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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br /> OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br /> DATE: May 14, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 796/Bill 145 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 1:00 P.M. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br /> Bill 145, reports as follows: <br /> Bill 145, introduced by Council Member Cindy Evans via Communication No. 796, dated <br /> March 27, 2024, initiates an amendment to Article VI, Chapter 7, Sections 6-7.3 and 6-7.4; and <br /> Article XVI of the Hawaii County Charter (2022 Edition), relating to the Windward and <br /> Leeward Planning Commissions. <br /> This bill adds a requirement that at least one member of each commission have experience or <br /> expertise in Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, Native Hawaiian law, or <br /> traditional Hawaiian land usage; land use planning, policies, and principles; land development <br /> and construction; or environmental science, environmental protection, or land conservation, and <br /> that each category be represented by a different member. <br /> This bill was previously heard and postponed on April 16, 2024. <br /> Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Meeting of April 16, 2024 <br /> Member Jennifer Kagiwada questioned who decides if the appointee had the qualifications and <br /> how the Council would measure them. <br /> Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder expressed his appreciation for the bill and called upon <br /> Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance to discuss the possibility of making these qualifications <br /> an overarching requirement for all Hawaii County boards and commissions. <br /> Member Evans moved to postpone Bill No. 145 to the Governmental Operations and External <br /> Affairs Committee meeting of April 30, 2024, which was rescheduled to May 1, 2024. <br /> Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Meeting of May 1, 2024 <br /> Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz pointed out that the word `substantial,' when referring to an <br /> appointee's experience or expertise level can be subjective. The introducer plans to remove the <br /> word from the bill. Member Kierkiewicz also pointed out that making these qualifications a <br /> requirement may limit the volunteer pool. <br /> GOEAC Report No. 140 <br />