SSCR3892

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3892

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 672, 673, 674

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 672, 673, and 674, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators

G.M. No. 672

WILLIAM WHALEY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

G.M. No. 673

IAN ICHIMURA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and

G.M. No. 674

ZHAOHUI WANG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by William Whaley, Ian Ichimura, and Zhaohui Wang for service on the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators.

WILLIAM WHALEY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of William Whaley from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Whaley's over twenty-five years of operational experience in drinking water distribution systems and water treatment plants and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators as an individual duly qualified in the fields of sanitary engineering or public water system operation. Mr. Whaley is currently the Chief of Utilities for the U.S. Army Installation Management Command at U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, serving as the Water System Operator covering four public water systems, managing the water treatment plants and distribution system. Mr. Whaley built his career at U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii from the bottom up, starting as a helper and rising through numerous positions, including Plumbing Leader, Maintenance Mechanic Leader, and Plumbing Supervisor. In addition, Mr. Whaley is certified as a Grade 3 Distribution System Operator and a Grade 1 Water Treatment Plant Operator, and therefore, understands the value of a certification program. Furthermore, Mr. Whaley has served on the Board of Directors for Hawaii Rural Water Association, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee finds that Mr. Whaley's professional experience and certifications will bring valuable insight to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators from an operator's perspective. Your Committee therefore recommends that William Whaley be appointed to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

IAN ICHIMURA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ian Ichimura from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ichimura's over eleven years of operational experience in drinking water distribution systems and water treatment plants and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators as an individual duly qualified in the fields of sanitary engineering or public water system operation. Mr. Ichimura is currently the President of Pural Water Specialty Co., Inc., a company that employs distribution system and water treatment plant operators. As President, Mr. Ichimura is responsible for overseeing the company's operations of public water systems across the State. Before his promotion to President, Mr. Ichimura served as the company's Vice President and Finance and Operations Manager, responsible for the operation and maintenance of over twenty potable and non-potable water systems. Furthermore, Mr. Ichimura is certified as a Grade 3 Distribution System Operator and a Grade 2 Water Treatment Plant Operator, and therefore, understands the value of a certification program. Your Committee finds that Mr. Ichimura's professional experience and certifications will bring valuable insight to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators from both an operator's and small business owner's perspective.

ZHAOHUI WANG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Zhaohui Wang from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wang's nearly ten years of experience as an Environmental Engineer with the Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators as an individual duly qualified in the fields of sanitary engineering or public water system operation. Mr. Wang is currently the Acting Supervisor of the Compliance and Enforcement Section of the Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch, which issues operator certifications, ensures each public water system is operated by certified operators, and provides direct support to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators. Your Committee finds that Mr. Wang has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in the field of public water system operation, providing technical assistance to water purveyors regarding drinking water regulations, will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators. Your Committee therefore recommends that Zhaohui Wang be appointed to the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair