HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2020-04-22 2018-2020 Hawaii County Council
371h Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
April 22, 2020
INVOCATION: Pastor Stanley Imaino of Thy Word Ministries gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:05 a.m. by Ms. Karen Eoff, Acting Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Karen Eoff, Vice Chair(via videoconference from Kona)
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member (via videoconference from Kona)
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member(via videoconference from Waimea)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona)
Absent& Excused: Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Chair
PLEDGE OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Ms. David led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MEMORIALS, Petitions, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
COMMUNI- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Comm. 876: REQUESTS A BREIFING FROM ROSS BIRCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE ISLAND OF HAWAII VISITORS BUREAU, REGARDING ECONOMIC
RECOVERY EFFORTS
From Council Member Valerie T. Poindexter, dated April 14, 2020.
Waived: GREDC
Motion to Close File: Ms. Poindexter moved to close file on Comm. 876.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. So we are ready to go ahead with
Communication 876. And I believe Mr. Ross Birch is going to join us via Zoom.
And hopefully everybody has a printout of his PowerPoint.
MS. POINDEXTER: Hi, Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. As everybody knows I'm real vocal about tourism at
this time so I asked Ross if it would be possible to share what the Hawaii Visitors
Bureau is doing regarding the economic recovery efforts. And also that, you
know, he's been the one, and correct me if I'm wrong, Ross, but going to the
airport doing the official counts of who's coming in from out of state. So I
thought it was real important for us to hear from him at this point. So Ross, do
you want to just give us an introduction and go into your presentation?
MR. BIRCH: Sure. I'm going to share my screen here as well. Yeah, it's been
quite a wild ride that we've had, especially in tourism. This is an overused word,
unprecedented, beyond anything we've ever seen from a tourism standpoint. But
our number one focus and as you'll see in my reporting here, the number one
focus is the mitigation of COVID-19. We have to get to a complete stopping area
before we can start again. So we've redirected a lot of our resources in those
efforts to make sure that the safety of our residents is first and foremost as we
move forward. So with that I'll go ahead and get into the presentation.
(Note: At this time, Executive Director Ross Birch provided a PowerPoint
presentation to the members of the Council. For viewing of the subject
presentation, see the DVD copy of the meeting proceedings on file in the
Clerk's Office. A copy of the presentation is made a part of the record,
see Comm. 876.1.)
MR. BIRCH: I appreciate it. Hopefully I've kept everybody in it and I didn't
overload you too much at this point. Hopefully I can start giving you a little bit
more regular updates.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. Thank you, Ross. This is Val Poindexter. And I
appreciate the information. And I just wanted to say,just a shout out to the
Hawaii Tourism Authority for funding the Hotels for Heroes and also to those
hotels who have agreed to participate in that program. I really appreciate it
because what that means is if they're open then we have employees there, and
that's great.
Talking about employees rolling out, you know, when you talk about rolling it out
and how do we bring tourism back. I'm hoping that you're talking also about
how you roll it out. And I would hope that it would be trying to secure rooms at
hotels versus marketing more vacation rentals because the hotels is where
employees need to be back at work so they can feed their families and support
their families. So I'm hoping that your committee is thinking about that as well.
MR. BIRCH: Yeah. That's almost a little bit out of our hands there. But that's a
great subject you bring up. In order to bring employees back to work we need to
bring in hotels that employ those workers. We need to bring back the jobs first
and if we can bring hotels back online and maybe hesitate a little bit in our
bringing back the vacation rentals market and slow that process a little, I think
we're going to get workers back in place a lot quicker. On that way, get
occupancies a little bit higher for the hotels. And then as the occupancies grow
they start bringing back more and more workers.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. Thank you. So I'll yield at this time. And then,
Ross, you're available to each and every one of us on a one to one conference call
and if our constituents have any questions.
MR. BIRCH: Absolutely, any time.
MS. POINDEXTER: Thank you. I yield. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. And thank you very much,
Ross. I'd like to see if any Council Members have questions for you. In Hilo,
anybody have questions or comments?
MR. HENRICKS: Not on this side, Madam Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, Mr. Birch. Thank you for being here today and for this
lengthy presentation with so much statistical backup to what's going on that we're
all seeing but it's helpful to have the actual numbers. I also just want to express a
personal mahalo for being the one at the airports. I have a number of friends that
work at the airport that see you there constantly, and they have wonderful things
to say about your willingness to be of service in that physical format on the daily.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
So thank you for doing that. It's extremely helpful and I know for myself I have
more confidence in the numbers we're receiving knowing the person who's out
there gathering them.
Just a couple of things I wanted to kind of point out, or just kind of part of my
hope is as we're looking at, you know, we're so heavily reliant on tourism and
this crisis is another opportunity for us to take a look at the opportunities to
diversify our economy and what we rely on for our income and our workers. So I
just want to make sure and just suggest, encourage, plead, that as you continue to
have conversations with people on the state level and within the visitors bureau
that we continue to take a look at and consider the opportunity, I know Maui is
doing it, for grants in support of agriculture, increasing our food production which
can also be tied into visitor experience with agri-tourism.
I just want to kind of throw those things out there as opportunities for diversifying
how and what we base our economy on. And that, as you said, we are starting at
zero. So as we rebuild we have an opportunity to rebuild it better and stronger
and more sustainable. And while this is a health crisis, we also as a state and a
country and a global community are looking at climate change crises that we're
seeing in different capacities. So I just want to make sure that is something that's
in all of our minds as we navigate this process. We want to return to full health.
And we want to return to a robust economy. But it needs to be, should be, and
could be ideally an economy that's more diversified and provides for more self-
sufficiency for us as an island, as a county, and as a state. So thanks for your
continued support in those efforts. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Any other comments, Council
Members?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Chair?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Ross, I have a question. Given
that tourism is a huge part of our economy here on the Big Island, what is a very
realistic date that we can expect tourism in your opinion? I know you gave us a
lot of information today. But in your opinion, when are we going to see a number
comparable to what we had, you know,prior to the eruption?
MR. BIRCH: Well we had those numbers beyond in January and February.
What I'm afraid of is I think travel in general is changing. And I think many
people are looking at just what we're doing today. Instead of me driving to Hilo
or Kona, I'm logging in online. And I think many groups, larger groups now, are
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
going to start reconsidering what their conventions look like, what that type of
business is going to look like down the line. A lot of people as well, unless travel
is necessary, I think we're going to see a little slow down in general.
That's going to affect our numbers overall. But I'm very confident that we have
strong numbers on the books. I think those individuals will still be ready to come
and travel and experience the island. But we're going to be looking at probably a
40, 50, 60 percent type of occupancy through the rest of the year from July on.
We may get to 60 percent at the end of the year. And I would actually look at the
entire year 2021 to take us to kind of get back to those same numbers that we had.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So at least a year, year and a half out before
we start seeing similar numbers to, I'm going to say pre-eruption, when we lost a
huge portion of our income from short-term vacation rental loss and hotel industry
as well.
MR. BIRCH: Yeah. It's going to still be quite a long time in the process to get
back to those numbers, I feel. It always takes a little while to recover for us
especially. I do think that between all of the islands we probably have a little bit
more of an advantage given this specific situation. But what I'd like to see is the
numbers in a different way. I'd like to start seeing us do a 60 percent occupancy
but achieving 90 percent of the revenues. Finding ways that we can create the
process that we can get those lower numbers, creating experiences, spreading
those finances through other areas like agri-tourism or opportunities that even,
using our beloved Waipi`o Valley as an example of a revenue source, but also
limit the accessibility. I think those are the kind of thoughts that we need to start
going into now, is the more restrictive we make something or the more enticing it
is, the more someone is willing to invest or pay more in it. And the quality of the
experience is going to be there as well. So those are the kind of opportunities I
see down the line.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Mahalo for that. I'm trying to get a
realistic timeline for what we can expect because we as a Council have to make
some very hard decisions coming up for our budget and how we balance and how
we move forward. And a lot of these are steady income streams that we use to
make sure things can happen in our County.
