HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWMTC 018 2022/05/31 2020-2022 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT
DATE: May 31, 2022 Re: Comm.No. 8 1 O/Bill No. 174
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo,Hawaii
Your Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit,to which was referred Bill No. 174,reports as follows:
Bill No. 174, introduced by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, And transmitted via
Communication No. 810, dated May 13,2022, initiates an amendment to Article VI of the Hawaii
County Charter(2020 Edition), by adding a new chapter to establish a Department of Building.
Upon completion of introductions, Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz explained the intent of this
Charter amendment is to streamline the building process,by focusing functions and resources in a
Department of Building. Ms. Kierkiewicz emphasized this is not unprecedented as the Department of
Environmental Management was previously a division within the Department of Public Works. Discussion
was centered on having a logical path forward as it makes sense to work towards concentrating all of the
building issues.
Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst explained there are challenges in having such a large department
and splitting the burden is a viable option.Mr. Rodenhurst expressed some concern about licensing, as
required within Chapter 464 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, but does realize this is a first step and these
types of concerns would be detailed in a future ordinance. He also expressed the need for balance between
administrative and technical experience in the future position descriptions as it is key to having consistency
and the ability to"backfill"when there are vacancies.
Chair Lee Loy highlighted the need to have clear expectations and keep laser-focused on what the roles and
responsibilities are with this new department.
Your Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 174,
and recommends its passage on first reading.
so
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS
INABA X AND NSIT
KANEALI'l-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X
LEE LOY X K. EE LOY, CHAIR 0
RICHARDS X TC REPORT NO. 18
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUN 1 5 2022