HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP AWESC 006 02/05/2013 (2012-2014) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,WATER AND
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
DATE: February 5, 2013 Re: Comm. No. 90
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 1:17 pm
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, to which was referred
Comm. No. 90, reports as follows:
Communication No. 90, transmitted by Mayor Billy Kenoi, dated January 11, 2013, nominates
Francis L. Benevides, Jr. to a 3-year term on the Game Management Advisory Commission.
Mr. Benevides is a lifelong resident of Hawai`i. From 1979 to 2011, he was employed by the
Federal Aviation Administration as an engineering manager and technician. Mr. Benevides
states that he is not affiliated with any political party.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Charmaine Shigemura introduced Mr. Francis L. Benevides, Jr.
as the District 6 nominee for the Game Management Advisory Commission.
Mr. Benevides was present in the Hilo Council Chambers and stated that he believes in
subsistence hunting and is a strong advocate of conservation and that due to his volunteer work
on Maui as a Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) law enforcement officer he
understands both the rules and statues and the Hawai`i gathering rights of the people. Although
he has never hunted, he stated that he has a vision of a special game management area where
density is purposely increased to allow all types of hunting. In closing, he voiced his concern that
the only way to get to the forest was with a new hunting license.
Committee Chair Wille stated she appreciates Mr. Benevides view of a balanced voice for
stewardship of habitat and game preservation and that he will help in problem solving as he has
experience with various points of view. She further stated she supports access to the forest and to
look for solutions on both a short term and long term basis.
Council Member Ford thanked Mr. Benevides for his willingness to serve but stated she is
concerned that his work as a DLNR officer might be a conflict of interest in his ability to serve
on the Commission.
AWESC Rept. No. 6
AWESC-6 Page 2 February 5, 2013
Mr. Benevides stated that he has volunteered one week a month for the last five years on Maui at
his own expense and is not an employee. He further stated that his volunteer work has allowed
him to see both sides of the issues, such as gathering rights versus regulations; and he feels that
will be an asset to the Commission.
Council Member Kanuha stated he has some concerns but since Mr. Benevides was a volunteer
and not an employee he doesn't see a conflict of interest.
Council Member Onishi stated he does not see Mr. Benevides volunteer work on Maui as a
conflict of interest.
Council Member Eoff stated that Mr. Benevides will bring an interesting perspective of access
and gathering rights to the Commission.
Committee Chair Wille stated she does not see Mr. Benevides civil duty volunteer work as a
conflict of interest.
Mr. Benevides is not required to be present at the final confirmation before the full Council.
Pursuant to Hawai`i County Charter Section 6-9.3, there shall be a game management advisory
commission consisting of nine members who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by
the council.
Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy sustainability is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Comm. 90 and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Francis L.
Benevides, Jr. to the County of Hawai`i Game Management Advisory Commission.
ds
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
EOFF X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER
ILAGAN X AND ENERGY SUSTAINA C ILITY
KANUHA X
KERN X r/ONISHI X
POINDEXTER X MARG- r ET WILLE, CHAIR
WILLE X AWESC REPORT NO.: 6
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: FEB 2 0 2013