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GOEAC-73 Page 3 September 16, 2025 <br />Member Onishi asked Director of Human Resources Sommer Tokihiro what her concerns would <br />be regarding conflicts by having an unlicensed appointed position supervising licensed civil <br />service positions. Director Tokihiro stated that the authority to operate the Department resides <br />with the Director and therefore a subordinate position would not have the authority to move <br />forward with something not approved by the Director. Member Onishi asked how that conflict <br />would be resolved, and Director Tokihiro said there isn't a mechanism for that issue. Mr. Ono <br />said that the higher position always prevails. <br />Member Hustace asked Mr. Ono to explain further about the interplay between the division chiefs <br />and the Director, regarding secondary stamps or final review of plans. Mr. Ono said that there was <br />no additional stamp or documentation after the Director reviews those plans; it was more of an <br />acknowledgment. <br />Member Hustace asked Director Tokihiro if there was a follow up from the Salary Commission <br />regarding the discussions around increasing salary for these director roles. Director Tokihiro <br />mentioned that Chair Kagiwada appeared before the Commission the week prior and asked them <br />to consider looking into the salary of these specialized positions. Chair Kagiwada mentioned that <br />the Salary Commission was willing to discuss this further at its upcoming meeting in September. <br />Deputy County Clerk Aaron Brown said that as an administrative point, directors cannot sign off <br />on a plan initially without a professional engineering license, but that if the plan was proceeding <br />to contract, the Director would sign off on the routing forms. <br />Member Kimball responded to Member Inaba's request that there were two things that would <br />help her to support this bill, the first being a time constraint to fill a vacancy in the Deputy <br />Director position. The second item is looking at Chapter 5, Section 5-2-2 within the Hawaii <br />County Code to define the responsibilities and authorities of both the Director and Deputy <br />Director that would take effect upon the Charter amendment passing. She stated that she was <br />willing to work with Member Inaba on it, but in general, is still in opposition to the concept. <br />Chair Kagiwada responded to Member Inaba's question as well by saying that as she hasn't seen <br />the specific amendments that the engineering community brought up, she would like to have <br />confidence that the engineering decisions that are being made at the top level are covering <br />potential life and safety concerns, and that the engineering degree gives additional reassurance <br />that the County has done its due diligence in reducing liability. She said additional amendments <br />could be brought forth to protect liability and make sure health and safety issues are addressed. <br />She reiterated that she wants to see that the Salary Commission proposes as one of the issues <br />being raised is that the salary being offered is not in line with the private sector. <br />Member Inaba said that he hasn't received any input from the professional engineering <br />community and has not been included in any meetings, but he said he would appreciate being <br />included in those meetings. He said that he would attempt to bring amendments forward at the <br />next meeting, and if there wasn't agreement amongst the Committee Members, then he would <br />pull the bill. <br />GOEAC Report No. 73 <br />