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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: August 19, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 2:10 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 421/Res. No. 262-25 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution <br />No. 262-25, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 262-25, transmitted by Director of Parks and Recreation Clayton Honma via Communication <br />No. 421, dated July 23, 2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the State <br />of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, for the operation and maintenance of park facilities located <br />on land identified by Tax Map Key No. 2-2-059:011, also known as Pana`ewa Park. <br />Resolution No. 262-25 allows the County to continue operating and maintaining Parks and Recreation facilities <br />at Pana`ewa Park. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder put forward a motion, seconded by Committee Member <br />Dennis Onishi, to adopt Resolution 262-25 and forward to Council with a favorable recommendation. <br />Director of Parks and Recreation Clayton Honma was present in the Hilo Chambers asking for support. <br />Committee Member James Hustace inquired about the expiration date of the previous lease agreement and <br />what it takes to bring the agreements into compliance. Director Honma responded by saying they have been <br />partnering with Hawaiian Home Lands to get this new agreement expedited and that the agreements will <br />provide recreation facilities for many constituents. Park Planner James Komata added that the County of <br />Hawaii and Hawaiian Home Lands have been having conversations to resolve and address the expired license <br />and lease renewals. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi stated that if the County of Hawaii needs to do any improvements <br />going forward, they will need this agreement in place, and asked for confirmation of his statement. Director <br />Honma responded by saying yes, this agreement is needed for improvements going forward. <br />After being asked by Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Director Honma stated that the State of <br />Hawaii does not provide funds back to the County for maintenance. He also confirmed that this is a 30-year <br />retroactive agreement, and the agreement will end in 2046. <br />Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked if there is anything new added to this agreement. Mr. Komata <br />stated that the agreement is consistent with the original one, and that it is in support of the homestead and <br />greater community. <br />GOEAC Report No. 60 <br />