2018-06-27 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

Home

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 27, 2018 9:07 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Aupuni Center Conference Room 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 1 Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 Commissioners present: Richard Bennett, Ph.D., Chair Jon Olson, Vice Chair James Fritz Rick Gaffney Susie Osborne Luana Neff Justin Pequeno Staff present: William Kucharski, Director Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Mary Fujio, Secretary Also present: Several members of the public and Councilmember Eileen O'Hara 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Bennett called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. He welcomed new commissioner Justin Pequeño and asked him to tell them about himself. Commissioner Pequeño initially introduced himself in the Hawaiian language. In English, he said he grew up in Texas and now lives in Waiākea in Council District 2. His educational background is in psychology, American studies, and educational policy. He recently completed the GoFarm Beginning Farmer Training Program. He works at Kamehameha Schools as a project manager, and his kuleana includes a little of everything done off campus, from community programs to the school’s agriculture and conservation work on the island. His EMC term ends in December 2020, so in the time he has on it, he is hoping to work with the team and the department on issues such as a smooth transition for the closing of the South Hilo Landfill, wastewater treatment plant modernization, and helping to the public to become more conscious about limiting the stress on the ʻaina. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 23, 2018 Motion and vote: Vice Chair Olson moved to approve the minutes as drafted, Commissioner Gaffney seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted aye.