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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2025/06/17 (2024-2026) DRAFT Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 12th Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii June 17, 2025 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and ORDER: External Affairs was called to order at 9;04 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair— , Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member(via videocdnference from Hilo) Mr. Dennis"Fresh" Onishi, Member Ms.-Rebecca illegas, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Curtis Beck: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), comment. (representing Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers) Steven "Ikaika" Rodenhurst: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in opposition. Stephanie Bath: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in support. Chuck Flaherty: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in opposition. (representing Sierra Club, Hawaii Island Group) GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Doug Adams: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in support. Floyd D. Eaglin: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in support. Bruce Meyers: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in opposition. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you Relley, and thank you to the testifiers who testified today and sent in written testimony. Mr. Clerk,Would you please read in Communicationoh,just to tell the public, we're going to take the nominations first and then we'll go back to Communication 340 and take Bill 64 last. So, Mr. Clerk, could you please read in Communication 348— Change Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council.Members, of Business: the following items were taken out of order: Comm. 348: NOMINATION OF ABEL P. AQUINO TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May,29, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation'by;: July 12, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawai`i County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominees came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 348: Mr. I dneali`i-Kleiinfelder moved to recommend confirmation (Approved) of the nomination of Mr. Abel P. Aquino to the Game Management Advisory Commission. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Page 2 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Comm. 349: NOMINATION OF TAYLOR SPURGEON TO THE KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May 29, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: July 12, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawai`i County Charter) Vote on Comm. 349: Ms. Galimba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Taylor Spurgeon to the Ka`u Community Development Plan Action Committee. Seconded by Ms.;Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members,Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfeldor,Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a briefnaxratiue of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 350: NOMINATION OF GILBERT J. AGUINALDO TO THE MERIT APPEALS BOARD From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May 29, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation'. Requires Council Confirmation by: July 12, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Comm, 350: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Gilbert J. Aguinaldo to the Merit Appeals Board. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 3 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 351: NOMINATION OF RAYMOND J. KIRCHNER TO THE KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May 29, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: July 12 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawai`i County Charter) Vote on Comm. 351: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Raymond J. Kirchner f the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Cralimba, Hustace, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi,,Villegas, and Chair Ka iwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member,Inaba 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided abrief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 352: NOMINATION OF,STEPHANIE BATH TO THE PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FLAN ACTION COMMITTEE From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May 29, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: July 12, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Page 4 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Vote on Comm. 352: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to recommend confirmation of (Approved) the nomination of Ms. Stephanie Bath to the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada - 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business. of Business: COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 340: REQUESTS THE FORMATION OF AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE;AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION PROCESS From Council Member Michelle Galimba dated June 3, 2025. Motion to Close File: Ms. Galimba moved to close file on Comm. 340. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. HR. KAGIWADA: Alright; Council Member Galimba. MS. CALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. Just that, we had a bit of discussion around this last,time, and based on that discussion and with the very able help of Deputy Corporation Counsel, Jean Campbell, we wrote up this description of what we're planning to do on this Ad Hoc Committee. I wanted to just point out and underline that this committee would just be looking at the acquisition program and not the stewardship program. Just to focus our efforts, because those are quite different kettles of fish. So, going to just start with the acquisition program and then at a potential later date, look at the stewardship management fund and process. I'm happy to discuss. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Council Members do you have questions or comments? Go ahead, Council Member Kimball,please. Page 5 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 MS. KIMBALL: Yes, I want to just mahalo Council Member Galimba and Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell for the effort in clarifying the wording around this. And I will again offer to support and participate in this Ad Hoc Committee. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Kimball. Anybody else? With no other comments, is anybody else interested in participating in this Ad Hoc Committee? Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Chair, yes, I want to support and,be a„part of this committee to provide some insight from the Kohala region;, So, thank you for bringing this forward. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you very much, Mr. Hustace. I will,say we don't have to have four people. If three people seems like the right number to trove forward, that's fine too. Would anybody else like to participate in this Ad Hoc Committee? Not at this time? Okay. So,I guess with that, we can vote on we're not voting on the members, are we?- MR. HENRICKS: No, what you would do at this point in time, Madame Chair, is to just restate the membership'of the committee. And,also, it will be wise to assign a chair of the committee. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay, alright. Council Member Galimba, will you assume the Chair? Thank you. Alright, with that we have Committee Members, Council Member Hustace,;Council Member Kimball, Council Member Galimba; Council Member Galimba being the Chair. And with that,we have a motion on the floor to close file. MR. HENRICKS: Just prior to taking a motion to postpone, which I believe is where you're headed, you just qualify for the record, that the scope of the investigation, as it were of the committee is as outlined and articulated in Communication 340, CHR KAGIWADA: Absolutely. Yes, so, the scope for the Ad Hoc Committee will be what is communicated in Communication 340 and focusing not on the maintenance, but on the acquisition of the PONC (Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources)program. Alright, do I need to postpone? MR. HENRICKS: Yes, that's the proper thing to do at this time; generally, at this point to the Call of the Chair for this committee. It's a standard procedure. CHR KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you so much. That's right, okay. May I have a motion to postpone. Page 6 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Motion to Postpone Mr. Hustace moved to postpone Comm. 340 to the Call of the Chair. Seconded by Mr. Inaba CHR. KAGIWADA: Any discussion? All those in favor please say, "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Comm. 340 to the Call of the Chair Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Committee Members Galimba,'Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kietkiewicz Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada`9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KAGIWADA: Communication 340 is postponed to the Call`of the Chair. STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON BILL 64: The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Claudia Rohr: In opposition. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for,Ordinances. Bill 64: INITIATES`AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VI, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 6-2.2, OF THE CHARTER OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I(2024 EDITION), RELATING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Replaces the requirement that the Director of Public Works must be a registered professional,engineer with the requirement that the Director have a bachelor's Degree in engineering, architecture,public administration or a related discipline, or a degree in law. Adds the requirement that at least two of the five years of required administrative or managerial experience must be in public works or construction, or a related field. Reference: Comm. 334 Intr. by: Council Member Inaba Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend passage of Bill 64 on first reading. Seconded by Mr. Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder. Page 7 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member Inaba, please go ahead. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. I guess starting off, this is an exact copy of Bill 244 from the 2020-2022 Council term introduced by former Council Chair Chung. There was some good discussion the last time around when it came to this bill. And the bill was postponed indefinitely at the Committee level the last time, unanimously by all members present that day. And I was one of those who didn't support this bill the last time it was here before Council. The further we're finding ourselves right now with difficulties filling the position for the Director of Public Works. I think this;is a worthy cause and something that we should put forward to the public. You know, we hear testimony both in,favor and in opposition of this proposal. And ultimately, I think it does allow us to broaden our pool to find qualified people. And like some of the testifiers mention, there has been some who have come through the Director position for DPW,(Department of Public Works) who were less qualified via the PE (Practice of Engineering)requirements, but not perhaps the most prepared to serve in that roll. So, what I'm proposing here again is to remove the requirement for Professional Engineer,license, and also, then to,allow for'at'least two years of managerial experiences infields related to Public Works construction or any related field. It may also specify since we're removing the PE requirement, that they must have a "Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture,public administration of a related discipline or a degree in law." o, ask for your support. And I don't want to have this become a really drawn-out political discussion. Ultimately, I think we all can understand whether there's benefit'to this. Arid you know, we all have our opinions. I hope the Council can make a quick discussion of this and move this forward. But before yielding the floor, I'd like to call on Managing Director Bill Brilhante. If you would like to just chime in from the perspective of the Administration at this time. (Note: At this time, Managing Director William `Bill" Brilhante, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. BRILHANTE: Thank you very much, Council Chair Inaba and Committee Chair Kagiwada for allowing the Administration to place on the record it's sentiments as it relates to this bill. We'd like to thank Council Chair Inaba for bringing this matter forward. Page 8 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 As you know, right now, I've been in this position for about six months. Oh, I'm sorry, William Brilhante, Managing Director. I've been in this position for about six months now, and prior to this, I've served as the Director for the Department of Human Resources (HR) for almost five years. In, you know, this current capacity and my previous capacity, this position, the Director of Public Works has by far been the hardest position to fill. Whether it be under Harry Kim's Administration; under Mitch Roth's Administration, and now under Mayor Alameda's Administration. As you know, it took a while for us to put our cabinet together. And the biggest reasoning as to the delay with getting our cabinet was the ability to find a qualified Public Works Director. At the time,we were fortunate to find Hugh Ono. And as you are all aware, that was his one last give back to the County. Unfortunately, it didn't,last long enough. He only stayed in,offce for about four months. So, we've been going through the process of trying to find a qualified candidate for a nomination to fill this position. And it's been just really difficult for us to do. We've conducted numerous island-wide searches, state-wide searches, and now we're even looking to do a national search in the hopes of finding somebody. The biggest stumbling block has been the requirement that the individual needs to be a PE engineer, a certified licensed engineer. And that's the problem. So, when we look back and look at a job; we look at what's the minimum requirements; what's the requirements to be in the best position to perform the duties of that position. When I look at the Public orks,'there's six divisions within the Office of Public Works. There's an Administrative Division, Automotive Division, Building Division, Engineering Division, Highway Maintenance Division, and finally, a Traffic Division. And when I look at that, you know, from an argumentative standpoint,maybe three of those divisions have to do with engineering. So, when you're making a minimum requirement, I think normally when you have such a'strict requirement, that requirement being so strict should apply to all of the divisions or a majority of them. In this case, the Engineer requirement would only comport to three of the divisions. I think, as this language is being