MR. BIRCH: Absolutely.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I very much appreciate your presentation
today. And mahalo to Val Poindexter for putting this together. And Rebecca, I
completely echo your comments on agri-tourism and focus on sustainability in the
meantime. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any other comments?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I have a comment.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much. Thank you, Ross. Very enlightening
presentation. And thank you, Val, for organizing this. Ross, I'm really happy to
see a number of these reflection questions that industry is considering. You
know, and I think my colleagues summed it up quite nicely. But we are at our
most critical choice point as a state and as a county in terms of what we rely on
for industry. And to have our state with the lowest unemployment numbers,
suddenly we are leading the nation in the highest unemployment rate, it just
exposes on how we've relied on tourism for so long, for too long. And so while I
would like to see the industry come back, I just want to make sure that whatever
plans are being developed we are doing tourism on our terms. And I'd like to see
here that, you know, you're considering resident sentiment and that we are going
to ensure that cultural and natural resources are included and protected. And
that's very important because as locals we need to be able to access these
resources ourselves, right? It's very frustrating to see others enjoying our
resources more that locals.
And so I'm wondering when we can expect visitor industry to share with
community at large a more comprehensive plan about what tourism 2.0 will look
like for our island and our state?
MR. BIRCH: I think we're looking actually more back at the County itself or our
legislators to come up with more of an outline of what the preference would be
and to match it up. Otherwise, the industry is going to do what the industry does
and we're going to market the way we market. And we're going to focus on
bringing those numbers back and getting them here. I think we need to really
look at the resources we have, how we manage the resources, and then how does
tourism incorporate into those resources. And I think it has to come more from
your side to us than us putting it out there because that's when it tends to get out
of hand a little.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. So we'll be sure to ping Alan Oshima and their
economic task force to ensure that, you know, we're creating an economy that is
equitable and works for everyone. Thanks, Ross. I appreciate your time.
MR. BIRCH: Thanks.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. And thank you,
Ross, for the statements you're making today. I really appreciate them and I
believe that there's some connection we can make to the celebration of the
50'h anniversary of Earth Day which is actually today as well. And we do have to
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
pay attention now as we move forward and are starting from ground zero. I'm
going to leave it at that. But thank you again. And we will vote to close file. All
in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 876: The motion to close file on Comm. 876 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Chair Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
Res 568-20: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII, PURSUANT TO HAWAII
REVISED STATUTES 46-7, FAR A GRANT TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
Authorizes a memorandum of agreement with the State of Hawaii to reimburse
the County for overtime costs, supplies, equipment, and other expenses through
December 31, 2019, in response to the protest activities related to the construction
of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea.
Reference: Comm. 855
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waive: FC
Postponed: April 8, 2020
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. David, Seconded by Ms. Poindexter, to approve
Res. 568-20.)
; and
From Finance Director Deanna Sako dated April 9, 2020, transmitting proposed
Comm. 855.1: amendments to Res. 568-20, and a revised memorandum of agreement.
Motion to Amend: Ms. David moved to amend Res. 568-20 with the contents
of Comm. 855.1. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Does everybody have Communication 855.1? I'm
assuming we all have it. Ms. David, go ahead.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MS. DAVID: Yes. Thank you. And Mr. Clerk, in order to discuss the
amendments do I do the motion toI see. And then I do the other motion. Okay,
great. Thank you.
This amendment we received I understand from the Finance Department is to just
change the reference on the reimbursement to the County of Hawaii. And that's
pretty much self-explanatory in the resolution. It also contains, as we all know,
the end date of December 31, 2019, and the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) I
want to note also now contains the end date of December 31, 2019, and the entire
remaining paragraph was deleted on the term. So aside from that I think those
amendments are pretty self-explanatory. And it makes everything consistent with
the end date of July 31, 2019. So with that, I yield for now to my other Council
Members.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you for that explanation. Council Members, are
there any questions or comments regarding Communication 855.1?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I have one question.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is more for the record. I just want to if
the MOA is agreed upon by supporting the resolution today, I want to know if
there's an ability for the parties involved to amend the MOA after the Council has
approved it in the future without Council approval. That would be my one
question that I would like to get an answer to today by Corporation Counsel.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Is Corporation Counsel available to address that?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, this is the Clerk. No. But I would be surprised
if they're not viewing the meeting right now.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. And Ms. David may have a comment that may
help.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm going to go ahead and ask for her speak.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, for
that question. And I believe, my understanding, because we've made the changes
to be consistent to the MOA having an end date of July—covering the end date of
July 31" as well as the bill being for the exact amount of the expenses incurred by
the County of Hawaii and the resolution having an end date, everything that we
decide on today has that end date, relates to that end date. So I don't believeI
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
mean I could, you know, wait for Corporation Counsel to weigh in on this. But it
covers the period up until December 2019. And there was really nothing that
could be amended because the end date is already stated in the resolution. There
is a time period for this. So I can't see, and that's why my reason to vote in favor
of this because it's consistent and I think it's legally binding because of the end
date.
So whether it can happen in the futureI'm comfortable that this satisfies the
concerns that were raised by the testifiers on this matter. And I believe that in
order to bring this matter to a close we've covered everything that we can cover to
make this a legal binding document with an end date. Anything more than that,
anything after that is something brand new in my opinion. I don't know if that
helps. An explanation that's the way I see this and I read this. It has an end
date and I don't believe that it can come back around based on that.
So if you still need the Corporation Counsel, I'll yield at this time. But I'm
justifying my position and also I want to note the position of Dr. Noenoe, who I
want to thank for her testimony that she sent in, in support of this, the resolution
and the bill and the communication. But I also want to make note of her strong
message to the Mayor and the County Administration regarding the subject
matter. So with that, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. David. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. David. And I agree. I agree
with both your knowledge because you have a very good law background and I
would defer to your opinion on that. I also agree with the strength with
Dr. Noenoe Wong-Wilson's support for this resolution. But her comments as far
as following a process, my one concern that I still would like clarification on is
Section 7 in the MOA, under amendments, and it says that if the parties agree
upon any modification of any term or condition of this MOA well sorry. "If any
modification of this MOA shall be effective only if made in writing and signed by
duly authorized representatives of all parties here, too. If the parties agree upon
any modification of any term or condition in this MOA, all the terms and
conditions of this agreement which are not expressly modified shall remain in full
force and effect."
So I'm just looking for that clarification that given how things have been done in
the past, that this is not an open door to come in and amend at the discretion of the
parties involved to change any part of this agreement. And that I would just like
to have clarification on. Unless I'm missing something and I'm open to comment
here. But I just want to make sure that we're doing right by our community as we
have in the past.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Clerk.
MR. HENRICKS: Mr. Kamelamela says that he can come over if you would like,
if that would be helpful. He can make his way over here.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. I'll open it up to anymore Council
Members while we're waiting. And hopefully he can clear it up so we can vote
on this matter. Any other Council Members who would like to speak at this time?
MS. LEE LOY: Chair?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy, I believe.
MS. LEE LOY: Yes. Or we could lay this on the table and pick it up at the end
and we could actually move through the rest of the agenda just as a matter of
efficiency while we wait for Corporation Counsel.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Yeah, we could. Would you like to make that
motion?
Motion to Table: Ms. Lee Loy moved to table Res. 568-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Chair Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. And we'll move to Resolution 577-20.
