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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, WATER, <br /> ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br /> DATE: January 20, 2021 Re: Communication No. 81 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai i <br /> TIME: 10:45 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management, <br /> to which was referred Communication No. 81, reports as follows: <br /> Communication No. 81, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020, <br /> nominates Steven A. Hirakami of Council District 5 to the Water Board. A motion to move <br /> Communication No. 81 to full Council with a positive recommendation was made by Council <br /> Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder; seconded by Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz. <br /> Introduced by P6maika`i Bartolome, Executive Assistant to Mayor Roth, Mr. Hirakami has been <br /> a resident of Hawaii Island for over 40 years, specifically residing in Kalapana where he has <br /> been a farmer and long-time water advocate. Mr. Hirakami has previously held seats on the <br /> County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission <br /> and the Board of Appeals. <br /> Mr. Hirakami addressed Your Committee stating that he came to the Big Island in 1974 <br /> specifically to farm, and is well versed on water matters, issues, and the many opportunities that <br /> remain available for our island community involving water. He stressed how agriculture was <br /> once a thriving industry in Hawaii, and that agriculture is now the future, with water, our most <br /> precious and abundant resource being the driver of this opportunity. He further shared that by <br /> increasing water infrastructure on island, not only do we advance agriculture, but also create <br /> more jobs and affordable housing, and ultimately a more sustainable Hawaii Island. <br /> Council Members and Chair Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III commented in favor of the <br /> appointment. Chair Richards informed Mr. Hirakami that he does not need to appear at the next <br /> Council meeting for confirmation of his appointment. <br /> Pursuant to Article VIII, Section 8-2 of the Hawaii County Charter,the mayor shall appoint <br /> with the approval of council, a resident of each council district to serve on the County of Hawaii <br /> Water Board. <br /> RAWEEMC Report No: 3 <br />