proposed, the fact that the individual can have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, I think that provides a lot of, I guess confidence in that the individual would have that required background and understanding of the field. Page 9 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Two of the items are, first and foremost,just a proposed charter amendment. So, at the end of the day, the public is going to have the ability to weigh in and make the final determination as to whether or not, the majority of the public supports it or doesn't support it. So, I think that's one factor we have in play. The second factor is that, if and when a nomination comes forward, each of you will have the opportunity to vet that individual as to whether or not you feel that the candidate is qualified to do the job ultimately. So, khink, those two guarantees or safeguards are really important, you know, as we go forward. Then finally, my second finally, and I promise this is m last one. Two other jurisdictions, Kauai and Maui, have both removed the Certified Engineer requirement in their Public Works Director qualifications. So, you know, it's fairly recent. It's been within the last six or seven years that they've done that. But it seems to be working pretty well. Because at the end of the day, what we want to-do is we want to find the best qualified candidate to perform the job. Andhere what we see with a lot of our department heads is, yes, subject-matter knowledge is important, but just as important is the ability to manage personnel, with the resulting effect that things are going to get done. You know, there's an old saying, "Paralysis by analysis." And that's not the type of managers or department heads we want. This Administration is an Administration of"Yes." And we want to be able to move forward in that direction. So, this proposed amendment will allow for us to find a candidate who is going to be beneficial and will be the best and brightest that we can find. Unfortunately, it doesn't help us with our current search, like I alluded to earlier, we have to go through the Charter amendment approval process. So, if this matter does receive a favorable recommendation, and it does go in front of the County voters, we won't see the effectof it until sometime in later 2026 or January I"of 2027. So, it doesn't help us with our current search. We're still adamantly and very steadfastly looking for somebody to replace 1r. Ono,that's a tall task. But fortunately, Mr. (Neil) Azevedo is doing a tremendous job as the Deputy Public Works Director, and we're so fortunate to have him. So, that's just a great example of somebody who doesn't have that engineer certification, who's performing the job extremely well. And so, I'll just put that on the table, and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. MR. INABA: Thank you, Managing Director. With that,just happy to hear from my colleagues. And again, I'm bringing back this bill exactly in the same form that Council Chair Chung had introduced it. Happy to add friendly amendments Page 10 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 to the bill to see it get someplace that we can get it before the voters. So, happy to hear from all of you and see where this ends up. Thank you so much, Chair. I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. And thank you Managing Director Brilhante. Yes, I just want to underline that for the public. Whatever is decided here will not affect the current search for a DPW director. And I'm really happy to hear that you're going ahead and 'extending that. I do want to make one comment before going on: I,do think it's really important if we are getting this to the public that we do have a robust discussion today. And I don't want anybody to feel like their input, their questions, or their thoughts on this are dampened. So, please feel free,to speak up now and have that discussion. I think it's really important, if we move this forward that people hear our discussion and understand some of the concerns and also hopes for passing something like this. So, thank you very much, and I'll go to Council Member Kierkiewicz. Go ahead the floor is yours. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member Inaba for putting this forward. You know, I was a fan of this idea when then Council Chair Chung had advanced this. You know, I've been on'the Council, and I'm in strong support of the legislation today. I've been on the Council for six-and-a-half years now, and I have seen Mayors struggle to fill this director position and that of Environmental Management. And I've seen like mid-term, kind of like "hot potato" of DPW directors. We've seen many,faces; many individuals leaving Public Works because it is such a tough job. I'm in support of this because it would expand the pool of candidates that are available for the Mayor and his team to consider to elevate to this position of director. ManagiugDirector Brilhante, you mentioning Maui and Kauai having removed this requirement of an Engineering degree makes me feel good. But we're not venturing into new territory. We're not setting a new precedent. This has actually been helpful, and then being able to evaluate more individuals to take up the job. At the end of the day, being a licensed engineer does not automatically make you ready to serve as the Director of Public Works. I think it all comes down to someone having the right number of years of experience in the areas that are mentioned here, Public Works, constructed related field. But really it's about the ability for someone to manage people. An engineering license does not guarantee that. I think it's so important that we find someone that is able to understand how the department works and is ready to motivate people to get the job done for the Page 11 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 community. So, I'm in full support of this concept of having the conversation and then bringing it to the voters for them to make the ultimate decision. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. I was on the Charter Commission when this came up and brought forward by our Chair, Doug Adams.-And at first, you know, I liked the idea. It seemed to make sense. But it was actually Hugh Ono who came and very eloquently made the case for why,itwas a bad idea. And so, changed my mind on that. I think that the argument that Council Member Kierkiewicz just,made about how there is management part of this that is really important and in some ways perhaps the major responsibility. But that portion of the job that requires`oversight of engineering work of subordinates and potential override of that was very compelling in Mr. Ono's and other engineers' testimony. So, I think that for me to support it, I believe we need to address that. And I've heard from the testimonies of the engineers that they potentially have an amendment that might be able to address that issue. So, I would really like to be able to hear what that amendment might be and,if itwould address those,issues, which will be very important. Thanks. CHR. KA+GIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHL-, Thank you, Madame Chair. Good morning Director, can you please come back to the table and introduce yourself again. MR. BRILHANTE' William Brilhante, Managing Director. MR. ONISHV Thank you. So, when this Administration got in, you folks were already required within 30 days to fill this position. MR. BRILHANTE: About 60 days. MR. ONISHL That is per the Charter. MR. BRILHANTE: Per the recent Charter amendment. MR. ONISHL When you were at HR, they didn't have that, right? MR. BRILHANTE: That's correct. MR. ONISHL The previous body did that. Page 12 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 MR. BRILHANTE: right. MR. ONISHL The current bill now, we go back to 2019, where the body again did a Charter amendment to require the license, the PE, right? MR. BRILHANTE: Yes. MR. ONISHL Okay, and then it went to the people to vole. And I don't know what the argument was back then about why they wanted to add in that to make it more difficult. Because prior when I was on the Council we didn't have that. The director could be any engineer or any qualified,person, right? MR. BRILHANTE: That, I'm not specifically familiar with,you know, the distinction between the two. I know that the last discussion that Council Member Chung brought forward didn't get`the Council's recommendation to be put on the agenda. Prior to that, I'm not sure'what the specific language of the Charter requirements were for this position. If that's what you're alluding to, I'm sorry, I can get that information. MR. ONISHL Okay, soft for me, I feel kind of uncomfortable that you had, I guess a system or process was being done, and thenit got changed because they wanted to make it more—t guess, recluse the pool to be more professional in getting these certain qualifications, and then'they add on Administration having to require them to get someone within these "V' amount of days, right? Soy it limits the Administration with all these restrictions, and now we're here today to say, okay, we forgive and,reduce and we're going to change it. So, to me, the body really do not look to the current term situations and the effects that can happendown the road,, So,I really don't like that, and that's why I think sometimes people react on just emotions or just because of certain situations. So, I don't really like to do an amendment, but also what Ms. Galimba mentioned about engineering and some of the people that testified on background requirements and so forth. I bring that up too, because our Building Division Chief and our Engineering Chief, are they required to have a PE to be qualified in those positions? MR, BRILHANTE: The understanding is that the Engineering Division head is required to be a licensed engineer. As far as the Building, again my understanding, and I'm happy to be corrected if I'm mistaken, but they're required to be either an engineer or an architect or that type of related field is the language for the Building Chief. CHR. KAGIWADA: Corporation Counsel, I think we're asking you to come up. Thank you. Page 13 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. SCHOEN: Good morning, Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. I'm not familiar with the qualifications the Building Chief. But I can find that out. MR. ONISHL Okay. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member, I believe that Acting Director Neil Azevedo in Hilo if you want to direct that to him. MR. ONISHL No, this is basically personnel, This is about the qualifications. Because to me, if we do have this and we do pass it, right, to forego on the ballot. I think we should look at reducing the qualifications, like for the Engineering Chief, right? If the Director doesn't have to be licensed, then why would we need the Engineering Chief to be licensed? I don't know'if you can answer that. If that's an HR question, I don't know. MR. BRILHANTE: You know, and I'm just buffering my opinion. The Engineering Division requires specific duties and tasks to be performed by the Head Engineer. And as it relates to thaty just the justification and the rationale for that individual to be licensed. You know, I kind of equated to a certain extent as to a hospital administrator. A hospital administrator is in charge of the entire hospital, but he or she doesn't necessarily have to be a certified`brain surgeon in order for the hospital to do brain surgery. Whenn you have several individuals, and in this case, six different divisions that,are responsible for handling those specific job responsibilities; Engineering Building, Highway Maintenance and the like. Again, in my opinion, that's my understanding, would be my response to your question. MR. ONISHL Okay, but to my understanding is, by having a license on certain documents that comes forward to the Director. Either they have date stamp that they stamped that document. And it's not all. It's just on certain documents, that it's required by a Licensed Engineer. So,now if this passes, that person will not be able to do that anymore. So, then they would have to depend on the Engineering Chief that is a licensed engineer. So, now, what if something happens, who takes responsibility? MS. SCHOEN: Council Member Onishi, I'm not aware of the Director of Public Works having to stamp or certify. As you say, an applicant coming in and seeking a building permit. The plans have to be stamped and certified by a Page 14 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 licensed architect or engineer. I could be wrong, but I don't see any duty or responsibility requiring the head to do something like that. MR. ONISHL I understand. It's not the day-to-day kind of things like building permits or whatever. It's just certain other documents that are required. Because I remember way back, there was a director, but the deputy director wasn't even an engineer or an architect. So, when the director was gone,the deputy couldn't really sign off on anything, because basically, he didn't have those qualifications. This was back before I got on the Council, that's a long-time ago administration. MR. BRILHANTE: I think if I may respond to that? My,understanding and my recollection was that was a point in time which Jiro Sumada was the Acting Director of Public Works, and he was the,Deputy at the time. And he served in that capacity for a very long period of time. At that time, I'm not'sure if I was with Corporation Counsel yet, I 'wage-dating myself. But anyway,my understanding was—let's just say, Jiro served in that capacity for a very long period of time. And I think he was able to perform the duties and the functions in that position. MR. ONISHL I guess it's like weighing the differences, right? If the top doesn't need to be licensed, then why the bottom need to be licensed? MR. BRILHANTE: You know, that's,a,good,question for HR. You know a lot of our positions, you know, there's minimum requirements that are attached to a position, thafyou know, HR works with other jurisdictions and the like. And they set the minimum requirements for those positions. That you know, I'm not sure HR has ever weighed in as to whether this position, the Director of Public Works, the necessity for that individual to be a licensed engineer. So, I'm not sure if we can really compare the two. MR. ONISHT:''Okay. And then just to Ms. Galimba's comments, it was mentioned that I guess the Engineering Association out there is communicating with the Administration. Have they proposed anything right now to this bill? MR. BRILHANTE: Coincidentally, we did meet with Mr. Ono yesterday. And he presented some general language as to a proposed amendment. And it's somewhat similar to what, I guess, the construct of this amendment would be, you know, requiring. But there's a lot more details of course for engineers, right? So, we've got a brief glimpse of what they're proposing. It's so, you know, not so far off from what we're trying to do, but I think somebody else would have to actually ascertain or get the specific language that they're proposing. I don't have that. MR. ONISHL So, what would your suggestions be that we pass this today, and at the next meeting? Do these amendments, or to look at the new amendments, or Page 15 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 should we just postpone this and wait until we get those amendments? And then we can amend it and then move this forward. