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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br /> DATE: February 6, 2024 Re: Comm.No. 715/Bill No. 131 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 2:01 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Bill No. 131,reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 131,transmitted by Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz via Communication No. 715 <br /> dated January 30, 2024, amends Ordinance No. 23-51, as amended, relating to public improvements <br /> and financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. <br /> This bill adds the Public Works Puna Alternate Routes Study—County Project($1,000,000); and the <br /> Puna Alternate Routes Study—State Project($1,000,000)to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project <br /> shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or other <br /> Sources,to identify alternate routes to relieve traffic congestion and increase evacuation capacity, if <br /> needed. <br /> Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz thanked everyone who took the time to attend and testify <br /> and asked that they not compare this bill to Bill 107. Ms. Kierkiewicz provided background on this <br /> matter and moved to amend Bill No. 131 with the contents of Communication No. 715.1. The contents <br /> of Communication No. 715.1 would add a new section and amend the bill by renumbering SECTION 3 <br /> to SECTION 4. <br /> Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy spoke in support of the amendment,while Committee <br /> Member Jenn Kagiwada had reservations. She stated that Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance <br /> advised against this type of amendment in a previous discussion. Ms. Kagiwada asked Ms. Strance to <br /> explain the difference,to which Ms. Strance stated that it isn't different. Although she would not advise <br /> this type of amendment, it is not illegal. <br /> Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder researched previous studies and presented that there had <br /> been funds allocated to this study before, and it appeared that nothing was done. Mr. Kaneali`i- <br /> Kleinfelder stated that he would submit this research as additional information in the form of a <br /> communication. He also said that he would support this bill and his Puna colleague. <br /> Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba called for the vote on the amendment, which resulted in eight <br /> "aye"votes,with Ms. Galimba being absent. <br /> Public Works Director Steve Pause was available in the Hilo Chambers to answer any questions. <br /> FC Report No. 142 <br />