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GOEAC-53 Page 3 July 8, 2025 <br />multiple nominees in these positions. Member Villegas stated that she is in support of this bill and <br />wants the voters to decide. <br />Committee Member James Hustace asked what the feedback has been from potential candidates <br />regarding filling this position. Mr. Brilhante said the salary for this position is below what can be <br />made in the private sector. He stated that first year graduates can earn up to $150,000 in the <br />private sector. <br />Member Hustace asked if we still consider DPW as the central coordination agency as mentioned <br />in the Hawaii Revised Statues (HRS) Section 46 regarding enforcement. DPW Acting Director <br />Neil Azevedo said that falls to the Planning Department. Planning Director Jeff Darrow said that <br />they work closely with DPW, but that our County doesn't have a central coordination agency. <br />Committee Member Heather Kimball mentioned that departmental reorganization might <br />accomplish the needs of filling these positions better. Member Kimball mentioned that the salary <br />is a consideration as well as consistency between administrations as this is a position that is only <br />guaranteed for a mayoral term, and many Public Works projects can take much longer to see all <br />the way through. She stated that HRS 464-4 mentions the requirements of a licensed professional <br />overseeing Public Works projects. The Hawaii County Code identifies the director as the <br />authority having jurisdiction over those projects that would require a licensed engineer. She said <br />she would like to know how Maui and Kauai were able to remove that requirement and still <br />maintained compliance with HRS requirements. She encouraged all Committee Members to <br />review HRS 464 as well as Hawaii County Code 5-2-1 and 5-2-2. She offered to work with <br />engineers on their suggested amendments and also recommended bringing back a prior charter <br />amendment proposed by Member Kierkiewicz to reorganize DPW into different Departments. <br />Member Kierkiewicz stated that she is opening to bring back her charter amendment bill for <br />discussion. <br />Member Inaba said that he would be interested in having that bill brought back, but feels it is <br />confusing to the public to have overlapping conversations in the same meetings. He invited those <br />with amendments to bring those to him or another Committee member. He reminded everyone <br />that Charter amendments need to be heard at Council three times and urged the other members to <br />move this bill forward from committee meetings. <br />Member Onishi asked Mr. Brilhante if the Administration would consider a commission to hire <br />DPW, similar to Fire or Police. Mr. Brilhante said they have not given much consideration to that <br />idea yet. Member Kimball said that is a third thing to consider and would work on another <br />proposal along those lines. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada requested that the Director of Human Resources be present to <br />answer questions at the next hearing. She stated that raising the salary level would be the ultimate <br />solution to find someone who has both an engineering degree and managerial experience. <br />Member Kimball made a motion to postpone until the July 22nd Governmental Operations and <br />External Affairs meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Galimba. Member Kimball <br />stated that they have plenty of time to get it onto the ballot by the deadline for a Charter <br />amendment. She said that there are many things to work out here with multiple proposals and she <br />GOEAC Report No. 53 <br />