Res 577-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE LIONS
CLUB OF KONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC., FOR EXPENSES
RELATED TO ITS COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 865
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Vote on Res. 577-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 577-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: The motion carries. Thank you. Mr. Clerk,
Resolution 578-20.
Res 578-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE LIONS
CLUB OF KONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC., FOR EXPENSES
RELATED TO ITS EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH EFFORTS
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 866
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Vote on Res. 578-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 578-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Poindexter and was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: The motion is approved. Moving on the
Resolution 579-20.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res 579-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE LIONS
CLUB OF KONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC., FOR EXPENSES
RELATED TO ITS EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH EFFORTS
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 867
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 579-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 579-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Poindexter and was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Moving on the Resolution 581-20.
Res 581-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT
Transfers $2,000 from the Department of Research and Development, Tourism
Promotion account; and credits to the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency
Relief account.
Reference: Comm. 870
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Res. 581-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 581-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Poindexter and was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: That motion carries. Moving to Resolution 582.
Res 582-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT
Transfers $4,158,221 from the Finance Administration and Budget Salaries and
Wages account; and credits to various Department's Salaries and Wages accounts
for third and fourth quarter Fiscal Year 2019-2020 overtime expenses.
Reference: Comm. 871
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 582-20. Seconded by
Ms. Poindexter.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: I'm not sure if Director Sako is in the room for any questions. I
believe this is pretty much the transfers to cover all of the period stated which is
the Fiscal year 2019-2020 for third and fourth quarters. I don't have any
questions. If someone else has, I'll yield at this time.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Comments, Council Members, questions? Is
Ms. Sako available?
MR. HENRICKS: She's not here right now.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just have a comment. Thank you, Chair.
So total overtime expended year-to-date is $15,186,032. This was set up this
way, I think by Ms. Lee Loy and myself, so we could really understand how and
where overtime is being expended in our County and so that it can be tracked.
And going forward this coming year and for the next year after that we are going
to need to be very aware of these kind of numbers. Overtime can be a hidden but
very incredible expense for the County. And I know I've been given overtime in
the past and previous jobs and I appreciated it. But we as a Council have to be
very akamai when it comes to this kind of a figure and how we can use our
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
powers to start to limit these kinds of expenses. That's all I have to say. I don't
have any questions for Deanna. This is an expended amount, an expected total.
But I'm just making that comment for the record. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Any other comments, Council
Members?
MR. HENRICKS: Ms. Lee Loy would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. And yes, following up to
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. This actually was a really great tool for us to
understand the budget and actually how our budget is already fixed with overtime,
and how we could actually look at ways of being more effective and more
efficient. So thank you again, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, for supporting that when
we moved the money during our last budget cycle. But now we also have how
they spend it. First quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and then into the, you
know, the home stretch. So I really do appreciate that exercise that we put
together during our last budget cycle. So again, thank you,
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. If there are no other
comments
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair. Ms. Kierkiewicz would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm sorry. Okay. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Sorry. Thanks, Chair. I totally agree with what my
colleagues have pointed out. But I just want to make sure also that as we're going
through budget, if we're going to be taking away overtime, let's be sure that we're
understanding the kind of work that each of these departments are doing that kind
of warrants these high overtime figures. And so if we're going to take this away,
let's ensure that they're getting the support they need. If it's additional personnel,
if it's contracting work out, I don't know. But let's just make sure that they have
the support they need so they can still continue to deliver those essential services.
Thank you, Chair. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Are there any other comments? Okay.
Hearing none, all in favor please say "aye."
Page 14
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Vote on Res. 582-20: The motion to adopt Res. 582-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Yes.
MS. LEE LOY: Mr. Kamelamela is in the room. So if we'd like I can remove
Resolution 568-20 from the table.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
Motion to Remove Ms. Lee Loy moved to remove Res. 568-20 from the table.
from Table: Seconded by Ms. Poindexter and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Mr. Kamelamela. Thank you.
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder had a specific concern or a question.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, before we proceed I just wanted to note for the
record that we are currently on the motion to amend Resolution 568 with
Communication 855.1.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Correct.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, you could go ahead and
restate the question.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo. Thank you. Good morning, Joe.
Page 15
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KAMELAMELA: Good morning, Chair and members of the County
Council.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Good morning.
MR. KAMELAMELA: I did hear the question. So what I'll do is just to state on
the record. The memorandum of agreement, it's basically for a grant. The state is
giving us the money. I do understand that, you know, people don't understand
sometimes why there's standard provisions in there for amendments. But it works
both ways because if, for example, we find out we're owed more money, you
know, I would like to get that opportunity to get more money. If it's something
substantial, you know, I'm coming back here, you know, to let you guys know
what we can do or what we should do. So I don't know if that answers your
question but do you have any other follow up questions to that?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo for coming over so quickly. I know
you had to come over from your office. Mahalo, Joe. Thank you. My big
question is if there's any amendments made, because it's allowable and it is
maybe standard language in this agreement or to all agreements. Do the signing
parties, you know, the Mayor, the Chief, Deanna, Claire Conners, do they have to
come back in front of the Council if there's a substantial change made to the
MOA?
MR. KAMELAMELA: Well they don't have to but I will because I'm the one
that signs the contract anyways. So I'll come back.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So the language in this agreement
we're going to stick to?
MR. KAMELAMELA: Right.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: December 31, 2019 end date, reimbursed up
to that date
MR. KAMELAMELA: All of that.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then we changed it to say, the County
will be reimbursed by the state for these things instead of HCPD (Hawai`i County
Police Department) and the Office of the Mayor. So we're going to stick to
these?
Page 16
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MR. KAMELAMELA: Yes. So all of the terms and conditions that's there is
what the parties are agreeing to for this grant, the grant for reimbursement.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And if there were any substantial changes
made to this agreement then all parties would come back and
MR. KAMELAMELA: Well I'm coming back. I don't know about the other
people. But I'm coming back.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Before any decisions can be made?
MR. KAMELAMELA: Right.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I wanted to get that on the record.
Thank you, Joe.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Okay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I appreciate your time. And thank you for
coming.
MR. KAMELAMELA: You're welcome. Be strong and be healthy you guys.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Joe.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you very much, Mr. Kamelamela. Are there any
further questions before we vote on this amendment?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'd just like toChair, if I can?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm just going to read one section of
Ms. Wong-Wilson's support. And I'm just going to, and I quote, "I request that a
strong message be given to the Mayor and Hawaii County Administration that
they must follow the rule and intent of the law in the future and seek permission
to enter such agreements before incurring the cost. This is the method which
provides for the community to provide input into the decision making processes
which govern us."
I think that clearly sums up what a lot of the issues that we had as a Council on
what the community had with the agreements that were put in front of us earlier
Page 17
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
this year and last year. And I fully support that comment. And I appreciate
everyone involved and the amount of time that's gone into taking care of this. So
with that I yield. And mahalo for your patience.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you very much. Any other comments?
Okay. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Res. 568-20 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 855.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. Thank you. I believe it's time now to make that motion to
suspend our rules so we can discuss Resolution 568-20, as amended.
Vote on Motion Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 24 to waive the
to Suspend holdover for substantive amendment of Res. 568-20.
Council Rules: Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Is there further discussion, Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Yes. I just would like to thank everyone, the public, the Finance
Department, and Corporation Counsel for working on this and bringing this to a
just and fair, as much as we possibly can, compromise in satisfying what we need
to do to get ourselves reimbursed by the State. So thank you everybody for all of
your help in getting this done. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. David. Any other comments,
Council Members? Okay. Well I'd just like to ditto what Ms. David just said. I
think it was a great exercise and I was also really inspired to see the positive
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
feedback from the community who was keeping track of everything that
transpired. And we actually received written testimony to that effect and I think it
was a good exercise in public participation as well as government being
responsive. So I'd like to take a vote on Resolution 568-20, as amended, all in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 568-20: The motion to adopt Res. 568-20, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: And the motion carries. Okay, we can go back now to
Resolution 584-20.
