STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3216

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 518

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 518, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants

 

G.M. No. 518

VIRGILIO VIERNES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

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 appointment of Virgilio Viernes from the Department of Health.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Viernes' experience in the field of wastewater treatment management, commitment to public service, and dedication to ensuring clean water in the State, qualify him for appointment to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.  Mr. Viernes was most recently a compliance specialist for the County of Maui's solid waste division and holds a Grade 4 wastewater treatment plant operator certificate.  Prior to that, Mr. Viernes served in other positions for the County of Maui, including as a wastewater treatment operations manager and as the supervisor for the Lahaina wastewater reclamation facility.  He has over twelve years of supervisory and operations in the wastewater industry.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Viernes has also provided consulting services to small wastewater treatment facilities to ensure those facilities are in compliance with operational permits and requirements.  Mr. Viernes studied kinesiology and leisure science at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in addition to earning his Associate's degree in General Education from Maui Community College.  Mr. Viernes also served in the United States Navy and enlisted into the Surface Shop Nuclear Propulsion Plant Mechanical Operator Training Program among other programs.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Viernes' service on the Board would fulfill the requirement that one member be an individual employed at a wastewater treatment plant as a certified operator employed by the County of Maui.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Viernes be appointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants based on his experience in wastewater treatment plant management and commitment to ensuring clean water in the State.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health 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,

 

 

 

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair