HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 140 2024/05/14 (2022-2024) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: May 14, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 796/Bill 145
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Bill 145, reports as follows:
Bill 145, introduced by Council Member Cindy Evans via Communication No. 796, dated
March 27, 2024, initiates an amendment to Article VI, Chapter 7, Sections 6-7.3 and 6-7.4; and
Article XVI of the Hawaii County Charter (2022 Edition), relating to the Windward and
Leeward Planning Commissions.
This bill adds a requirement that at least one member of each commission have experience or
expertise in Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, Native Hawaiian law, or
traditional Hawaiian land usage; land use planning, policies, and principles; land development
and construction; or environmental science, environmental protection, or land conservation, and
that each category be represented by a different member.
This bill was previously heard and postponed on April 16, 2024.
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Meeting of April 16, 2024
Member Jennifer Kagiwada questioned who decides if the appointee had the qualifications and
how the Council would measure them.
Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder expressed his appreciation for the bill and called upon
Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance to discuss the possibility of making these qualifications
an overarching requirement for all Hawaii County boards and commissions.
Member Evans moved to postpone Bill No. 145 to the Governmental Operations and External
Affairs Committee meeting of April 30, 2024, which was rescheduled to May 1, 2024.
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Meeting of May 1, 2024
Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz pointed out that the word `substantial,' when referring to an
appointee's experience or expertise level can be subjective. The introducer plans to remove the
word from the bill. Member Kierkiewicz also pointed out that making these qualifications a
requirement may limit the volunteer pool.
GOEAC Report No. 140
GOEAC-140 Page 2 May 14,2024
Member Evans moved to postpone Bill No. 145 to the Governmental Operations and External
Affairs Committee meeting of May 14, 2024.
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Meeting of May 14, 2024
Member Evans made a motion to amend Bill No. 145 with the contents of Communication
No. 796.9, and was approved by the Committee. Member Evans went on and explained the
contents of the communication.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bill No. 145, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA X EXT AL AFFAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X 6
KIMBALL x CINDY E S, CHAIR
LEE LOY X GOEA REPORT NO.: 140
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUN 0 5 2024•