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GOEAC-73 Page 2 September 16, 2025 <br />there is one other small difference in that the bachelor's degree must be from an accredited <br />institution within the United States. She said that she would prefer the amendment contained <br />within Communication No. 334.16, and that while she was still not in support of the measure, she <br />wanted to introduce an amendment that made it easier for her to support the bill if it were to <br />proceed. She also stated that if they were able to find a Deputy Director that met these <br />qualifications, then why wouldn't that person be the Director. <br />Member Onishi asked Mr. Hugh Ono, as a former director of the Department of Public Works, if <br />the amendment passed and an individual was hired as the Director without a license and he was to <br />work as the Deputy Director with a license, what would he foresee happening. Mr. Ono said he <br />didn't see any difficulty. He seemed to agree with Member Kimball's comment as to wondering <br />why the Deputy Director with the higher qualifications wouldn't serve as the Director. <br />Member Onishi inquired if there was a timeline included in the amendment for when the Deputy <br />Director would be hired. Member Inaba stated that there is no timeline, and the amendment <br />assumes that the Administration would want to fill all its vacancies as quickly as possible. <br />Member Onishi said that he would support this amendment more if there was a timeline for the <br />Administration to fill vacancies for a licensed Deputy Director. <br />Member Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Ono if he would discuss what it was like to work for the County <br />as a professional engineer and how the use of his license came into play on a day-to-day basis. <br />Mr. Ono said that all the division chiefs would come to him for consultation on all projects, and <br />he would weigh in on those projects before they proceeded. Member Kierkiewicz asked Deputy <br />Corporation Counsel Keyra Wong to explain how things are currently working at the department <br />with Acting Director Neil Azevedo being unlicensed. Ms. Wong said she isn't aware of any legal <br />issues that are resulting from the current situation. Member Kierkiewicz said she was open to <br />supporting the Charter amendment, as written, and didn't think this amendment was necessary. <br />Member Kimball added that Maui County's Director has an engineering background, but the <br />Deputy Director has a professional engineering license. She asked what the recourse is if a <br />deadline on assignment of a Deputy Director is not met by the Administration. She pointed out <br />there is no way to enforce a timeline in that situation. <br />Member Galimba stated that she preferred the language contained within Communication <br />No. 334.16. <br />Chair Kagiwada said her concern would be that the decision of someone with a professional <br />engineering license could potentially be overridden by someone in a position of power who does <br />not have an engineering license. <br />A vote failed to pass the amendment contained in Communication No. 334.17, as Members <br />Galimba, Hustace, Kimball, and Kagiwada voted in opposition and Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder <br />was absent. <br />Bill 64 was amended with the contents contained in Communication No. 334.16. Members <br />Kierkiewicz and Onishi voted in opposition and Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder was absent. <br />GOEAC Report No. 73 <br />