HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0336.000 2014-2016 V c
1!..;,;... Phone: 808 961-8026
DANIEL K. PALEKA JR. ...4,-"?.,e: 1,. , ( )
Council District 5 Puna Mauka :• ' .,, \,1 . Fax: (808)961-8912
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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai`i
25Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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TO: Dru Mamo Kanuha, Council Chair A
and Members of the Hawaii County Council N
FROM: ° Daniel K. Paleka Jr., Council Member -,
DATE: May 27, 2015 ;g )
.....
SUBJECT: 2015 Western Interstate Region(WIR)Conference tis —
I am requesting 10 minutes on the next available and appropriate Council agenda to report my attendance
at the 2015 Western Interstate Region(WIR)Conference held on May 20, 2015 –May 22, 2015, at the
Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort located on the island of Kaua`i, Hawai`i.
The WIR serves as the counties' advocate for public policy issues affecting the state associations of
counties in 15 Western states. WIR is affiliated with the National Association of Counties(NACo)and is
dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo. These interests include, but are not limited
to, public land issues(including use and conservation), economic development, and community stability.
WIR is dedicated to promoting a clearer understanding of challenges facing county officials from 15
Western states and serves as a valuable resource for exchanging information about Western county
governments for NACo,the legislature, and to all county officials.
Kicking off the conference on Wednesday May 20, 2015, I was able to partake in my first WIR Board of
Directors Meeting since being elected to serve as a Board Member. Presentations included: "FirstNet
Introduction and Implementation", and"Public Lands Planning: Where Do Counties Fit In?" I
particularly enjoyed the presentation on Public Lands Planning because it provided us with insight and
valuable tips on how to coordinate and communicate well with public lands stake holders.
Later that day, I was able to sit in on an interesting breakout session for the Joint Agriculture and Rural
Affairs Steering Committee Meeting. Also in attendance at this meeting were Council Members Dru
Mamo Kanuha, Margaret Wille, and Dennis"Fresh"Onishi. This presentation featured speakers Kirby
Kester, President of the Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) and Doug McKalip, a Senior
Advisor for the United States Department of Agriculture. Questions were raised concerning the current
litigation between HCIA and the County of Kaua`i, however, were deferred due to ongoing litigation.
On Thursday, May 21, 2015, I listened in on one of the conferences featured speaker's–State of Hawai`i
Department of Transportation Director, Ford Fuchigami. Director Fuchigami shared the State of Hawaii's
top practices used to plan, design, operate and maintain our state's transportation system, which includes
Harbors, Highways and Airports divisions.
Comm. No.
Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island Ref. To: Ci izt OC
Ref. Oote MAY 2 8 205Hawai`i County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer .
May 27, 2015
Page 2 of 2
Also taking place on Thursday was a session entitled"Medical and Recreational Marijuana Legalization:
Impact on Counties". I wanted to attend this meeting because we are currently dealing with ongoing
legislation related to the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries throughout our state. Keith
Kamita, head of the Narcotics Enforcement Division for the State of Hawai`i -Department of Public
Safety, alongside Chip Taylor, the Executive Director from Colorado Counties Inc., emphasized how
important it is for counties to consider and understand both the intended purpose and the possible
ramifications of legislation dealing with this issue.
On Friday, May 22, 2015 we were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to witness a presentation
given by Mr. Grady Summers, Senior VP of Cloud Analytics, FireEye. Mr. Summers outlined the
importance of having a secure information network and the vulnerabilities and solutions available to
corporate, business and governmental entities. Mr. Summers also touched on ways to identify,
understand and address the threats that are currently out there.
This conference provided attendees with new tools,resources and a renewed motivation to thrive in our
own respective counties. The specially crafted lectures and trainings revealed innovative ways for
legislators to identify and measure success, reduce inefficiencies, and incorporate new and enhanced
technologies and resources that will stimulate collaborations between counties.
I feel extremely privileged to have been in attendance and would definitely encourage others to attend
WIR conferences in the future.
I am asking that this matter be scheduled at the next duly noticed meeting of the Council in order to
comply with HRS Section 92-2.5 "Permitted interactions of members". HRS Section 92-2.5(e)allows for
two or more members, but less than quorum,to attend an informational meeting or presentation on matter
relating to official board business, provided the board members report their attendance and the matters
presented and discussed at the next duly noticed meeting of the board.
Mahalo!
DP/j o