HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSMTC 025 2016/10/19 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
AND MASS TRANSIT
DATE: October 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 1099
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:43 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit, to which was referred Communication No. 1099,
reports as follows:
Communication No. 1099, transmitted by Mayor William P. Kenoi, dated September 29, 2016,
requests review and favorable recommendation of the nomination of Mr. Claude Onizuka of
Council District 7 to the County of Hawai`i Liquor 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. 1099
into the record, preceding a motion made by Mr. Kanuha and seconded by Ms. Poindexter to
approve the nomination. Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Charmaine Shigemura, via Hilo
video introduced and provided background information on Nominee Onizuka, expressed the
Mayor's support, and requested Council's favorable action of this appointment.
Mr. Claude Onizuka is a lifelong resident of Hawai`i. In 2012, Mr. Onizuka retired from 1250
Oceanside Partners (Hokuli`a) where he was the Director of Community and Public Affairs. Mr.
Onizuka is Chairman of the Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Memorial Committee, Director of the
Friends of Challenger enter Hawai`i, and President of Kona Junior Golf. He states that he is not
affiliated with any political party. If confirmed, he will fill a vacant term to end December 31,
2020.
Mr. Onizuka appeared before Your Committee with an opening statement sharing that he has
served on the Liquor Commission previously and felt that he learned a lot in that first term and
now got to the point where he really knows what to ask and look for in service to minors and
noise complaints. The commission itself is like the council of listening and advising.
Mr. Onizuka lives to serve. He believes when one is nominated for a position such as these, if
cannot commit to attend meetings, then do not accept appointment because it creates a problem
when meetings are held. Mr. Onizuka urged to wholeheartedly perform to the best of his ability.
PSMTC REPORT NO. 25
PSMTC-25 Page 2 October 19, 2016
Your Committee extended appreciation for Mr. Onizuka's willingness to serve given previous
experience and his practical, common sense characteristics.
Your Committee agreed that Mr. Onizuka 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. 1099, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Claude Onizuka
to the County of Hawai`i Liquor Commission.
nm
AYES NOES ABS EX REC Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
EOFF x AND MASS TRANSIT
ILAGAN X
7
KANUHA X
1 ,
ONISHI X '`� �
PALEKA x DANNY PA 0.-KA, CHAIR
POINDEXTER x PSMTC REPORT NO: 25
WILLE x ADOPTED: NOV 0 2 2016
AYES—Affirmative,NOES—Negative,ABS—Absent,EX—Excused Absence,REC—Recused