Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2025/02/04 (2024-2026)Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 3zd Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii February 4, 2025 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and ORDER: External Affairs was called to order at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Jean Kagiwada, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Debbie Hecht: Cory Harden: Tanya Aynessazian: Chuck Flaherty: Kristine Kubat: Ronald Kodani: (representing Pi`ihonua Hawaiian Homes Community) Comm. 97, in support. Comm. 97, in support. Comm. 97, in support. Comm. 97, in support. Comm. 97, in support. Comm. 97, in support; and Comm. 104, in support. Doreen Kodani: Comm. 97, in support. GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 (representing Pi`ihonua Hawaiian Homes Community) CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. I just want to let everybody know we'll be taking a few things out of order on the agenda. I want to take Communications 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 first. These are the volunteer positions for our Committees and Boards. So, I want to allow those people to be heard and be on their way, because they're all very busy. So, we'll be doing that and then going back to the top of our agenda. Mr. Clerk, would you please read in Communication 101. Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, of Business: the following items were taken out of order: Comm. 101: NOMINATION OF WENDY SUE BOTELHO TO THE POLICE COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: February 27, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 101: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Ms. Wendy Sue Botelho to the Police Commission. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Mr. Clerk, can we go on to Communication 102, please. Page 2 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Comm. 102: NOMINATION OF LLOYD K. ENRIQUEZ TO THE POLICE COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: February 27, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 102: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) nomination of Mr. Lloyd K. Enriquez to the Police Commission. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Meinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Communication 103, please. Comm. 103: NOMINATION OF JONELLE M. FUKUSHIMA TO THE WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: February 27, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Page 3 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Vote on Comm. 103: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Ms. Jonelle M. Fukusbima to the Windward Planning Commission. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: We're going to take a quick five-minute break, and then we'll be back to go on to Communication 104. Thank you. Recess: At 10:28 a.m., the Chair called for a five-minute break. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:33 a.m. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay, we're going to call this meeting back to order. Welcome back. We have Communication 104 on the agenda next. Comm. 104: NOMINATION OF LESLIE H. HANANO TO THE FIRE COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: February 27, 2025 (Section 134(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 104: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Leslie H. Hanano to the Fire Commission. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 9. Noes: None. Page 4 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Communication 105, please. Comm. 105: NOMINATION OF GENE M. NAKASHIMA TO THE LIQUOR COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: February 27, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 105: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Gene M. Nakashima to the Liquor Commission. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. We will hear Communication 97 next please. Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business. of Business: COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Page 5 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Comm. 97: APPOINTMENT OF LAURA ACASIO AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY CLIMATE EQUITY, AND RESILIENCE From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 8, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: March 8, 2025 (Section 2-271, Hawaii County Code) Motion to Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend confirmation of the (Approved) appointment of Ms. Laura Acasio as Administrator of the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KAGIWADA: We have the Mayor over in Kona. Mayor Alameda, would you like to introduce your nominee here? (Note: At this time, Mayor Kimo Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MAYOR ALAMEDA: Sure, and thank you so much, and thank you for affirming our nominations for the Boards and Commissions. It was very pleasant watching the interaction. So, it's an honor and again, a privilege to nominate Laura Acasio for the Office of Sustainability. You know, she comes with tons of experience. I was here earlier when we had testimony on her, and you know, as you can see, she comes with a lot of, not just passion for our island, but she has a lot of relationships as well, too. Then, as a leader, it's not just what you know, it's also the kinds of relationships you develop with the community. So, I'm very honored to have her to serve in this capacity, and I yield for any questions at this time. Thank you, Madame Chair. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Mayor. Ms. Acasio, would you like to say a few words, introduce yourself a little further? MS. ACASIO: Aloha, members of this esteemed County Council, Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Committee Chair, Jennifer Kagiwada. Thank you for having me today. I am honored to be here in this capacity. I first want to thank Mayor Alameda for giving me this opportunity. It's an incredible honor; it's a privilege; it's a responsibility. Even to quote a Council Member, it's a moral imperative that we address the issues of climate change, Page 6 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 sustainability, equity, and resilience. Whether it's with emergencies or the long-term emergency that we're facing in extractive economies. As we shift our attention towards economies of care, I bring my whole self forward in committing to the responsibilities that were conceived when this office was conceived. I've just recently rewatched all of the discussions and deliberations that you folks have had on forming this committee. And even those who were not voting in favor still very well -articulated the need for the work. I will start with a little bit of background about myself. I've lived in Hawaii for nearly 30 years, and while I am definitely a settler, and I feel, a newcomer, my ties and my relationships and my teachers really, have been very significant throughout my time living here. I feel honored to be here. My chosen family and my children have roots that go back to `Umi a liloa and that importance of that legacy and the work that I have participated in'from being an educator as well as a policymaker and a community member is why I am committed to this work. I have the full support of my family; my husband and my children. And at this point in time, moving out of raising them, as they're now adults. I have one graduating from Kamehameha this year and one that will be graduating from U.H. (University of Hawaii) Manoa with a degree in Business. He's currently in an Environmental Law course right now, and it's just uplifting my heart to be able to have these deep conversations with him on a new level, you know, because they have always been raised in gardens and in service, as that is part of what I want to do. Vice Chair Onishi, I haven't necessarily sat with you and worked with you directly, but I have with your brother at Representative levels and worked closely with him in conversation. He's always entertained my ideas around regenerative tourism and sustainability issues and was always so gracious to include me in a lot of conversations, or course, around Banyan Drive Redevelopment, for example; and our shift to Destination Management, you know, as that was his kuleana as Chair of Tourism. So, you know, I just want to build on a lot of the relationships that I have made over time; 27 years here. And I'm going to start with just an image from my upbringing in California. I'm originally from Los Angeles. I grew up on probably one of the last acre lots in Los Angeles that wasn't subdivided yet. Currently, it's been subdivided. There's at least six to 12 houses on that property. Page 7 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 My dad was a long-range planner for the City of Los Angeles at that time when we bought that house. And the first thing he did was plant every Mediterranean fruit tree that would grow in that climate specifically knowing that they would be fruiting by the time we were old enough to pick them, my brothers and me. So, that's the kind of foresight that comes from my family upbringing. Then moving forward, I grew up in the City Council Chambers of the City of Los Angeles and the Mayor's Office, just as we had Amelia here earlier. And we often see you folks with your children present with a lot of the community conversations that we have. My dad was the Deputy Administrator for the Board of Public Works for the City of Los Angeles. And so, why I raise that is because we didn't have a television and conversation was really important in our family. So, conversations of infrastructure or the challenges that we face in running municipalities were forefront in my upbringing. Then fast forward, I go through 17 years with the Department of Education. You folks have my resume, and it's an abridged version that is picking out the most relevant things that I feel like I will focus on and bring to the table for this position. And a lot of it does have to do with evolving into the understanding of how actually things get done within government and within our relationships. In watching Mayor Alameda's appointee conversations in the previous weeks, it was really clear to me where this position as OSCER (Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience) Administrator will become even more important. In Department of Environmental Management (DEM), we know we have AOC's (Areas of Concern), and we have some incredible challenges. I think the out -of -the -box thinking will, in a lot of ways, be driven from the position of OSCER and our collaboration with R&D (Research and Development) related to the work of DEM and our Director Segawa. I look forward to deepening those relationships, many of which in the departments, I have already good relations with our directors. But you know, as a goal and a very purposeful part of the beginning of this work will be to deepen those relationships and sit down with them and look at their climate action; working with the ICAP (Integrated Climate Action Plan) and all of the integration that we have and the action items that we have within the ICAP, working with each individual department head and navigating the coordination of a lot of these ideas. So, looking at some of the strengths and perhaps gaps that we have in our Administration, I feel like a big part of that in bringing forth the systems approach Page 8 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 to what and how I operate, and that's a perfect example of why I got my degree in Geography —was because it's a system. We're looking at the environment, we're looking at social issues, and we're looking at the interchange between them and that intersection. So, I'll leave that for now. I know you will have questions for me that I can pinpoint more specifics. I do want to say that one of the biggest challenges that I'm aware of with this position is that it's a catchall, right? Sustainability could be almost everything. Especially, as we transition to economies of care. Same with equity and resilience. That literally covers every topic. So even with my discussions with the previous interim Administrator, the biggest challenges to not take on everything, especially, at this point, a very small department and a very small staff. But sometimes small is mighty, especially, when we're looking at a Federal shift that is maybe less about funding, which I know that a lot of the discussions and why this office was even created was because of the massive amount of funding coming down. And we're seeing a lot of freezes. I haven't started on the job yet, but I've been attending meetings with Finance, and Budget, and with DPW (Department of Public Works); and with the current Administration from OSCER. I'm so grateful that they've been gracious enough to bring me in so that I could get more familiarized with the details. However, some of our monies are frozen at the moment. So, of course, the whole situation is daunting and problematic. However, that is not going to freeze us. Then we lean into the other aspects, which is education, community collaboration and coordination amongst our departments and our priorities that you folks as policy makers set forth. But also, many hands make light work. So, we do know that we can be a facilitator in organizing opportunities of mutual aide, and you know, really large movements within or community. That specifically, I know Mayor Alameda is all for. You know, the definition of leadership is motivating and inspiring a group of people for a shared goal. I know Mayor Alameda brings that, and I stand by him, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to also do that as well. One other thing about equity that I just want to leave with us is that I'm also committed to the idea of equity across the islands, so I look forward to working with each and every one of you and your different issues of the districts, which for years I have been tracking as well. I kind of nerd out on watching a lot of our Land Use Commission, and Planning Commission, and Council just so I'm abreast at the issues that come up in your folks individual districts. Page 9 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 So, I think one of the other pieces to this position as Administrator is making sure to tie in and implement. And instead of just talking about things, where we can take actionable steps. Perfect example is with Parks and Recreation. With any renovations; absolutely should have water bottle filling stations. It's very small, but actually in the big picture of our waste diversion, it's huge. So, just small things and large things and kind of weaving them together. I am committed to also being present in all of the different districts. I look forward to going around with Director Medina. I know he mentioned that commitment as well, in coming and tapping into, you know, Ma`onOCommunity GCtdens; we have Hui Mau. So again, when I think of sustainability, climate, and emission reduction, our less reliance on fossil fuel; are things like extended producer responsibility and growing local food for local consumption. Absolutely been integral with Ka `Umeke Kd'eo in getting farm to school, as well as legislation Statewide for both extended producer responsibility and farm -to -school. I'll stop now, because I know you folks have specific questions. Thank you so much for giving me the time and the opportunity. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Ms. Acasio. Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. So, we've known each other probably like a decade or so. Ms. Acasio was a substitute teacher for my kids. She also taught them to surf. Appreciate that. And you know, it goes without saying, you are an excellent advocate, and you know, the community needs folks like you that take those lightening rod positions and move us forward, and I've always admired that. I'm going to say that I cannot support this nomination, because I do not think that you meet the statutory minimum requirements that are in Section 2-271 of the Code. You know, since you've watched all of the deliberations that we've had about OSCER in the past, you probably recall the folks that were on the dais at the time recall that we had to discuss in length about how the Administrator was hired. And our first plan was to have it be hired like our Auditor, right, that it would transition between Administrations so that there would be that continuity. And the Council would interview whether it be a recruitment process that happens; it would be merit -based. But we were told by Corporation Counsel at that time, that was not the avenue we could take. So, the thing that we settled on was an appointment by the Mayor. And in order to insure that we have that continuity between administrations and that this position was adequately staffed. You'll notice the difference between OSCER and the other appointed positions, there's a very clear set of minimum Page 10 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 requirements, pretty expansive. And it's because the Administration of OSCER is a little bit different from the other Administrative positions of offices in the County. Specifically, that you know, the day you walk in the door, you're going to be behind. I mean, this is the kind of thing where it's a small office; it does not have a deep bench of civil service staff that can make sure things continue. It's not the kind of thing where it's a learn -on -the job sort of position. You clearly did your homework, and I do appreciate that. But when you walk into the administrative position of OSCER, you are not only setting the priorities and objectives; determining the benchmarks, the metrics, doing assessments across-the-board for the County; but you're doing HR, you're doing payroll, you're doing accounting, you're doing procurement. What struck me when this appointment came through and to be fully transparent, I did encourage the Mayor and the Managing Director to pull this until you've had an opportunity actually to gain some of the experience and knowledge necessary. There are other positions in the County that I think you could gain that, but the key one here is experiencing leading a major program in the auspices of OSCER. And there's nothing in your resume that shows that you've had that executive sort of leadership of a major program. In full transparency to the rest of the body, even though I spent six years in this field, my education —I have a master's degree in tropical conservation and environmental science. I don't qualify for this position, because I do not have that experience leading a major initiative in this area. So, I think it's critically important, that's why it's number one on the list. The second one is the technical knowledge of the science climate change. And what I will say to that, I did do a search, there are no authorships in your name with technical papers, published journal articles, white paper reports that really represent that you have done a robust dive into the science of climate change. While I appreciate the geography background as a Geography Instructor at the university here, Geography is a broad field, and it could apply to any number of disciplines. So, I think that's not really a direct correlation. What I would really like to have seen was some sort of demonstration of that sort of research -based approach to understanding that and having some documentation. Number three is understanding of Native Hawaiian culture, and I'll defer to the folks on the board here who have Native Hawaiian ancestry, if that's something that you match. And I will absolutely agree that you understand the unique environment and the social issues that you have. Because you've done that in Page 11 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 your advocacy work. We're on the same side of a lot of issues; we've been in the same circles a long time, so I do know that you have that understanding. The fifth one is leadership; supervising staff, communication, organizational development. I will say executive leadership is very different from you know, serving as a legislator or supervising legislative staff. The last two, if I may just conclude here. Project management, inner agency collaboration. I will acknowledge that with EMC (Environmental Management Commission) that you have deep knowledge of DEM. And you know, with the Recycling Coordinator there moving to the Deputy position, that would be like the perfect start to get this experience running a major office. I will leave it to my colleagues to add here, but I just want to conclude to say, I'm not trying to diminish anything that you've done, and the character references obviously, we'll leave that as well, right? We've known each other like I said, but we are statutorily required. This is in Code to insure that the candidates for this position meet those minimum requirements. There are not nice to have, these are must haves. And based on the resume presented to us, you just don't have those qualifications met. So, thank you. MS. ACASIO: Thank you, Chair. