HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 009 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. 53
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 53, reports as follows:
Communication No. 53, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated December 16, 2024,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of Hugh Y. Ono as Director of Public Works.
Mayor Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Ono, who was also present
in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked if the department could help resolve the
Certificate of Occupancy inconsistencies. Mr. Ono said they would look into that. Mr. Ono
praised Deputy Director Neil Azevedo as a "can -do" guy and a huge asset to the department.
Member Onishi mentioned prioritizing improving and repairing existing County facilities and
Mr. Ono agreed.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas mentioned the importance of holding everyone to the
same standards and proper enforcement and accountability when violations occur.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder spoke to the issues that occur when there is
inconsistency between the standards enforced by inspectors in Kona and those in Hilo. Mr. Ono
responded with assurances that he and his staff would be working on those issues.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada said that various plans, for example the Multi -Modal Plan,
come out of work done within the Planning Department and then the expectation of
implementation is by the Department of Public Works. However, sometimes this expectation is
not upheld or able to be executed. Mr. Ono mentioned that the administrative support above from
the Mayor and Managing Director will help alleviate some of these concerns to get the
departments working together more cohesively.
Multiple Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 2, Section 6-2.2 of the Hawaii County Charter, the Director of
Public Works is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 9
GOEAC-9 Page 2 January 7, 2025
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 53, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
Hugh Y. Ono as Director of Public Works.
SIm
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
x
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
►i •
REPORTGOEAC •
ADOPTED:l