HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0400.007 2024-2026From: Ikaika Rodenhurst
Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 9:17 AM
To: Council Testimony, Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Kimball, Heather, Onishi, Dennis;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley, Kanealii-Kleinfelder,'Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca;
Hustace, James
Subject: 10/8/25 Council, Bill 72 Testimony - Opposed
Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii County Council,
My name is Steven Ikaika Rodenhurst, professional engineer, member of the Hawaii Society of Professional
Engineers (State Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers), and former Director of Public
Works for the County of Hawaf i. I respectfully submit this testimony in strong opposition to Bill 72.
Per Hawaii County Code (HCC) 2-202 and 2-203, the authorities and responsibilities of the department are
outlined. The director has the authority to delegate to any person such power and authority vested in the
director as the director deems reasonable and proper. The duties of the department include the construction,
maintenance, and operation of all solid waste and recycling programs and facilities operated by and for the
County and the construction, maintenance, and operation of all sewage programs and facilities operated by
and for the County. HRS 464-4 requires all public works projects,, including new/alteration construction and
maintenance work, be observed by a licensed engineer.
The current requirements for Director of Environmental Management have flaws as they potentially allow a
non -licensed engineer to have direct authority over engineering decisions made by licensed
engineers. Further erosion of the position requirements is not what is needed at a time when our wastewater
and solid waste facilities are in dire need of repairs and upgrades to fulfill the mission of protecting, preserving,
and enhancing our environment.
Bill 72 would expand the pool of potential candidates while diluting candidate qualifications for a department
whose role is to protect, preserve, and enhance our environment. I urge the council to reject this bill and
uphold the professional standards our community deserves.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Steven Ikaika Rodenhurst, P.E.
Comm. D
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