REP PC 015 2019/03/27 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: March 27, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 175 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 1:23 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Planning,to which was referred Communication No. 175, reports as follows: Communication No. 175, transmitted by Mayor Harry Kim on March 8, 2019, submitted for the Council's review and requesting a favorable confirmation of his nominee, Julie Hugo, to the Water Board. The communication described Ms. Hugo as a lifelong resident of Hawai`i, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Stanford University, and the current Broker in Charge at Clark Realty, LLC. It was noted that she has worked in project management and marketing on both Molokai and Hawai`i Counties for resort developments, in addition to being an active community member. Service activities listed included past president of the Hawai`i Island YMCA, Hale Aloha 0 Hilo Habitat for Humanity, and Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. Executive Assistant Rose Bautista and Ms. Hugo appeared before the Planning Committee via videoconference from Hilo Council Chambers. Ms. Bautista introduced and described Ms. Hugo's education, experience, and qualities as listed in Communication 175. Ms. Hugo described her decision- making process to volunteer her time and services specifically at the Water Board, noting that she had no engineering degree or specialized in any aspect of water, in and of itself, but rather understood the value and importance of safe drinking water for the island and welcomed the opportunity to serve for that reason. Committee Vice Chair Sue L. K. Lee Loy described Ms. Hugo as being"fair,practical, and thoughtful" and her pragmatic approach would suit the semi-autonomous Water Board. Council Members Herbert M. "Tim"Richards and Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder thanked Ms. Hugo for her willingness to join the Board. Council Chair Aaron Chung thanked Ms. Hugo for her willingness to serve and asked her thoughts on the current status of the water issues that faced West Hawai`i and the Kona area in the last two years, noting he would expect her to fairly assess the situation. Ms. Hugo said that the Water Board should operate as a business and expend its resources wisely,preparing for setbacks that are likely to arise, while ensuring that water is protected. Council Chair Chung stated that this was likely one of the most important areas that Ms. Hugo would have to address during her tenure on the Water Board and wanted to offer her an opportunity to speak on the matter. Committee Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz ended the discussion after expressing her admiration for Ms. Hugo. PC Report No. 15