HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0359.005 1998-2000 The Honorable Dominic Yagong August 5, 1999
Chairman, Committee on Public Works and Parks
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street ~ _
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE'~~ ~ '
VIA FAX (808) 961-89~g AUG 17 Ail 11 59
Chairman Yagong and Committee members: CC!_!I~~ r`r--~~
COUNTY OF HA~J~1.111
It is with great pleasure that I support the recommendation of Mr. Robert
Yanabu for the position of Chief Engineer, County of Hawaii. I understand that
Mr. Yanabu would-fill the position that has been vacant for nearly a year. I am
sure that you would agree that one of the I~rgest and most important
departments providing a myriad of services requires continuity of competent
leadership, particularly at its head. Among other accomplishments, Mr. Yanabu
has earned the respect of his fellow workers due to his diligence, dedication and
long hours of hard work beyond the limits of the normal workday.
I have known Mr. Yanabu for nearly 14 years. Mr. Yanabu is technically
competent and is professionally licensed in both civil as well as structural
engineering disciplines which, by far, exceeds the basic qualifications and
requirements for the position. Moreover, his total experience, including
assignments as special projects engineer, Division Chief of the former Bureau of
Plans and Survey, thence as Division Chief of the Engineering Division has
served Hawaii County well over nearly a quarter of a century.
I am particularly mindful of Mr. Yanabu's expertise being utilized fully during my
term of office as mayor of Hawaii County (1984-1988) in Hawaii County's efforts
to revitalize service roadway segments in every major community island-wide.
This was made possible through a painless "penny a liter" gas tax. Further, the
expeditious implementation of safety improvements to nearly 18 miles of an
otherwise dangerous Saddle Road from 1986 through 1988 is testament to his
abilities to coordinate and interface requirements, including funding sources,
between federal, state and county governments.
For the reasons cited above, I believe Mr. Robert Yanabu is eminently qualified
by education, professional certification, and broad range of experiences for
appointment as Chief Engineer and Department Head, Department of Public
Works, County of Hawaii. I strongly urge the Council's confirmation.
Respectfully submitted,
Y~-~
Dante K. rpe r
Former Mayor, ounty of Hawaii 3.5 9 , oo ~
3054 Ala Poha Place, #401 Comm. No.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 Ftile No. ~'`Y
Ref. Tot C'~U N~'~
Ref. Date AUG 1 7 1999