Res. 584-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND FOR A REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS COMMUNITY FEEDING PROGRAM
Transfers $20,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 875
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 584-20. Seconded by
Ms. Poindexter.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Val. Thank you for that. This is actually a really
large give from our contingency account, so I really appreciate the support of all
of my colleagues. We've seen a number of large gives to the Food Basket. And
the reason why I'm hoping to guide some of this money to the Boys and Girls
Club is they also provide a feeding program, hot meals at the end of the day. So
while a lot our families are picking up meals from DOE (Department of
Education) or the Food Basket, this is one program that is providing hot meals at
the end of every day. Last Friday was Good Friday and they continued this
Page 19
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
program on a holiday when so many other places were closed. And I just saw that
as a large commitment to the community that families are hungry and hunger
doesn't take a holiday. So with that I do urge my colleagues' support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair. Richards here.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. First of all, Sue, thank you for doing this.
It's no secret that Boys and Girls Club has been something that I have been very
much an advocate of. And, you know, when it's said and done, before we had all
this stuff, the concern about feeding hungry kids, that's been a mantra from our
Council. And we have a real need in our community in our County as a whole.
And Boys and Girls Club has done an outstanding job and they've been working
really hard to expand the program. There's been funding come from all Council
Members in one way or another for Boys and Girls Club. And as Sue pointed out,
this is a big resolution. This is a large amount of money going to Boys and Girls
Club. But this is a time of big need, too. And so, Councilwoman Lee Loy, thank
you so much on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club because they do really good
work. And I know we've had Chad Cabral in front of us saying how they're
working to expand. They're in Kona now and they want to go north and south
soon. So anyway, way to go and fully support this. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Richards. Any other Council
Members? Seeing none, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 584-20: The motion to adopt Res. 584-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Now to Resolution 585-20.
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 585-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ALOHA
CLUB OF HILO TO PURCHASE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FOR
HALE`OLUEA CLUBHOUSE
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 877
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 585-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 585-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Next one is Resolution 586-20.
Res. 586-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ISLAND
OF HAWAII YMCA FOR ITS FAMILY VISITATION CENTER PROGRAM
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 878
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 586-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, Chair. Richards. Just a quick one. This is a favorite of
mine. This is probably more than ever is needed right now. So thanks to
Chairman Chung for supporting this program.
Page 21
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Richards. Okay all in favor
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 586-20: The motion to adopt Res. 586-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Okay next one is Resolution 587-20.
Res. 587-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR PARK MAINTENANCE AND/OR
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT VARIOUS FACILITIES IN COUNCIL
DISTRICT 2
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund-General account.
Reference: Comm. 879
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 587-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 587-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 588-20.
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 588-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST WITH THE PURCHASE OF A
REFRIGERATOR FOR THE HILO ARMORY CONCESSION AREA
Transfers $900 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 880
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 588-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 588-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Motion carries. Resolution 589-20.
Res. 589-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE TENNIS NETS FOR
LINCOLN PARK
Transfers $1,400 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division, Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 881
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 589-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 589-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 590.
Res. 590-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO WEST
HAWAII COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC., FOR REIMBURSEMENT
OF EXPENSES TO PURCHASE PERSON PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DUE
TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 882
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 590-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: This is my contingency funds and I was really happy that
I had enough to contribute a significant amount to the West Hawaii Community
Health Center to provide for these protective equipment as they move forward
there on the front line. And this looks like it will be an ongoing need. So
hopefully between my contribution and, I believe, Ms. Villegas and other
resources they'll be able to keep everybody safe in our community. So I ask for
your support. Thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 590-20: The motion to adopt Res. 590-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 591-20.
Page 24
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 591-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO WEST
HAWAII COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC., FOR REIMBURSEMENT
OF EXPENSES TO PURCHASE PERSON PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DUE
TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $7,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 883
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 591-20. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas. You have a comment.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to echo Council Member Eoff in my great
appreciation and support of the West Hawaii Community Health Center and the
work they're doing for our community and within our community and for this
much needed PPE(Personal Protective Equipment) as they continue to navigate
this crisis in our community. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you.
Vote on Res. 591-20: The motion to adopt Res. 591-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and Kierkiewicz—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 592-20.
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 592-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE EAST
HAWAII KIWANIS FOUNDATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUGUST 2019 SUMOTO CITY
STUDENT EXCHANGE
Transfers $1,600 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 884
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 592-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 592-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and Kierkiewicz—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Motion carries. Resolution 593-20.
Res. 593-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
COMMUNITY FIRST, INC., TO PURCHASE MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
FOR ITS ONGOING BLOOD PRESSURE AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY
OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
Transfers $700 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 885
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Vote on Res. 593-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 593-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Poindexter and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and Kierkiewicz—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Okay, Resolution 594-20.
Res. 594-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE
HAMAKUA HEALTH CENTER, INC., TO PURCHASE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
AND EQUIPMENT
Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 886
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 594-20. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: It's self-explanatory. I just ask for your support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 594-20: The motion to adopt Res. 594-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and Kierkiewicz—2.
Excused: None.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Council Members, we have in front of us
Resolutions 596-20 through 600-20. And we need a motion to amend our agenda
to put each of these on. So I guess we can just go one by one. Mr. Clerk, would
that work.
MR. HENRICKS: I think that's the preferred methodindividual votes and then
yes, take up that resolution and then move along.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. So may I have a motion to amend the agenda to
add Resolution 596-20?
Amend Agenda: At this time, the Acting Chair directed the Council to take up several items
not listed on the agenda.
Vote on Motion Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend the agenda to add Res. 596-20.
to Amend A eg nda: Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung and Kierkiewicz—2.
Excused: None.
Res. 596-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND FOR A REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS COMMUNITY MEAL SUPPORT
INITIATIVE
Transfers $23,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 888
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 596-20. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Discussion?
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Chung asked me to move this forward
for him. One, because it's such a need. But also I think it was a reminder that he
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
outdid me. I gave $20,000 and he's decided to do $23,000. But with that, you
know, it is all about feeding our kids. And Council Member Richards touched on
it. Boys and Girls Club is doing these meals island wide. And any support we
can give them at this time is really needed. So with that, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yes. Thank you, Chair. I just, again, echoing what I had said
previously and what Boys and Girls Club is doing. And we're working on putting
together another project that again will help support this going forward. We're
not quite there yet but we're just about crossing the corner. Again, it's to get
enough funding for these groups like the Food Basket, like Boys and Girls Club.
I've been working on it. It's called Bridges right now. And just stay tuned, that
should be forthcoming. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Any other comments? Seeing
none, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 596-20: The motion to adopt Res. 596-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Council Members, there was a request for a five minute
health break on this side. I know we were trying to get through this by 11:00 a.m.
But maybe we should take a seven minute recess. Everybody okay with that?
Okay. We're in recess. Thank you.
Recess: At 10:42 a.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:53 a.m.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I believe we were just about ready to amend the agenda
with Resolution 598-20.
MR. HENRICKS: 597-20, Madam Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Yeah, 597-20. You're right.
