HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0046.034 2024-2026Patti Cook
Box 6960 — Kamuela, HI 96743
cookshiaol.com
808-937-2833
January 30, 2025
The Honorable Holeka Inaba, Chair
Hawai'i County Council
Via Email: counciltestimony(aD-hawaiicounty.gov
RE: Special Meeting of the Hawai'i County Council
GOEAC-2; Letter of Support: Appointment of Wesley Segawa as
of Environmental Management
Aloha — I'm Patti Cook from Waimea. I am not an expert on environmental
management or any of the technical areas of expertise required to address this
subject. However, our island's urgent need to address environmental
management — especially wastewater and solid waste — are of concern to every
community on this island because the impacts of not doing so are harmful to
every single resident in many ways. As knowledgeable council members, this
is not news to you.
1 do not know Mr. Segawa, only of the work he has done. His CV is impressive
and the projects he's been involved in were, in some cases, watershed. So
technical skill is not the issue, rather it's about LEADERSHIP, something not
easy to decipher. But it is what we need and want.
As with wastewater and solid waste, leadership is incredibly complex. I know
you deal with this every day. Also, that the needs and circumstances in each
of your districts are — very likely — quite different, though almost always very
costly. Also, the field is rapidly evolving and further, that the prospect of
securing federal and/or state funding has become even more challenging in
just the past 2 weeks.
Finding real solutions is only going to happen if there's serious leadership at
the top, and collaboration — within the Administration, Council and community.
and a sincere commitment to accountability. I think you all want this.
So what does this mean today? How do you evaluate leadership with so many
competing needs and revenue challenges? I personally believe Mr. Segawa has
clearly demonstrated leadership expertise. And that the Mayor will provide the
overall leadership to ensure a more cohesive administrative team.
However, to ensure that this is I would like to suggest the Council ask the
Administration — perhaps beginning with DEM — for a quarterly report on their
activities, progress, challenges, and specifically where help is needed. Such
reports should not become huge time sucks, but a means of understanding
what is working and what's not.
Comm. No.1
Ref. To: 1
Ref. Dede—JAN 3 1 2025
Such reports should serve as meaningful tools — not dust collectors.
Part of me thinks this sounds like a conservative band aide, but the best we as
ordinary residents can tell, this kind of accountability has not been standard
practice. It could provide greater transparency, and I would hope generate
greater public trust in the system ... that the County is, in fact, trying to address
the challenges that are sadly forcing many here to live with great uncertainty or
leave.
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There have been posts on social media and elsewhere about Mr. Segawa's
encounter with campaign spending about two decades ago. I would suggest
that after paying the fine, he has since carefully followed the law and rules.
Lesson learned.
Also, there are laws and procedures in place — guardrails if you will — to
prevent conflicts of interest.
Finally, as a resident, I urge the County Administration and Council to do
everything in your power to keep things moving ... find creative, financially,
environmentally and culturally viable solutions that benefit the community.
There are no perfect solutions and usually, progress is incremental. But keep
things moving, and keep us informed.
MAHALO for your commitment to public service.
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