HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 033 11/01/2011 2010-1012REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
DATE: November 1, 2011
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Re: Comm. 423
Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Comm. 423, reports as follows:
Communication No. 423, from Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated October 12, 2011, requests
confirmation of the appointment of nominee G. Rick Robinson of Council District 7 to the
County of Hawai`i Water Board. Mr. Robinson is a 40 -year resident of Hawai`i and from 1991
to 2005, he was the Director of the Commercial Asset Division, Commercial Real Estate with
Kamehameha Schools.
Mr. Robinson's community service has involved membership with the Kona Family YMCA, the
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the Hawaii County Farm Bureau, and the State Farm Bureau. He
formerly served on the Hawai`i County Merit Appeals Board. Mr. Robinson states that he is a
Republican. If confirmed, he will serve a term to expire on December 31, 2015, replacing
George Harai, whose term expired on December 31, 2010.
Council Member Pilago introduced Mr. Robinson who was present at the West Hawai`i Civic
Center.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Charmaine Shigemura confirmed that Mr. Robinson has stated
that he is a Republican and if confirmed will serve until December 31, 2015.
Council Member Pilago stated he strongly supported this nomination due to his long history of
service to the community and he asked for the Council's support.
Council Member Ford confirmed that Mr. Robinson is on the Kona Soil and Water Conservation
District Board and stated that she believes that board is dominated by developer based members.
She also confirmed that Mr. Robinson is retired but has a real estate license and is a coffee
farmer. She stated that his farm is close to her home and she believes Mr. Robinson is a good
farmer and a good person, but she cannot support this nomination as she is concerned that
commissions and boards are being stacked with development oriented people.
Council Member Yagong thanked Mr. Robinson for his willingness to serve. He stated that he
has spoken with Department of Water Supply Manager -Chief Engineer Milton Pavao regarding
the water availability challenges and that no water equals no development. He further stated that
PC Rept. No.: 33
PC -33 Page 2 November 1, 2011
he believes Mr. Robinson's background expertise is needed and valuable to help the Water
Board to provide water opportunities in the future.
Council Member Pilago stated he agrees with Council Member Yagong and believes the County
Council has not fulfilled its responsibility to provide water to communities.
Council Member Onishi stated that he will be supporting Council Member Ford because she
represents the candidate's district.
Mr. Robinson is not required to be present at the final confirmation before the full Council.
Your Committee on Planning is in accordance with the purpose and intent of Communication
No. 422 and recommends confirmation of the appointment of G. Rick Robinson to the County of
Hawai`i Water Board.
mh
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
PORT NO. 33
Np 16 2Q'l
AYES
NOES
A &E
EX
BLAS
X
FORD
X
HOFFMANN
X
IKEDA
X
ONISHI
X
PILAGO
X
SMART
X
YAGONG
X
YOSHIMOTO
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
PORT NO. 33
Np 16 2Q'l