Vote on Motion Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend the agenda to add
to Amend A eg nda: Res. 597-20. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 597-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MALAMA O
PUNA FOR EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION AS PART OF THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF EFFORTS
Transfers $8,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 890
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 597-20.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I ask for your support for this resolution. It's
fairly straight forward. The idea is to have a local nonprofit in Pahoa handle funds
to do food outreach to the community and really direct it to where it's needed
kupuna that can't leave their homes, keiki who can't get to the food drops or to the
schools for free lunches, and really utilize a community driven drop capability
versus the larger `ohana drops that we're seeing that are amazing but are very
popular and hard to get to for everyone in the community. So I ask for your
support on this. And I see a lot of capability for this organization in particular to
help get into deeper parts of the community.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could just add something?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Sure. Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And I want to thank my colleague from Puna
for introducing this. I mean, he and I know very well there is an incredible need in
our districts. And so I'm so happy for this give. And I just wanted to offer up that,
you know, through Activate Hawaii Aide we have a community poll survey and
nearly 700 people have taken it in the last few weeks. And so I'm happy to share
information around how we can ensure that our most vulnerable households,
particularly our kupuna, are getting the kokua that you're able to direct through
this funds. So happy to work together. Thanks for doing this.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Great. Thank you.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Who was that?
MR. HENRICKS: Ms. Lee Loy would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Sorry. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, because that
vulnerable population that stays home, that's some work that's being done by
Office of Aging also. So if we could start to align not only Malama O Puna but
some of the agency services that are available. That way we could accelerate that
into the communities. And HCEOC (Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity
Council) is also providing the meals to the homes. So there's ways to partner there
and really accelerate, one, the food into the communities but definitely touching
our most vulnerable. Chair, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair, if I could comment please?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I completely agree. I have seen hundreds of
thousands of dollars go to many different organizations and I've seen the
tremendous outreach. I'm aware of everything that's been mentioned. I have
another resolution on the table today to go to HCEOC. But again, not all people
are tech savvy, not all people are able to get to these different events. And I am
more of an old school person where I call people on the phone and I talk to people
and I talk to community leaders and I make sure that we can direct to where there
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
is a need. Even though we think that we've got our bases covered, there's a lot of
pukas that don't get filled. So I appreciate your support. I appreciate the
information. And I again ask for your support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Before I ask for a vote, I've been
wanting to make this comment. But it's kind of awesome that we have this
Contingency Relief Fund and some of us have enough money left to just spring
into action for these various needs that are popping up in our communities and at
short notice that this is one mechanism to transfer funds to where it's really needed
right now. So I really appreciate all of these steps that people are taking to help us
get these through. Okay. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 597-20: The motion to adopt Res. 597-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Now I'd like to ask for a motion to
amend the agenda with Resolution 598-20.
Vote on Motion Ms. Poindexter moved to amend the agenda to add
to Amend A eg nda: Res. 598-20. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Clerk, can you please read in Resolution 598-20.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 598-20: TRANSFERS/ARRPOPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR EXPENSES R3ELATED TO THE
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE
TEAM PROGRAMS
Transfers $12,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to Civil Defense Agency, Other Current Expenses
account.
Reference: Comm. 891
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Vote on Res. 598-20: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 598-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Resolution is adopted. Now to Resolution 599-20.
Motion to Amend Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend the agenda to add
Agenda: Res. 599-20. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Clerk, can you read in Resolution 599-20.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 599-20: SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL
BUSINESS RESILIENCY EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM IN RESPONSE
TO COVID-19
Establishes a Loan Program that would support vulnerable households and small
businesses to obtain technical and critical emergency relief assistance.
Reference: Comm. 892
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: GREDC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 599-20. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz, you can comment.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. And so a number of things are
happening. And there's a lot of need in our community. We are facing the most
serious public health crisis for most of us in our lives. And so we are having to
pivot and just be really creative about how we support the many needs of our
community. You know, I was inspired by conversations around eviction
moratoriums. And because of that, I've, you know, in the last week, worked with
West Hawaii Mediation Center, Kuikahi Mediation Center, and Hawaii
Realtors. You know, next week we're going to be launching a rapid response
landlord tenant mediation program to connect people with various resources that
are out there to help with rent and mortgage. In that work, what we found is
many of the programs that are available are oversubscribed. We are seeing
massive backlog with unemployment. You know, there are people that have been
laid off and they are trying desperately to get into the queue. But it is a very long
line in having to get there.
We're also seeing that so much of the money that was directed to support"small
business"with the SBA's (Small Business Administration) PPE and EIDL
(Economic Injury Disaster Loan) Program. So many of that was actually eaten up
by corporations, sadly. But this is why we needed oversight. And so I'm so
happy that with CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) 4.0,
we will be seeing money going to CDFI's (Community Development Financial
Institutions) to ensure that our main street small business really get the support
they need.
Through, you know, my work to engage community with Activate Hawaii Aide
we have been very diligent about collecting data so that we can fully understand
where the need is and the kind of need that is out there. And so we have an online
survey but we also have a hotline. And we're working in partnership with Food
Basket and other organizations to capture this data and to ensure that any
assistance that is provided is done efficiently and deployed very strategically.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
So last week Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami announced an emergency loan
program. And I was inspired by that and wanted to take advantage of that
opportunity. And everything that I'm kind of involved in has kind of led to this
moment where I'd love for our County to be able to establish, you know, a private
public partnership with a number of groups in the community to stand up a very
similar program. One that is geared towards helping residents who can't get into
the unemployment queue yet but they know benefits will be coming, as well as
small businesses that are waiting. They can't wait any longer though in order to
get some support. And so creating a loan program, no interest, in partnership with
Hawaii Community Assets, Hawaii Community Lending, and leveraging these
Island Strong funds that Hawaii Community Foundation stood up for every
single County a couple of years ago in response to the Kauai flooding and the
Kilauea eruption. They recognized that each County needed to have a pot of
money available in order to prepare for disasters, to provide relief, response, other
mitigation efforts, and to just build overall island resilience.
And so my understanding is that our County needs to provide a small match in
order to access those funds. But we can rely on a significant portion of the strong
fund. And I've asked, you know, Finance Director Sako to come and kind of
share with us around other available funding to kind of kick start this program.
I'm looking at about$250,000 to get us started. You know, I see later on in the
agenda that we have some CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money
that is being directed to support COVID-19 response. But looking to see what
kind of funding we as a County have that we can leverage. So if we as a County
can invest$100,000, how can I take that and leverage it and make it into
$300,000. So Deanna,just hoping for some guidance around where you think we
might be able to find $250,000 if the CDBG is something that we could also
consider.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna S. Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: So the CDBG, they have kind of gone through and place or
allocated it out to different programs. But we do have different departments
looking to see if they might have excess money left over and be able to contribute
to that. So we're working with Corporation Counsel to see which buckets of
money would be appropriate.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Great. And we could probably get an answer in the next
couple of days?
MS. SAKO: Hopefully, yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And then you think we might be able to get about
$250,000 to start this program.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MS. SAKO: We'll see. We'll get whatever we can together, yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Awesome. Because so many of our working
families and small businesses, they just need help. And I think this is a great way
for us to stand something up locally that is a good product that works for us, that
we're in charge of how monies are being distributed in the community. We need
to take ownership over those processes so that when there's money coming in
from the state and federal government, we already have the programs established,
kinks worked out, and it's just a matter of funneling additional funding into these
programs.
MS. SAKO: Right. Okay.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thanks, Deanna, for your partnership. So happy to answer
any questions. Just looking for creative and innovative ways to continue to
support our community. So thank you, Chair. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Council Members, any comments or
questions?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, you have Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder first and
Ms. Lee Loy, second. Both would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I want to take a minute as one of the few
legislators probably across the entire state who owns a small business that I
appreciate what is being put forward today. Yes, the business community is
struggling. We did a poll,just a Facebook poll, to see what was out there and
what the poll said the Big Island was. And I put it out across the State. But the
results were fairly staggering. And albeit it's just those who responded to the
Facebook video. But we had about 500 businesses on the Big Island that were
shutdown due to COVID-19. And I'm just speaking to the business side.
