Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: March 18, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:01 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 176 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 176, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 176, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated February 27, 2025, <br />requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Janet R. Britt to the Public <br />Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC). <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to <br />introduce Ms. Britt, who was present in the Kona Chambers, to the Committee. Mr. Alameda <br />presented Ms. Britt to the Council with a detailed introduction of her qualifications and history <br />in conservation. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Ms. Britt to discuss her history in <br />Wyoming. She said that nature is in her heart and always has been from growing up hiking. She <br />discussed her work in biology, conservation, and her work with the Hawaii Island Land Trust. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi stated that sometimes he sees nonprofit stewards <br />limiting some of the public access to certain locations. Ms. Britt said that she disagreed with <br />that practice and believes that the properties should be open to all, as that is the first part of the <br />PONC name, "public access." She also helped explain the benefits of the conservation easement <br />model of property protection and acquisition process. <br />Committee Member Holeka Inaba asked that Ms. Britt review the Code of Ethics surrounding <br />potential conflicts of interest regarding the work she may be doing on PONC, and the <br />relationships and memberships she has with various nonprofit organizations listed on her <br />application. Ms. Britt said she was aware of that and would be doing so. <br />Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Heather Kimball spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, Section 2-215 of the Hawaii County Code, members of the <br />Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission shall be appointed <br />by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />GOEAC Report No. 26 <br />