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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 076 08/19/1997 1996-1998 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: August 19, 1997 Re: C-426 , PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 1:50 p.m.. Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Communication No. 426 transmitted by Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro dated August 4, 1997, reports as follows: The purpose of Communication No. 426 is to recommend the appointment of the following individual as a member of the Hawaii County Water Commission: Mr. Malcolm R. Saxby of Puna, a member of the Democratic Party, is nominated to fill a vacancy created by the unexpired term ending December 31, 1997 of Debra A. Makaweo of Puna, who resigned to move to New Zealand. Mr. Saxby, a 44-year resident of Hawaii has been the owner/manager of the Puna Certified Nursery since 1977. He is a member of the State Agri-Business Development Corporation, the Hawaii Export Nursery Association and the Keaau Maintenance Association. Pursuant to Section 8-2 of the Hawaii County Charter, the mayor shall appoint members to the Water Commission to be confirmed by the Council, as prescribed in Section 13-4 of the Hawaii County Charter. Mr. Saxby, who was not able to attend Your Committee's meeting due to prior commitments, will be attending the Council meeting considering his appointment. Public testimony raised concerns relating to Mr. Saxby's experience and knowledge of water policies and issues. However, no other qualifications for Water Commission members aze required by the Charter except that a member shall represent the community and geological areas. Testimony also expressed the need for Council to control and oversee administrative functions. Allegations were also made stating that Mr. Saxby's appointment is political. Your Committee felt it desirable to have people from the general public willing to serve as members of the Commission rather than an elite group of individuals with specialized expertise who are often times difficult to find. The Department of Water Supply has the necessary staff with the knowledge and expertise to advise the Commission. Your Committee felt that it was unfair to make statements about the credibility of an appointee without researching the facts and suggested that they either contact the mayor's office or the individual. PC REPORT NO. ~ 6 PC- ~ ~ Page 2 August 19, 1997 Your Committee on Planning recommends the approval of the appointment of Mc Malcolm R. Saxby to the Water Commission. CES AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted LEITHEAD-TODD x COMMITTEE OPh PLANJad~NG aEVNOLDS x ~ O Y JEAN LEITHEAD-TODD, CHAI SANTANGELO J{ ~ SMITH x PC REPORT NO. 7 6 vAGONC X ADOPTED: SEP 0 3 Igg~ ARAKAKI E.O.M.