REP HSEDC 006 09/18/2007 2006-2008

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DATE: September 18, 2007 RE: Bill 168/Comm. 641 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 1:30 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 168, reports as follows: Bill No. 168, transmitted by Mayor Hazry Kim, via Communication No. 641, dated August 23, 2007, amends Chapter 2, Article 8 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), adding a new article to establish a Sustainability Action Committee to advise the Depaztment of Reseazch and Development. Pete Hoffmann, of Kohala, told Deputy Research and Development Director Diane Ley he had a problem with the members of the proposed Sustainability Action Committee specifically having to be from five geographical areas. He said he wouldn't be opposed to changing the tenor or the tone of the ordinance so that the County is not wedded to having to select someone from five geographical areas. He suggested that it would be more appropriate to select people with commitment and expertise geazed towazd Sustainability. Brenda Ford, of South Kona, expressed concern for the fact that Council members are having so much trouble getting contingency relief money to appropriate agencies, sometimes to do the work of the County. She has a feeling that there may be Sustainability initiatives that they will want to fund but it is a struggle to get the money to the source. Ley assured Ford that if the initiatives fit the scope of the Department of Research and Development's Sustainability program, the department wants to work with the Council and the community on sustainability initiatives. Angel Pilago, of North Kona, questioned whether the committee might lead to the establishment of a cabinet level position focused on energy Sustainability. Pilago noted there is a sepazate Mayor's advisory commission on Sustainability, and he wondered the difference between that commission and the Sustainability Action Committee. Ley said the committee is an advisory board to the Mayor and terms are co-terminus with the Mayor. Since the County's energy plan is almost complete, there is a tremendous impetus to move forward quickly with that plan. The Mayor's advisory commission is focused to drive that plan. The Sustainability Action Committee will have a broader base to look at, she said. Ley gave examples of overall policy and providing advice to other departments. She said at some point in time, it may be the Mayor's prerogative to create a cabinet level position or an entire depaztment focused on Sustainability.