STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3984

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 791

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 791, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants

G.M. No. 791

VIRGILIO VIERNES for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Virgilio Viernes for service on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Virgilio Viernes from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Viernes' background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants as a member who is employed in a wastewater treatment plant as a certified operator or certified supervisor of a wastewater treatment plant in the County of Maui. Your Committee notes that Mr. Viernes has been a certified wastewater treatment operator for two decades and currently works as a Designated Responsible Charge Treatment Plant Operator for WaterTectonics, where he oversees the operation and maintenance of the Makena Wastewater Reclamation facility, Hale Mahaolu Eha, and three Molokai Ranch properties, and as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator at Aqua Engineers, Inc., providing operation and maintenance services for Hawaii Nature Center and other facilities. Previously, Mr. Viernes was an Environmental Compliance Specialist for the Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management of the County of Maui, responsible for the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures to ensure facility compliance with applicable state and federal permits. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Viernes previously served on the Board from 2009 to 2025, during which he worked to strengthen public trust and confidence in the Board and advance professional standards and technical proficiency among wastewater treatment operators throughout the State. Your Committee finds that Mr. Viernes' experience and knowledge in wastewater treatment plant operations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Virgilio Viernes be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

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

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair