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INABA ENGINEERING, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERING ■ LAND SURVEYING
273 WAIANUENUE AVENUE
HILO, HAWAII 96720
August 29, 2025
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Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chairperson
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Hawaii County Council
Office of the County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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via email: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
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Subject: Bill 64, which seeks to eliminate the requirement that the Director of Public Works
be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Amendment to Section 6-2.2 Director.
Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council,
1 am submitting written testimony in opposition of Bill 64 which seeks to remove the
requirement that the Director of Public Works be a registered (Licensed) professional engineer.
The requirement for professional engineering licensure should not be removed for
convenience.
The Director oversees the Department of Public Works which is staffed with many professional
engineers who are responsible for oversight, planning, design, construction and maintenance of
infrastructure projects such as subdivisions, roadways, bridges, drainage works, traffic safety,
and other public facilities.
A licensed professional engineer is ethically obligated to protect the health, safety, and welfare
of the public, putting public interest before personal, company, organizational, and political
interests. This is how a public works director should evaluate critical issues that affect our
community well-being.
Professional licensure will assure a level of educational qualifications and competency based
on a breadth of sound technical engineering knowledge and experience necessary to fulfill the
requirements of being a Director of the Department Public Works. Educational degrees other
than accredited engineering disciplines should not be considered acceptable alternates for this
important position.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony on this item.
Very truly yours,
INABA ENGINEERING, INC.
s n K. Inaba, P.E.
President
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