HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2020-05-06 2018-2020 Hawaii County Council
381h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
May 6, 2020
INVOCATION: President Greg Hendrickson of Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints 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., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Karen Eoff,
Acting Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Chair(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Karen Eoff, Vice Chair
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member(via videoconference from Waimea)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
PLEDGE OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Ms. Rebecca Villegas 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:
STATEMENTS The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.)
Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
APPROVAL The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes.
(There were none.)
MAYOR UPDATE ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Mr. Clerk. And it's my understanding
ON COVID-19 that before we get started with our business, our agenda this morning, we will
ORDERS AND have a presentation from the Administration and an update. And Mr. Chung, can
PRECAUTIONS: you help me bring the people to the table?
MR. CHUNG: Yes, and you know,just for everyone's information, last week I
had extended an open invitation to the Mayor's Office and the taskforce to come
up at any time really, that they felt necessary to give us updates. But in particular,
since there's been a lot of talk about reopening businesses and the like, I thought
it would be very appropriate for them to come and then they are here with actually
a PowerPoint presentation, I understand. So thank you very much Mayor, and
Roy, and Maurice, and everyone else.
(Note: At this time, Mayor Harry Kim, Managing Director Roy
Takemoto, and Executive Assistant to the Mayor Maurice Messina came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MAYOR KIM: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for initiating our
opportunity to come and update the Council. I totally appreciate the openness in
regards to anytime in the future, to come on up.
I have a mess of things and I was wishing this morning that we had a long time to
present things to update you, but naturally I won't do that. But, I'd like to start
off this presentation with this morning's message with Civil Defense. I realized
when I was writing this how far we've come. A release of certain kind of tension,
I guess, with everybody there. And I'll read to you this morning what was read.
By the way, this report is done after the night report and the morning report for
the Department of Health. And other agencies come in and complete it by 6:30
this morning in regards to information, and then put together. So generally
speaking, it is the latest up-to-date information we have on the status. And again,
all information pertaining to the numbers, etcetera, etcetera, comes from the
Department of Health. It is not something we just—you know, from our
information. The one source is the Department of Health.
This is a Civil Defense message—and I'll only read part of it. "This is a Civil
Defense message. This is a COVID-19 information update for Wednesday
morning, May 6h. Today's report of COVID-19, the total number of people who
tested positive for Hawaii Island remains at 74. From this, 70 have been cleared
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as recovered with the remaining four quarantined at home and monitored by the
Department of Health."
At this date for Hawaii island, no one is hospitalized. And one of the greatest
goals were to minimize the degree of impact. And when this report came in, first
of all, if we look at it as a whole, this 74 represents the whole number tested for
this island, which is well over 3,000, closer to 4,000, conducted by various clinics
as well as the State hospitals. And out of that, the report shows that no one is
hospitalized. We reported one hospitalized all of this time, and I consider that
such good fortune that the one person hospitalized was at Kona Hospital, but the
doctor kept him overnight strictly as observation and released him the next
morning. So to all of us that was such a blessing that we never got to the degree
of what you seen in the newspapers or television news. Or even on Oahu,people
that have to be admitted and are in critical condition; especially in parts of the
mainland, New York or New Jersey.
On that also, I think the programs established by the Department of Health and
those, in regards to identifying and tracking, you know, all related to that; but the
overall program of testing, the way they do it, following up, I think really
accounts for a good credit to the job they did and why those numbers statewide.
And I'll very briefly show you how well this State is doing because we're just
one small State.
You know, for Hawaii County, I said there's only four active. Again, active
meaning monitored but not in the hospital for Hawaii Island. For Honolulu
County there's only 27. And if you look at the numbers given and the population,
to me they had at one time 404 total cases as far as active. And today, it's the
lowest number in I don't know how long at 27, as active. Unfortunately, they did
have, you know, numbers of 11 that have passed away from it.
Kauai County reports zero for the past week and they've been really good in
regards to keeping their numbers down. And obviously there's nothing as far as
percentage-wise. I just want to point out of what a good job I think Oahu has
done because of their numbers game.
On Maui County, who had a similar situation like Hawaii County, a cluster
situation. Theirs was even more critical regarding it was from the one and only
hospital. And at this time, they're in a very good condition compared to where at
one time, they were 116 total. And now, they're only 24. I don't want to use the
word "only"but it is 24 active. And that's the picture of it, statewide.
And the conclusion statement this morning says, "The Island and State of Hawaii
are doing very well in minimizing the spread and the impact of COVID-19. It is
so important to ramp up all the preventive measures that can get Hawaii better
and keep Hawaii safe and stop this virus from affecting our lifestyle."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
So all our efforts obviously, and everybody's efforts will continue. As you know,
we have a seven-day-a-week type program of disinfecting, and we have now the
fogging machine thing. It's really an asset especially to the urgent care
emergency rooms to disinfect their places with this fogging machine. You know,
which is placed there during the duration for several hours so they can spray two,
three, four times a day as necessary.
And what I want to introduce in regards to all the programs and what we're doing
on behalf of the County Government of Hawaii, which obviously you people are
a big part of that, is establishment of the taskforces that was done on May 9h.
And I've invited, Mr. Chair, after you invited us to make a presentation. I felt it
be best to have the members of the taskforce here; and they're here and there I
think. And sorry for the last minute on them, but they were only called last night,
on the second thought that they should be here answering your questions if you
need them to. So the taskforce chair members are here, and will answer—you call
them in and I'll make sure they come front and center.
The taskforce is a big part of what we have done. They were established, as you
may recall, on March 9h and presented with that information to the Council on
what their tasks are, but I will just briefly summarize it and we can go from there.
(Note: At this time, Mayor Kim provided a PowerPoint presentation to
the members of the Council. For viewing of subject presentation, see the
DVD copy of the meeting proceedings on file in the Clerk's Office. A
copy of the PowerPoint presentation is made a part of the record, see
Comm. 912.)
I'm here to answer any of your questions that you may have about any of this or
where we are. I'll very briefly say where we are in recovering. I wanted to read
something to you because there's—I'll say opening here, for those who have been
involved in those things as far as what's going on in the State, you know, the
Governor's coming out, has come out and will be implementing most of the
County's piggyback to minimize confusion. However, I will say this and I will
say it to all the Mayors, and the Governor and the Department of Health. From
the very beginning when we made our first brochure, I stated my concern that
experts of the virus nationally and internationally have from day one have said,
"Be aware, this is a new virus." `Be aware, and these were their words, "We're
learning everyday," and just hop-skipping. I think most of us know the
emphasis was on seniors. And now just recently, recently meaning the last couple
of days, an indication of this virus might even have a stronger association of
recently young people have been getting it. And this is something they're just
learning.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Other things that are critical that we're learning, you know, all of our testing
procedures, nationwide and obviously statewide was approved testing for two
reasons. Number one was the shortage of testing equipment that they had to be
select. So the select was for those who had the symptoms, who were
symptomatic. And at those times the emphasis was on fever, coughing and
sneezing.
And now I think frightening or important information for us in all of our programs
of today and tomorrow, is that the realization in part that we focus on the disease
coming from the East, meaning China. And the new information is that it came
from Europe to New York. And a lot of them that came here and began the
spread of the virus to other places was because these people for the most part
were asymptomatic. And now we're finding out the tremendous number of
people who are asymptomatic, but when tested resulted positive.
The second part of that which is involved in all of our planning is this: we have
people who are asymptomatic that are positive and now has been classified as also
carriers of this disease. So when you combine the two you can see that, you
know, the programs of prevention and recovery all has to take that into account.
And that's a very difficult task with testing, that's where we are today as far as
capability, which is getting better, you know, on this island because of our clinics;
because you know, the State and all will be provided for free. You know, it does
not seem to be that much of a problem as far as people wanting to be tested. But
still the numbers are limited. But I think they will start to loosen up in regards for
the general public, and not just limiting it to symptomatic people. And hopefully,
that will get better and better.
In regards to reopening. This was my position with the State. First of all, I felt
that we should all be in some kind of uniformity to minimize confusion.
Secondly, where I think Hawaii County, and our just made a position of our little
differences of how we do that. I think the present policy is to open according to
function, and I wanted to see if we could reverse it a little bit and make it based
on ability to comply with all the rules of stay at home, of separation, of gathering
of all of those things.
And that way if you do that then criteria will be established. You know, not what
can open, but who can open based on your ability to conform with all the rules of
safety. And now I think it's a combination of both, and that's where we are. And
again, you have your task forces here behind to answer any of your questions; and
my staff to answer any of your questions. So, thank you, Mr. Chair.
