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<br />REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON ENVIItONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br />DATE: March 17, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 183 <br />PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa <br />78-128 Ehukai Street <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 1:30 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Communication No. 183, <br />reports as follows: <br />Communication 183 from Mayor Billy Kenoi dated February 19, 2009, requests confirmation of the <br />appointment of Richard Ha of Council District 4, to the County of Hawaii Environmental <br />Management Commission. Communication No. 183 notes that Mr. Ha states he is a Democrat, a <br />lifelong resident of Hawaii and President of the Mauna Kea Banana Company. Mr. Ha presently <br />serves as a director of HIEDC and the Kohala Center, and is Treasurer of the Hawaii State Farm <br />Bureau. If approved, Mr. Ha will serve a term to end on December 31, 2013, replacing Mr. Arnold <br />Okamura, whose term expired on December 31, 2008. <br />Pursuant to Article VI, § 6-5.5, Hawaii County Charter, members of the Environmental Management <br />Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />At the Mazch 17, 2009 meeting of the Committee on Environmental Management, Richard Ha was <br />present at the Council Chambers in Hilo along with Deputy Corporation Counsel Molly Lugo. Ms. <br />Lugo provided a short summary of Mr. Ha's community involvement and background stating that <br />Mr. Ha comes highly recommended for confirmation. <br />Councilmembers Ford and Naeole expressed support of Mr. Ha's appointment and noted his ability <br />of working very well with people. Councilmember Yagong said Mr. Ha's involvement in many <br />different matters over the years demonstrate capabilities of understanding a variety of matters and his <br />ability to put things together to make it work. Mr. Yagong noted that the caliber of knowledge, <br />experience and background that Mr. Ha possesses would greatly benefit the Commission. <br />Regarding his perspective about serving on the Environmental Management Commission, Mr. Ha <br />said that because we live on an island we must make use of and manage what we have in a smart <br />way. Mr. Ha said he was unable to comment regarding landfill issues at this time because he had not <br />had a chance to read everything as of yet, however, he did say he was inclined towazds "zero waste" <br />if "zero waste" could be achieved reasonably. <br />EMC Rpt. No. 2 <br />