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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0043.54 - Testimony - CA-26 - Qualifications for the Director DPWCA -26: Proposed Amendment to Section 6-2.2 - Relating to Qualifications for the Director of Public Works; Submitted by Commission Adams. Thursday, June 6, 2019 c/o: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov Charter Commission Chair Douglas Adams And Members of the Hawaii County Charter Commission County of Hawaii Hilo, HI 96720 Subject: Qualification for Director of the Department of Public Works Re: CA- 26, Draft 3 Dear Chair Adams and Members of the Charter Commission: As members of the Engineering Profession, we recommend AGAINST the removal of the requirement in Section 6-2.2 that the Director of Public Works be a "registered professional engineer" [more specifically, in accordance with HAR Chapter 115 language, a "licensed professional engineer"], hereinafter referred to as the "P.E. Requirement", due to its pertinence to the performance of the Duties of the Director of Public Works. However, let us say up front that if the Charter Commission is open to discussion with the Professional Engineers and its Societies, then we ask that this measure be tabled for those discussions to follow. It would be during those discussions that we can propose some alternatives. The Public Works Department is, at its core, an engineering organization. The current charter reflects this reality and ensures that the organization is led by a qualified engineer. No amount of on -the - job training or years of experience in administration can substitute for the typical public works director's engineering skills, 15 to 20 years of hands-on engineering experience, and licensure status. Comm. No. 43.54 CA -26: Proposed Amendment to Section 6-2.2 - Relating to Qualifications for the Director of Public Works; Submitted by Commission Adams. Further, the appointment of a licensed engineer to the Director position conforms to the professional licensure rules of the State of Hawaii as stated in HAR Chapter 115, and meets the requirement to preserve the responsibility of this position to protect the SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELL BEING of the citizens of the County of Hawaii. The following provides facts as to why the P.E. Requirement should not be removed from the Hawaii County Charter. ❖ The DPW Director, without doubt and as part of their major duties, makes engineering decisions. These decisions, which are made frequently in the course of their duties, significantly and directly affect the safety, welfare, and health of our County's Citizens. ❖ The Director has the final say within the Department even if it goes against the advice and recommendations of his licensed professional engineering staff & procured licensed engineering consultants. It is vital therefore, that professional engineers not be placed in the position of possibly being over -ruled on their engineering judgement by a Director who does not possess a P.E. license, indeed may not even possess an engineering degree from an accredited school. ❖ Among the practice areas in which the Director's decisions are frequently made include: o Drainage & Flooding o Traffic Safety and Engineering o Geotechnical or Ground Foundations and Slope Stability o Road and Highway Design Criteria o Environmental Engineering and Controls o Structural Engineering o Building Code, Design, and Permitting Requirements o Electrical, Mechanical Engineering Requirements o Construction Practices, Techniques and Project Management. ❖ The first fundamental canon of the Code of Ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) states: "Engineers, in the fulfillment of their fundamental duties, shall hold paramount CA -26: Proposed Amendment to Section 6-2.2 - Relating to Qualifications for the Director of Public Works; Submitted by Commission Adams. the safety, health, and welfare of the public." The P.E. Requirement in the Hawaii County Charter assures that the Engineering Decisions made by the Director of Public Works will competently preserve this "Safety, Health, and Welfare" ethical obligation, to which we are also obligated by State and Federal Standards. ❖ This also provides the Department's top level position with responsibility for: o A Standard of Care o Responsible Charge o Respect and confidence of the licensed staff o And the continuing needs to mentor young engineers. ❖ The Professional Engineers Exam and Licensure is administered annually. Its purpose is to best assure that practicing Engineers are adequately knowledgeable, and competent to assure that the Public's Life, Health, and Safety is never put at risk because of a poor engineering decision. Thus this exam tests technical & practice competence. It is not an exam about academic excellence. ❖ Also consider, that there are other County of Hawaii Executive Positions that require such licensure or appropriate experience: o Corporation Counsel o Prosecuting Attorney o Police Chief o Fire Chief o Manager and Chief Engineer, Water Supply o Legislative Auditor ❖ The P.E. Requirement is similar to the Certification requirements for: o Doctors o Dentists o Lawyers o Accountants o Registered Nurses o Real Estate Brokers o And other professions. CA -26: Proposed Amendment to Section 6-2.2 - Relating to Qualifications for the Director of Public Works; Submitted by Commission Adams. The P.E. Requirement may not be applicable if the Director did not make engineering decisions, but we can assure that they, indeed, do. We sincerely ask that you NOT approve the placement of the proposed Charter Amendment defined in "Qualification for Director of the Department of Public Works, Re: CA -26, Draft 3" on the election ballot. ATTACHMENTS: ■ NSPE Position Statement No. 07-02: Recognition of the Engineering Function within Government. ■ NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers Sincerely and Co-signed: ➢ Hugh Y Ono, P.E. ➢ Geoffrey Casburn, P.E. ➢ Curtis Beck, P.E., Fellow, NSPE ➢ Nimr Tamimi, P.E. ➢ Bruce Meyers, P.E. ➢ Austen Drake, P.E. ➢ Peter Boucher, P.E. ➢ Donald Smith, P.E. ➢ Allan Simeon, P.E. ➢ David Yamamoto, P.E. ➢ Michael Lum, P.E. ➢ Cory Kaizuka, P.E. ➢ Jerry Watanabe, A.I.A. ➢ Ikaika Rodenhurst, P.E. ➢ Renee Ishisaka, P.E., LEED AP ➢ Adam O'Leary, P.E. ➢ Neal Herbert, P.E. ➢ Rodrigo Romo, private citizen ➢ Robyn Matsumoto, P.E. ➢ Len Nakano, P.E. ➢ Jo -Anna Herkes ➢ Debra Ota, P.E. CA -26: Proposed Amendment to Section 6-2.2 - Relating to Qualifications for the Director of Public Works; Submitted by Commission Adams. ➢ Corey Matsuoka, P.E. ➢ Ayche McClung, P.E. ➢ Paul Nash, P.E. ➢ Riley Smith, P.E. ➢ David Yamamoto, P.E. ➢ Warren Lee, P.E. ➢ Shannon Camero, P.E. ➢ Jason K. Inaba, P.E. ➢ Alan Z. Inaba, P.E. ➢ Melvin K. Inaba, P.E. ➢ Nancy E. Burns, P.E. ➢ David Hein, P.E., ACE ➢ Lennie Okano-Kendrick, P.E. ➢ Sterling Chow, P.E. ➢ Terrance Nago, P.E. ➢ Dennis Lee, P.E. ➢ Mark Morrison, P.E. ➢ Wallace T. Oki, P.E. ➢ Bruce McClure, P.E. ➢ Edward Hirata. P.E. ➢ Jeffery Fujimoto, P.E. ➢ Ed Sniffen, P.E. ➢ William Kucharski, P.E. ➢ Steven Kyono, P.E. ➢ Wes Segawa, P.E. ➢ Nicolas Yamasaki, EIT, PLS ➢ Chrystal Yamasaki, PLS ➢ Mike Krochina, P.E. ➢ Gary Ashikawa, P.E. ➢ Dave Okamura, P.E. ➢ Kandice Kubojiri, P.E. ➢ Bennett Mark, P.E., AICP CUD ➢ Galen M. Kuba, P.E. ➢ Daniel K. Kaniho, Jr., P.E. ➢ Alan Keone Thompson, P.E. ➢ Dennis Shigeoka, P.E., CFM NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS IPu ,a inns Ica as 1'1 d::n A d v ria ince a? NSPE Position Statement No. 07-02—Recognition of the Engineering Function Within Government Adopted: Unknown Latest Revision: July 2018 Sunset Date: September 2020 NSPE Contact: Board of Directors Professional Policy Supported: 07 -Government It is the policy of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to support public recognition of the importance of the practice of engineering by licensed professional engineers in federal, state, and local agencies through the establishment of appropriate organizational structures at all levels of government. NSPE recommends that government officials having the authority for hiring or appointment, recognize the importance of the engineering function within the government departments and agencies through the selection of fully qualified licensed professional engineers to positions having responsibility for making engineering decisions and exercising engineering judgment. The practice of appointing nonengineer administrators to positions to perform functions which, by definition, constitute the practice of engineering, has accelerated at an alarming pace throughout all levels of government. This practice (a) is inconsistent with the goal of state engineering licensing laws to protect the public health and safety, (b) should be discontinued, and (c) appropriately credentialed professional engineers should be appointed to these positions. As an alternative, those duties that constitute the practice of engineering should be reassigned to a position which requires a professional engineering license. While NSPE supports licensed professional engineers in government and recognizes that these professionals must be encouraged to perform functions that continually hone their professional and technical capabilities, it is the further position of NSPE that governmental entities perform their core functions without competing directly with licensed professionals in the private sector. It is recommended that governmental entities and the professionals and other staff of these entities be precluded from submitting or otherwise competing, directly or indirectly, for projects that are performable by the private sector, except as necessary to maintain their competency for their core governmental functions. NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS Code of Ethics for Engineers Preamble Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct. I Fundamental Canons Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: 1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. 2. Perform services only in areas of their competence. 3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. 4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. 5. Avoid deceptive acts. 6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession. Il. Rules of Practice 1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate. b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards. c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code. d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise. e. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firm. f. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required. 2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence. a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved. b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control. c. Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment. 3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current. b. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter. c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters. 4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services. b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties. c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible. d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi -governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice. e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member. 5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments. b. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them. lll. Professional Obligations 1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity. a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts. b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful. c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering employment, they will notify their employers. d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading pretenses. e. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession. 2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest. a. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community. b. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project. c. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements. d. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development' in order to protect the environment for future generations. 1420 KING STREET • ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-2794 • 888-285-NSPE (6773) • LEGAL4NSPE.ORG • WWW.NSPE.ORG • PUBLICATION DATE AS REVISED JULY 2018 • PUBLICATION #1102 COPYRIGHT - NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS e. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars. 3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public. a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact. b. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel. c. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others. 4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve. a. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge. b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer. 5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests. a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product. b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible. 6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods. a. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be compromised. b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical considerations. c. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice. 7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action. a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated. b. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties. c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers. 8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests cannot otherwise be protected. a. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering. b. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts. 9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others. a. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments. b. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer for others without express permission. c. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership. d. Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose. Footnote 1 "Sustainable development" is the challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future development. "By order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, former Section 11(c) of the NSPE Code of Ethics prohibiting competitive bidding, and all policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines interpreting its scope, have been rescinded as unlawfully interfering with the legal right of engineers, protected under the antitrust laws, to provide price information to prospective clients; accordingly, nothing contained in the NSPE Code of Ethics, policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines prohibits the submission of price quotations or competitive bids for engineering services at any time or in any amount." Statement by E Executive Committee In order to correct misunderstandings which have been indicated in some instances since the issuance of the Supreme Court decision and the entry of the Final Judgment, it is noted that in its decision of April 25, 1978, the Supreme Court of the United States declared: "The Sherman Act does not require competitive bidding." It is further noted that as made clear in the Supreme Court decision: 1. Engineers and firms may individually refuse to bid for engineering services. 2. Clients are not required to seek bids for engineering services. 3. Federal, state, and local laws governing procedures to procure engineering services are not affected, and remain in full force and effect. 4. State societies and local chapters are free to actively and aggressively seek legislation for professional selection and negotiation procedures by public agencies. 5. State registration board rules of professional conduct, including rules prohibiting competitive bidding for engineering services, are not affected and remain in full force and effect. State registration boards with authority to adopt rules of professional conduct may adopt rules governing procedures to obtain engineering services. 6. As noted by the Supreme Court, "nothing in the judgment prevents NSPE and its members from attempting to influence governmental action Note: In regard to the question of application of the Code to corporations vis-a-vis real persons, business form or type should not negate nor influence conformance of individuals to the Code. The Code deals with professional services, which services must be performed by real persons. Real persons in turn establish and implement policies within business structures. The Code is clearly written to apply to the Engineer, and it is incumbent on members of NSPE to endeavor to live up to its provisions. This applies to all pertinent sections of the Code. 1420 KING STREET • ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-2794 • 888-285-NSPE (6773) • LEGAL@NSPE.ORG • WWW.NSPE.ORG • PUBLICATION DATE AS REVISED JULY 2018 • PUBLICATION #1102 COPYRIGHT NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.