REP GOEAC 053 2025-07-08 2024-2026

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GOEAC-53 Page 4 July 8, 2025 stated that working out clear language in committee before moving it to Council should be the goal. Member Inaba suggested moving postponement to July 8 h. Member Kimball withdrew her original date and motioned to postpone to July 8d', Member Inaba seconded that motion. All voted in favor of the motion with Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder absent. Governmental Operations and External Affairs Meeting of July 8, 2025 Member Kimball began by bringing forth an amendment contained within Communication No. 334.1 with clarifying language around the original bill's requirements to be a Director of DPW. Member Onishi said that he would not be supporting the amendment or the bill. Member Inaba said that while he appreciates the specificity in the amendment, the original intent was to open the pool of candidates and more specificity on qualifications may impact that, so he would not be supporting the amendment. Members Villegas, Kierkiewicz, and Kdneali`i- Kleinfelder shared their agreement with Member Inaba in opposition. Communication No. 334.1 was approved, 5 ayes and 4 Members Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, and Villegas voting in opposition. Member Kimball introduced her second amendment which was contained within Communication No. 334.2. She said this is another concern brought to her by members of the engineering community and would protect the safety of the community and the integrity of those with professional degrees by requiring the Director to delegate any engineering decisions to be left up to those with professional engineering licenses. Ms. Schoen responded to Member Kimball's question regarding if there is any mechanism in place for employees to appeal a decision by a superior who doesn't hold a professional engineering license, by stating that there isn't currently. Human Resources Director Sommer Tokihiro said that while there are protections regarding being a whistle blower if you disagree with the decision of a director, there is nothing further to disagree with a decision made by your Director. Member Kimball stated that the information provided by Ms. Schoen and Ms. Tokihiro highlight the importance of requiring delegating engineering decisions to someone with a professional engineering license. Members Kierkiewicz, Inaba, and Onishi stated their opposition to this amendment. Member Galimba called up Mr. Ono to share a recent story from Kona traffic changes that engineers were opposed to. Member Galimba said that she is in support of the amendment. Chair Kagiwada stated that she sees the amendment as an imperfect fix to an imperfect bill. She said that she strongly believes that the Director should have the ability to make the final decisions around protecting public health and safety, but if the Director doesn't have the proper skill set then they need to defer some of those responsibilities and would therefore reluctantly support the amendment. GOEAC Report No. 53