HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0334.008 2024-2026P /GOEAG
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From: Ikaika Rodenhurst
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 8:28 AM c
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To: Council Testimony
Subject: 6/17 Committee on GOEA - Testimony in Opposition to Bill 64
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Aloha Committee Chair Kagiwada and Council Members,-"-�
My name is Steven Ikaika Rodenhurst, professional engineer, Secretary for the Hawaii State Chapter of
the National Society of Professional Engineers and former Director of Public Works for the County of
Hawaii. I am providing this testimony in opposition to Bill 64.
Public Works and its Director are charged with the construction, repair, maintenance, and operation
of all County Buildings, structures and grounds, not otherwise delegated to any other department of the
County. They are charged with the administration and enforcement of the County construction
code. They are charged with the administration, control and operation of all divisions and bureaus of the
department of public works and the appointment, transfer, promotion, demotion, or dismissal of all
necessary personnel.
They are responsible for the performance of all matters relating to engineering, public and private
building construction and inspection, public improvements, construction, inspection, and maintenance
of public highways, bridges, streets, and sidewalks, acquisition of public and private property for public
purposes, design and maintenance of a system of traffic control and devices, floodplain management,
and the construction and inspection of all other County projects, except for matters relating to the
department of water supply.
If this seems like a lot, it's because it is. And each of these areas requires some level of engineering
understanding and expertise. A license in engineering represents an established level of education and
experience met in the field of engineering. Besides that, it represents a level of character and ethics
agreed upon and verified by other licensed professionals of similar character and caliber in the
engineering field across the state.
The Department of Public Works faces many challenges and issues, majority of which are administrative,
policy, and process based. I suggest looking into reorganization of the department to address these
issues. Removing the requirement of the director to be a registered professional engineer, otherwise
known as licensed professional engineer, would be in conflict with Hawaii Revised Statute 464
requirement for protection of public safety, health, and property. It is because of these reasons I am
opposed to Bill 64. 1 am available to discuss with Council and the Administration solutions to address
this issue and thank you for your time and attention today.
Mahalo,
Steven Ikaika Rodenhurst, P.E. Comm.
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