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GOEAC-82 Page 2 December 2, 2025 <br />Committee Member Rebecca Villegas asked if he was aware of the details around the Hawaii <br />Earth Works Contract and composting facility and about the Pu`uanahulu Landfill Contract, which <br />does not have an expiration date. Mr. Girvan said that he does not have the details on that yet and <br />will need to look into that. Ms. Villegas inquired about his thoughts regarding Bill 83. Mr. Girvan <br />said that he is supportive of zero waste in principle and needs more time to investigate the details <br />of that legislation. Ms. Villegas commented that the Department of Waste Management would be a <br />more apt name, as they are not managing the environment, but rather managing waste. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked about cesspool conversion considering the large <br />volume of cesspools in her district. Mr. Girvan responded that the road to solving this problem by <br />2050 is going to be a bumpy road and the problem and solutions are multi -faceted with many <br />uncertainties. Ms. Kierkiewicz responded by explaining the upcoming opportunities for DEM to <br />take a leadership role in engaging with the State Legislature on addressing this issue and finding <br />solutions, mentioning that there is a $4 billion solution that was put forth in a feasibility study for <br />the Puna region and that clearly it is not affordable. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked the Mayor's Office <br />for a presentation on legislative priorities for the Administration from the Government Liaison. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada said that she was looking forward to an update on the transfer <br />station management plan and asked what support there is from the Mayor's Administration <br />around staffing to be expected in the next budget. Mr. Brilhante said that there are significant <br />budget constraints and that they recognize that DEM has been understaffed for a long time. He is <br />hoping that by making the Department a more desirable place to work it will help address those <br />issues. <br />Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 10, Section 6-10.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, the Director of <br />Environmental Management is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose <br />and intent of Communication No. 623, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of <br />Daniel Girvan as Director of Environmental Management. <br />slm <br />AYES <br />NOES <br />ABS <br />EX <br />GALIMBA <br />X <br />HUSTACE <br />X <br />INABA <br />X <br />KAGIWADA <br />X <br />KANEALPI-KLEINFELDER <br />X <br />KIERKIEWICZ <br />X <br />KIMBALL <br />X <br />ONISHI <br />X <br />VILLEGAS <br />X <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br />OPERATIONS AND <br />i <br />JENN KAGIWADA, CHAIR �_, <br />GOEAC REPORT NO.: 82 <br />ADOPTED: DEC 1 7 2025 <br />