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From: Ikaika Rodenhurst
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 8:58 AM
To: Council Testimony COMUCLERK
Subject: 7/8/25 Committee on GOEA -Testimony in OppositiCOUMi i F HAWArl
RECEIVED
Tim $'�M. R(v
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.
In my June 17 testimony, I mentioned the responsibilities of the department and the director of Public
Works. I'd like to expand on what a licensed engineer is.
We can all agree that the infrastructure of the County is important to our everyday lives and the future of
Hawaii Island. The responsibility of the director requires integrity, experience, accountability, problem -
solving, community focus, and communication. The first three of these are assessed in the process of
earning an engineering license. Looking at the requirements for an engineer license under DCCA, there is
a required verification of education and experience, followed by an examination. There are multiple
pathways to meet the minimum education and experience, and there is even a pathway based solely on
experience, no engineering degree required.
Licensed engineers aren't a club or a group of elite individuals. We are people who have dedicated
our time and efforts to solving problems in our community for the betterment of our community. We look
to doing what's right to serve humanity and utilize our resources responsibly. Having a licensed engineer
leading the department is a good baseline requirement for a department that oversees the future of our
county's infrastructure.
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 foryour time and attention today.
Mahalo,
Steven Ikaika Rodenhurst, P.E.
Comm. . �� `7"• I
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