04.14.22 COG Commission Minutes - Approved

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Comments: Comm. Matson commented for the records that Mr. Yuen previously was the Director of Planning for Hawai‘i County. His testimony and information are informed and appreciated, although the current discussion on the Waipi‘o road probability factors fall outside of the scope of the Cost of Government Commission’s current agenda. Comments: Comm. Obenski agreed with Comm. Matson and commented that Hawai‘i Counties seeming excessive use of no-bid consultants may be a subject for the Cost of Government Commission to add to the agenda at a later time in order to determine any cost savings to the County. \[2:22\] APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 24, 2022 Discussion: None Comm. Kusch moved to approve the March 24, 2022, meeting minutes as read Comm. Wakat Seconded the Motion Discussion: None Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (7) Unanimous \[2:23\] 3/24/2022 Minutes Approved \[2:23\] COMMUNICATIONS Board Packet contains four (4) submitted written testimony All Commissioners received and have read the Communications \[2:24\] PRESENTATIONS Agenda Items 6(a) Presentation and Overview of County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works, Ikaika Rodenhurst, Director (PowerPoint Presentation on file) \[2:43\] Q&A: Chair Konowicz – Discussion and clarifications regarding the Complaint mode in EPIC Program specific to code enforcement issues and the cashiering challenges. Dir. Rodenhurst is aware of the issue and is working within the software to solve the issues. Question and clarification on the high number of permits ----in August. Dir. Rodenhurst explained one reason for the high influx in permits in August. Generally, there is a high volume of permits submitted just prior to the changes in September of the same year Comm Matson: Questioned if the Department was sufficiently staffed and trained. Dir. Rodenhurst stated that the Department working with HR and unions to reallocate positions to have more entry level “Pre-Examiner” position that would move up to a full “Plan Reviewer” title. Chair Konowicz invited Dir. Rodenhurst to return for a follow-up on roads and will submit specific questions. \[3:07\] Agenda Item 6(b) Presentation and Overview of County of Hawai‘i Department of InformationTechnology, Scott Uehara, Director Q & A: Dir. Uehara fielded Commissioner’s questions and will return with a report on the May 26, 2022, meeting of the COG Commission. \[3:20\] Agenda Item 6(c) Presentation and Overview of the Konno v County of Hawai‘i Decision, Malia Kekai, Deputy Corporation Counsel \[3:32\] Discussion/ Q&A \[3:37\] Agenda Item 6(d) Report from the 3/16/2022 Ka’u Wastewater Community Meeting by Bobby Command, Deputy Managing Director Bobby Command provided a historical overview of the wastewater issues in Naalehu and Pahala beginning with C. Brewer’s turnover of the sugar lease properties to the lot lessees. The model is shared cesspools or “gang” cesspools. A prior administration accepted responsibility for the wastewater facilities.