REP GOEAC 079 2025-11-04 2024-2026

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GOEAC-79 Page 2 November 4, 2025 Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba said that Section 7-1-3(b) feels like shifting language may be in conflict and asked for an opinion from Corporation Counsel. Assistant Corporation Counsel J. Yoshimoto said that the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 76 reference is deleted and then reinserted in a different section. He didn't know what the practical application would be in making that change and said that he would prefer to consult with the maker and then get back to the Committee on the implication of those changes. Mr. Inaba also stated that if the Council were going to make those changes, he would like to hear more conversation on this topic when Ms. Kierkiewicz is present regarding hiring practices. Ms. Kimball asked if Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno wanted to weigh in on the bill. Mr. Magno said that the prior Mayor called in a panel to help advise regarding his own appointment. He said that he believed that panel may have been the impetus for this legislation. Ms. Kimball asked if Mr. Magno could speak to the historical reasons that the language says that the head of the Civil Defense Agency is the Mayor, but the Civil Defense Administrator has the duties and responsibilities of the Mayor during an emergency. Mr. Magno said it stems from the way the law is written in the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Bill No. 89 was postponed to November 4, 2025. Governmental Operations and External Affairs Meeting of November 4, 2025 Member Kierkiewicz began by explaining that this legislation was something that she began thinking about in witnessing the aftermath of the Lahaina Wildfires and wanting to ensure that we don't have missing leadership during times of emergency or disaster. She responded to testimony that currently the appointing entity is the Mayor, as a Civil Service hire. She explained that this is not a co -terminus appointee, and rather they continue to serve in this position during mayoral transitions. She added that she wants to make sure that the person who serves in this role has experience in alignment with the importance of this position. Ms. Kierkiewicz introduced an amendment via Communication No. 514.1, which clarifies language already contained within the bill. Bill 89 was amended with six "ayes," with Committee Members Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Heather L. Kimball, and Holeka Goro Inaba absent. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked what occurs when an appointment to fill a vacancy does not happen within the 60-day time frame. Ms. Kierkiewicz stated that it is the same as other positions, and that ideally the urgency would demand the Mayor act in a timely manner. Ms. Kagiwada asked the maker to clarify the experience requirement part for the public. Ms. Kierkiewicz stated that the language on the baseline requirements for this position found within the bill are contained within the Hawaii Revised Statutes. GOEAC Report No. 79