HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSEDC 006 09/18/2007 2006-2008 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.
_ . _ _ . - ..._.w.._._~.,.... W
Pilago stressed that he wants connectivity to happen between the Council and the
Administration. If the committee can help join the Council and the Administration, then
he is supportive of it. He noted that this County is way behind on what it needs to do in
terms of sustainability.
Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Bill No. 168, and recommends it pass first reading.
tce
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
HIGH X COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
HOFFMANN X AN/D~~,E,,C~O~N~OMIC LD/~E~V~ELOPMENT
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X EMILY NA OLE, CHAIR
PILAGO X
YAGONG X HSEDC REPORT NO. 6
YOSIIIMOTO x ADOPTED: OCT O 3 ZOO7