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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: August 19, 1997 Re: C-426 , <br /> PLACE: Councilroom <br /> TIME: 1:50 p.m.. <br /> Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 426 transmitted by <br /> Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro dated August 4, 1997, reports as follows: <br /> The purpose of Communication No. 426 is to recommend the appointment of the following <br /> individual as a member of the Hawaii County Water Commission: <br /> Mr. Malcolm R. Saxby of Puna, a member of the Democratic Party, is nominated to fill a <br /> vacancy created by the unexpired term ending December 31, 1997 of Debra A. Makaweo <br /> of Puna, who resigned to move to New Zealand. <br /> Mr. Saxby, a 44-year resident of Hawaii has been the owner/manager of the Puna <br /> Certified Nursery since 1977. He is a member of the State Agri-Business Development <br /> Corporation, the Hawaii Export Nursery Association and the Keaau Maintenance <br /> Association. <br /> Pursuant to Section 8-2 of the Hawaii County Charter, the mayor shall appoint members to the <br /> Water Commission to be confirmed by the Council, as prescribed in Section 13-4 of the Hawaii <br /> County Charter. <br /> <br /> Mr. Saxby, who was not able to attend Your Committee's meeting due to prior commitments, <br /> will be attending the Council meeting considering his appointment. <br /> <br /> Public testimony raised concerns relating to Mr. Saxby's experience and knowledge of water <br /> <br /> policies and issues. However, no other qualifications for Water Commission members aze <br /> <br /> required by the Charter except that a member shall represent the community and geological <br /> <br /> areas. Testimony also expressed the need for Council to control and oversee administrative <br /> <br /> functions. Allegations were also made stating that Mr. Saxby's appointment is political. <br /> Your Committee felt it desirable to have people from the general public willing to serve as <br /> <br /> members of the Commission rather than an elite group of individuals with specialized expertise <br /> who are often times difficult to find. The Department of Water Supply has the necessary staff <br /> <br /> with the knowledge and expertise to advise the Commission. <br /> Your Committee felt that it was unfair to make statements about the credibility of an appointee <br /> <br /> without researching the facts and suggested that they either contact the mayor's office or the <br /> individual. <br /> PC REPORT NO. ~ 6 <br /> <br />