HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PC 015 2019/03/27 2018-2020 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
PC-15 Page 2 March 27,2019
Planning Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz notified Ms. Hugo that she was not required to appear at the full
Council meeting on April 10, 2019.
Pursuant to Section 8-2 of the Hawai`i County Charter,the Mayor shall appoint, with the approval of
Council, a resident of each Council District to serve on the County of Hawaii Water Board.
Your Committee on Planning is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 175, and
recommends confirmation of the appointment of Julie Hugo to the Water Board.
ck
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PLANNING
EOFF X
KIERKIEWICZ X /
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X J
LEE LOY X ��//
POINDEXTER X ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PC REPORT NO.: _ 15
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: APR 1 0 2019