HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 002 2025-01-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: January 7, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 46
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 46, reports as follows:
Communication No. 46, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated December 9, 2024,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of Wesley Segawa as Director of Environmental
Management.
Mayor Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Segawa, who was present
via remote technology on Zoom, to the Committee.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked some questions regarding Puna and the
island -wide feasibility study being done on wastewater management. Mr. Segawa said he was
not familiar and would be looking into it. Member Kierkiewicz asked what Mr. Segawa's vision
is for solid waste diversion including sorting, recycling and repurposing items. He responded that
it is something he will study and get back to Council on at the next meeting.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Segawa if he had thoughts regarding how
wastewater infrastructure affects housing opportunities. She expanded on that to ask if he had
considerations regarding long-range planning regarding cesspools and septic and the
infrastructure for those who need to hook up with sewer systems for those who are building now.
Primarily, her concern was regarding the financial burden that is created when someone is
building new and initially is able to have a septic system installed but then shortly after is
required to convert to a sewer hook-up. Mr. Segawa said that he needs more time to look into
this and provide further input on this issue and is waiting on additional feedback from the
community.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 10, Section 6-10.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, the Director of
Environmental Management is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 2
GOEAC-2 Page 2 January 7, 2025
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 46, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
Wesley Segawa as Director of Environmental Management.
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Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
. A . , .CHAIR-
GOEAC
REPORT
ADOPTED:2025