HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 002 03/17/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIItONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: March 17, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 183
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 Environmental Management, to which was referred Communication No. 183,
reports as follows:
Communication 183 from Mayor Billy Kenoi dated February 19, 2009, requests confirmation of the
appointment of Richard Ha of Council District 4, to the County of Hawaii Environmental
Management Commission. Communication No. 183 notes that Mr. Ha states he is a Democrat, a
lifelong resident of Hawaii and President of the Mauna Kea Banana Company. Mr. Ha presently
serves as a director of HIEDC and the Kohala Center, and is Treasurer of the Hawaii State Farm
Bureau. If approved, Mr. Ha will serve a term to end on December 31, 2013, replacing Mr. Arnold
Okamura, whose term expired on December 31, 2008.
Pursuant to Article VI, § 6-5.5, Hawaii County Charter, members of the Environmental Management
Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
At the Mazch 17, 2009 meeting of the Committee on Environmental Management, Richard Ha was
present at the Council Chambers in Hilo along with Deputy Corporation Counsel Molly Lugo. Ms.
Lugo provided a short summary of Mr. Ha's community involvement and background stating that
Mr. Ha comes highly recommended for confirmation.
Councilmembers Ford and Naeole expressed support of Mr. Ha's appointment and noted his ability
of working very well with people. Councilmember Yagong said Mr. Ha's involvement in many
different matters over the years demonstrate capabilities of understanding a variety of matters and his
ability to put things together to make it work. Mr. Yagong noted that the caliber of knowledge,
experience and background that Mr. Ha possesses would greatly benefit the Commission.
Regarding his perspective about serving on the Environmental Management Commission, Mr. Ha
said that because we live on an island we must make use of and manage what we have in a smart
way. Mr. Ha said he was unable to comment regarding landfill issues at this time because he had not
had a chance to read everything as of yet, however, he did say he was inclined towazds "zero waste"
if "zero waste" could be achieved reasonably.
EMC Rpt. No. 2
Communication No. 183
Page 2 of 2
The Committee agreed to waive Mr. Ha's appearance before the full Council for final confirmation.
Your Committee on Environmental Management recommends confirmation of Mr. Richard Ha to the
Environmental Management Commission.
mpd
AYES NOES A&E EX
ENRIQUES X
FORD X
GREENWELL X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
NAEOLE X
ONISHI X
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL