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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: January 7, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:01 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 46 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 46, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 46, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated December 9, 2024, <br />requests the Council's review and confirmation of Wesley Segawa as Director of Environmental <br />Management. <br />Mayor Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Segawa, who was present <br />via remote technology on Zoom, to the Committee. <br />Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked some questions regarding Puna and the <br />island -wide feasibility study being done on wastewater management. Mr. Segawa said he was <br />not familiar and would be looking into it. Member Kierkiewicz asked what Mr. Segawa's vision <br />is for solid waste diversion including sorting, recycling and repurposing items. He responded that <br />it is something he will study and get back to Council on at the next meeting. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Segawa if he had thoughts regarding how <br />wastewater infrastructure affects housing opportunities. She expanded on that to ask if he had <br />considerations regarding long-range planning regarding cesspools and septic and the <br />infrastructure for those who need to hook up with sewer systems for those who are building now. <br />Primarily, her concern was regarding the financial burden that is created when someone is <br />building new and initially is able to have a septic system installed but then shortly after is <br />required to convert to a sewer hook-up. Mr. Segawa said that he needs more time to look into <br />this and provide further input on this issue and is waiting on additional feedback from the <br />community. <br />Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 10, Section 6-10.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, the Director of <br />Environmental Management is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />GOEAC Report No. 2 <br />