she is loyal,   fiery and fearless.  

  

       Her personal qualities, intelligence and high ethical standards provide her the strength and foresight to stand up for what is best for the future of the Island of Hawaii.  Jo Kim is the candidate with the greater independence of mind and politics, not beholding to powerful individuals, deal-makers or special interest groups.   

Malia R. Nickison-Beazley, Esq.

Long before I knew her as Jo Kim, Esquire, or even knew what an "esquire" was, I knew her as Aunty Jo.  The spunky woman who was thrilled when she received power tools on Mother's Day and challenged her nieces and nephews to do and be more in their lives.  At least... that's the way I've seen her.

With Aunty Jo as my role model, how could I not attempt to follow in her footsteps.  Her passion for the community, commitment to the promotion of pro bono legal services, strong ethical background and zealous advocacy are just a few reasons behind my admiration of this woman.  And how could anyone forget to mention her love and commitment to her family and friends.

Aunty Jo has always been there for me as one of my biggest fans.  She advised me during my decision to apply to law school; cheered for me when I called her with news of my acceptance to her alma mater, William S. Richardson School of Law; and she sat front row during my graduation.  I know her community can expect to receive the same staunch support from her as a councilwoman that I have received from her as an aunt.

As our State continues to battle against a grim economy that has significantly impacted our jobs, the education of our children, and our overall health and welfare, I cannot think of a better person than Jo Kim to have as an advocate for her community.  With her role-up-her-sleeves-and-get-the-job-done attitude, she will serve District 1 of Hawaii County well.

Mel DeMotta 

I would like express my support for Jo Kim who is running for county council.  I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Kim as she represented me in a difficult and emotional custody case.  What drew me to Jo was her background in working and fighting for women's rights and family law. From our first conversation, I knew she was the attorney for the job.  My case was new, and the odds of winning a fair judgement was a long shot. Mrs. Kim was very committed and dedicated to giving me her best, and thanks to her, I have my daughter in my life again.
When I read that Jo was thinking of entering the political arena, I immediately thought, the people need a strong, experienced woman to continue to strive for being the voice of the community. She is well rounded, having a successful private law career as well as getting involved with the community as a coach for soccer in her home town of Honoka'a.
In the time I have gotten to know her, she has shown dedication and compassion in her support of my endeavor, and I am proud to call her my friend. I would encourage the district in which she is running for office to support her in her campaign.  Please elect Jo Kim, she is definitely the right woman for the job!
Have an awesome day ✌

Sandy Warriner Linskey

Jo Kim and I have been friends since we were in 5^th grade at Maunawili Elementary School in Kailua. I admire Jo’s commitment to justice.  As long as I can remember she has helped those who need it most. She is still doing this as she has worked tirelessly to develop the Self Help Center in Hilo, and received an award for her volunteer work.

As a teacher, I invite people of various careers to speak to my students about their career and to inspire my students to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.  Jo spoke to my 8th grade students one year about her career and what it takes to become a lawyer. When she asked the students if they had any questions, one student asked why she became a lawyer and she said to help people who need it the most.  She truly has done that. She helps her clients, her family and many in the community on a daily basis.

As a leader, she is able to motivate people to do extraordinary things. You can see this in her work co- founding Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii and the Domestic Violence Legal Hotline (now Domestic Violence Action Center) As the Honokaa girls soccer coach she took her team to the state play offs several years.  

            She is an innovator in solving problems.  One major problem our state faces is sustainability. We are becoming increasingly dependent on the mainland. As anyone who lived through Hurricane Iwa or Iniki or the shipping strike of the 1970’s knows, we could be without necessities again in the future.  Jo is a strong advocate of working toward Hawaii’s sustainability and implements a green lifestyle in her own home. She will be able to lead the Big Island toward sustainability as your County Councilwoman.

Sandy and Jo  June 2011

Diana Van De Car

I've known Jo Kim for almost 40 years, as a fellow law student, as a hard-driving adversary in divorce litigation, and as a friend. She has been a tireless advocate for people with legal problems who can't afford lawyers.  I don't use the term "tireless advocate" lightly.  When she saw a need, she worked relentlessly to address it. She'll never take credit for all that she has done but her accomplishments have been nothing short of amazing.  Sometimes it was just planting an idea in the right person's mind, sometimes it was lobbying lawyers and judges to step up to the plate, and sometimes it was just plain old community organizing.  But there is no doubt that many of the organizations people now take for granted had their roots in Jo Kim's work.  Thanks in large part to her unceasing efforts over many years, we now have help for people who are victims of domestic violence, we have an organization where people can get pro bono help from lawyers, and we now have a self-help center at the courthouse here in Hilo where people can get legal information without charge.  It's not enough, but Jo just won't quit when there's a community need.  I can't wait to see what else she's going to do for our community.