MR. CHUNG: Karen,
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Yes, thank you.
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MR. CHUNG: Do you want me to moderate the discussion from here or do you
want to do it from there? It's up to you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I think that would be helpful, because I can't really see
who's there from Administration.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, is there anyone in Kona who wants to ask—or well, Mayor
is that it, or do you have either Roy or Maurice who's going to give a follow-up
on anything?
MAYOR KIM: It just depends on your question, on what you'd like us to cover,
sir.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, so it's all going to just be responding to questions.
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir. Everybody's here for your
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Anyone in Kona have a question right now? Just raise
your hand. I can't really see any of you, that's why. Just holler.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We don't have any questions at this point. We're just
looking through the printout. Thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Well, maybe I could just start off then Mayor, or Roy, or Maurice,
or anyone. Are there any specific plans right now that you can give us. I'm just
going to throw these things out. And not saying that I'm in support of it or what,
but you know like, malls or jewelry stores. You know, that came up. Do you
have specific things to tell us as far as how things are going to be opening up?
MAYOR KIM: The main thing as far as a guide, number one is—well, it's not
number one, but I think all of us counties have kind of—need to uniformity. So
every county doesn't go on their own on what's going to open up; to open based
on a principle. And one of the things that guided us, I think, for a long time was
in regards to opening up of shopping centers. And that's because of the clustering
and hanging out—for lack of a better word. As people go in there, especially you
know, school is out and those kinds of things. That was one factor.
The other factor is realizing the importance of providing situations especially of
parks, that the stay-at-home does not mean stay in your home. It means stay at
home from work if you're sick and those kinds of things. But we should make
available as best as possible and always—every release have said within the
confines of the stay-at-home policies of distancing, togetherness, touching and all
of that, that we should open. And I think the State has said it clearly, but that's
where the confusion was, Mr. Chair, because most people don't make a
distinction when you say beach park and beach, and those kinds of things.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
So, I'll have to make that distinction that beach, ocean area, frontage to the ocean,
all is under the authority of the State. You as an attorney know the arguments of
before, where is that? The high-water mark,plant life growth, and all that. But
whatever that mark is, but generally high-water mark belongs to the State. And
what the policy was access—not access, use of that is welcome and invited. They
would specify things like surfing and snorkeling and fishing and swimming and
those things. So that is there, blanket for the whole State.
In regards to the beach parks, meaning who runs the beach park itself. Behind
that is where generally speaking, I think, it's the same thing. The problem was of
control_ If you just say okay, but you cannot do this, or gathering or this and that,
it was very difficult because of the wide open spaces. So it has been rather
limited, I think, at this time too, that access to beach parks, State or County is
open for getting access to the ocean so you can do your thing.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, so in that regard nothing has changed for maybe the past
two weeks or so?
MAYOR KIM: It has changed for Hawaii County, a bit longer than that because,
you know, the County I think were misunderstood because we said all facilities,
bathrooms and things, were closed. But what was not, I think, elaborated was the
reason it was closed was because we had to make sure that we met the
requirements of providing cleansing materials. And for whatever reason before
this, soap and those things were taken away and destroyed. So what we did was
replenished all of them, and once that was completed we opened those up for
public use.
MR. CHUNG: I guess what we're curious about is from this point in time, today
going forward, what changes are we expected to see, if at all? And you know, if
you could give us some timeframe. So maybe specifically, one issue has come
up, and you know, bear in mind I'm not taking a position on any of this. But
these are just points that have come up.
Shopping centers, for example, you kind of touched upon it. You talked about the
considerations in determining whether shopping centers should open, but could
you give us maybe more specific ideas as to when they might be opened?
Because I understand that Honolulu and Maui are going to open up pretty soon,
right? Kauai, I haven't heard what they're going to do. But this is actually
against some recommendations, right. What Honolulu and Maui is planning to
do, or maybe they're doing it right now. Could you just tell us what your
thoughts are? I mean if we're looking at opening it within a week, two weeks,
three weeks, or it's really up in the air yet.
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MAYOR KIM: I'll take that as second if you don't mind in regards to identifying
what other things can be opened. And I think that will be clearly specified what
kind of businesses, and then the changes that we want to ensure of fairness. And
we said that at the opening before that it made no sense to me that we allow big
box stores like Walmart or Costco and Target to sell things like books; like
exercise equipment.
