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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSMTC 024 2016/10/19 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND MASS TRANSIT DATE: October 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 1098 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 9:43 a.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 Communication No. 1098 reports as follows: Communication No. 1098, transmitted by Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated September 29, 2016, requests review and favorable recommendation of the nomination of Ms. Donna Payesko of Council District 7 to the County of Hawaii Fire Commission. There were two testifiers present that provided comment, not specific to the nominee but more the nominations in its entirety. Both testifiers requesting transparency, shared that given the circumstances of the current administration and the anticipated change of said administration in less than two months, perhaps it would be most appropriate to allow Mayor-elect Harry Kim to nominate candidates for the remaining vacant positions in our Boards and Commissions. After the close of public testimony, Deputy County Clerk, Jon Henricks, read Comm. No. 1098 into the record, preceding a motion made by Mr. Kanuha and seconded by Ms. David to approve the nomination. Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Charmaine Shigemura, via Hilo video introduced and provided background information on Nominee Payesko, expressed the Mayor's support, and requested Council's favorable action of this appointment. Ms. Donna Payesko is a 9-year resident of Hawai`i. She was associated with the law firms of Jung & Vassar, PC, and Darl C. Gleed & Associates from 2007 until May of the year, when she tool the steps to launch her own firm. Ms. Payesko is the owner of Ohana Legacy Law and her practice focuses on estate planning, probate, asset protection and elder law. Ms. Payesko is President-elect of the West Hawai`i Bar Association and legal consultant to the board of Makua Lani Christian Academy. She is also chair of the advisory committee of Hawai`i Community Foundation's West Hawaii Fund. Ms. Payesko states that she is not affiliated with any political party. If confirmed, she will serve a vacant term to end on December 31, 2020. Your Committee held a lengthy discussion after Ms. Payesko appeared before Your Committee happily ready to answer any questions members may have upon her appointment. PSMTC REPORT NO.24 PSMTC-24 Page 2 October 19. 2016 Mr. Kanuha urged support for this nomination, as Ms. Payesko is his constituent. He appreciates her willingness to volunteer for these positions, as he knows that it is extremely difficult to take time to come out and decide or advise on issues that face our community, along with having a family, many friends and full-time job. Although, she may not have fire experience, Mr. Kanuha shared confidence that Ms. Payesko will learn what she needs to know to be an effective and productive member of the Fire Commission. Mr. Kanuha appreciated Ms. Payesko for being present and hearing the testimonies presented earlier. Moving forward, Mr. Kanuha concluded that our Boards and Commissions have not been able to meet due to lack of quorum. Thus, very glad to support nomination and urge rest of the council to support nomination and move forward with a positive recommendation. Ms. Poindexter reminded the public should Your Committee not act on this matter, the nominee will automatically be approved, pursuant to the Hawai`i County Charter Section 13-4(1). Ms. Poindexter also extended appreciation to Ms. Payesko for her willingness to serve. Ms. Payesko responded with appreciation and that she will do the best of her ability. Ms. Wille shared that even though the mayor can nominate, it is the Council who approves so don't want this to be looked at as a rubber stamp and think some is more timid then perhaps she had something personal. Ms. Wille believes it should be balanced like planning, culture and environment, and strongly encouraged pubic to reach out to your respective elected officials more. If there is someone in particular that should need to bring up to brought up to the respective councilmembers. In regards to Ms. Payesko specifically, Ms. Wille inquired as to why first choice is Committee on Aging with Fire Commission as second choice. Ms. Payesko answered that she honestly has the desire to serve the best she can; she is an elder law attorney and desires strongly in serving community she lives in. Ms. Payesko continued that she appreciates the ocean safety division, but it is really a matter of being a voice for the community. Ms. Wille in satisfaction, commended Ms. Payesko coming forward and have been one of those of angry at the failure of the mayor to appoint individuals, yet at the same time, at the last hour, the mayor is functional and moving forward, though failed to appoint anyone for the North Kohala CDP. Mr. Chung extended appreciation to Ms. Payesko and commended her as he has heard all good thigs from colleagues on the west side. Unfortunately, her appointment came out because of a letter from Mayor-elect Kim expressing concerns of vacant positions in our Boards and Commissions. Mr. Chung is currently looking at a compromise where Committee Members may postpone matters such as these and let the incoming mayor vet, as he had concerns on said appointments at such a late date given the length of time that they were and are vacant with the exception of the Board of Ethics and Board of Appeals. Mr. Chung concluded that nominees thus far for our Boards and Commissions, Mayor Kenoi has done a great job in appointing for caring and fair individuals. Mr. Chung simply request Ms. Payesko be fair in dealing with public. Ms. Eoff shared how reassuring to know of Ms. Payesko's background in law, public service and passion for elderly law. Ms. Eoff is currently facing an engaging steering committee with Ms. Poindexter for health concerns and look forward to collaborate with Ms. Payesko. PSMTC-24 Page 3 October 19, 2016 Chair Paleka congratulated Ms. Payesko and advised how important it is to know how to aside politics and noise, which can be a distraction at times. Your Committee agreed that Ms. Payesko is not required to appear at final confirmation before the full Council, but was extended the invitation to attend if so desired. Your Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 1098, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Ms. Donna Payesko to the County of Hawai`i Fire Commission. nm AYES NOES ABS EX REC Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY EOFF x AND MASS TRANSIT ILAGAN X KANUHA XeZ ONISHI X Afre PALEKA x DANNY PA(KA, CHAIR POINDEXTER x PSMTC REPORT NO: 24 WILLE X ADOPTED: NOV 0 2 2016 AYES—Affirmative,NOES—Negative,ABS--Absent,EX—Excused Absence:REC—Recused