HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPC 012 02/06/1997 1996-1998 _
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
DATE: February 6, 1997 RE: COMM. NO. 98
PLACE: Councilroom
TIME: 9:07 a.m.
Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks, to which was referred Communication No. 98,
reports as follows:
Communication No. 98 is a letter from Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro dated January 14, 1997,
which appoints Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki to the position of Chief Engineer for the County of
Hawaii. Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 2, Section 6-2.2, of the County of Hawaii's County
Charter 1991, the Chief Engineer shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council
of the County of Hawaii.
Testimony in support of the appointment was offered by Mr. David Blyth, on behalf of
Mr. Hugh Willocks, President of the Hawaii Island Contractors' Association.
During discussion, Council Member Aaron Chung inquired whether the Department of Public
Works issuance of contracts to a company owned by Mrs. Kiyosaki's husband, during her tenure
as Chief Engineer, raised conflict of interest concerns. The Council Member noted that his
concerns relate not only to the issuance of contracts but also to the monitoring of contracts
granted to Mr. Kiyosaki's company. The Council Member offered Mrs. Kiyosaki an opportunity
to address Your Committee regarding these issues.
Mrs. Kiyosaki explained that any contract involving Mr. Kiyosaki's company has been issued on
a competitive price bid basis, which assured fairness in the selection process. With respect to
monitoring, she explained that she removes herself from direct involvement in contract matters
concerning Mr. Kiyosaki's company, assigning staff that responsibility. Moreover,
Mrs. Kiyosaki noted that because of their relationship, contracts involving her husband's
company are subjected to closer scrutiny than those involving other companies.
Mrs. Kiyosaki pledged to continue to work towards the best interests of the County.
Public Works and Parks Committee Report
Communication No. 98
Page Two
Members of Your Committee commended Mrs. Kiyosaki on the job she has done as
Chief Engineer during the last four years and thanked her for her assistance in public works
matters.
Your Committee finds Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki to be qualified to serve as Chief Engineer for the
County of Hawaii and recommends that her appointment be confirmed.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted
YAGONG X CO ITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS
REYNOLDS X
CI IIJNG X
LEITIIEAD-TODD x DOMINIC YAGON ,
RAY X
sANTANGELO X PW&PC REPO T O. 12
sivnTx X FEB 1 9 1997 ,
ARAKAKI E.O.M. X ADOPTED: