HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0043.27 - Testimony - CA-26 - Qualifications for the Director DPW
201 Merchant Street, Suite 1900
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2926
Telephone: (808) 521-0306
email@grayhongnojima.com
www.grayhongnojima.com
June 6, 2019
E-MAILED TESTIMONY TO: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov
Hearing Date: Friday, June 7, 2019 9:00 am, Council Chambers Room 1401
Hawaii County Charter Commission
Subject:CA-26, Proposal to Amend Section 6-2.2
Dear Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Charter Commission,
I am writing in regards to CA-26, Draft 3 for Second and Final Reading; Proposal to amend Section 6-2.2, relating
to Qualifications for the Director of the Department of Public Works submitted by Chair Adams, which proposes
the following:
Remove the requirement that the Director be a registered professional engineer,
Add that the five years of administrative experience to be eligible for appointment as Director be related to
ment of Public Works, and
the powers, duties, and functions of the Depart
Add the requirement that candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the powers, duties, and
functions of the Department of Public Works.
I would like t
o submit written testimony in opposition of the proposed CA-26 Draft for amending the County of
Hawaii Charter. A registered professional engineer (PE) is ethically obligated to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the public, and must always put the public’s interest before all others, including personal, company,
organizational, or political. It is essential that the Public Works Director take this into account when evaluating
critical issues that affect our community, the well-being of our residents, the built environment, and our natural
resources. With the requirement for licensure waived, the County would potentially compromise the important
decision-making process at high levels.
Thank you very much for your time and your consideration.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony regarding CA-26. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you
have any questions regarding our testimony.
Respectfully submitted,
GRAY, HONG, NOJIMA & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Sheryl E. Nojima, PhD, PE
President