But we make a policy that because of the State policy, those things are not
allowed as far as being independent. And we made it an issue and we continue to
make an issue. We see no sense of fairness in allowing big box stores to sell
books, and we close the small mom-pop type ownership, bookstore or bike repair
or bike store and those things. And so in this one you will see that I will
recommend changes, those things are to be opened.
Again, blanket statement is, in compliance with all the policies of prevention.
MR. CHUNG: Right.
MAYOR KIM: In regards to the one factor that I think at this point we maybe
you know, still—and it is a big debate in regards to enclosed malls. You know,
right now, we have just as far as I know only one. And the reason for that is
because it is something in regards to hard to control. There's multiple entrances,
you have different kinds of things in there: food court, theaters, etcetera. So it is,
the mall is open, but not these.
For example, Oahu will not open the theaters because of the mass gatherings,
closeness, they have those principles. In regards to the rest, it will be open
including Ala Moana Center. I'm using that as an example, Mr. Chair. The food
courts. But they will continue the policies of food courts open, but no sitting.
You have to take and go kind of thing.
And that's where we are now. We are still looking at enclosed mall policies
because of the difficulty in controlling that. Who will control it, what all the rules
will be.
MR. CHUNG: So for enclosed malls, still up in the air?
MAYOR KIM: That one.
MR. CHUNG: And restaurants, the same policy is going to be in place?
MAYOR KIM: That's a statewide policy in regards to only take out.
MR. CHUNG: Jewelry stores?
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MAYOR KIM: These things are going to be—if it's independent, they're going
to be allowed to be open.
MR. CHUNG: When?
MAYOR KIM: Hawaii County? What's our date on that one?
MR. CHUNG: Mother's Day, that's why, coming up. So they were asking about
that.
MAYOR KIM: You want me to save you money? It's Thursday, Sir.
MR. CHUNG: Thursday, okay. Anyone else? Val.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay, so I have three questions because I've been having a
lot of constituents call or email about three things. I'll give you the three and then
you can go from there. I've had several calls about opening up parks just for
exercise, especially the parks with walking paths like Kukuihaele Park has, or the
track like Honoka`a has.
I've been getting calls from some of the beauticians who says some of their
senior—their clients, you know, our kupuna are calling them and saying, "Can
you come to my apartment?" "Can you cut my hair?" So they're wondering
when will they be able to—so barber shops and beauty salons?
And the last one is the concern is about if we're going to start opening up
businesses, people are going to have to go back to work and a lot of them have
young families. They're concerned about the daycare programs and what will be
available for them, so that they're not leaving their children at home
unsupervised.
Which brought me to a question about the Summer Fun programs. And keeping
in mind that even if it's a great program, the public is still concerned about how
you're going to roll that out for the health and safety of the rest of the community,
because as you stated earlier, you were concerned about the enclosed malls. And
when we open up Summer Fun programs, we're looking at opening up gyms,
which are a lot smaller than a mall. You know, unless you keep the kids outside,
but if it rains then what happens? So those are all thoughts that, you know, we
need to think about.
I would suggest too, if you do decide to go forward with the Summer Fun
programs, that we staff it with public health nurses. You know, our County staff,
we're not in the medical field, but because of this pandemic, we need to include
health care. And I see in part of the principles to reopen, that we strengthen our
healthcare system.
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And if you're familiar around the island, I know you are because you've been
working with Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center, West Hawaii Community
Health Center and Puna. Most of them are FQHC's (Federally Qualified Health
Centers), which probably could help staff our Summer Fun programs with barely
any cost or maybe even for free depending on the Federal funding and what their
scope of services is. And I know that they can go to HRSA (Health Resources
and Services Administration) and try to expand their scope of services in a time of
need like we have. So working closely with the FQHC's to see how they can help
us staff our Summer Fun programs would be, I think, a wise discussion to have.
But those are the three. Thank you.
MAYOR KIM: Chair, mind if I go backwards to talk about the Summer Fun?
We had a meeting with the Department of Parks and Recreation who is
responsible for Summer Fun. And the first directive is, use all your creativity and
ideas because I want the Summer Fun program to run. Again, I keep repeating all
of those things are within the confines of the rules of safety in spreading. And
that's a very, very difficult task given to them to run the Summer Fun program.
In our discussions we said not only the kids need a break but the parents need a
break. So we have made a commitment that we will run it. I think funding is
going to be assisted to us because when the CARES (Act)programs become
available to the County Governments I'm told those kinds of programs, you
know, can be used by those Federal funds. So they were told disregard where the
money's going to come from, because budgets are being cut; because I was told
that we can look at this for a possible funding source.
But for your information, to this date, we have not received any confirmation of
the rules except for generality and on the amount. And the reason is simply the
State has not received it yet. So I have because they can't give me an update.
Parks and Recreation was told to come up with ideas which they're working on
now. Because you were right in regards to, how are we going to run programs in
regards to confinement, gathering, clustering and still have the kids?
And I had no specific ideas except let your imagination go of what can be done.
And naturally, all of those rules have to be adhered to because we're reminding
ourselves that at this point I'm very concerned with what we don't know about
this coronavirus.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Maurice Messina
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. MESSINA: They're going to have a plan by Thursday. All the different
districts are coming in and bringing their plans in, their ideas on how to run it.
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MAYOR KIM: I was just told that all of the districts are going to come in by this
Thursday with all their different ideas of what kinds of programs can be run
within the confines of those rules. And hopefully, we'll be successful in giving
the kids and caretakers or parents a break. In regards to the daycare programs,
that was one of my disappointments.
MS. POINDEXTER: James Komata just walked in. I'm sorry, Mayor.
MAYOR KIM: James, they asked me about the Summer Fun. Would you like to
give themI just found out that this Thursday, all your districts are coming in
with ideas?
MS. POINDEXTER: And can I just say one thing that I want to piggyback on
that Summer Fun program? The public is not just only concerned about the
children and their families in the community. But are concerned about our
workers. Because if our workers are not protected, then everything else won't
work. It'll all fall apart. So, thank you. Thank you, James for being here.
(Note: At this time, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director James Komata
came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. KOMATA: Sure. James Komata, Deputy Director for Parks and
Recreation. So our Recreation Administrator is working with his district
supervisors right now to come up with a plan on how a Summer Fun-type
program can be delivered, if it can. What kind of resources we're going to need
as far as employees, supplies, meals, food. You know, those kinds of things.
He's expecting to receive that back from his supervisors on Thursday. Friday
morning we'll go over it, and we'll be scheduling a meeting with the
Administration to review it. So at this point in time we don't have the details.
We're working on that right now.
MS. POINDEXTER: I don't know if you were listening in when I asked the
Mayor about—or recommending that we include some health care professionals
at our Summer Fun programs because of this pandemic and us not being the—and
your employees not being the health care professionals. So whether it be Public
Health nurses or working with Federally qualified health centers that are available
in each of our communities throughout the island and seeing how, you know, they
can help us design a program that would be safe and for them to be there.
Somebody's got to check the kids' temperatures, you know, things like that;
safeguards in place. So I just wanted to repeat that just in case you didn't hear
that.
MR. KOMATA: Yeah, sorry I didn't hear that input, but that's definitely
something that we are considering. We would work with the Mayor's taskforce
on the education and training. We haven't reached out to them yet. We still want
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to see what the proposal is from our Recreation Division and then we'll
supplement it as we go forward.
MS. POINDEXTER: Thank you. And then Mayor there's two more of the things
that I'm asking, but those should be quick.
MAYOR KIM: In regards to the daycare programs, seniors and children, using
that terminology broadly, one of my disappointments were of closure of the
daycare for adults, because realizing how dependent people were on social, and
physical, and even food. You know, on that. But because of the rules on
gathering which is no more than ten in the facilities that they were at; all these
years were independently, you know, following the rules of the State and the
Federal.
These were all terminated and naturally I don't have to tell you for some,
especially young people with children that go to work and depend on them for
care, that posed a great problem because it was compound problem. Because
even like me on a personal basis, people were very hesitant in putting their
children with old people like me, and rightfully so. So it just spiraled downwards.
And right now that is still a problem. I'm hoping that will be better reviewed by
everyone to see how the service can be provided, and that's an issue just no
different than James reporting. It's not Summer Fun, but the service of that—
what
hatwhat can we do within all those rules and still provide the service. And these
people are going through the same kind of discussion.
And a thing close to my heart, is barber shops, because I need a haircut. I hate to
tell you this, but my whole life this is the longest my hair has ever been. And I'm
not going to shave it because I have an ugly shaped head. And I told Civil
Defense that because I have three out of five who shaved, but they have nice
heads. I'm jealous of that too.
But anyway, I heard a crack and I thought it was as funny as can be, and I don't
mean to make this funny because it's serious business, etcetera. When this person
said, "In a month, if you keep this up, everybody will know what color my hair
really is." I don't think of that because I don't color my hair, but I guess it's part
of the problem. But that has been no, and the reason when I ask why is this so?
It's because of the physical contact.
I'm looking for consistency because I will review that because changes can be
made and should be made as we go along because we allow dentists to do it. And
they talk about close contact. And to get personal, I went to a dentist, and I was
so impressed with what this one dentist did, and these are the kinds of things I
wanted to emphasize. It's not the function, but how you will meet the
requirements. Like this one dentist, and I'm not making any of this up. I walk
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up, the door is closed. Before I walked up, I knocked, and this helper inside
opens the door and hands me a clipboard to fill out, then takes it from me. And
looks at it and opens the door. Then asked, "Have you been sick? Have you
travelled?" You know, that kind of things. And then as I walked in she sprayed
my hands. They wouldn't allow me sit in the lobby; go straight to the—where
you go there. The doctor came in all masked; the helper came in all masked. And
you know, I saw how they washed in the basin, you know, as I was walking out of
there.
And that's the kinds of things that the dentists and other people do, and I feel that
if we give these kinds of rules to people of the, you know, hair stylists and barber
shops and nail people. You know, I think it can be complied with without
endangering themselves or the patient. But that's not for me to decide. Mine is to
make a proposal.
In regards to other things like exercise, absolutely Council Woman, I think if you
heard any of the announcements from the very beginning, we have promoted
physical and emotional care. And to say to people, stay at home does not mean
stay in your home. And we have identified now and we're having signs being
made in regards to trying to identify parks that are conducive to just walking or
biking and those things; or taking your dog out for a walk. And I'm going to ask
Mo to give an update on that.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Maurice "Mo"
Messina came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. MESSINA: Good morning Council Members. Maurice Messina, Harry's
Chief of Staff. So we've submitted Rule No. 4 to the Governor to include some
of the walking trails and different accesses to beaches. For instance, we're
submitting that we want to open the Mahukona Wharf to allow access to the
beach there. Some other trails include Walua Trail, and we're currently working
on signs to insure people are social distancing, that they follow the rules. That's
basically it. But yeah, we're trying to open up the trails that people can be
distanced. For instance, Hilo Walking Trails, things like that.
MAYOR KIM: So an example of the signs that we're making that we'll post, and
I think you'll like them. They're beautiful signs, friendly signs promoting
exercise, but stay within the rules of prevention.
MS. POINDEXTER: I'm done with that, but just to piggyback on the Summer
Fun one, yeah, not just our Summer Fun program, but you know, I know that the
State is responsible probably in asking for the adult daycare for the disabled
adults, you know, like Brantley Center, the Arc of Kona, and the Arc here in Hilo
as well. So thank you, Mayor for that update. I really appreciate it. I'll yield at
this time.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MAYOR KIM: May I add one more thing to it? I'm very happy and satisfied
with the focus on the senior care centers, all being contacted to follow Hilo
Medical Group's policies, and they our leaders of advice of doctors. And they're
the ones that established from the very beginning,very strict rules on no touching,
no visitors. You know, all that kind of things. I say my thank you all the time
when you hear about the horror stories of people with their policies on the
mainland—loved ones are not even allowed to go say bye to someone they know
is dying.
We're so lucky and fortunate all the good things that happened, that made it
happen, that not one person had to be hospitalized. I mean that figure alone, I
would jump up and down and dance if I could dance like our Kauai Mayor. But
you know, that's a tremendous thing. And I want to publicly thank all the private
home cares that followed the lead of the Medical Center of what they're rules
were.
But along with that is the extreme problem of lonesomeness. And we're trying to
get ideas on how we can have social distancing. I want to change the word to
physical distancing, but still maintain social contact. And that's the program I
gave you of why Skyping-type of phones to allow people to, you know, make
contact with people. So any kind of ideas that you can share, you know,please
do. Because this group is a big group, and they need to be, you know, addressed.
