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Council advances John Uno nomination to Building Board of Appeals after committee questions city contracts
Summary
The Zoning Committee advanced a resolution confirming John Uno's appointment to the Building Board of Appeals after members sought more detail on his employer's contracts with the city and discussed the board's vacant seats.
John Uno, an engineer with SSFEM International, was recommended by the Zoning Committee to move forward for confirmation to the Building Board of Appeals, with committee members asking him and the administration to provide details on the firm's work for the city.
The nomination drew questions about potential conflicts of interest and about unfilled seats on the board. Committee chair asked Mr. Uno to provide, as soon as possible, information about the nature and dollar amounts of contracts his employer has had with the city in the last five years. The chair also expressed concern the board is not fully staffed, highlighting a fire safety seat vacant since Dec. 31, 2022.
“I just want to express my gratitude for the opportunity for the appointment to the, building board of appeals,” John Uno said during his brief remarks. Committee members thanked Uno for volunteering and stressed the need to fill remaining vacancies so the board can achieve quorum and carry out its duties.
Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, Director of Planning and Permitting, told the committee the administration intends to fill vacant positions and acknowledged there have been instances when the board lacked quorum. Council members pressed the administration to prioritize the long-vacant fire safety seat and for the administration to present additional nominations at the next zoning hearing.
The chair recommended and the committee amended Resolution 25-103 to CD1 and reported it out for adoption. No roll-call vote or tally was provided in the hearing transcript; the committee’s action was recorded as amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption.
The committee opened and closed public testimony for the nomination without any speakers. Committee members asked the administration to supply the requested contract-revenue detail before the nomination proceeds to the Council calendar.
The committee's discussion focused on ensuring proper disclosure and avoiding conflicts of interest and on completing outstanding appointments that have limited the board’s ability to meet.
Looking ahead, the administration was asked to forward the requested contract information promptly if the nomination is calendared next week, and council members signaled they expect additional nominations for the board at the next zoning hearing.