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, Ms. Acasio. Can you share a little bit about your work with the Kaiaua Community Garden? MS. ACASIO: So, Kaiaua Community Garden was really inspired from a vision of moving into our home. And on even the first walkthrough before we were able to buy that place, I looked out the back window and I saw an overgrown and empty lot within the Boys and Girls Club. And I had been working very closely with folks at Ma`o Farms in Wai`anae. And they are renowned for their work in agricultural spaces especially around resilience, and health and wellness for communities that are in otherwise food deserts, and that community faces a lot of hunger issues. So, I've been working with them and very inspired by the work that they did, and saw an opportunity right there is central Hilo to bring together because of its location with schools nearby and students that come after school every day, in developing a program with the Boys and Girls Club that engaged university students and professors; the work line at the prison, Goodwill and Are of Hilo — all forms of community engagement, but would have students come after school and learn to grow food; and learn how to sustain themselves. Ultimately, give them an opportunity to experience that. Page 12 GOEAC-3 February 4,2025 So, we pulled together a project plan for that and brought in community partners and engaged with the Board at the Boys and Girls Club. And eventually got approval to start a community garden that went for solid five years. Even at some point, Kua O Ka La was housed there in their virtual academy. But then also we had a dear garden instructor from that school who passed relatively shortly after, but came and brought a lot more life to that in the evolution of that garden program. But I still run into families that grew up that garden for those five years. But we developed educational programs; we did a lot of interdisciplinary cross participation like with art and with Na Men Hawaii and a lot of protocol. So, it was a dynamic aspect of learning. We did write four grants with Hawaii Community Foundation. As part of that, I know the Boys and Girls Club, their Administration brought in a lot of grants because of the project. I wasn't directly involved exactly in that financial aspect. However, in working with that as a partnership and bringing in everyone together, that was a big program that we initiated. There was change in leadership. Oftentimes, there are community members that say, "Laura, you shouldn't bring up that project, because it no longer exists." And I will say that leadership does change at the Boys and Girls Club, and so, the vision changes as well. Not with this current leadership at the Boys and Girls Club, but prior leadership saw it as more of a burden in some ways and didn't necessarily see the vision of what was happening and didn't necessarily participate in that. So, that opportunity ended. A lot of volunteers were alienated in that process and so, then it fell to the waste side. Moving forward then, of course legislatively, we had some CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) monies that came through. I believe Chris Todd was a part of that, and they ended up taking down the greenhouse as part of that and taking down a lot of fruit trees and the garden itself. So, for me in looking at that, it still wasn't a waste. Because there was a chunk of Hilo at that time that were really engaged in projects around growing food and learning how to do that for ourselves. MR. INABA: Thank you very much. Thank you, Council Member Kimball, for pointing us back to the language of the Code here. You know, I think between that, your time at the Leg (Legislature), your community service with the Surfrider Foundation, you meet the provisions of Number one in the Code for that Section of the Administrator. Revisiting this language now, it makes me wonder if, you know, we need to go back to revisit technical knowledge of the science. I'm not sure how we as a Council and I guess this is you know, where we each have our own mana`o on what technical knowledge is. But I don't think we have something quantifiable to Page 13 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 say whether someone does or doesn't meet that qualification. I know you know more than I do when it comes to science and climate change, based on the conversations and discussions that we've had. For Number three, you know with your keiki being of Hawaiian descent, and your connection to community members, and your willingness to learn also from others. You've never been afraid to reach out. If you had questions, especially with things happening here when you were at the Leg. I have no concerns regarding Native Hawaiian culture and being respectful and acknowledging that in the work that you'll do. Ultimately, I think the last three you also meet. I'll be in strong support of your confirmation. You know, if you are confirmed and before things get busy, I want to put in this request that you know, we're going through our General Plan update right now, and I've had discussions with Director Darrow regarding how we can implement some type of tool that lets the General Plan live and allow us to assess policies, applications, and things come before the different County agencies against the General Plan's policies and provisions. I'm hoping that you and your office work together with the Planning Department. I don't think it has to live in the General Plan, but that we should have some type of solid tool that we can use to figure out if things are in line or are not in line with the General Plan and how we can get them more in line once we do pass it. So, just mahalo for stepping up. Mahalo, Mayor Alameda for this appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes. Aloha Laura, it's great to see you here in person today. 1 am honored and consider it a privilege to wholeheartedly support your nomination. I recognize the irony having been the co -introducer and creator of working with Council Member Kimball to create OSCER, and the conversations we had about the requirements and wanting to set the bar as high as possible to preclude any potential for people not qualified and not authentically connected or committed to the purpose of OSCER, to be nominated for this position. I firmly believe that you were not one of the people that we had in mind to create the terminology. I firmly believe you are the person. I was trilled to hear of this nomination. It gives me hope for our community in the future. I watch your work; I watch and listen to your words, and I also take to heart, the testimony that was provided for you here today. You know, there are high benefits to academia and being specifically trained in a certain field. But I also think in this world and in today's day and age, action is just as valuable. You know, I've sat on this Council and watched nominations Page 14 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 and confirmations for other appointments for people that had far less education and specific qualifications than what you're exhibiting here. I see you being connected to our people and to the work and to the culture and prioritizing that value system. And I continue to repeat that the solutions for the challenges we face is a global society and community, especially related to climate change and resource management reside in the wisdom of our host culture. And I see you executing, activating, embracing, and uplifting that wisdom in everything that you do. I also took a moment to look up technical knowledge. And what is another word for technical skill? Technical knowledge, competence, aptitude, proficiency, chops, savvy, and mastery. And something I love about yoga and Buddhism though I don't do it as often as I should, is that it's a practice. And so, mastery is a goal, but it's in the practice, and it's in leaning in, speaking up, holding hands, side -by -side. Sweat equity from the soil to the air; from the top of the Mauna to the sea. I see you taking this opportunity in what will be a potentially very overwhelming role. But I look forward to seeing a little more action. And I'm supporting you completely, and also having some conversations, unfortunately, under the last administration. I was told, one we got OSCER approved and up and going, we would be signing on to the climate litigation. Now is the time. We can't afford to wait. We will miss the window of the pro bono legal representation, and things continue to line up. So, now is the time to step up and stand side -by -side with Oahu and Maui and insure that our municipality has the opportunity to participate in that. So, I look forward to circling back with you on that and with Mayor Alameda. But I am grateful for your willingness to sit here today and am grateful for the thought processes and the intellectual and scholastic expertise of Council Member Kimball, and you know, her courage. It's not easy to sit here and say, you know, you're concerned about this, that, and the other. But I am hoping you will be confirmed, and I think this is —I'm selfishly grateful to have you here on -island as opposed to being on Oahu serving in the House or Senate. And with that, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALWBA: Thank you. Hi Laura. So, just as everyone says, you definitely have a lot of experience and passion for the subject. And I'll always be grateful for you willing to take on my Don Quijote project around milk control. Page 15 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 I guess I would like to address that second —the technical knowledge of the science of climate change mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, and natural resource management. Could you talk about that? MS. ACASIO: Absolutely, thank you for that question. Very important, and I do have the most respect for all of you folks and all of your comments. So, just wanted to say that. And that this work, especially in political spaces, is not personal. I absolutely understand the responsibility that you folks carry. So, this question about technical knowledge is very important, and while geography sounds very broad and it is, we have to learn geographic information systems and spatial analysis and data management and data presentation. That is highly technical, and that is one of the focuses of my degree. Secondly, hydrology, very technical; Geomorphology. Probably the biggest issue of our time is our water. If we look at Oahu, and we have you know, development and engineering feats that are incredible that have caused tremendous amount of damage that is not reversible. So, technical knowledge in the field of climate change is ever evolving. Yes, I will absolutely admit I have no academic paper that I have written and published. That doesn't mean I don't love learning, and absolutely have read and studied. My husband is the first to attest that. Grateful that I love reading, because I will be up on a 128-page document continuing to read and gain that knowledge. Could I turn around right now and regurgitate every aspect of it and remember all the terminology? Absolutely not. Am I aware of the systems that interact? Absolutely. One more thing about that in terms of my education with a Geography degree, one of my best classes was an upper division elective that was writing intensive on environmental impact statements and assessments. That technical knowledge is very important in not only the work of policy and legislation, but this job, because so many of the things that we do as policymakers and as administrators are bound by those things and that we have an obligation. Then, where does technical knowledge of Ka Pa`akai analysis come into this when we bring in the cultural component, because I think that's fundamentally very important as we move forward, that not only State agencies, but every decision we make is I ka wa ma mua, ka wa ma hope, which is, we're looking seven generations forward and seven generations backwards for that knowledge. And that