HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0334.022 2024-2026ENGINEERING
P A R T N E R S
J
August 29, 2025
Hawaii County Council Members
Subject: Testimony to Bill 64
Dear Council Members,
455 E. Lanikaula Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808.933.7900
www.epinc.pro
I respectfully submit my testimony in strong opposition to Bill 64, which proposes to remove the requirement
that the County Department of Public Works Chief Engineer be a Hawaii -licensed Professional Engineer.
1. Public safety must remain paramount. Licensed engineers are legally and ethically bound to safeguard
life, health, and property. Removing this requirement places critical infrastructure decisions in the hands
of individuals.who are not held to these same professional standards.
2. History has shown the danger of overruling engineers. Tragedies such as the Challenger shuttle disaster
and the levee failures during Hurricane Katrina illustrate the catastrophic consequences when technical
safety warnings are disregarded or undervalued.
3. Bill 64 goes too far. While I recognize the challenges of recruiting qualified candidates, broadening
eligibility to non -engineers heightens the risk that political or financial considerations will override
sound engineering judgment. The people of Hawaii County deserve leadership grounded in professional
expertise and accountability.
For these reasons, I urge you to vote against Bill 64 and preserve the requirement that the Chief Engineer of
DPW be a licensed Professional Engineer in Hawaii.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
ENGINEERING PARTNERS, INC.
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Date: 2025.08.29 77:18:05-70'00'
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