HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0334.027 2024-202From:
Debra Ota
Sent:
Friday, August 29, 2025 8:54 AM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Bill 64 Testimony
Aloha,
My name is Debra Ota and I am a licensed professional mechanical engineer in Hawaii. More importantly, I was
born and raised in Hilo and have worked as an engineer here in the electric and gas utilities for the past 26 years. I
am currently employed as Executive Director at Hawaii Gas, the sole utility gas provider and largest non -utility
propane gas provider in the state. I am opposed to Bill64.
As a licensed engineer I firmly believe that public safety should be our primary concern and licensed engineers are
Legally and ethically bound to safeguard the public, including life, health and property of the residents of this state
in making infrastructure decisions. While I understand we all have recruitment challenges, we should not sacrifice
the safety and future or our public to broaden eligibility of the Director of Public Works position to non -engineers.
Thankyou for the opportunity to provide testimony. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
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Debra Ota
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Debra Ota, P.E.
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Executive Director, Utility Operations
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Phone: O 808-935-23371 M 808-315-2441
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HAWAII GAS
THE C:L4AN GNLRGV COMPANY
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