Councilmember Dominic Yagong

A 1977 graduate of Honoka‘a High School, Dominic Yagong exhibited leadership qualities early on as he served as Class President for several years, and finally Student Body Government President during his senior year.   He was selected as one of six “Outstanding Seniors” to graduate and was a recipient of the “I Dare You” award and the “Golden Hammer” award.

Dominic Yagong married his high school sweetheart, the former Hilda S. Honda of Kalopa, and they have been happily married for the past 33 years.   They reside in Honoka’a raising four beautiful children.

Through out his life, Yagong has served on various community organizations including, Hamakua Lions Club, Brantley Center, Salvation Army, and served as President of the Hamakua Jaycees, Mauna Kea Jaycees and the Honoka’a Elementary Association.  He also chaired the Honoka’a High School Centennial Celebration as well as the Lady of Lourdes Holy Ghost Feast Celebration.   He continues to volunteer as the sports announcer for Honoka’a High School and has done so since 1989. He is affectionately known as the “Voice of the Honoka’a Dragons.”

Yagong is currently employed by Food Pantry Ltd, and has been with them for 20 years.  He began working full time with the company in 2000 where he has served as Store Manager as well as District Manager. He has also worked in managerial positions with KTA Superstores in Waimea, as well as Malama Market in Pahoa and Oceanview.

Councilmember Yagong was first elected to the Hawaii County Council in 1996 representing Council District 1 Hamakua, North Hilo and Rural South Hilo.

He went on to serve for three consecutive terms until 2002 when he decided not to run for a fourth council term.  Then in 2006, revived and refreshed, Yagong sought his former Council District 1 seat and won outright in the primary election.  He has since won re-election bids in 2008 and 2010.

During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee, Chair the Environmental Management Committee, Vice-Chairman for the Human Service Committee and Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee as well as the Parks and Recreation Committee. 

After the 2010 elections, Yagong was named Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee, as well as being selected by his colleagues to lead the Hawaii County Council as Chairperson and Presiding Officer.

Yagong is often described as the “watch dog” for Hawaii Taxpayers due to his intense and outspoken scrutiny of government spending. He has said:
“We cannot spend our way out of debt, and we must learn to live within our means”