HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0334.036 2024-2026P IGoEAc
D11Lq
c6m.-IN
C�
From:
Kandice Kubojiri
m
zCD
Sent:
Monday, September 15, 2025 7:43 AM
c
�J
To:
Council Testimony
cn
-
Subject:
Testimony Opposing Bill 64 - Protect Public Safety in Hawaii County
Tyr,
y�
Aloha,
o
My name is Kandice Kubojiri, and I am writing to express my opposition to Bill64, which proposes to
allow non -licensed individuals to be eligible for the position of the Director of Public Works in Hawaii
County. This position has historically been held by a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and should
remain that way.
This proposed change would undermine public safety and the integrity of our County's infrastructure for
the following reasons:
' � - - � u1fF�L•i7';La�l�7
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 that were 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, pledgingto 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. Com:.i.
30
Ref. To: El
t Ref. Date 1 6 2025
Mahalo,
Kandice Kubojiri