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REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE <br />ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT <br />DATE: March 17, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 772Bill No. 142 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 10:01 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill No. 142, <br />reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 142, transmitted by Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 772, <br />dated February 25, 2026, amends Chapter 14 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, <br />as amended), by adding a new article relating to the establishment of an Adopt -A -County -Street <br />program. <br />Bill No. 142 establishes an Adopt -A -County -Street program in partnership with the Department <br />of Public Works to enable volunteers to assist in maintaining clean and safe County streets, <br />roadways, and right-of-ways. <br />Member Inaba provided background information. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi expressed concern with the Department of Public <br />Works' budget to provide the supplies for community members. Public Works Deputy Director <br />Neil A. Azevedo stated that the department is there to support what needs to get done. Member <br />Onishi reiterated the need to include supplies for this bill in the department's budget. <br />Committee Vice Chair Ashley L. Kierkiewicz expressed her appreciation for the bill and asked <br />if minors could be included. Council Chair Inaba replied that there is no clear prohibition on <br />minors doing the work. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commended Mr. Azevedo for the work he is <br />doing. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada expressed her appreciation for the bill and the work <br />of the department. <br />Committee Chair James E. Hustace expressed his appreciation for the bill and community <br />members already doing this work. Chair Hustace asked if County trails could be included in this <br />work. Mr. Azevedo said the department already works with community members doing stream <br />and trail cleanups. The main concern is that community members notify the department where <br />the rubbish is piled so the department can haul away later. Waimea Trails works with the <br />department regarding large trees needing removal to ensure proper stream flow. <br />PCPWMT Report No. 12 <br />