Laserfiche WebLink
DATE: December 5, 2023 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />Re: Comm. No. 609/Bill No. 107 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 107, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 107, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna Sako via Communication No. 609 dated <br />November 16, 2023, amends Ordinance No. 23-51, as amended, relating to public improvements and <br />financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. <br />This bill adds the Public Works Puna Makai Alternate Route Study — County Project ($500,000) and the <br />Puna Makai Alternate Route Study — State Project ($1,000,000) to the Capital Budget. Funds for this <br />project shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund — Fund Balance and/or <br />other Sources ($500,000) and State Grants Receivable ($1,000,000), to identify an alternate route to <br />relieve traffic congestion and increase evacuation capacity, if needed. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz started the discussion by thanking and acknowledging State <br />Representative Greggor Ilagan for his support. Ms. Kierkiewicz invited Public Works Director Steve <br />Pause to provide background on this measure. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked for details on how to begin this <br />study once the Council approves. Mr. Pause provided a brief overview. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked if the <br />department planned to do the work themselves or if they would be contracting this project to an outside <br />source. Mr. Pause stated that depending on workloads, the department would look for outside assistance <br />with this project. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Pause if there would be a collaboration between the <br />Department of Public Works and the Department of Planning, to which Mr. Pause replied that he <br />believed there would be some involvement. However, he had yet to discuss this with Director Zendo <br />Kern or his deputy. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Pause if he could meet with Mr. Kern before the next <br />Council meeting and requested that Mr. Kern be available at this meeting to discuss their role in this. <br />Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy encouraged her colleagues to vote in favor of this measure. <br />However, she will oppose this as a sign of solidarity with the community she represents. Ms. Lee Loy <br />explained that the Hawaiian Homestead community has clarified that they do not want this alternate <br />route running through their neighborhood. <br />Committee Member Heather Kimball thanked Ms. Lee Loy for her comments. Ms. Kimball asked if <br />this was just a study on an alternate route or if this allowed for future infrastructure development. <br />Mr. Pause stated that this is more geared toward studying potential infrastructure in this area and not <br />just expanding routes. <br />FC Report No. 119 <br />