knowledge is here, and it's imperative that we address for the survival. Again, when we have this global challenge in front of us that is enormous that the only thing we can control and really hyperfocus on is local. So, if we want waters to be protected, and if we want to engage in a development for some place like Page 16 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Waiakea Kai, otherwise known as Banyan Drive, we have to take into these considerations of the realities that we're facing. So going back to those technical pieces, I know that as a team, we collectively have the knowledge. And that again, as this field evolves, we get more and more information. I'll just point to one last thing in terms of technical knowledge, that recently the State paid $200,000 for a consultation for Banyan Drive. And I went to that meeting, and it was so interesting that in the very first slides, they showed Banyan Drive under water, and then continued to move forward with ideas of a Master Plan of that space. So, if we don't have strategic relocation as part of our planning, I just recently also went with the engineering partners, and there was a presentation on best practices within engineering as being managed. They call it shoreline retreat, and you have the different levels of that reaction, whether it's reactive or planned. Again, going back to just fundamentally from my life experience, is long-range planning, we have to be incorporating transportation -oriented development if we're going to be reducing emissions. We have to be looking at mass transportation curtailing and using energy from our current geothermal, which has its own set of challenges. But that curtailed energy is used for our transit, right, rather than just being wasted, because if it's curtailed, it's not being used, right? So, just these ideas, could I lay out a map right now and tell you exactly how this geothermal works and how the energy storage works? No, I cannot. But again, in terms of, can we research and find those experts in our community and even beyond But hopefully, focusing local first? Yes, we can. Thank you for the question. MS. GALIMBA: Yeah, sure. I guess following on that, how do you envision bringing to the technical knowledge around climate change mitigation, etcetera to your position on the cabinet, working with the other departments heads who may or may not have a strong commitment to these ideas? MS. ACASIO: That starts with relationship first of all. But also, I know that within our departments, they have technical knowledge as well, right? And it may not be specifically about climate change but it's that inner connectedness. Also, I do know that there are at least three positions within this department that have yet to be filled. And I see in our restructuring and our understanding of where we're moving forward is bringing in others with that kind of knowledge. And the technical knowledge that I do have. You know, again, I haven't Page 17 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 published academia on it, absolutely. But that, by no means, does not implicate that there is no knowledge. MS. GALIMBA: I guess what I'm trying to get at is, there's sort of the climate change issue, which is huge, and it comes down to some very practical but radical changes that we all need to make that are very difficult for us to change our trajectory. MS. ACASIO: I see what you're saying. So, it's about partnerships, right? So, I have relationships with who used to be State Office of Energy, Scott Glenn. He's now with the Governor's Office working on Climate and Energy issues. So, those connections are important in terms of bringing resources and being on the knowledge of all of the different aspects. So, whether it's State, Federal, County, Government, Community Partnerships; we do have a lot of community knowledge. Even the folks that were part of creating the Integrated Climate Action Plan are all resources. Many of them have already reached out and said I am here for you as a mentor, and institutional knowledge, and technical knowledge. So, depending on, you know, who it was, they've reached out and said, "We absolutely support and we're here." So, then not only those community partnerships and inner - governmental agency partnerships. That's part of the work that we did on the Senate, for example, is reaching out and working closely with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Region 9 on issues of C&D (Construction and Demolition) Diversion for our waste management, right? And looking at resources and deconstruction as a viable, you know, policy - driven implementation for our County to divert waste by reusing our C&D. That's not necessarily an overnight thing, but we have to be working towards that. We have to be taking really clear steps, working with our Environment Management Department in order to take those steps for diversion from our solid waste. Because again, we all know that you folks especially and the departments will be dealing with the whole process of, what are we doing next? Landfill, incineration, barging, you know, that conversation was a whole thing in itself, right, during our last hearings. And yet, that's not the only solution. We absolutely have to be looking at, again, circular economy, regenerative approaches, and gaining traction. Not only for a legislative level from the State, but also our collective choices. It's collaboration. It's something that the "C" word has been used over and over in all of this, and it's because of the leadership, I believe, that also Mayor Alameda brings. Is that it is about collaboration, and if we're going to get anything done, we have to do it together. MS. GALIlVIBA: So, one more question. I know time is ticking but I do want to ask this. We're seeing a bit of a backlash around the words climate change, and I Page 18 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 was wondering how your thinking is at addressing that. Because to some degree, it's just around those words. MS. ACASIO: So, semantics is a fun game, and you know, the work doesn't stop regardless of the terminology. I think it's very clear from this Council, especially the Council that formed the office of OSCER, what the intention was. I think I heard over and over, it's about collaborating and really whether it took the form of an entirely separate office or the work itself that needs to be done. And that coordination piece is key. As far as a national agenda, I think we're just in a phase, and it's a very traumatic phase for a lot, but I think it's almost needed for us to really recognize again, that the answers lie closer to home than we think. And so, regardless of what we call it, we still need to survive. We still need clean air, we need clean water, we need food. We need to stop our reliance so much on imported goods and create more circular approaches. But we have those in our community. We just need to support and expand on it. As you folks know, with a fiduciary duty, your priorities are reflected in our budget, right? And our priorities are reflected in the work. That's why I mentioned the pushback, because there are at least 10 grants that are working right now actively within the office of OSCER. Most of them are frozen, and to me, it's huge. I'm not going to say it's not problematic on a larger conversation, but to me it doesn't inhibit any kind of work that we can do. Then we focus on setting a foundation. We focus on resilience and lifestyle. It's so similar to the work that I know many of you folks have. But Council Member Kierkiewicz, with her Kilauea Lava Recovery; but also, the initial response. We are in an emergency, it's just very slow. And so, to recognize it as such, especially, even same thing with our waste management and our wastewater issue. We're absolutely in an emergency. So yes, again, we need funds. We can't get away from this saying we do need the funding. But it also is about a whole level of coordination that still can be done. I don't bite for a second, and think that we're not going to be working 20 hours a day trying to solve these issues. To reiterate what Council Member Kimball said, it's true, starting this job we're already behind. And that's because of where we are as a society and even as a world, right? We have to start with fundamentals, and that's why I go back to the `olelo no`eau, saying, we have to look at the past and the wisdom of the past in order to rectify it and deal with what we have in front of us. MS. GALMBA: Thanks very much. I yield. Page 19 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thanks. Council Member Kaneali`i-Meinfelder. This is your technical knowledge right here. One of them. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Aloha, Laura. Mahalo to the Administration sitting in Kona. You've been there for about five hours; appreciate you guys. Laura, everything about you lives and breathes everything we're talking about today. Like, I've watched you campaign over the last five years. And everything I have heard you say, and everything I have seen you do; the actions you have taken. Everything screams, you fit this position, without a doubt. I voted against this department because I don't think putting three-quarters of a million dollars towards a department to stand up what I consider to be the Office of Key Words. It was imperative to me because a lot of this can be done outside government. A lot can be done legislatively. It doesn't take offices, leather chairs; that's my opinion. Over the past two years, I would highlight that I haven't seen a lot of action from this department. I have a lot of emails, and I have a lot of phone calls to the current interim Administrator and have seen practically zero response. I have brought ideas to this department, and have seen almost zero response. The only breath of fresh air that I've had in this department, and this `Office of Key Words,' as I'd like to call it, is you. I'll be supporting your nomination with the hope that if you're able to take control of this agency, you'll be able to turn around my opinion of it, which is what I asked the previous Administrator to do, and she has not. With frozen funding, with what you face, I think my key here and I was thinking about this as you spoke today, is focusing in what you want to accomplish. You're going to have to because it is, it's an office of everything. So, finding the keys that you want to hit to make the things in this County change that we need to change to touch on why we created this department in the first place. That is your role. If you can't do things fiscally, then work on it legislatively, because there's so many things that can be done legislatively to enact the changes that touch on equity, climate change, sustainability, resiliency. Those can be done without spending a dime. I'll be supporting your nomination today because you have the experience; you have the knowhow, you have the guts, you have the persistence. You have answered every single question today. Absolutely clearly, almost too much, because that is where your brain goes when you hear these words because you know this information inside and out. But you have my full support. Page 20 GOEAC-3 February 4,2025 I appreciate this nomination. We've had a lot of nominations. This one, it just got caught up in everything else that was going on. And when I saw this nomination, I was actually overwhelmed; it was like this is beautiful, this is a perfect fit for Laura. You have my absolute support, and I hope you turn this department around, because so far I have not been impressed. I gave you one idea, I'm going to keep pushing on that idea, and we'll see where it goes. If it happens it happens. MS. ACASIO: It's a great idea. We're going to make it happen. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. MS. ACASIO: Resource recovery and utilizing it. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Thank you to the Mayor for bringing forward the nomination. Ms. Acasio, I look forward to seeing you at your second hearing. MS. ACASIO: Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Administrator Acasio and future ancestor, `aina wai protector, collaborative leader. I was walking into this absolutely supporting you. But as I sat here and listened to your responses to the myriad of questions that were asked of you, I am so convinced that you are the right fit and person for this position. Your essence just exudes passion. And seeing the challenges that our County and Island faces, as opportunities to be a leader in innovation and to build that circular economy that we desperately want for ourselves. I'm really excited for you to be leading this office. There's a lot that's ahead of you. And what I appreciated, is you recognizing that each of the various County departments are bogged down in their own set of challenges, trying to staff vacancies, and they can't think of how they can make their departments and functions more sustainable and resilient, and that's where you come in. You do that hard work for them, identifying and helping to secure resources, but also helping them to manifest the ideas that are necessary to move us forward in this more resilient future. The Department of Research and Development in the Code is supposed to stand up as Sustainability Committee. I've never seen it set up the entire time that I've been on the Council. I don't know if that's the right home for it. And I wonder, you know, I'm working with the department to make some changes to that Page 21 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Section of Code, because there can be more clarity within their kuleana, especially now that OSCER has been established. But with so much good work happening in community, I wonder if this Sustainability Committee would be more appropriately situated in your office at some point. Do you have any thoughts on that? MS. ACASIO: One of the things that brings to mind in talking with one of our community partners who is very involved in the ICAP (Integrated Climate Action Plan) formation is an advisory counsel as well. So, I don't know if that's similar in terms of structure. But basically, the committee, around sustainability, has all these public and private contributors and helps to guide that work. As far as it being where it lies, I feel like R&D oftentimes is dealing with these new and innovative startups, and then it needs to go somewhere, right? Whether it goes to DEM or it goes to OSCER, depending on what they're working on, you know. And that R&D ends up being more of an economic office setting up for a sustainable economy on that side. But then this actually focuses more on the deeper issues of sustainability that are of course related to economy as everything is. However, less so, right? So, I think it does make sense to transfer it into that. I've also thought about, you know, I'm not trying to restructure Mayor Alameda's entire plan at the moment, but just conversations with him that I intend to have further is, looking at our Youth Commission, for example. I believe it currently sits in the Office of the Mayor, but it can also, you know, be discussed as far as part of our Resilience and our need to create successorships as one of my other passions is community engagement, and civic engagement, and good civic discourse and dialogue. But if we're not creating folks to take the positions that w all are working in and opening up those opportunities, then we won't have leaders. So, yes, I think it is an absolutely great conversation to have. I'm open to it, and I'm definitely open to deepening that conversation also with R&D Director, Benson Medina. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Fantastic. And I'm so glad you brought up our `opio. You know, this Council for the last two budget cycles have appropriated funding to the Department of Human Resources (HR) for fellowship programs. I don't know if that has every gotten off the ground. I do think that we need to go ahead and issue an RFP (Request for Proposal), because there are entities out there that are so good at running those kinds of programs. But I bring it up because I want to find ways for us to be empowering our local youth to have jobs here at the County. They may not meet the minimum requirements of staffing for your office, but the fellowship gives them that Page 22 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 opportunity to get their foot in the door and gain the necessary experience to meet the MQ's (minimum qualifications) for those civil service positions. So, I want to encourage you to reach out to HR to figure out how you can take advantage of getting a couple of fellows for your office. MS. ACASIO: Yes. And just to add to that, also, we have great opportunities with our University of Hilo; also, HCC (Hawai`i Community College) in terms of workforce development and internships. Both paid and unpaid, right? Just for, again, being able to transition folks. And this is something that, as an educator, I do know, and I have an incredible passion for as well. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Fantastic. And I thank you for being open to transferring the Sustainability Committee to OSCER. I don't want to be just an advisory council. I think it's really important that everybody finds a way to contribute and take action. There is so much that every single sector can be doing to advance our sustainability and resilience as a County as an Island community. So take stock of who is doing what and then find ways to fill in the gaps, but I don't need folks telling us what to do. I want people to be part of the solution and to take action. That's the only thing that I want to make sure that we're keeping in mind going forward. Could you just share with us, you know, very quickly, the top three things that you hope to be focusing on during your time as the Sustainability Administrator? Four years seems like a long time, but it's really not. And so, what are three things that you hope to accomplish that you think would be a big win to advance the goals of OSCER? MS. ACASIO: So, I definitely again, going back to Department of Environmental Management, who is working and engaging very directly with some actionable items around our waste management, especially Solid Waste. But also looking at our issues that we have with cesspool conversion, right? Like coming up with a meaningful and executable plan for cesspool conversion. We have years already of advice and deliberations from the cesspool conversion working group. And so, to be able to incorporate those into action items. I really see our office working closely as well, with Destination Management and our Hawaii Tourism Authority and also, parameters within the County for our visitor industry. Again, working in close collaboration with looking at the waste stream and the energy consumption within our visitor industry. And again, taking action items to mitigate a lot of that, especially around solid waste. So working closely with the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce, which I, you know, have been working with in conjunction with my work with Hui `Ohana, Page 23 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and also the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; along with Hawaii Green Growth for example, and those SDG's (Sustainable Development Goals) around waste management, especially in our visitor industry. So, to reduce the load of our County and the burden upon the public in those conversations, but putting some actionable steps forward and working with them. I know a lot of folks are already doing —taking steps, but continuing to deepen those, and so, there's something. There're quite a few ideas actually, but that's some of them. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Fantastic and all very worthwhile, and I know that you will be making significant progress towards meeting these goals and many others of the office. You know, I'm not always on the same side of folks that were coming to testify in support of you today. But today, we're in alignment. You are certainly in the best position to be leading this office. So, just want to say thank you for all the ways that you have shown up for and supported our community. You've worn many hats. So, thank you for rising to the occasion to take this on. I will be supporting your nomination and do look forward to working with you in the years to come. Thank you, Chair, I yield. MS. ACACIO: Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Aloha, Ms. Acasio. Good to see you here. MS. ACASIO: Thank you. MR. HUSTACE: My colleagues have asked probably a lot of stuff that was floating through my mind as I've gone down my list here a little bit. Particularly, the work, that you know, is an amazing task and daunting for the office to work with our other departments and our Administrators to support them, guide them; maybe course correct them, some things here and there, if necessary. But it's definitely at relationship, field and piece that you've talked about. Then also, there was some discussion about sea level rise impact. So, this is something that I'd love to, you know, have a conversation with you further on as we develop a relationship here. But you know, you talked about Banyan Drive and redevelopments. We have other coastal areas that we'll also see those impact and those threats, particularly they are major ports of entry and hubs and those sorts of things. So if you could speak just a little about, you know, this is something that maybe we don't necessarily see. Page 24 GOEAC-3 February 4,2025 We see the impacts from high storm events, extreme storm events, and maybe the effects we might not see for 50 or 100 years. So, how do we begin that conversation? How can we develop in policy about moving in that direction, whether it's managed to treat; whether it's, you know, coastal protection, preservation? Can you speak just a little bit off that for the technical side? MS. ACASIO: So, that will be definitely in collaboration with our Planning Department among others. But in conversations with them, is looking at what is best practice. Again, best practice is constantly evolving, which is why we have to continually stay up to date on what that best practice is. So, whether that means educational sessions. And again, this is not something that is new to the department. So, it's going to be about engaging them. I definitely have to get in there first and foremost to see what they're already working on. I'm not necessarily coming in any kind of heavy-handed and with the answers. I do believe that our County has incredible leadership and has folks that have been working on this issue within the department as well. And so, just really tapping into that, and seeing what goals they are already aiming for and help guide tangible, practical, and executable items within the work that they're already doing. So, as far as re -treat, we have to look at the Code. And this is part of our, you know, the work that you folks are doing in terms of the General Plan; is looking at what in the General Plan needs to evolve to keep up with this new situation that we find ourselves in. It's not new, actually, it's been encroaching for many, many years. However, it's finally becoming regular terminology in governance. And so, we are catching up in terms of government. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you. And as you say, this is kind of an educational piece, and I think there's an opportunity with the department to be that kind of liaison with community as well. You know, it's the challenges that we see with the General Plan, the testimony, the conversations that are happening; and just being a better advocate about the sciences out there and how we share that message back and forth. So, if you can speak to that piece about, you know, I'm not necessarily seeing the whole rise, but also these other challenges that we're seeing that will impact policy if our documentation doesn't align with the kind of direction of national sciences, international studies. MS. ACASIO: Right. And just to touch on the aspect of community interaction and engagement, a perfect example was the Hawaiian Civic Clubs of Waimea just put on, and I know you were there to hear a lot of it. That was an incredible learning opportunity with over 250 people in attendance to learn about just the technicalities and infrastructure and how the Department of Water Supply works. Page 25 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 So that, as we have a more engaged community, in terms of these conversations and solutions, that they understand the different parameters and challenges; they understand the constrictions of whether it's County versus State and where the jurisdictions lie. So, a lot of the answers to that really lies in continuing to educate, not only ourselves and departments, but the public. So that, when they are testifying, they can give meaningful and well-informed testimony. So, a lot of opportunities like that, where we can engage community in opportunities to learn how it functions, because most of the time, the answers lie very close to home. We have a lot of engineers, we have lot of builders, we have a lot of very, very capable. They might not have a degree behind their name, but I've seen firsthand, they can do anything. A perfect example is if anyone has visited the Wastewater Treatment Facility in Hilo and also, Papa`ikou; for example, it's incredible what our engineers and our civil servants do to keep these things running. The EPA (Environmental Protection A when we went with Region 9, had never seen a facility in so bad shape. Never. They were shocked. And part of the leadership and part of the reason we're not under a consent decree with fines is because we all showed up in our different capacities. I was there representing the State at that time, and we had again, Congressman Kai Kahele's Office representing the Federal; and we had a lot of representation from the former Mayor's Office with very clear intentions to follow a timeline and accomplish things. We're still in that, right? So, now we have to then revisit and stick with that timeline. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you. So, my last question I have is really about our transportation network and you know, we have our Mass Transit Administrator here in the audience as well, and we have challenges within R&D and our hydrogen fleet. How do we move some of those pieces forward? How do we, you know, remove some of the needs we have for the community, you know, either a mass transit or on the private sector? How do we, kind of move that needle forward? MS. ACASIO: Okay, that's a million -dollar question for sure, especially if we're looking at Puna. I mean there's a lot of places, right? But with our one road in and one road out with a majority of our commuters living out in Puna and working in Hilo or doing their daily functions here. So, the energy transition is very important. We absolutely have a mandate coming down from the State. You know, with our climate plans to transition to full electric vehicles, for example. That's why I brought up the opportunities to work with an engaged planning around transportation -oriented developments. If we're going to continue to function as a County in our planning with sprawl, we're going to continue to have these issues, right? Page 26 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 The same thing goes for Banyan Drive, for example. If transportation -oriented development, and mass transit, and alternative transportation is not central to that conversation of the planning and the development in that master planning, we're going to continue to have more problems. I mean, we kind of heard it a little bit, even just relationship to anew school. You can't even open anew school because of some of our issues. But in terms of energy consumption, have mandates coming down, and we have to transition. So right now, one of the projects that OSCER is working on is, even just a pilot program of three heavy-duty utility vehicles within DEM and DPW and working through the HR (Human Resources) issues, where all of the details; where it will be located, who will then take on the responsibility of upkeep and maintenance? Is it going to be private? Is that going to part of the department's ask for their budget and finance? You know, those are the things. But then also working, and of course, we're going to, of course, lean into Mayor Alameda's relationship. We have to have these conversations with the unions, because that's part of the collective bargaining, and it's part of some of the barriers when we raised the issue of Kona decision. So, all of those come into play very clearly in that transition as well. So, we do have a lot of things to address using a lot of our currently curtailed energy in our transportation system, is going to be also key. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Ms. Acasio. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Of course. Council Member Onishi, please go ahead. MR. ONISHI: Thank you, Madame Chair. Good afternoon, Laura. Just hold on, I have some questions for you. But then, can I get Corporation Counsel to come up here? You know, because I just want to clear the air, because the public is watching. You know, people and the public will be watching this later on, and it was brought up about your qualifications. And so, I'm hoping that Corporation Counsel, prior to looking at your application, made sure that you are qualified for this position. (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. SCHOEN: Good morning. Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. So, I have not looked at the qualifications. I guess the nomination was submitted before I came on. I think that is something that the body looks at. Whether or not Ms. Acasio meets the qualifications as set forth in (County Code Section) 2-271, it's really up to you folks to determine that she does. I know that the Mayor's Office believes that she is qualified, because she's sitting here before you and answering all of your questions. Page 27 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 MR. ONISHI: Okay. I didn't want to hear that because back when I was on the Council, there was I guess, an application put in for Environmental Management, and part of that qualification was being an engineer or some relationship or whatever to that field. So, we asked Corporation Counsel for their interpretation, right? And so, because that person did work within the scope of Environmental Management, that person qualified. So, we as the body of the Council —I mean, not everybody was in support, because they felt in their opinion, it wasn't. But because we got the ruling from Corporation Counsel saying that the person did do work within the department and had that knowledge. So, that's why they were qualified and being a professional —so, the person got approved, and became the DEM Director. So, I just wanted to see, I mean, but like you're putting it upon us, but this is part of I guess, is it the Charter? MS. SCHOEN: No, the qualifications are set out in the County Code. MR. ONISHI: Oh, the County Code, okay. So this was created, this new department, agency, office, or whatever. So, the thing is, it might have had some guidance from Corporation Counsel when they drew up all these qualifications. MS. SCHOEN: Well, I believe it's actually the Council that, whoever introduced it, I think Ms. Villegas and Council Member Kimball said that they put together all of the qualifications as to what they wanted to see in the director that leads this department. I mean, if you're asking me whether or not it looks like she qualifies, I would say, yes. I mean, just based upon her resume, what she's saying today, you know, the position requires a bachelor's degree plus five years of experience or a master's and three years of experience. And it appears as though she has those. I mean, it's really ultimately up to you folks to make that decision. MR. ONISHI: Okay, well it's good to hear what you just said. So, thank you. So, moving on, you mentioned a lot about Banyan Drive, and Banyan Drive is in my district. I just went to one of the meetings, the Banyan Drive Hawaii Development Agency. And so, the State Legislature right now is putting in some bills where they want to transfer, I guess the ownership or the responsibility to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. So I guess, if you're confirmed, I would really appreciate that if you can really hit the ground and running, because the agency on the County side, looks like they really want to move forward. Then on the State side, hopefully, they can transfer it from DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to this Authority group, so that way we can move forward faster, right? Page 28 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 But then also, as Council Member Hustace mentioned, about like the sea rising and others mentioned about that too, we during (Harry) Yim's Administration, he had talked about it. Especially, Director of Planning, Micheal Yee, a partnership between the State, DLNR and the County doing an EIS (Environmental