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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0097.000 2024-2026C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai`i - Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 . Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Phone (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 January 8, 2025 The Honorable Chairman Holeka Goro Inaba and Members of the County Council Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Inaba and Members of the County Council, It is my pleasure to submit for your confirmation the appointment of Laura Acasio ("Ms. Acasio") as Director for the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience, pursuant to Article 49, Section 2-271 of the Hawaii County Code. This appointment will be effective upon confirmation by the County Council. Ms. Acasio has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. She has experience in leadership, project management and policy development as she was the District 1, State Senator, for the Hawaii State Legislature in 2021-2022. Prior to that endeavor, she was an educator at Kamehameha Schools and taught students with a focus on collecting Hawaiian ecological knowledge to modern sustainability practices. She also served in a myriad of roles as a board member for the Environmental Management Commission, Ka `Umeke Ka`eo Public Charter School, and the Surfrider Foundation. Ms. Acasio will serve a term co -terminus with my tenure, which will end on December 4, i Pursuant to Rule 5(6)(a) of the Rules of Procedures and Organization of the Council of the County of Hawaii, I respectfully request that this nomination be placed on the next available Committee meeting. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. -.Cuu�il Action Due By: March 8, 2025iekzda,;D. Last Council Meeting: March 7,2025 Mayor, County ofHawai`i o�am. Pd Enclosure Ref. To. ref.ate -a County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Laura Acasio Hilo, Hawaii, 967201 Professional Summary Experienced leader, advocate, and public servant dedicated to fostering sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities. Former H8vv8i'iState Senator and long-time educator with over two decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, social equity, and community engagement. A proven collaborator with expertise in policy development, program implementation, and building cross -sector partnerships to address climate, equity, and resilience challenges. Deeply committed toamplifying community voices, protecting natural reSuurCeS, and creating opportunities for future generations. Education • Bachelor of Arts imGeography — University ofHawoi'iat[N5noa.2OOO • Certifications: o Substitute Teacher Certification, Havvai'iDepartment ufEducation o K8a'iO|a: Indigenous HHe|#) Program Curriculum Teacher Training o Labor Support Professional, 0C)NAInternational « Certified Lactation Counselor, Healthy Children Project -CenterforBraaatfaeding • American Red Cross Certifications: CPR/AED, Lifeguarding, First Aid Key Skills w Climate Policy and 8uatainabi|itv Advocacy • Environmental and Social Justice • Community Engagement and Public Outreach • Legislative and Policy Development ~ Program Management and Strategic Planning • Educational Leadership and Training w Collaborative Leadership and Team Building Professional Experience State Senator, District Hawai'i State Legislature 12021-2022 w Advocated for comprehensive climate resilience and sustainability policies rooted in equity and justice. • Secured .funding and spearheaded initiatives iomitigate climate impacts onmarginalized communities. � Partnered with stakeholders across sectors to align environmental, cultural, and social � Facilitated grant acquisition and coordination byidentifying funding opportunities, assisting in grant writing, and collaborating with county departments and environmental groups to secure resources. Environmental Management Commissioner County of Hawaii I 2022—Present Advise onwaste management, renewable energy, and climate adaptation projects. Ensured policies prioritized equity and cultural respect while addressing systemic disparities. Restoration Volunteer Coordinator/ Resource Management Technician The Nature Conservancy ofHawaii |20U1-2003 w Directed restoration projects hoprotectnabveeooayatunnaandengageoonnmnunitv volunteers. ~ Created raporto, organized fieldwork, planned managemant, maintained equipnoent, data collection, data analysis, data entry, native species monitoring, invasive species eradication • Volunteer management, teambuilding, organizational structure, increasing productivity through rnOre|e Kula Kauvxe|a Educator • Taught environmental science to students with a focus on connecting traditional Hawaiian ecological knowledge bzmodern ouotainmbi|itvpnocUueS. • Developed and inop|annenbad inbana{tive, culturally relevant curricula that encouraged students hoengage with local environmental challenges and solutions. • Fostered stewardship and understanding of 'jina (land) through experiential learning and field -based activities. • Collaborated with school leadership and community partners to integrate Hawaiian values into educational programs. Teacher and Educator Hawai'i Department of Education 12004-2021 Educated and mentored students with a focus on geography, environmental science, endauStainabi|ih/ Integrated place -based education and indigenous knowledge systems into curriculum. Birth Worker and Community Health Advocate Various Organizations I 2004—Present w Provided culturally sensitive labor and lactation support, addressing community health disparities. • Facilitated health equity initiatives with a focus on maternal and perinatal health outcomes. Governing Board Member Ke'Urn*keKa\*nPublic Charter School 12014-2021 Guided educational programs emphasizing sustainability, cultural stewardship, and indigenous knowledge. Executive Board Member Surfrider Foundation, Hilo Chapter 12016-2019 • Led community -driven efforts to preserve HawaiTs coastal environments. • Recruited local business toparticipate inRise Above Plastics program • Advocated for policies advancing ocean health and sustainable practices. w Co -facilitated B|uevvaterTaskforoe - water quality testing program in East Havvaii, data collection, data input Community Leadership • Haxwai'i Democratic Party Leadership: Senatorial District 1 State Central Committee Representative (201O-2022);District 2Chair (2018-202O);Community Organizer and Advooaba(2U16—oneSen0. m Kmiao Community Garden Co -Founder: Established asustainable garden for Hilo Boys and Girls Club /20O7-2O11\. w PmmtaotN[mho^o|avVe 'OhamaRestoration Steward: Advanced cultural and ecological reetonation(20O1_2UO4). w Hi|mWorman'a Prison Assistant Wellness Program Educator: Delivered vva(|nooa education toincarcerated women (2003). * Additional Community Leadership Positions Available Upon Request.