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member, your time is up. I'm going to come back to you after we let the other Council Members weigh in. MR. ONISHL Just a fast question, I mean answer yes or no. MR. BRILHANTE: Our preference is to move forward. MR. ONISHL Okay, thanks. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, the floor is yours. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER:" Thank you Chair. Thank you Ms'. Schoen, I don't need you. Mr. Brilhante, thank you for your input. And to the maker, thank you for bringing this forward. Yeah, thinking back to Mr. Chung's walkthrough this bill, I supported itthen, I'll support it now.-To my Kierkiewicz's comment, I totally agree. Being an engineer does nrtlead t6 managing people: Having been in a construction job before and walkingin between installing engineering systems and watching the two different brains attack the problem, there is always an interesting discussion, I'll say that. For someone in charge of our Public Works Department, it becomes more of a person-people job, which doesn't need an engineering degree. You need someone smart in that position who can do the work, but is equal to having a degree in a field is being able to work with people. The one thing that stood out to me in the second or last budget hearing—could have been either this year or last year, was that Public Works is sizable in personnel, I think. Actually, it has more personnel than even HPD (Hawai`i Police Department) or HFD (Hawai`i Fire Department). And I might run with that, but they're up there. They have a lot of folks in that department. So, in their scope of work and with their personnel, their ability to manage people, almost outweighs the need to have a degree. And hearing from engineers this morning, of course, the engineers would like to amend the bill because it takes away the engineer component, but it really doesn't. Because it allows for someone with a Bachelor's degree in engineering or another field to be able to be qualified. So, long and short, I support the bill. And like you said, Mr. Brilhante, it's going to go to the people and even to us to vote on after we're done with this process. Page 16 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 So, the Charter amendment really is neat process where we get to have a talk about it. It promotes itself as a bill and ends up on a Charter amendment vote for the general public. That to me is a very transparent open process that everyone gets to participate in, and I'm happy to get it to that stage. So, thank you to Mr. Inaba for bringing this forward and for reviving the Chung Public Works bill, I love it. And with that, thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Villegas, MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Council Member Inaba for bringing this forward and for Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director being here today to bring forth new experiences which go way back in the County, not just under this Administration, but under many administrations and the challenges that these requirements have presented when trying to fill the positions. I respect and honor the members of the Engineering Organizations that are professional engineers. And I respect their desire for the industry remain the requirement as the DPW director. But I also want to call on them for some responsibility and accountability. Because here you are making requests that we maintain this requirements;but I don't see any of you applying for the job. So, it's easy to have, yeah, you've got to have this, but I don't want to do that job. Heck, I think some of us feel that way about our jobs here running for office sometimes. So,just want to call about irony and ask for some accountability. And when you're making statements requiring or asking for a requirement to remain on the books. But then:you look at yourself for some personal accountability for how you are then, stepping in and offering to serve in a role that is likely way underpaid for what certified engineers can,make in the public market, but is deeply needed by our community. Also, in humble acknowledgement and also, with true honesty of having talked to a member of engineers, is there seems to be limited thinking in that area of expertise as opposed to what is very much a requirement as a role as a director for a department as huge as this, is sometimes EQ (Emotional Quotient) along with that IC (Intelligence Quotient) and that ability to engage with the human element. So,I see that being very important especially when it comes to setting leadership. I also have been serving in this role under three mayors now and that's three different directors of DPW. Very different circumstances. One was very contentious with the person that had the certified license but have never managed a human in his life. And that was very a short-lived role for that person. So, to me, that really reflects the need of somebody who can manage humans. Page 17 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 So, I see this potential charter amendment having the opportunity to come before the community as being wise. I've also read some of the interesting testimony from people suggesting that perhaps there is time and a place and a need to turn our DPW department into two different departments. I mean, none of these are naturally occurring from—all of these things were created by humans at some time in history based on a certain set of circumstances. And the circumstances for our County, our island, and'our Administration may have changed enough now to split DPW and create two director positions. And at that time then consider whether or not being a professional engineer running the Engineering Department. But I see someone asking these questions and really taking a look at the way things have been and if they are working. I also will be biased as I see somebody here in the office today who I think would have been a great DPW director. But just didn't happen to have that specific licensing but all the other qualifications. And having sat and argued about what I believed at the time, could have been somebody for a different department who did not have the qualifications. Having had that move forward, I've supposed I've just seen a little bit too much irony in order to claim the black and white. But atthis point, I am interested in wanting to have this move forward.''And I'd like to have the community decide. So, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. The staff made some good conversations about the managerial aspects of the role. So, I appreciate everyone's insight into this. I would be opposed to removing some of those requirements for the division chiefs because they have particular roles that they're looking at those permits and applications they're coming across. So, I think I would want to steer away from that conversation. Question for you, Managing Director. On the hurdles that you faced, you know, in casting that net for this particular role, say even starting here on Hawaii County and then moving across the State, what has been the feedback for reporting you've kind of received in casting that net, in terms of connecting with your contacts, reaching out to different pools will have been either those known for this reason or, I'm kind of curious to go down that a little bit. MR. BRILHANTE: That's a very good question, Council Member Hustace. In response to that, you