Residentially, we know there's a crisis and there's unemployment and it's hard to
get through. And all that is true. I just speak to the small business community
and what I see and what I see when I drive around Hilo and how many businesses
are shut down that are long-standing businesses. It has just been eye-opening to
say the least. So I greatly appreciate this.
What I'm going to say is going to be a little bit on the back side. It bothers me
that I continue to see the word "loan." Loans are loans. At the end of the day a
loan is a loan. A zero interest loan is great. But if it's a zero interest loan then
call it a grant. And this is in no way meant to detract from Resolution 599-20,
Ms. Kierkiewicz, and I don't mean this in any negative way. I'm just speaking to
what I see is SBA loans, PPP (Paycheck Protection Program), they're all based on
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
loans. And I think that if when the Federal Government, State Government, are
going to give money, in this case maybe even the County Government, and we
can put a program together, then we need to start doing grants. That's what
people need. And we need help. And the small business community needs help.
And it needs to happen very quickly. With that being said, I fully support this
resolution and I know everyone can see what's happening in our town, and across
our island, and across the State. So this is incredibly important.
And Mayor Kawakami has been a leading figure for a lot of us. And I appreciate
his videos especially his TikTok, his TikTok dancing. But his ability to stand up
a grant or a zero percent loan program on his island and get that moving.
Offering up to $5,000 for qualifying households is impressive. And I would hope
that we could do the same here. So I fully support this resolution. Mahalo,
Ashley, for putting it forward. And if we can I'd like to think of these as grants to
people so there is no concern about having to pay it back at all. Call it a grant.
Don't call it a loan. Mahalo. Thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could just, you know, provide some comments?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, do you yield the floor?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I yield. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And, Matt, I totally hear you and understand
and want to do grants where possible. What I'm looking at with this potential
program similar to Kauai's is more of a revolving fund. And so some folks are
going to be getting their unemployment benefit in addition to a$600 a week
benefit from the federal government. So if they're able to pay back the loan,
there's a revolving fund where they can pay it back pretty quickly and then we
can go and help more families. So I want to make sure that we have all options
on the table. Let's do grants where we can. Let's do loans and help people that
can access funding say from a credit union or bank because they don't meet the
underwriting criteria. Let's help them build their credit. And we'll be able to do
that with a partnership with Hawaii Community Assets and Hawaii Community
Lending. And the beauty of this program is with Hawaii Community Foundation
coming on board to support, they'll buy down the interest. They'll buy down the
interest, they'll take care of the processing fees, the administration fees, so it is
just whatever the family, the `ohana needs or the small business needs at that
time. That's all they have to pay back for. And when the benefits come in, then
they can pay back the loan on terms that work for their particular household. And
then we constantly have a pot of money to help more families and businesses. So
thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other comments, Council Members?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, Ms. Lee Loy would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I'm whole-heartedly supporting this resolution.
And thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz for putting it forward. When I heard about it
from Kauai, you know, I began to scramble and try to figure this out. And so
what you've done here is really provide a phenomenal framework in working with
Deanna over at Department of Finance. This is the perfect synergy that we need
at this time. And absolutely echoing what you just said about it becoming a
revolving fundgt just takes time for them to get their unemployment checks.
You know, some of the work we're doing, even with our contingency money,
these are those bridges. This is how we fill the gap until these larger programs
can be stood up and serve as the back stock necessary. And so, Ms. Kierkiewicz,
congratulations. This is a very smart, sensible approach, and just the framework
we need right now so that when we move into finding the money, Deanna, but
also how we structure our budget starting in a couple weeks here.
And I heard Ross Birch talk about how we may need to put fees and costs on our
parks and making those hard decisions because the money is not going to be there
like it used to be. So again, I'm whole-heartedly supporting this. And it really is
tying all the conversations we're having together today very nicely. So with that,
I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Also, Ms. Kierkiewicz, thank you very
much for putting this forth. And I do agree with Matt and what he said about
grants. If we can afford grants that is great. But I am as keenly or more keenly
interested in having a revolving fund coming forward. You know, you had
mentioned the CARES Act 3, and the number four is coming out. I was on the
NACo (National Association of Counties) call this week and actually called the
one that they're quickly putting together now, 3.2. And I think a little bit tongue
and cheek obviously. But what they were talking about is to fix some of the
problems of the original CARES Act which was not enough funding going into
the loan program, loan/grant program. I think it was somewhere around
$370 billion that got used very quickly. And obviously the one at the end of the
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
supply chain are the ones still in line right now. I know I have businesses here in
Waimea that qualified but there was no funding left. And I see this as a stop gap,
as a bridge to help those little businesses.
On the Big Island we have what 80 percent of our businesses here are small
businesses. And so that is quite a problem. Another problem with that act was
the funding directly to Counties under that CARES Act was only the Counties
with populations of 500,000 and more. And it turns out that's like three percent
of the nation. The other 97 or 96 percent of Counties didn't get direct funding.
We need something to bridge that as Ms. Lee Loy said. And this is a great step
towards that. So I'm whole-heartedly going to support this. Small business,
Matt, I am with you there because we have to keep the doors open of these small
businesses till we can get some more support coming in. And I see this as a rapid
response. So thank you. Definitely going to support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Richards. Any other comments?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair, can I have one more comment,
please?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So a 2018 SBA study put 99 percent of the
businesses in the State of Hawaii as being qualified as small business. And so
the small business community, if you think about it, between under 500
employees really puts every business on the Big Island as a small business.
There'd be very few businesses here that would qualify as not a small business or
a medium to large business. So the impact is huge. And, Tim, there has to be a
way to help small businesses better and to utilize better federal funding when you
see that it's being applied to Counties bigger than 500,000, because we're only at
180,000 people.
And furthermore, if you look at the small business numbers, if 500 businesses are
out of business on this Big Island that's a lowball number. And each one
averages about 12 people. About 6,000 employees who are out of business and
self-employed people, as well as their families who are dependent on them for a
living. And that's not a small number. It may seem small but that's a huge
number of families who need support right now. And a huge number of
businesses. And I know of many businesses that were unable to take advantage of
the PPP and the EIDL to date just because of the high demands and the lack of
funding. So if this does anything to help cut that number down, then we have
done our job as a Council. So mahalo again.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Sorry, Chair. One more thing if I could just add. One of
the things that, you know, was left off the table this last time around with the
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
CARES Act was how we get the money to independent contractors, right? Often
times we're seeing that the federal government says, "Yes, go do this, you can
spend the money this way." And then they don't give you guidelines or protocols
or rules on how to expend that money. So it's great that the money is out there
but when we can get it and when we'll see it, there's a lot of uncertainty around
that. And we're seeing that, you know, DLIR, Department of Labor and
Industrial Relations, on the State side, they're setting up a new portal specifically
for independent contractors. They're just not sure when they're going to be able
to start that up because they're having to create everything from scratch.
Like everyone's saying, this is a bridge, this is to fill in the gap, this is just to help
because people are really stressed out and hurting right now. And any kind of
kokua we can direct their way I'm sure will be really appreciated. So thank you
everyone for the robust conversation and I hope I can count on everyone for their
support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. I guess we're ready
to vote. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 599-20: The motion to adopt Res. 599-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Now Resolution 600-20. May I have
a motion to amend the agenda with Resolution 600-20?
