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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: May 19, 2026 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 895 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 895, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 895, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 30, 2026, requests <br />the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of George Applegate to the Banyan Drive <br />Hawaii Redevelopment Agency. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Mr. Applegate, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers. <br />Committee Members Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Rebecca Villegas, and <br />Heather L. Kimball spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Applegate to describe what co -management of <br />this area with the state may look like. Mr. Applegate shared history of the area and he responded <br />that he doesn't know exactly but that he wants to try to make things work between the state and <br />County. <br />Member Kierkiewicz additionally described state legislation and recent state funds that had been <br />approved for revitalizing this area and asked him if he would be advocating for the County <br />administration to be allocating funding for this purpose as well. He said he would be. She <br />encouraged Mr. Applegate to prioritize keeping Banyan Drive as a place that serves recreational <br />opportunities and community gathering spaces for local residents. <br />Pursuant to Chapter 53-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, members of the Banyan Drive Hawaii <br />Redevelopment Agency shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />GOEAC Report No. 127 <br />