Potential Alterations to Eligibility Criteria for Public Works Director Role

The Hawaii County Council has introduced a measure, Bill 64, aiming to amend the qualifications for the director of the Public Works Department. The bill was initially reviewed by the committee on June 17, where it was postponed to July 8. During this meeting, the committee voted unanimously (8-0) to postpone Bill 64.

On July 8, the bill was forwarded to the full council with a negative recommendation. However, the council did not take a final vote on the bill that day. Instead, Councilman Kierkiewicz motioned to postpone the bill until the Sept. 16 meeting.

The proposed changes, if approved, would take effect only if a majority of voters approve the amendment in the 2026 general election. Bill 64 seeks to amend the County Charter to define educational and professional requirements for the role more clearly.

Candidates for the director position, under the proposed amendment, would need at least five years of experience in an administrative or managerial role, with at least two years in public works, construction, or a related field. Additionally, they would need to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, public administration, a related discipline, or law.

Not all council members support the bill. Councilwoman Michelle Galimba expressed opposition to Bill 64. Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada raised concerns about potential internal conflicts within the Public Works Department due to the bill. Councilman Dennis Onishi voiced concerns about the division of authority between a licensed professional and an appointed director who may not hold the same qualifications.

On the other hand, some council members, such as Councilwoman Heather Kimball, stressed the importance of professional oversight in the engineering duties of the department.

Councilman Holeka Inaba requested to be included in meetings with professional engineers regarding the bill. However, the professional association of engineers that he contacts to provide input and suggest possible relevant adjustments is not explicitly mentioned in the search results provided.

The bill was referred back to the committee for further consideration on Aug. 6. On this occasion, the council voted 4-4 to amend Bill 64 with the contents of communication 334.17, with Councilman Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder absent.

A second amendment to Bill 64 was approved 6-2. The bill was reviewed by the committee again on Tuesday. However, on July 23, Bill 64 failed in the council due to five "no" votes.

A related measure was adopted by the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs following Bill 64's failure. It remains to be seen how this measure will impact the proposed changes to the Public Works Department's director qualifications.