Vote on Motion Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend the agenda to add
to Amend A eg nda: Res. 600-20. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Can you read
Resolution 600-20?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Res. 600-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAII
COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR EMERGENCY
FOOD DISTRIBUTION AS PART OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF
EFFORTS
Transfers $8,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 893
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 600-20.
Seconded by Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Matt.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: So as we discussed before, this is another
agency doing a lot of work to reach people in the community that aren't always
available or able to get out to our different drops that we're doing as a whole, as a
Big Island community. And so HCEOC is doing this program and I'm just happy
to be funding it. And again, trying to get a more multi-pronged approach to
taking care of our community. So I ask for your support today. Thank you very
much. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Any other comments? Seeing none,
all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 600-20: The motion to adopt Res. 600-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 41
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
BILLS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 159: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Appropriates revenues in the Federal —CDBG COVID-19 account($1,543, 033);
and appropriates the same to the CDBG COVID-19 account. Funds would be
used to prevent,prepare, and respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference: Comm. 874
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 159 on the first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. The Finance Department requested that this move forward
and waived out of committee because we need to get these funds right away to
help with the needs of our low and moderate income population.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. David. And Council Members, I think
we're all in receipt of a memo from Mr. Hosaka, the Housing Administrator. It
should be in here.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Also in our pack that we have, Communication 874.1. I'd like to
amend Bill 159 with the contents of Communication 874.1.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Bill 159 with the contents of
Comm. 874.1. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Is there any discussion?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair. You know, Deanna Sako is still in the Council
Chambers here in Hilo. But if you look at Communication 874.1, and I'll just
read this because I know the larger community who will be watching this later has
not had an opportunity to look at it. But basically what it does is divide up the
$1.5 million and some change with $250,000 going to the Administration,
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
$643,000 going to Hawaii Food Bank, $300,000 to HOPE Services, another
$150,000 to HCEOC, and $200,000 to the Boys and Girls Club. And I share that
because Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder just mentioned this is the type of
multi-pronged approach that needs to happen, but also what we did earlier with
Ms. Kierkiewicz on how we fill the gap and provide that bridge. And this is
another way we're trying to demonstrate that and get funding to our communities
and help people who are really scared at this time. So with that, Chair, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy, we don't have that communication. I'm
going to see if Scott can print it for us. But can you just back track this a little bit.
And who produced this amendment?
MS. LEE LOY: This came from Deanna Sako.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: And so it just clarifies how this monies will be broken
down?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes. It was dated April 21, 2020. So it was in our pink folders
along with the letter from Duane Hosaka.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. That helps. And I think we can go
ahead and vote on that. All in favor of amending Bill 159 with the contents of
Communication 874.1,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Bill 159 with the contents of
to Amend: Communication 874.1 was carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Okay, we can go ahead and speak to
Bill 159, as amended, now. Any more discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. So given that we have
$1.5 million in front of us and it is being used in a multi-pronged approach
towards taking care of our community, I'm going to ask a question. Can we use
Page 43
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
any part of these funds to fund the loan program that Ms. Kierkiewicz put forward
already? Because I know that I just gave $8,000 to HCEOC, and I can see that
Ms. Lee Loy gave $20,000 to the Boys and Girls Club, and I know that we've all
been giving a tremendous amount of our contingency relief funds to these
different agencies already. Not that they couldn't use more help, but given that
we're trying to stand up another program, can we carve off a little bit right now to
begin the loan program and get it moving already? Instead of waiting to see if we
can find funds later from a different source.
MS. LEE LOY: That's a great question for Deanna.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Well, I had asked her that earlier and she's going to try to
find a way. One thing I was looking at was, you know, rather than touching
programmatic funds, if we could potentially pinch them out of the administrative
fee. But Deanna can elaborate.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna S. Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: No. I did talk to Housing, you know, because there's also specific
criteria that came down with the money. And so we want to be in compliance
with that. We also have to get the money out the door and spend as quickly as
possible. That's one of their criteria for these funds. And for many of these
agencies this is not nearly enough compared to what they've spent already. So we
may end up using part of that administrative money to go towards the loan
program. But we're trying to pull all the money together and then we'll amend if
needed.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Sounds like a yes and a no all in one.
MS. SAKO: Yes. All in one. Yes. We're trying to find it from other sources.
You know, there's a lot of federal money coming down. But as thus been stated,
because we're the County of less than 500,000 people, not all it came directly to
us. We have been fighting, yelling, talking very nicely to people at the State.
And it can be a frustrating process. And for them, too, you know. Their
immediate probably priority is getting the unemployment checks out the door, and
that will help everyone in our community, so we can't fault them for that. But we
also know there's a lot of other services that need to be done. And so we're trying
to work with all the different state and federal partners to get those done.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Deanna, do you think that we could take
five percent or ten percent from each one of these accounts and put it to an
account that would be used to further the loan program?
Page 44
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MS. SAKO: So the first piece was that we have to make sure that it complies
with CDBG, and they're checking on that. So if we need to amend, we'll come
back next round and ask you guys to amend on final reading.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Wonderful. Okay. Mahalo. That's
beautiful. That is good work.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Are there any other questions?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, Ms. Lee Loy would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, because we've been
thinking this through for a little while. But I have a question for Deanna as it
relates to the funding. Because, you know, often times these federal programs are
restricted, but what are the reporting requirements? And then, what is the timing?
Because I had a conversation with Duane yesterday, because it looks really great
to have all this money. But it's not coming tomorrow either, right?
MS. SAKO: It is. This is one of the ones they actually want out of the door
within 45 days. And we're already several days into it. So this one actually has a
short timeline compared to our normal CDBG funding. So they're really kind of
on it. They have a shortened public notice plan. Comment period is only five
days compared to the usual 30 days. So the government has really this one is an
organized program. They're ready and HUD (Housing and Urban Development)
is moving on it.
MS. LEE LOY: And on the back end though, we do have to demonstrate or
evidence base measured, right?
MS. SAKO: Yes.
MS. LEE LOY: On how the money is being utilized. Has that been
communicated to these recipients on how to provide that data that the money is
being utilized to meet the criteria of the grant or the CDBG plan.
MS. SAKO: I'm sure it has because our CDBG people have been with housing
for quite some time and I'm sure they're on top of that.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Okay. We're now in
possession of Communication 874.1, so we understand everything better. And I
think we can go ahead and vote on Bill 159, as amended. All in favor please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Bill 159: The motion to pass Bill 159, as amended to Draft 2, on first
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung– 1.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
THE DAY Order of the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
Bill 115: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
(Draft 2) BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants –Mauna Kea Costs account
($5,342,262); and appropriates the same to the Mauna Kea Costs account. Funds
from the State of Hawaii would be used to reimburse the County for overtime
costs, supplies, equipment, and other expenses incurred in response to the protest
activities related to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit
of Mauna Kea.
Reference: Comm. 605.9
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 115 on the second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. And this is the companion to the resolution we
discussed this morning. And I just want to say thank you again to everyone for
making this—come to this conclusion of where we can finally move forward on
this. So Mahalo and I ask for your continued support.
Page 46
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Any comments? Seeing none, all in favor please
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 115: The motion to pass Bill 115, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 115, Draft 2 is adopted. Bill 151.
Bill 151: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Increases the Waiakea Uka Park & New Community Center Improvements
project by $8 million. Additional Funds for this project shall be provided from
the General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or
Other Sources ($2 million) and State Capital Improvements Project Funds
($6 million), for a total appropriation of$8,150,000, to be used for project
planning and construction.
Reference: Comm. 808
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Vote on Bill 151: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 151 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter and was carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 151 is adopted. Moving to Bill 152
Page 47
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Bill 152: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —Housing Choice Voucher Program
account($650,000); and appropriates the same to the Voucher Rental Subsidies
account, for a total appropriation of$19,277,430. Funds provided by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development would be used for rental
assistance for eligible participants.
