HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0043.15 - Testimony - CA-26 - Qualifications for the Director DPW10
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
April 24, 2019
Via email to: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov
TO: Hawaii County Charter Commission
RE: Comm. No. 43.1 Regarding the Qualifications of the Director of the
Department of Public Works
Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Charter Commission:
I would like to submit written testimony against the proposed CA -26 Draft for
amending the County of Hawaii Charter. A registered 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. This in my opinion, is the lens a public works director
should be looking through when evaluating the critical issues that affect our
community well-being. With the requirement for licensure waived, we risk other
factors influencing the decision-making process at high levels. I fear that this
amendment may have been initiated as a reaction to the challenges of finding
and retaining trained engineering professionals, which I do agree is an obstacle
that needs creative solutions to overcome. However, lowering the bar for this
particular position does not seem to be a solution that is acceptable nor in the
best interest of the public.
Another reason I am opposed to this amendment is that it potentially limits the
pool of qualified candidates to existing employees within the department. While
there may very well be qualified individuals within the department, allowing
others from the private sector, or other public sector employees, to be considered
helps to bring in new ideas and a broader perspective to the position.
Thank you very much for your time and your consideration.
Austen W. Drake, P.E.
Comm. No. 43.15