Impact Study) of that area, right? MS. ACASIO: Correct. MR. ONISHI: To see and taking into consideration, for the future of generations and how this whole area is going to be looking, right? And so, I'm hoping that if you can, you know, help the Planning Department to help the Banyan Drive Development Agency with information too. Also, helping with giving testimony to the State Legislature on that one bill that wants to transfer over the Community Development Authority. So, any comments? MS. ACASIO: Thank you for that. I just recently read that bill, and it's very similar to bills that Representative Onishi has put forth in the past. Some small differences, but fundamentally, it's the same. And our office definitely was working in concert and in close communication with Representative Onishi around that, and also pushing for an EIS. Of course, EIS's are not inexpensive. So, that was the big, kind of, barrier really to that. But ultimately, we do need large-scale scoping and planning. So, this is going to be really important with our Planning Department. It's going to be very important for our communities. Especially ones that are directly related. But it really mirrors a lot of other very similar developments or issues in different parts of our island. So, yes, absolutely, I already have been in communication, but I plan on sitting very closely with the Banyan Drive Redevelopment. Even if i wasn't appointed to this position, or if the Council does not confirm me, I still will as a citizen because this is something I very much care about. I've been attending a lot of the meetings and also Vibrant Hawaii with Council Member Lee Loy. She had put together a series of community engagements last year and I attended all of them. You know, it's something that's been near and dear to my heart for many, many years, probably 14 years. We worked closely around Uncle Billy's, and at one point, Governor Ige had appropriated monies for us, specifically because of the work that we were doing to take down Uncle Billy's. You know, Legislature does what it does and there was some evolution in those monies, but now here we are. Ultimately, it needed to come down because redeveloping in that spot would be short-sighted. MR. ONISHI: Yeah, thank you. Page 29 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 MS. ACASIO: Thank you so much. And I look forward to continuing the conversation especially since you are Council Member of that district. MR. ONISHI: I look forward to it. Thank you. The last thing I have is about sustainable alternative energy. So, I wanted to hear what your thoughts are moving forward. And I know there's like a sunset, right, of I guess, Governor Ige at that time had said 2045. MS. ACASIO: Yes, 2045 for a fossil fuel study. MR. ONISHI: Yes, So, what are your thoughts? MS. ACASIO: I think, we again, pointing to the emergency that we're in, we absolutely need to get moving, and it's not an easy topic. What is sustainable, right? It becomes really critical because we have, you know, endeavors on the Hdmakua Coast with, you know, hundreds of acres of Eucalyptus and a power plant that didn't have permits and would draw 22 million gallons of water a day from the Hakalau Aquifer. Where does that go once they drain? So, it's complex. We absolutely have mandates, and we have environmental concerns that need to be addressed as well. That's not just on a community level. The community level is one thing, the impacts to community, right? But even on a policy level and an environmental level. TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) is the same, and I want to give all respect to Mayor Alameda. We don't always sit on the same side of these very politicized things. And yet, that will never stop us, I believe. That will never stop us from sitting down and having really deep conversations about our challenges. So, as far as energy transition, we're under the gun. We're under the gun for that; we're under the gun for transition to locally -produced food. We have to be to 30 percent in barely 10 years. So, are we meeting those challenges? If we're only going to talk about them, and if we're only going to draft new powerpoints about them, we're not going to do it. We do need to unify and have some very clear actionable steps. It's literally, the challenge of our lifetime. MR. ONISHI: I know you mentioned earlier, PGV (Puna Geothermal Venture). Do you believe in PGV? MS. ACASIO: Well, PGV on the East Rift Zone is highly toxic and problematic, and I do believe that the public and the community who engaged in those conversations from Day One are the reasons why a lot of the environmental protections have been put in place in the first place, I think. So, Geothermal is very complicated in the sense, and I'm open with everyone that I talk to about this, is that we have a trauma based on that experience. And where Page 30 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 things were done a certain way, that didn't inspire trust with the public in terms of the duty of our government. So, if there's going to be really positive advances in that, those traumas have to be addressed and worked through. Because they're going to come back, and there are very strong feelings all the way around. It's a matter of how it's done. Especially when public trust is at its all time low in terms of government protections. And this is just locally all the way to nationally, and even internationally; then I think that that's community engagement. And this is part of my skillsets in this particular position, is to understand a multitude of perspectives and that they all can be right. And yet we have to be able to articulate and narrow down how technologies have changed and address the issues of community. They can't just be swept under the rug and we do things behind closed doors. Because that inspires more loss of faith. So, that's not necessarily exactly about PGV. I think it's potentially a good resource and yet as a settler, it's not for me to speak on that, especially a culture aspect to that. MR. ONISHI: We're talking about energy, right? There's solar, wind, hydro, right? And if there's no sun, we have no solar power, right? If the wind is not blowing, there's no energy from the windmills. If there's no rain, the rivers don't run, there's no hydro, right? So, because we have deadlines, we need to look at how we're going to get to that stage, right? Or which avenues we've got to support. And which are the ones that can really help the island. The last thing, like you mentioned about the food and sustainability. But, you know, everytime, especially the State. When the economy goes down there's always mention that we only have about seven days of food. And you know the shipping has got to come from the mainland and they're talking about being more sustainable, but then, they don't put the money where it's supposed to go to, right? And you've been there. MS. ACASIO: Yes, 0.1 percent of our State budget is to agriculture. MR. ONISHI: Right. I know, and then they talk about all of this, right? And so, I'm hoping that you can, once you get in, you can start getting that dialogue and also getting the Council more involved where we push, especially our local legislators first to believe in that. Because we have the land; you know, we have the water. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member, your time has been up. Can you at least wrap up. MR. ONISHI: Just your thoughts on that one. Page 31 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 MS. ACASIO: Food security. It's important. If the State is able to procure for our youth and feed our kids. I just saw in the paper, that Seattle school district is feeding poi to their students, and it just baffles my mind that we are not. Some of our schools are, I'm just going say, and they do it in their own very creative ways. But on the wide, that again, our budget reflects our priorities. So, if we really do truly care about that, we will prioritize that. Obviously, if you're balancing a whole budget for a municipality, whether it's on a County level or the State level, there are many competing things that are equally important, right? Our Food security, which is why we go back to the need and the desire to create this office, or at least this work as a very pointed position, is because we do have these incredible challenges, and it is an emergency. MR. ONISHI: Thank you, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright. Council Member Villegas, very quickly, please. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, very quickly. I just want to point out also for some of our Council Members and some new to the dais here, Riley Saito has been working on a number of these projects as they relate to our County projects for decades now. And the Climate Action Plan literally points out, I believe it's just under half -a -billion dollars, is what the estimated cost. Mind you, this was three or four years ago at that cost to move our infrastructure away from our coastlines, and didn't include harbors, ports, and airports; rainbumps, hurricanes, or whatnot. So, anyway, just want to throw that out there for any of you who would like to speak with Riley. You won't be stepping in unsupported. We have people within the County who have a lot of that for you. MS. ACASIO: I was remiss not to mention Riley Saito. MS. VILLEGAS: No worries, I got you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. And we will have another chance to speak with Ms. Acasio in Council. So, we have a lot of great ideas here, and I think it's great. I think Corporation Counsel does have something that they want to share. MS. SCHOEN: Sorry, Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. Just 10 seconds. I mis-spoke earlier, Council Member Onishi. I said that the educational requirements of a Bachelor's degree in five years or a Master's in three years were required. It's not required, it's preferred. I'm looking at Section 2-271 (County Code). So, at minimum, the Sustainability Administrator shall be able to demonstrate the following through education or employment. And you know, thereafter, lists six different areas. So, just wanting to make that clear because I did mis-state. Page 32 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 MR. ONISHI: Okay, thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Corporation Counsel. Alright, with that — Council Member Kimball, real quickly, please. MS. KIMBALL: Very manini comment. You know, I appreciate everything coming from the rest of the folks here on the dais. And these questions, I think it's really important as we talk with nominees, to get some of these things on the record. I'd like to, Ms. Acasio, speak with you in the interim between now and the next hearing. I still do have some concerns, but I don't want to take up any further time today and just ask for that opportunity in the interim. Thank you. MS. ACASIO: Absolutely, thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright, with that I just have a few comments. You know, I've known Laura for quite a while, and we also