Council confirms new DPW and Environmental Management directors after questioning on priorities and oversight

The Hawaii County Council confirmed two department directors during its Dec. 17 session.

Wesley Sagawa was confirmed as Director of Public Works on a 5–4 roll call vote after a lengthy question-and-answer period about his priorities, conflict-of-interest procedures, and permitting. Sagawa said he would retain Deputy Director Neil Acevedo for operations and offered three initial priorities: (1) break down interdepartmental silos with shared GIS and personnel/equipment-sharing; (2) enhance technology (asset management, expanded ArcGIS, lidar/drone use); and (3) improve customer experience and follow up on auditor findings. Council members pressed him on ethics disclosures, past firm involvement in county contracts and on enforcement and permitting backlogs; Sagawa said he would follow the Board of Ethics and seek counsel as needed. The motion to confirm (to close file on communication C622 and confirm the nomination) was moved by Council member Galimba and seconded by Council member Eustace. The clerk announced the motion carries with five votes in favor and four opposed (Council members Kaguata, Kirkowitz, Campbell and Villegas voted no).

The council also confirmed Daniel Gervan as Director of Environmental Management by an 8–0 roll call (one member absent). Gervan said he has reviewed the cesspool conversion task force report and will engage with that group and the Environmental Management Commission in the coming months. His nomination was moved by Council member Eustace and seconded by Council member Galimba.

Both confirmations included public and council questioning about enforcement, interagency coordination and compliance with charter/ethics requirements. The confirmed directors will prepare updates for council on mandated projects and task-force progress in the months ahead.