HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0334.024 2024-2026Subject: Testimony Opposing Bill 64— Protect Public Safety in Hawaii County
Aloha,
My name is Renee Ishisaka and I am writing to express my opposition to EMU, which proposes M
allow non -licensed individuals to be eligible for the position of the Director of Public Works in
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on
Hawaii County. This position has historically been held by a Licensed Professional Engineer (PEt
cy
and should remain that way.
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This proposed change would undermine public safety and the integrity of our County's
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infrastructure for the following reasons:
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Public Safety Must Come First
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Engineering projects —roads, bridges, water systems, sewage, and flood control —directly affect the
lives, health, and safety of every resident. Licensed engineers are trained, tested, and held
accountable by state law (HRS Chapter 464) to safeguard the public. Removing this requirement
allows critical decisions to be made by individuals without the technical expertise or legal
responsibility that comes with licensure.
Across the nation, disasters have occurred when engineering judgment was ignored or overruled by
non -engineers —such as the Challenger shuttle disaster and the Hurricane Katrina levee
failures. In both cases, engineers raised safety concerns thatwere disregarded, leading to
catastrophic loss of life. Hawaii cannot afford to weaken its safeguards in the same way.
Professional Engineers take an oath, known as the Engineers' Creed, pledging to place the public
welfare above all other considerations. This professional accountability is unique to licensed
engineers. Without a PE in charge, there is no assurance that public safety will remain the
paramount priority in County infrastructure decisions.
While we understand the County has faced challenges in recruiting PEs for the Director position,
Bill 64 goes too far by opening eligibility to non -engineers. This risks allowing political, financial, or
public -relations considerations to override sound engineering judgment.
I urge you to vote against Bill 64 for the safety and wellbeing of our community.
Sincerely,
Renee Ishisaka
Comm. 1
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date GEP - 2 2025