have crossed paths in different ways; our kids being in theater, or you know, doing trainings around running Pono Campaigns, things like that. So, going back, I just want to mention a few things that I think are really important going forward. One is, I'd love for you just to speak on how, because you're really known in the community as someone who is, you know, takes a stand; you're a fighter. You don't back down, right? So, it's really hard to transform from an activist and advocate to a legislative position, like you needed to do when you became a senator. But I think it's even harder in a position like this. So, can you speak to me just a little bit about, you know, how you see yourself. Maybe talk about when you've been able to have a very strong value about something. But been able to then go in and compromise and work on something in a compromised way with somebody who had a different opinion or different value on that. Could you speak a little bit to that? MS. ACASIO: I think this is a great question. I think it's a little bit of a setup in the sense that I have engaged with 25 senators on different levels on some very contentious issues. They are always welcome in my office and they know that. I was part of many different teams on the Legislature, for example. But one in particular that we met with regularly to read bills before crossover and go over our own interpretations and answers and questions. And it was never manadatory that everyone believes the same or votes the same way. In fact, it was a quite diverse group of legislators who often taught each other things. And I was very honored to be a part of that, and I encourage it always as far as that goes. So, I don't think that's a problem. Page 33 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay. Alright, you didn't really answer my question. But I was trying to give you an opportunity because I believe that can and will grow into this more. But I thought maybe you could add a little more. MS. ACASIO: Also, I don't see myself as in the same capacity that you presented. So, there's not really a way for me to address exactly what you're saying if I don't have the same perception. So, I don't quite understand the question. CHR. KAGIWADA: Meaning that you don't see yourself as a fighter and somebody that stands up for your values or that you don't see this position as something that needs to negotiate and work on. MS. ACASIO: I think that the terminology of fighter in this context of trying to collaborate and create solutions is not appropriate in this sense. CHR. KAGIWADA: Well, I'll withdraw the fighter. But you know, a lot of people testified to the point that you are very strong in your values. It's very important. It's who you are. MS. ACASIO: So, I'm strong in my values. I absolutely will, with respect, communicate that to the Mayor and his team. And I believe that's the reason why Mayor Alameda has brought me on into this position. Being that there are some huge challenges that are very much diametrically opposed within our community, and he knows that is my approach. While I may have certain opinions, it is really important to have an approach of understanding and recognizing different perspectives and acting more as an interpreter and kind of reiterating to folks so that there are different perspectives. And my role is not to fight, but more as engagement and collaboration and peacekeeping in that whole context, which is potentially, very controversial on a lot of different levels. However, I can still have my personal opinion, right? CHR. KAGIWADA: Absolutely, and that's basically what I wanted to hear. So, thank you so much. That's exactly what I was looking for. Yes, that's it. Thank you. So, and then there's just a few things that I hope you'll also think about. You know, people have brought up really big issues around our shoreline and buildings and all that stuff. But I also think there's some smaller things. Like you mentioned, the water at meetings and the County not bringing plastic water bottles for things like that. There's some other ones, I think, we could do really easily. One, is around events that we host on our island, and especially if it's in County facilities like Parks and Rec. You know, I've spent District 2 funds trying to do Zero Waste at several events, and I would really hope that we can go in the direction of our County wanting to take that on as something that we do as a County. So, it's not up to just an individual. Page 34 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Other things, I love the discussion around transportation. You know, we have free busses. Why aren't they full of people riding. We need to get our hands around what we can do to try to make sure that we're addressing our communities' needs. But also, that we're utilizing these resources we have to deal with things like traffic. So, I hope you'll have some great ideas coming into that. You also mentioned, different energy we were talking about with Council Member Onishi. I mean, I would love to see us explore. You know, can we put pressure on our car rental companies on this island to do more electric vehicles, can we put pressure on the planes that are flying here to do more sustainable aviation fuel? You know, these kinds of things where we are a small island; we are a small county. But because we are an island and because people come here, and we have some say on what goes on here. I think we have some ability to have those conversations that maybe other places, if you're on the contiguous states, it's a little harder to have those, but because we're on an island, we could have some of those conversations. So, would love to see you exploring some of these going forward. MS. ACASIO: Yeah, thank you. And I commend all of that work, especially, around the low -hanging fruit. There's actually a lot of actionable items that are low -hanging fruit that are similar, but we'd definitely would be here for another four hours. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay, yeah absolutely. And I'd encourage anybody that has more stuff that they want to talk to individually about their districts and stuff to try to set up meetings with Ms. Acasio before the next meeting. Anybody else, last words? Alright. All those in favor in closing Communication 97 and sending it with a favorable recommendation, the appointment of Laura Acasio as Administrator of OSCER to full Council, please say, "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Comm. 97: The motion to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Ms. Laura Acasio to the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Meinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 8. Noes: Committee Member Kimball —1. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 35 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright. Thank you very much for your time. We'll see you in two weeks. Alright, we have two more items on our agenda today. Let's take Communication 99. Comm. 99: HAWAI`I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES' NOVEMBER 14, 2024, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES From Council Member Heather L. Kimball, dated January 2, 2025. Motion to Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 99. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. MS. KIMBALL: Chair just would like the opportunity to share with the rest of the body that on Monday's at noon is when we have our legislative update with the HSAC (Hawai`i State Association of Counties) team. So if you're interested in participating, that is open to all Council Members as we're tracking our HSAC bills as well as other relevant Council bills through the legislative process at the State level. I would also like to just note that we are beginning our conversations about the road usage charge rollout. This is the replacement for the fuel charge. Anyway, there's an opportunity for folks to weigh in. The state will put in the road usage charge first, and then there's legislation going through now that would give the counties the opportunity to also use the road usage charge instead of the fuel tax. So, if there's comments or questions about that, I'd like to request that that be presented so I can share that at the HSAC level with our engagement with DOT (Department of Transportation). That's all I have. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you very much. Anybody? Yes, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just for a point of information. You want that shared now or you want that shared off? MS. KIMBALL: No, I think that is something that you can share with me offline. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright. All those in favor of closing file on Communication 99, please say, "aye." Any opposed? Page 36 GOEAC-3 February 4, 2025 Vote on Comm. 99: The motion to close file on Comm. 99 was carried by the Filed following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneah'i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Kagiwada — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: Our last item, please. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances. Bill 21: AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 15, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION AS AMENDED), RELATING TO NEPOTISM Adds provisions and definitions consistent with standards set forth in Section 84-13.2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which are intended to provide for fair and impartial hiring, personnel, and contracting practices within the workplace. Reference: Comm.91 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Postponed: January 21, 2025 (Note: There is a motion by Council Member Kimball, seconded by Council Member Galimba, to recommend passage of Bill 21 on first reading.) CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Kimball, the floor is yours. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. The Council sent this to the Board of Ethics to get their feedback on the definition of immediate family. They did have an opportunity to discuss it at their last meeting, but require more information prior to giving us a response. So, I'm going to make a motion to postpone this to the Call of the Chair, just because we need a little bit of flexibility. I'm not certain when it will come back. Motion to Postpone: Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Bill 21 to the Call of the Chair. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: Discussion? All those in favor please say, "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Motion The motion to postpone Bill 21 to the Call of the Chair Page 37 GOEAC-3 to Pone: (Approved) ADJOURN- MENT: Approved: February 4,2025 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Kagiwada — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: With that we come to the end of our agenda. Seeing no further business, Chair Kagiwada adjourned the meeting at 12:37 p.m. Ms. J Kagiwada, Ch Committee on Govern ntal Operations and External Affairs JK/dt 1//S-J.2/, (Date) Page 38