HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 026 2025-03-18 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: March 18, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 176
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 176, reports as follows:
Communication No. 176, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated February 27, 2025,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Janet R. Britt to the Public
Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC).
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to
introduce Ms. Britt, who was present in the Kona Chambers, to the Committee. Mr. Alameda
presented Ms. Britt to the Council with a detailed introduction of her qualifications and history
in conservation.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Ms. Britt to discuss her history in
Wyoming. She said that nature is in her heart and always has been from growing up hiking. She
discussed her work in biology, conservation, and her work with the Hawaii Island Land Trust.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi stated that sometimes he sees nonprofit stewards
limiting some of the public access to certain locations. Ms. Britt said that she disagreed with
that practice and believes that the properties should be open to all, as that is the first part of the
PONC name, "public access." She also helped explain the benefits of the conservation easement
model of property protection and acquisition process.
Committee Member Holeka Inaba asked that Ms. Britt review the Code of Ethics surrounding
potential conflicts of interest regarding the work she may be doing on PONC, and the
relationships and memberships she has with various nonprofit organizations listed on her
application. Ms. Britt said she was aware of that and would be doing so.
Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Heather Kimball spoke in favor of the appointment.
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, Section 2-215 of the Hawaii County Code, members of the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission shall be appointed
by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 26
GOEAC-26 Page 2 March 18, 2025
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Communication No. 176, and recommends confirmation of the
appointment of Janet R. Britt to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission.
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AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
AFFAIRSEXTERNAL
. CHAIR
GOEAC REPORTNO.: •
ADOPTED: APR