HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP RAWEEMC 003 2021/01/20 2020-2022 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, WATER,
ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: January 20, 2021 Re: Communication No. 81
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai i
TIME: 10:45 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management,
to which was referred Communication No. 81, reports as follows:
Communication No. 81, transmitted by Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020,
nominates Steven A. Hirakami of Council District 5 to the Water Board. A motion to move
Communication No. 81 to full Council with a positive recommendation was made by Council
Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder; seconded by Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz.
Introduced by P6maika`i Bartolome, Executive Assistant to Mayor Roth, Mr. Hirakami has been
a resident of Hawaii Island for over 40 years, specifically residing in Kalapana where he has
been a farmer and long-time water advocate. Mr. Hirakami has previously held seats on the
County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission
and the Board of Appeals.
Mr. Hirakami addressed Your Committee stating that he came to the Big Island in 1974
specifically to farm, and is well versed on water matters, issues, and the many opportunities that
remain available for our island community involving water. He stressed how agriculture was
once a thriving industry in Hawaii, and that agriculture is now the future, with water, our most
precious and abundant resource being the driver of this opportunity. He further shared that by
increasing water infrastructure on island, not only do we advance agriculture, but also create
more jobs and affordable housing, and ultimately a more sustainable Hawaii Island.
Council Members and Chair Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III commented in favor of the
appointment. Chair Richards informed Mr. Hirakami that he does not need to appear at the next
Council meeting for confirmation of his appointment.
Pursuant to Article VIII, Section 8-2 of the Hawaii County Charter,the mayor shall appoint
with the approval of council, a resident of each council district to serve on the County of Hawaii
Water Board.
RAWEEMC Report No: 3
RAWEEMC-3 Page 2 January 20,2021
Your Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management
is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 8 1, and recommends
confirmation of the appointment of Steven A. Hirakami to the Nater Board.
db
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG x
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON REGENERATIVE
INABA x AGRICULTURE, WATER, ENERGY, AND
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER x ENVIR NMENTAL MANAGEMENT
KIERKIEWICZ x
KIMBALL x
LEE LOY x HERBERT M "TIM"RICHARDS, III, CHAIR
RICHARDS X RAWEEMC REPORT NO.: 3
VILLEGAS x ADOPTED: FEB 0 3 mi