MR. CHUNG: Sue.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mayor, for being here. I had an
opportunity to get on basecamp last night, so thank you for that invitation Mo and
Roy, which outlined a lot of what we're discussing today. I did have one question
and two areas I wanted to clarify. In this overall reopen plan, has any
consideration been given to like an emergency stop or self-correction? And I'm
curious about that because it's wonderful if we're moving in a positive direction,
but what considerations have been given or what indicator should we be mindful
of if we're backtracking. Could you please share what the plan might be for that
self-correction and where that's built into this reopening of the plan?
MAYOR KIM: I'm going to let Roy answer that because he's putting this in
writing and must have covered it. But before he comes up, Council Woman, I
really want to thank you for that statement—question rather. Because from the
very beginning that was our emphasis, that regardless of where we're going, how
we're going, and what we open, and I'll just read the first sentence, what Roy
wrote and we agreed, that this has got to be the priority. We have to have certain
things in place of monitoring, etcetera, etcetera, of thresholds and to know what's
going on so we can open or close the doors more or less as it happens and not
when it's a crisis. So I'll let Roy answer the question.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
(Note: At this time, Managing Director Roy Takemoto came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. TAKEMOTO: Roy Takemoto, Managing Director. Okay, so overall there
are four levels of risk. Okay, so we're in the highest level, Level 4, right now.
The way you measure going and relaxing to the next level down, there's a page in
the handout on monitoring factors to determine risk levels. It includes indicators
for how contagious the disease is at the time; measured by rate of transmission;
the healthcare system demand, which is indicted by the number of new cases per
day; active cases as a ratio of total beds; and then the capacity of the healthcare
system in terms of testing capacity, bed capacity and having contingency surge
crisis plan.
So these are measured already by the Department of Health. So we would have
on our dashboard these indicators on a daily basis. And as we find that things are
getting worse, we can go back a level. So as the Mayor emphasized, that there
needs to be certain assurances in place that will allow us to screen particularly at
the airports, and if the cruise ships start coming in their port of entry, we need to
be able to test, not just symptomatic but asymptomatic, who have close contact in
the emergency and healthcare professionals.
We need to have a robust contact tracing and surveillance testing method, and for
those that are confirmed, we need to be able to isolate them if they cannot isolate
safely in their homes. So these are the prerequisites that we need to open and the
measures that we'll be doing on a daily basis to indicate what level we should be
allowing.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Roy. And that information, that dashboard will be
on our basecamp, or where is that going to be provided?
MR. TAKEMOTO: You'll be provided a link to the dashboard through
basecamp.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Roy. I had two more. Building off of that, on their
basecamp, we had a healthcare industry support, but we haven't identified a lead.
And that was in relationship to information from the Lieutenant Governor's
Office or the Department of Health. Has someone been identified for that? Are
we looking for, you know, a doctor, a retired doctor, retired nurse?
MR. TAKEMOTO: Yeah, that one, we just kind of put that there as a
placeholder, and we found that really that was not necessary. The main thing in
terms of coordination with the County was ensuring that there's supplies, the
supply inventory. If they needed something then we would have backed them up
like with masks or gloves. But as far as the communication with the medical
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
field, that was already ongoing through the Lieutenant Governor or with the
hospital administrators. So we didn't need to bother them with a separate
taskforce.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. And maybe Roy building off of the signage part,
I'm really big at managing expectations. And maybe this could actually go as a
suggestion to that particular taskforce subcommittee on education. I saw the
Hawaii Island Contractors' Association (HILA) construction industry pledge,
and it was a great info graph of their pledge as essential workers in the
construction industry, and what they pledge to do to insure that their own industry
wouldn't be spreading or be part of, you know, some of that spread.
And as we manage expectations in some of these open spaces or some of the
places we intend to open, it would be honorable, I think, for some of these
businesses to make that kind of bold pledge. That, if you're going to come to our
business or as we relax some of these guidelines that we're going to hold people
accountable. You know, both not only from a business or industry perspective
but those entering into these types of establishments.
And I think that kind of signage might be helpful. You know, it's like going to
someone's house, right? You're going to take off your slippers. It's the same
thing; and unfortunately, some of that just has to be communicated. Thank you.
