Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
The state Senate confirmed two of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointees to the state Commission on Water Resources Management despite some senators’ concerns about their qualifications and the nomination process.
After about an hour of debate, Ted Yamamura, whose nomination several environmental groups also opposed, was confirmed by a vote of 19-6. Senators also voted 22-3 to approve Jonathan Starr’s appointment to the seven-member commission.
Both men are from Maui.
Yamamura, a principal of ACM Consultants Inc., a real estate consulting firm, has been a member of the Maui County Board of Water Supply since 2005. He served on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources from 2001 to 2006.
Starr previously also served on the Maui Board of Water Supply and a five-year term on the Maui Planning Commission, including two years as commission chairman. He is former chairman of the Maui Democratic Party.
"Both of these men are qualified, proven public servants and have contributed to making Hawaii better," said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea), the Senate’s Water, Land and Ocean Resources Committee chairman. "I really do believe that their abilities and qualifications should not be questioned."
Several environmental and community groups had questioned the selection process and said candidates with water resource management experience were overlooked. Senators opposed to the nominations said they liked both men but were uncomfortable with their level of expertise in water resource management.
Sen. Clayton Hee (D, Kahuku-Kaneohe) opposed both nominees, saying he interviewed both before Tuesday’s vote and believed that neither was qualified to serve on the commission.