WAIMEA — An hour-long power outage didn’t dissuade five devoted Waimea residents from sharing insights and personal experiences they’ve learned serving on County boards and commissions at the community association’s monthly town meeting on Thursday night.
They are among more than 475 people Mayor Kenoi’s administration has nominated or appointed to 32 County boards and commissions during his eight-year term. Most of these are volunteer positions and responsibilities vary.
“Advisory commissions give input and departments can consider it and take appropriate action,” said WCA Director Riley Smith, who led the meeting. “The decision making board or commission can tell the agency what to do and they have to follow it.”
As part of their job, board and commission members must fully understand relevant laws, regulations, processes and protocols.
“It’s not always easy to find community members who are willing to take on this responsibility and the Mayor relies on thoughtful citizens to step forward,” Char Shigemura said, Mayor Billy Kenoi’s executive assistant.
Nancy Carr Smith chairs the Board of Appeals committee and serves on the Leeward Planning Commission.
“I spend an average of 10 hours a month reading reports and attending monthly meetings,” she said. “We hear appeal cases from the Planning Commission and Department of Public Works. As the chair, I generally reside over that hearing, similar to a court hearing. Then the Board decides if they will grant or deny that appeal. I continue to learn and try to listen and ask questions.”
A former police officer and councilmember, Leningrad Elarionoff was recently appointed to the Water Board.
“Being a board or commission member gives you the opportunity to say something. You’re not going to win every time or be in the majority every time but you can share ideas of the people of the community that you represent,” he said.
For the past 4.5 years, Guy Schutte has served on the Police Commission; the past two years as chair of the nine-member commission.
“Growing up, I was in that political realm with my father. One day I had a little epiphany to get out there and try to do something,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot. It’s taken me out of my comfort zone.”
He continued, “The number one job of the Police Commission is to hire and fire the chief. Second is to listen to the monthly and annual budget that the police department has and make recommendations. Also, we listen to complaints from the public and investigate them. You get to see a lot of what’s going on out there in your community. I love doing this. It’s outside my scope doing ranch work.”
Geri Giffin served under four different planning commissioners. Currently she is on the Liquor Control Adjudication Board.
“Serving on the Planning Commission for years and years and years was a joy,” she said. “A lot of work, a lot of homework but still a joy. I can honestly tell you that if you are interested in any issue for the County of Hawaii, volunteer because you will learn so much, you will be supported and you will be able to go forth knowing you have a positive impact on our County.”
Former Water Board member David Greenwell is one of the owners of Palani Ranch and runs the Lalamilo water system.
“The Board acts as a guiding body. Most of the Board members come from the business sector and this allows the department to run more like a business. There’s quite a lot of learning and understanding you have to acquire before you are fully functioning.”
Board and commission terms are staggered. Residents interested in applying for a future position can find more information at www.hawaiicounty.gov/boards-and-commissions or by calling 961-8223.