HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSMTC 010 2016/02/02 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
AND MASS TRANSIT
DATE: February 2, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 629
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:10 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit,to which was referred Comm. No. 629,
reports as follows:
Communication No. 629, transmitted by Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated January 4, 2016,
requests review and favorable recommendation of the nomination of Mr. Jak Hu to the County of
Hawaii Police Commission.
There was one testifier present in Pahoa stating concerns relating to the lack of bike lanes and
sidewalks. The testifier also expressed concern with inconsistent speed limits, sharing an
example of driving a highway and having to comply with the constant change of speed limits
ranging from 45 to 55 after ten minutes of driving.
After the close of public testimony, Deputy County Clerk, Jon Henricks, read Comm. 629 into
the record, preceding a motion to approve the nomination made by Mr. Kanuha and seconded by
Ms. David. Executive Assistant to Mayor Kenoi, Ms. Charmaine Shigemura, introduced and
provided background information on Nominee Hu, expressed the Mayor's support, and requested
Council's favorable action of this appointment.
Mr. Hu is a 30-year resident of Hawai`i and presently the General Manager of the Courtyard by
Marriot King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. He is also a board member of the Hawai`i
Island United Way and a former board member of the Big Island Visitors Bureau and the Kailua
Village Business Improvement District. Mr. Hu states that he is not affiliated with any political
party. If confirmed, he will serve a term to end on December 31, 2020, replacing
Mr. John Bertsch, whose term ended on December 31, 2015.
Mr. Hu appeared in front of Your Committee via videoconferencing from the Kona satellite site.
Prior to discussion by Your Committee, Mr. Hu shared that as a commissioner he looks forward
to contributing back to the community, motivating police officers, understanding difficulties, and
assuring adequate service to the public.
During discussion, Your Committee expressed confident support and gratitude for Mr. Hu's
interest and willingness to serve on the Police Commission. Your Committee also expressed
confidence due to Mr. Hu's background in hospitality techniques and interaction with the public,
PSMTC Rept. No: 10
PSMTC-10 Page 2 February 2, 2016
as well as Mr. Hu's intention to implement such skills and techniques in the duties and services
offered by the Police Department. Mr. Ilagan mentioned his desire to see the Police Commission
take a serious stance on agricultural theft. Your Committee agreed that Mr. Hu is not required to
appear at final confirmation before the full Council.
Your Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Communication No. 629, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Jak Hu to the
County of Hawai`i Police Commission.
nm
AYES NOES ABS EX REC Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
EOFF x AND MASS TRANSIT
ILAGAN X
111
//
KANUHA xd i
ONISHI X
PALEKA x DANNY PA ) • , CHAIR
POINDEXTER X PSM'"C REPORT NO: 10
WILLE x ADOPTED: FEB 1 7 2016
AYES—Affirmative,NOES—Negative;ABS—Absent,EX—Excused Absence,REC-Recused