Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: February 3, 2026 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 703 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 703, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 703, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 15, 2026, <br />requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Jennifer L. Lawson to the Public <br />Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC). <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Ms. Lawson, who was present via remote technology. <br />Committee Members James E. Hustace and Rebecca Villegas spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada stated that she appreciates Ms. Lawson's background and support of <br />inland preservation, as historically PONC property nominations have been focused on shoreline <br />properties. Chair Kagiwada mentioned that some boards are being impacted by quorum issues regarding <br />attendance, and she asked Ms. Lawson if she is aware of the meeting schedule and will be committed to <br />attending meetings. Ms. Lawson said that was a big consideration for her and that yes, Monday meeting <br />times work well, and she is planning on attending. <br />Pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 2-215(a) of the Hawaii County Code, members of the Public Access, <br />Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and <br />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. 703, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of <br />Jennifer L. Lawson to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. <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 />KANEALI`I-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 />EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />100010 <br />JENN KAGIWADA, HAIR <br />GOEAC REPOR NO.: 93 <br />ADOPTED: FEB 1 8 9n96 <br />