Reference: Comm. 817
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Vote on Bill 152: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 152 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 152 is adopted. Bill 153.
Bill 153: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-2 (NORTH AND SOUTH KONA DISTRICTS
ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING
THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURE—TWENTY
ACRES (A-20a) TO AGRICULTURE—FIVE ACRES (A-5a) AT KALOKO,
NORTH KONA DISTRICT, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP
KEY: 7-3-025:002 (Applicant: Jean K. Campbell Trust and Jeffrey S. Clapp Trust)
(Area: 21.296 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the application to subdivide the property
into four parcels for estate purposes. The property is located in the Kaloko
Mauka Subdivision in North Kona.
Reference: Comm. 840
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 153 on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
Page 48
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I just want to note that I believe you or Council
Member David had a question about where this property was situated in terms of
elevation. And so the applicant has provided, you know, for the record, testimony
on its location and it is below the 3,000 foot elevation level. However, the
preservation, the conservation condition around making sure it's 80 percent forest
on each of those properties maintains and that's consistent with other change of
zone requests in that subdivision area.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you. Any comments or questions?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder would like the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So it was brought to my attention last
Council meeting by Ms. David, that there is a resolution, number 330-96, that no
lands in North or South Kona above 2,500 feet in elevation except in the Kaloko
Mauka Subdivision should be rezoned to lot sizes less than 20 acres without
corresponding reduction and density on continuous lands. I was unaware of this.
And this lot does fall above that 2,500 foot elevation. So I just looked for a little
bit of information on that from Maile David just so I can understand it a little
better, if you'd like to.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm sorry, did Ms. Kierkiewicz just say that it was
located below that elevation?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And also it's within the Kaloko Mauka Subdivision.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So then the resolution would not apply to this particular
rezoning?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That's correct because it's saying that subdivision was the
exception.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That is true. They actually submitted that
they're less than 2,500 feet?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'm sorry. What's that?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Did the applicant submit a communication
saying that they're less than 2,500 feet?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That's correct.
Page 49
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Because this document says they're
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Not a communication. A testimony from the applicant.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Because everything in this document says
they're between 2,800 feet and 2,900 feet.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So that's below 3,000.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: But the resolution calls for above 2,500 feet.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Except Kaloko Mauka subdivision.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Except Kaloko Mauka, which I understand.
But I'm just trying to understand whether they are or they're not above 2,500 feet.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: It is, and within the Kaloko Mauka subdivision.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So it's okay because although they're above
the recommended or the resolution elevation, they can do this because they're in
the Kaloko Mauka subdivision?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Correct. And then there are also those preservation
requirements around making sure that each of those properties maintain
80 percent forest.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I'd just like to make sure that our
applicants are doing their due diligence and so are we. Okay. Mahalo.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And so is Planning. They are the ones that actually came
in to add some additional conditions to ensure that we are really making sure that
we care for the area.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wonderful.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So kudos the Planning. Thanks, guys.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Yes. And I believe in the background report, bottom of
page two, it explains that as well. Okay. All in favor please say "aye."
Page 50
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Vote on Bill 153: The motion to pass Bill 153 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Bill 153 is adopted. Bill 154.
Bill 154: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Increases revenues in the HOME Grant—Program income account($80,000); and
appropriates the same to the Tenant Base Rental Assistance Program account
($72,000) and the Office of Housing and Community Development
Administration account($8,000), for a total appropriation of$130,000.
Reference: Comm. 848
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Vote on Bill 154: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 154 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. The bill is adopted. Moving to Bill 155, Draft 2.
Page 51
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Bill 155: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
(Draft 2) BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Appropriates revenues in the Federal —Block Grant account($2,626,423) and the
Block Grant—Program Income account($100,000); and appropriates the same to
the following accounts: Mental Health Kokua—Facility Sewer Connection
($220,000); Kiheiulu O Waikoloa Rental Housing—Off Site Infrastructure
Improvement($800,000); Hale Maluhia Shelter—Accessibility Improvements
($561,015); Residential Repair—Homeowner Loan Program ($231,949); and
Administration, Planning and Fair Housing ($525,284). Funds would be used to
provide housing, suitable and safe living environments, and accessibility for
disabled individuals to public facilities.
Reference: Comm. 849.3
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Vote on Bill 155: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 155, Draft 2, on second and
Draft 2 final reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by
(Adopted) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Bill 155 is adopted. Bill 156.
Bill 156: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants Workforce Innovation &
Opportunity Act(WIOA) account($1,090,000); and appropriates the same to the
following WIOA accounts: Administration Planning 2020-21 ($110,000); Adult
Program 2020-21 ($360,000); Dislocated Worker Program 2020-21 ($250,000);
and Youth Program 2019-20 ($370,000). Funds would be used to assist adults,
dislocated workers, and youth by providing services that will train individuals to
increase employment, retention, earnings, skills, and literacy.
Reference: Comm. 851
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2020
Page 52
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
Vote on Bill 156: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 156 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards and was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Bill 156 is adopted. Okay. Mr. Clerk, we have
referrals for executive session.
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Res. 583-20: AUTHORIZES THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL TO
REPRESENT THE COUNTY OF HAWAII, BOARD OF ETHICS IN
PETITION NO. 2020-02, AS THE PETITIONER IS INVOLVED IN ONGOING
LITIGATION AGAINST THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
Finds that a conflict of interest would exist for the Corporation Counsel to advise
the Board of Ethics and provides for the retention of legal services by the County
of Maui Office of the Corporation Counsel, with total costs not to exceed $1,000.
Reference: Comm. 872
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership, pursuant to
Section 6-5.5, Hawaii County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 583-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm going to see if Corporation Counsel can enlighten us
if there is a request to go into executive session. I'm not sure that we need to.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, if you'd like Corporation Counsel we could
take a recess and have them come back. They're not currently here at this time.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. That is the last item on the agenda. So I guess we
can recess this meeting. And I need to find out from Council Members if they
want to go straight into Committees or have a lunch break.
Page 53
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2020
MR. HENRICKS: Can we just take a poll to see if maybe the Council is ready to
vote on this matter?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: If we don't need—okay.
MR. HENRICKS: I mean, if there are no questions for Corporation Counsel.
MS. POINDEXTER: This is Val. I don't have any questions.
MR. HENRICKS: We're not seeing any on this side. Mr. Richards, how are you
doing?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. If there are no questions for Corporation Counsel,
we need a 2/3 vote of the body and we can go ahead and dispose of this.
MR. HENRICKS: Correct.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Alright. Council Members, all in favor of
Resolution 583-20, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 583-20: The motion to adopt Res. 583-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung– 1.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, I'm so sorry to interrupt you. We are complete
but before you adjourn if I could just have a little leeway?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Sure.
MR. HENRICKS: It's my understanding that today is Professional
Administrator's Day. I don't know if I said that correctly but it's to recognize all
of those people that support operations, essentially. It's a pretty broad category.
So I just would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those people in our
office that are helping keeping everything move forward and the work we're
doing across the County, across the State, across the Nation, why not. You know,
it's a difficult time and there's a lot of good people out there doing work from
their desk, from their homes, from their iPhones, from their Androids, and God
Bless them all.
Page 54
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22, 2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you very much for that, Mr. Clerk. And for
reminding us that we wouldn't be able to do what we do without all of their
coordinated support under every circumstance. Okay. Then I guess we need a
motion to adjourn?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 11:47 a.m., Ms. David moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kanealii-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: This meeting is adjourned.
Council Approval: fl- 2 2 2020
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Page 55