LIHU‘E — Justin Kollar was sworn in as the County of Kaua‘i prosecuting attorney Monday afternoon at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Kollar, who was defeated incumbent Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho in the November election, said he was humbled and honored
LIHU‘E — Justin Kollar was sworn in as the County of Kaua‘i prosecuting attorney Monday afternoon at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
Kollar, who was defeated incumbent Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho in the November election, said he was humbled and honored to take the oath after a long and difficult campaign.
Kollar said prosecutors have a simple message to seek justice in every single case, and to do their job for the right things at the right times for the right reasons.
“We will do our jobs with humility, with respect and with the goal of protecting the public,” Kollar said. “We will temper justice with mercy and with compassion.”
Kollar started his speech by recognizing his mother and an aunt who traveled all the way from the East Coast for the ceremony. He also recognized his fiancé, Sierra Hampton-Eng, an English teacher.
“This has been quite a journey for the both of us and I owe much to her infinite patience and grace under pressure,” Kollar said.
After thanking campaign chairs Dane and Frances Oda, Kollar acknowledged Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his wife, Regina, as well as the members of the County Council.
“I can’t wait to get to work with you on tackling some of the problems facing our community,” Kollar said.
The 39-year-old prosecutor steps down as a deputy county attorney to take the elected post. He thanked his former boss, County Attorney Al Castillo, and the deputy county attorneys for showing him “the true definition of teamwork, togetherness and what an office work environment should be like.”
Kollar also introduced his team of deputy prosecuting attorneys who were sworn in earlier. His First Deputy is Kevin Takata, and the Second Deputy is Rebecca Vogt.
The remaining deputy prosecutors present included Lisa Arin, Shauna Lee Cahill, Ginger Grinpas, Jenelle Hughes, Tracy Murakami, John Murphy, Gary Nelson, Ramsey Ross, Timothy Tobin, and Teresa Tumbaga.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melinda Mendes was not present as she was participating in jury selection for the Mason Saio trial that started on Monday.
“I am confident that we will all work very hard to make this community a safer and healthier place,” Kollar said.
“Together we are more than the sum of our parts,” he added. “Our job is important and one thing I can promise you is that we take it very seriously.”
The OPA will work in an open and transparent manner and will be accountable to the public, Kollar said.
When things go wrong the office will take responsibility and look for ways to improve, he said.
“We will rebuild the relationships that have suffered over the past years and whatever happens, we will be a team, together, working together toward a common goal,” he said.
