Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants, Gubernatorial Nominee, VIRGILIO VIERNES, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

2026 Regular Session

Gives Virgilio Viernes a term on Hawaii’s Board of Certification for Wastewater Personnel through June 30, 2029, shaping operator certification standards and training.

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) McKelvey).

#boardofcertificationofoperatingpersonnelinwastewatertreatmentplants

Executive purpose

GM 791 concerns submitting for consideration and confirmation a gubernatorial nomination to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants. The nominee is VIRGILIO VIERNES, for a term expiring June 30, 2029. The bill is part of the governor’s appointment/confirmation process for a member of the state Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Key provisions and changes

Nominating authority: Governor nominates an individual to serve on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Confirmation process: The Legislature (likely the Senate) conducts the standard confirmation procedure, including a committee hearing and a vote on Advise and Consent.

Nominee term: If confirmed, the term for Virgilio Viernes would extend to June 30, 2029.

Board role (context): The Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants regulates and certifies wastewater operators, ensuring qualified personnel operate treatment facilities. While not all statutory text is provided, the confirmation ensures an appropriately qualified individual serves on the board to oversee certification and related standards.

Who is affected

Primary: Virgilio Viernes (nominee) if confirmed.

State governance: Hawaii state government, particularly the executive branch that nominates board members and the Legislature that provides confirmation.

Sector impact: Wastewater treatment sector in Hawaii, including public utilities and facilities reliant on certified operators; the board’s leadership influences certification standards, training requirements, and enforcement policies.

Procedural and timeline details

Public hearing: The House Health and Human Services (HHS) committee scheduled a public hearing for March 31, 2026 (later notifications indicate hearings were held).

Committee action:

March 31, 2026: HHS deferred the measure.
April 7, 2026: HHS voted 4-0 (with one excused) to advise and consent to the nomination.
April 29, 2026: Reported out of HHS with recommendation to Advise and Consent (Standard Committee Report No. 3984).

Confirmation vote:

April 30, 2026: Confirmed by the full chamber with a 24-0 vote; one senator excused. No negative votes reported.

Effective status: Once confirmed, Viernes would assume the board position for the term ending June 30, 2029.

Potential impact and significance

Governance: The appointment process reinforces professional oversight of wastewater operator certification standards in Hawaii.

Operational implications: The board’s decisions under Viernes’s term could affect certification examinations, continuing education requirements, and eligibility criteria for wastewater treatment plant operators.

Public interest: Ensures qualified personnel operate critical water infrastructure, contributing to environmental protection and public health.

If you’d like, I can add context on the Board’s typical duties, the standard length of terms for board members, or compare this nomination to prior confirmations.

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