REP GOEAC 102 2026-03-03 2024-2026

Home

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: March 3, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 743/Res. No. 474-26 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution No. 474-26, reports as follows: Resolution No. 474-26, transmitted by Assistant Corporation Counsel J S. Yoshimoto, via Communication No. 743, dated February 11, 2026, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii, Hilo Benioff Medical Center, to authorize private off-street parking at Gilbert Carvalho Park. 9 This resolution authorizes the ,Mayor to enter into an agreement not to exceed December 31, 2026, with no expenditure or receipt of funds, with Hilo Benioff Medical Center, to use a portion of land for parking purposes. Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Houma was present in Hilo to answer questions. He began by providing background about this temporary parking agreement between the medical center and the County for hospital staff to use this parking space while they work on renovations for the next two years. Committee Member James E. Hustace asked what condition the space was currently in. Director Honma said that it is a gravel lot with ecology blocks and that there is a gate that the Medical Center will oversee opening and closing the gate during normal parking hours. Member Hustace asked if there will be any additional costs to the County for this agreement. Director Houma said no, and that the Medical Center would be cutting the grass and maintaining that space for the duration of their usage. Committee Members Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz spoke in favor of this resolution. Members Kierkiewicz and Onishi clarified that if there was another event happening at the park that the community would be able to use the parking. Director Homna replied yes, and that the Parks and Recreation Department would be in touch with them if they needed to use the parking for other events. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked if there would be a shuttle to transport the employees back and forth to the medical center. Director Houma said he thought there would be one available. Chair Kagiwada said she will bring forth an amendment to update the date of the agreement to 2027, as requested by the Department and correct a small typo at the next Council meeting. GOEAC Report No. 102