HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0046.038 2024-2026January 29, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
January 31, 2025
9:00 a.m.
counciltestimonyghawaiicounty. gov
RE: GOEAC-2
(Comm. 46)
APPOINTMENT OF WESLEY SEGAWAAS DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
He Mele komo a he mete aloha no na kupuna o ke au i hala Aloha mai kakou.
Aloha,
My name is Cindy Freitas and I'm a Native Hawaiian descended of the native inhabitants of Hawai'i
prior to 1778 and born and raised in Hawai'i. I am also a practitioner who still practice the cultural
traditional customary practices that was instill in me by my grandparents at a young age from mauka
(MOUNTAIN TO SEA) to mauai in many areas.
Strong Opposition to the Nomination of Wesley Segawa for Director of the Department of
Environmental Management
I strongly oppose the nomination of Wesley Segawa as Director of the Department of Environmental
Management (DEM). This role is critical in addressing the County's pressing environmental challenges,
and it demands a leader with a proven track record of integrity, competence, and ethical judgment.
Unfortunately, Mr. Segawa's record raises significant concerns regarding his preparedness and his
ability to serve in a position of public trust.
First, Segawa's history of illegal campaign contributions is deeply troubling. In 2004, he pleaded no
contest to laundering over $60,000 in illegal donations to various politicians, including then -Mayor
Jeremy Harris. His company, Wesley R. Segawa and Associates, was fined $53,500 by the state
Campaign Spending Commission for these violations. This is not an isolated incident but part of a
broader pattern of unethical behavior that calls into question Segawa's ability to make decisions that
serve the public good.
Moreover, Segawa's resignation from the public housing agency under pressure from federal housing
officials due to allegations of mismanagement further highlights his lack of accountability and effective
leadership. These incidents demonstrate a troubling inability to maintain the high ethical and
managerial standards necessary for public office, particularly in a role as crucial as the Director of
DEM.
Additionally, Segawa's political donations to current council members, including Ashley Kierkiewicz
and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, while legal, raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest.
These contributions create an appearance of favoritism, further undermining public confidence in the
fairness and integrity of this nomination process. The people of Hawaii County deserve leaders who
are chosen based on their qualifications, track record, and commitment to ethical standards —rather
than political connections or past favors.
Given the importance of this position in addressing critical issues like the TMT project, the Hu Honua
biomass plant, Pohakuloa, and the impact of expanding development on our environment, the county
cannot afford to appoint a director with such a questionable history. We need someone with a proven
commitment to environmental stewardship, transparency, and the public trust.
I urge the County Council to vote against the nomination of Wesley Segawa and to select a candidate
who embodies the integrity, competence, and ethical leadership that this important position demands.
Mahalo,
/s/
Cindy Freitas