HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 019 2025-02-04 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: February 4, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 104
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication
No. 104, reports as follows:
Communication No. 104, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requests the
Council's review and confirmation of Leslie H. Hanano to the Fire Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Mr. Hanano,
who was also present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi mentioned how many fire stations and fire equipment around our
island are in desperate need of repairs and encouraged him to push for additional funding and support around
that. Mr. Hanano said that he would try his best.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Mr. Hanano why he was interested in serving on the
Fire Commission. Mr. Hanano said that first responders have helped him and his family members in a couple
of instances in the past, and he is grateful for the care they bring to the work they do. He added that as a
resident of Waikoloa, which has a high instance of fires, he appreciates all they do to keep the community safe.
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder also wanted to mention on the record the importance of the volunteer
firefighters.
Committee Members James Hustace, Ashley Kierkiewicz, and Rebecca Villegas spoke in favor of the
appointment.
Pursuant to Article VII, Chapter 4, Section 7-4.5 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Fire
Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Communication No. 104, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Leslie H. Hanano to the
Fire Commission.
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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
JE IWA , CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 19
ADOPTED: FEB 1 9 2025