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Hawaii County Council-7 February 19,2025 <br /> My concern is with OSCER(Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and <br /> Resilience) and the vital role that we all agree it needs to play in terms of taking <br /> us from ideas and concepts and plans to actual implementation. And when it <br /> comes to climate change and sustainability, implementation strategies across the <br /> country are the challenge. Like, it's hard to get from ideas to action on the <br /> ground. And so, as we were approaching the new administration, and again, <br /> Mayor, I'm so glad you're here because one of the reasons that I had such grave <br /> concerns is that, and I know that this was before you and I ever had an <br /> opportunity to talk about what OSCER is and what it's for. On the campaign <br /> trail, you actually said that you didn't think OSCER was necessary. I'm not <br /> trying to call you out, but again, we didn't have a chance to talk. <br /> Secondly, I know that you have run and have since taken office on the idea of <br /> being different and change from the previous administration. And I will say that, <br /> nominally, the previous mayor wore the sustainability mantle, right, and I know <br /> that you want to be different from the previous mayor. And I understand why you <br /> have the community support behind that. <br /> And so my concern was that under the new administration, because of that tie of <br /> the previous administration, you guys would be less inclined to support OSCER <br /> and the actions of OSCER. But we've had a chance to talk, and I'd like to have <br /> you just say a little bit, if you don't mind, about your vision for this office going <br /> forward under your administration. <br /> CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball, excuse me. We're on the appointment <br /> of Ms. Acasio. So if you have questions about the office in which she's being <br /> appointed, you can ask her directly. Any conversation with the Mayor regarding <br /> specifics can be asked offline. We want to move forward today. <br /> If you'd like to direct your questions to Ms. Acasio, you can do that. She's here <br /> in our Kona chambers. <br /> MS. KIMBALL: Chair, I have to say I object. I think that this input from the <br /> Mayor is relevant to, in particular, my decision-making around this <br /> communication as the one that will direct the office. And I have made clear that <br /> my concern about the appointment is where the administration's view of the <br /> office's future lies. <br /> CHR. INABA: So is it in regards to her specific appointment, your question? <br /> MS. KIMBALL: It will lead to that, yes, Chair. <br /> CHR. INABA: Okay, so real briefly. And then, Ms. Acasio, can you come <br /> forward and be prepared to answer questions that Council Member Kimball has? <br /> Page 3 <br />