know, first and foremost, it's unfortunate, but I think the salary associated with this position is pervasively below what a licensed engineer the ability to make in the private sector. Page 18 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 The information that's been provided to us is, first year undergraduate engineer students from the University of Hawaii are being offered, you know, engineer positions at$150,000 a year on average. It's not just a problem that's unique to Hawaii. You know, last week, Mayor Alameda and myself were fortunate to be able to go to Washington D.C. for other related matters. But one of the things we did do is we had the opportunity to visit with the Pentagon Department of Defense. And they reiterated what we've been hearing all along, is that one of the hardest positions for them to fill per the Defense Administrator, are licensed engineers. So, it's a national problem that's pervasive across the beard. So, I think, you know, this proposed amendment—nobody is saying a licensed engineer can't apply. We're not restricting that. We're saying,"`Look, you can apply, we haven't had any of you that meet our qualifications." So, all we're looking to do is expand the pool. To say, "Looks now if you have an undergraduate degree in engineering, that would be sufficientfor us to consider." A couple years I alluded to; the vetting process is still in place. First, to the voters. Second, the individual will have to come in front of you for confirmation. You know, anybody we propose. So, I think there's sufficient safeguards in place to insure that any identified individual would be qualified to do the job. Going back to Council Member Onishi" statement about, you know, this may have changed back in 2019. That's one of the things I love about this Administration, is that we're not afraid of change, and we're not afraid to change back if something is not working. Hence, Ali`i Drive, one-way traffic pattern. So, we're open. We're open to community input. We're just looking for the best path forward: So, that,our people, our citizens, the voters are comfortable and they're receiving the type of government service that they're entitled to. And that's why we just want to open the field. And let's get the best most qualified individual out there to be the leader of such a big department. MR. HU'STACE: Thank you, Managing Director. So, definitely, salary is a key piece in this'particular role. And I would also equate that to, also the size of the department"and the responsibilities in the different divisions that falls under the director there. So, that's also that's also in the conversations that will go on today. And I know it's happened on this dais in the past about reviewing that department in terms of how we best support our public workers in that space. The other question I had, and I've been reviewing some of the Charter Commission minutes. And thank you, Council Member Galimba for serving on the Charter Commission. I appreciate your feedback on that as well. Some new conversations with former Director Ono on there, Deputy Director Arai, and the former Director Todd. Page 19 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 I mean all those conversations about the roles of Public Works and the Director itself. One interesting thing that former Director Ono spoke about is the Central Coordinating Agency. Is that something that we still—it's HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes) 36. But is that still something that we identified one of our departments that as that Central Coordinated Agency that has the laws, rules, regulations, permit requirements, all those sorts of things. It may have been tied to Public Works just because of how large that department is and all the things it covers. Is that still something we identify with that department:as well? MR. BRILHANTE: I'm going to have to yield to Acting Director Azevedo, if he's still available in Hilo. MR. HUSTACE: Maybe it's the Planning Department instead. (Note: At this time, Acting Public Works Director Neil Azevedo, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. AZEVEDO: Neil Azevedo, Acting Director of Public Works. Can you repeat the question, please` MR. HUSTACE: Sure, thank you Acting„Director, 'appreciate you being here with us today. The question is around departments under HRS basically saying that our County should identify one department as a Central Coordinating Agency: Is that a term you're familiar with, Acting Director? And if that's identified with Public Works? MR. AZEVEDO: It's Planning, and I'll get back to you more on information on that too. MR. HUSTACE: We have the Director here from Planning. If you want to just speak'to that? (Neste: At this time, Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow, came forward to address the members of the Committee.) 1R. DARROW: Aloha, Jeff Darrow with the Planning Department. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair and Members of the Hawaii County Council. I'm sorry, I was deep in thought there. MR. HUSTACE: That's okay. Council Member Kierkiewicz had some thoughts on my question because former Director Ono spoke about a Central Coordinated Agency. Each county was required to have one department identified as such. Does that fall under the Planning Department at the time in the Charter Commission? In his testimony, he said it was the Public Works Department. Page 20 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 MR. DARROW: That's a tough one because basically, we all have responsibilities for enforcement. There has been talk in the past about creating a Central agency where enforcement is done. But we're not at that place now. We worked together collaboratively with a number of departments, mainly with the Department of Public Works because our complaints normally involve multiple agencies. But I recall two times in the past where there was an actual consideration of creating this separate department or division that was made up of enforcement of all different agencies. So, then when they get a complaint, they can go out, and they're trained to do enforcement of multiple violations with multiple rules, laws and codes. I hope that answers your question. MR. HUSTACE: It does in a sense.,Itmay not necessarily be all just about enforcement, but it's a repository of all:laws, permitted acknowledgement, procedures. So, in my mind, I see a definite overlap between Public Works and Planning. So, this may be a place where we definitely have some conflict with State statute. But that was the testimony the former Director gave before the Charter Commission. So,just trying to wrap my,head on that a little bit; and his understanding about all those rules and regulations that that department is responsible for that the Director should have knowledge about those sorts of things. And how we definitely have an overlap between our departments here. So,-thank you, Director. Appreciate your thoughts on that, thank you. Chair, that's all if have for right now. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Over to Hilo, Council Member Kimball,do you want to weigh in on this at all? MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, I do. Thank you. I wanted to thank Chair Inaba for introducing this for discussion. And also, for introducing it really early in the process. Because I do think this is something that bears a need for a significant conversation, as well as thought and refinement. You,know, I think the problem is real in terms of finding candidates that are willing to come and work for the County as the Director of Public Works with these qualifications. But I think that there are a multitude of ways to address it. You know, this one, obviously being one of those directions. But there's also the potential for reorganization which Council Member Villegas mentioned, and I know Council Member Kierkiewicz had previously introduced such a charter amendment. At the time, I didn't support it. But having had more Page 21 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 experience now on the Council and more interactions with the Department of Public Works. To the Managing Director's statement about only three of the divisions actually require that engineering oversight, I think it warrants another revisit; the conversation about how we have the department organized and whether or not we have a different manner of organization might actually accomplish our needs more effectively. The other approach, I think, is also to look at the manner in which the director is appointed. You know, the salary was mentioned. I would,agree fully, that is likely a choice that would result in a pay cut for somebody to go from the private side of engineering to come in and be Director of Public Works. So, the salary is critical. But you also have that uncertainty of being in a politically appointed position. So, you know, thinking about Public Works projects taking 10, 15, 20 years; maybe some consistency between the administrations of that sort of professional skill would be something worth considering. You know it was mentioned, Council Member Hustace was just talking about the Central Coordinating Agency. HRS 464-4 talks about the requirements of a licensed professional overseeing Public Works,projects. And that is one concern that I have with respect to this amendment.''Because we in our Code, Chapter 5, identifiedthe director as the authority having jurisdiction with respect to HRS 464. And there are a lot of items listed in Section 5-2-2 that are responsibility of the Director as the authority having jurisdiction that clearly need oversight of an engineer, a P.E. license. o, if we're going to move forward with an amendment like this, I do think we need to consider some safeguards that ensure that we're complying with that HRS. 'I'd,like to know how Maui and Kauai did it from their side. And I think that there's a way to do it amending Chapter 5 in addition to this charter amendment that covers that. I will say that, you know, the idea that I come from a scientific background, and I'll be the first to admit that folks that come from a scientific, technical background don't always have excellent management skills. And I think that is a valid concern. Like the example the Managing Director gave of the hospital administrator, somebody that knows the business of running a hospital in charge. The only difference there is, for example, the hospital administrator wouldn't be able to override the decision of a brain surgeon about how to treat a patient. Page 22 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 I think that's the kind of safeguard that we would need here where the director would have that administrative capacity but there would be a limitation on that director to override the decisions of an engineer when it was the type of situation where the licensed qualification was required. I think that's a little bit to what Council Member Galimba was getting to. You know, you take a look at the airlines, and this is maybe a little bit of a hyper-leap, but you take a look at the airline industry where you have a shortage of pilots, you wouldn't want to necessarily just want to say, well, they don't need to have a pilot license anymore to fly a plane. You want your pilots to have a pilot's license. Similarly, there are aspects of what DPW dries that have direct effect on public welfare, health, and safety. And I do think an engineering license is important to do those. But it is not all of what,DPW does. So, I know that was a lot, but I think professionalism is important when it comes to some of the aspects of what Public Works does. And I would encourage this body to go back; review HRS 464, review the Codes 5-2-1 and 5-2-2. Look at the conversation that was had in the Charter Commission, as well as all of the testimony submitted then; And then let's maybe have a deeper discussion about some of the conditions. The group earlier did provide me awritten'copy of some of their recommendations on amendments to this. And I think that there's some viable solutions here to some of the concerns I have in its current form. I'd also love to ask Council Member Kierkiewicz to bring back her charter amendment that was the proposed reorganization so that we can discuss the two at the same time and maybe come up with a third alternative that is an amalgamation of the two. Because I think that there's a lot of things to consider with this. So, thank you, and t don't know if you had any comments, Acting Director. But I see you'were waving at me there. So, I'd like to give you the opportunity to respond to any of my comments. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member, I just want to let you know that your buzzer did go off. But yes, if Acting Director would like to say anything, happy try hear that. MR. AZEVEDO: Acting Director Neil Azevedo, Public Works. I just want to thank you all for coming out and doing these testimonies. And you know, I mean, for the past ten-and-a-half years, I've been at Public Works. Highways Division for nine years and ten months. Page 23 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 Right now, I mean, actually, the engineers invited me to Oahu for a presentation. They asked me to be a guest speaker. So, I spoke for an hour-fifteen minutes there to a bunch of engineers and you know, they were all happy. The main question was they asked why Hawaii County cannot hold a director's position. And I explained to them and told them straight out, you know, hardly anybody applied for it. And for me in this position, a love the work I do. I enjoy working for the County, and I'll continue to do what Lneed to do. If you guys find another director to replace me, it's fine. But I'm here to do my best job for the Hawaii County and do what I need to do. That's it; Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Acting Director. Council Member Kimball, do you have anything else? Your buzzer did go off.' MS. KIMBALL: I'll yield to the rest of my time, but I have no time to yield. I'm complete with my comments, but happy,to respond to any questions that any of the other Council Members may have about nay'statements. CHR KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you. Looking here at the dais, any more concerns, issues, questions for today. It sounds like there's still a lot that is out there. Council Member Kerkiewicz, yes. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So, I remember,I know that number of folks have brought up the charter amendment I had initiated a couple years ago regarding splitting up same of the divisions of Public Works into separate entities. This is not anew idea; In the past Environmental Management was a function of Public Works. So, if you even can imagine how large it was then. You know,I'm actually looking to Council Member Inaba here about how we move forward_,I'm committed to bringing back that charter amendment to help add additional texture to this conversation. I don't necessarily think that we need to hold this particular bill in Committee in order to have that conversation. But if you feel otherwise, ifyou'd like them to be discussed together, I can work very quickly tti introduce that. But I'm glad that folks are open to having a robust discussion about how we move forward with these really important departments within the County. Thank you, Chair. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. I haven't had a chance to speak, but if you'd like; do you have a motion or did you want to add something to that, Council Member Inaba? MR. INABA: You know, I look forward to having Council Member Kierkiewicz bringing back that bill. I don't think it's always in our best interest to have overlapping conversations in the same meetings. Page 24 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 We've seen time and time again where having the Council and the public make the words mixed up. So, I would like to see this move forward, and for those who have any amendments to this bill,please bring them, if not to me to any other Council Member. Because like I said, the goal here is to expand our pool, and I'm not set on having it pass exactly as is when it goes to the voters, if it should. We want to make sure that we address any concerns that may exist from the public before we take it to the voters. But we do have three Council hearings required for a charter amendment. So,just ask for your folks' support today in moving this forward and having those amendments next time. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Onishi, I'm going to allow it but please be very brief because we are 40 minutes over our allotted time, and I haven't had a chance to speak yet. We have at least three more. Go ahead. MR. ONISHL I understand. This question is to the Managing Director. Have you folks looked at maybe creating or suggesting'in creating a commission? Like how Police and Fire to getting a director for public works. MR. BRILHANTE: Quite honestly. I'm William Brilhante, Managing Director. That is not something that'we've actually gave much consideration to. And there's pros and cons when itcomes to commissions and commission oversight with department heads and the like. And again, that's not something that we've really sat down and looked into seriously; MR ONIS t' Because why I suggests that or why I mentioned that is that, I've heard stories where employees have mentioned, well, I'm just going to outlast the director, right? So, they're just going to do what they need to do. But if there is an appointment by the,commission'that can be extended longer than four years or eight years that could help maybe move the department in a better direction too. Just something to think about. I did have some discussions with others about that, and it,might be something that I think you could talk to the Administration about. Thank you, I yield; CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, alright. And thank you for bringing up that last point and kind of echoing what Council Member Kimball said about the possibility of having a longer term or a different way appointing a director for DPW. MS KIMBALL: I was wondering if I could make a quick response to Council Member Onishi. CHR KAGIWADA: Sure, go ahead. Page 25 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 MS. KIMBALL: Agreed, Council Member Onishi, that is definitely an option to consider here as well. And I will make the same commitment as Council Member Kierkiewicz to propose something that would result in that sort of amendment as a third thing to consider with respect to this particular position. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright. So, one thing I would hope for the next meeting when we discuss this, it seems like maybe we had some questions for HR, especially, Council Member Onishi and some other folks. So, hopefully, our HR Director could be here to answer some of those questions. I glad to hear that the maker is open for other people to bring, obviously, to bring amendments forward. So, it sounds like there's some possibilities there. My thoughts on this is, you know, I'm not really decided one way or another. I think there are good arguments for keeping the requirement for a degree for a licensed engineer to be the head of DPW. But I also see that there are some real concerns as far as finding the right people. Since my predecessor, Aaron Chung was,brought forth several times today, I needed to actually bring forth a quote that he trade that I still remember, which is, "Why can't we have both:' And he said clearly","trading places," he said. He said when he was asked whether he wanted steak or lobster, he said, "Why can't we have both?" And in this case', looking at ways to'raise the salary and do other things to make sure that we have both rnariagerial experience and engineering experience, seems like the ultimate goal. Bnt:there does seem like there are some clear roadblocks,making that happen. So,I am happy to vote to move this along because we will have at least three readings., Is that correct, Mr. Clerk, for a charter question? MS. KIMBALL: Chair, I'd like to make the motion to postpone. CHR:KAGIWADA,: Okay, go ahead. Motion to 16 Wone: Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Bill 64 to July 22, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KAGIWADA: Any discussion? MS:.'KIMBALL: Yes, if I may, Chair? CHR KAGIWADA: Yes, go ahead, Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: As I mentioned earlier, we have so much time on this in terms of when the deadlines are to get this on the ballot or something related to this on the ballot. And I think it's very important that the Council maintain the policy of Page 26 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 working out the clear language in Committee before sending it on to Council. I do think that there's work here. And I also think looking at the other two options. Whether it is a reorganization or a different mechanism of hiring the Public Works Director. I think that it's important to have this dialogue. I would encourage us not to rush something that would not even take effect until 2027. Anyway, so let's take our time and keep it here in Committee and explore all the options. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you for that proposal. Council Member Inaba, on the motion. MR. INABA: I'm not completely opposed to postponements but I do oppose the postponement to that specific date. Sox I'm'hoping that we could revisit this in three weeks on our July 8 h Committee meeting in Hilo. So, I'll ask the maker if that would be something that we,can get behind. MS. KIMBALL: Chair, I'm completely amenable to that deadline. I was just giving myself time to insure that I could submit something by our deadline for that agenda. So, if you could afford me a little flexibility with the deadline, I would be amenable to the postponement to July 8 1 . CHR KAGIWADA: I'm happy to do that and to allow for the July 8t' Postponement. Withdraw Motion: Ms. Kimball withdrew her motion to postpone. Motion to Postpone: Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Bill 64 to July 8, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KAGIWADA: Any other input on the motion? All those in favor please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Motion The motion to postpone Bill 64 to July 8, 2025, to Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 27 GOEAC-12 June 17,2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you very much. Thank you everybody for a really great discussion today. With no further agenda items, we are adjourned at 11:48 a.m., and our next committee will be up shortly. Thank you so much. ADJOURN- Seeing no further business, Chair Kagiwada adjourned the meeting at MENT: 11:48 a.m. Approved: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair (Date) Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs JK/dt Page 28