LIHU‘E — Two longtime Kaua‘i politicians are now officially heading important environmental decisions statewide. The state Senate on Monday confirmed former Sen. Gary Hooser as the head of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, and Rep. Mina Morita, D-Kapa‘a-Hanalei, to
LIHU‘E — Two longtime Kaua‘i politicians are now officially heading important environmental decisions statewide.
The state Senate on Monday confirmed former Sen. Gary Hooser as the head of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, and Rep. Mina Morita, D-Kapa‘a-Hanalei, to serve as the Public Utility Commissioner.
“The office is supposed to be the voice for environmental issues for the state, and over the years the office has been neglected,” Hooser said. “I hope to rebuild the office and fulfill our responsibilities.”
Hooser said he has been working at the office as interim for about a month. One of the main things the EQC does is review Environmental Impact Statements, he said.
“There’s a lot of very important projects coming forward all around the state,” Hooser said. “We hope to review those projects and do our job in a diligent and robust manner.”
The PUC regulates all franchised or certificated public service companies in the State.
It also prescribes rates, tariffs, charges and fees, and makes decisions on many utility-related matters.
Morita on Wednesday said in a statement that the role of PUC has to evolve to being a critical factor in the implementation of various policies to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future for the islands.
Morita’s appointment has left a vacuum on the District 14 seat, halfway through the Legislature.
“I resigned my job as a legislator today and I start tomorrow at the PUC,” she said.
Morita said the Democratic Party has to be notified of the vacancy first. Then the party has 30 days to submit to the governor a list with three candidates. The governor has 30 days to appoint someone from that list.
The process to replace Morita could take up to 60 days, leaving a hole in the Kaua‘i’s North Shore and Eastside representation in the Legislature.
“I’m hoping (my seat) will be filled within the next couple of weeks,” Morita said.
Kaua‘i County Councilman Derek Kawakami has said in February he wants Morita’s seat.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro has neither confirmed nor denied he wants the job.
The rumor mill also cites attorney Harold Bronstein and Charter Review Commissioner Joel Guy as possible appointees.
