HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 029 2025-04-01 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: April 1, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication
No. 199, reports as follows:
Communication No. 199, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 12, 2025, requests the
Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of John P. Kometani to the Environmental Management
Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Mr. Kometani, who was also present via remote technology in Waimea, to the Committee.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked why he was interested in this specific commission.
Mr. Kometani said due to the subjects he taught students while working as a teacher, he has knowledge of how
the climate and environment function and their importance. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked a number of
additional questions, and ultimately stated that he would be supporting this appointment.
Committee Member James Hustace spoke in favor of the appointment.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Kometani to share his thoughts on recycling and how it is
conducted on our island. Mr. Kometani said that recycling is inevitable right now, and figuring out new ways
of recycling is an important part of the program.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 10, Section 6-10.5 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the
Environmental Management Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 199, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
John P. Kometani to the Environmental Management Commission.
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AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
E);TERNAL AFFAIRS
J A
(1 CHAIR
REPORTGOEAC •
ADOPTED:r