MR. TAKEMOTO: That's a good idea. And actually we were kind of doing it
from a complimentary way. The Prevention Taskforce was coming up with like a
gold-star checklist for the businesses. So as the taskforce went out to inspect
various businesses and going through the checklist. If the business met all of
those, then they would get a certificate that they could display. But it would be
voluntary or be advisory. It would be a way to help the business promote that
they are safely practicing.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Roy. Thank you, Mo for inviting us to basecamp.
It's been really helpful. Chair, I yield.
MR. CHUNG: Mayor, did you want to say something or you're just sitting back?
And Maurice, you mentioned Mahukona opening up, right? So I think that's a
great segue into our next speaker, because he must be really happy. Tim
Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. And yes, Mayor and Maurice, thank you
so much for that. That's been an ongoing conversation for beach openings. At
least avenues or corridors we can get to the ocean. So I really appreciate the work
on that. You and I have had this conversation for some time now.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Mayor, I don't know, we just got a press release concerning the State parks, and
from DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) it would appear that
Hapuna Beach State Park is opening up for the parking. So they're sort of
doing—appears to be a part-way opening. On the beaches and parks, and
spring-boarding off of my fellow Council Members, the concern for getting to the
parks for exercise; getting to the beach. Is there a way that we can work on
exploring while maintaining social distancing getting back on the beaches? And I
throw that out, you know, maybe we can come up with a policy that can lead the
State going forward if we can identify something. Now, granted with have the
Governor to work with. But we want to do something for our people, and the Big
Island—and you've always said, the Big Island is big. We have a lot of open
space, but the paradox is there's not a lot of places for people to go take care of
the family. And I'm thinking if we can start working towards some policy going
forward. Now the health concerns are not lost on me at all with my background
in Vet medicine and population medicine, so I do understand that. But maybe we
can start working towards some sort of policy to address that.
Now, additionally with that I have to throw out the conversation concerning
greenwaste and greenwaste management. My district, since we're North- South
Kohala and cleaning yard is you know, everybody's staying home now. Like you
said, "Stay in your yard." And a lot of people are doing a lot of yardwork that
they haven't done for months if not years. The problem is we're having the
greenwaste problem. And one of the continuing calls that we get is about
addressing the greenwaste management. So I've had the conversations with
Director Kucharski and I do understand the direction, and I understand that to a
point. But we have a lot of people wanting us to get greenwaste open as it was
previously. And again, if we can work towards that, I think that's going to
address a lot of things.
I'm going to stop right there. Oh, one other thing, I do appreciate what the
Governor has done in relaxing the constraints concerning the floriculture industry.
As we've talked about previously, agriculture to me is something that we can
work on as far as our recovery and expanding our agricultural base; all
agriculture. And I appreciate the fact that we are relaxing on the floriculture so
we can actually get some of that back to work.
Again,just some comments on that Mayor as far your direction, because yes we
want to reopen. I think some of these low concern areas as far as potentially
spreading the disease. Potentially like I said, agriculture,just comments on that
and direction and your thoughts on that, please?
MAYOR KIM: I think you need a haircut just like me.
MR. RICHARDS: Yes, Mayor, you are very right. It's a race.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MAYOR KIM: Thank you always for pushing for local Ag. I think I've got to
word this carefully so it's not misinterpreted, but one of the good things that has
been happening is a focus on buying local. And a lot of the people who are
contributing to the Food Basket Programs, I think you will see an emphasis on
that. Buying local means putting money in the pockets of local farmers. That's
all it means. Promoting that, and I think that is really being focused on by almost
everybody. So I thank you for that, and I promise you that all funds that are
channeled, and a lot of that is just channeled money to the County Government,
the emphasis will be on that. If you, you know, saw the CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) funds, it's all to the Food Basket and different
programs. And they will be informed because of the importance of that. And we
will continue that Councilman.
And in regards to other things, I am hoping this will make a longer impact than
this period of the coronavirus in regards to the farmers, the importance of farmers.
Because one thing I wanted to take the opportunity, and I will jump in on that
with this, that Hawaii State has been identified as a greatest impact state of the
coronavirus economically. And that is strictly because the vast majority of our
economy is based on tourism. And there's no real second very close to Hawaii.
You know, we're talking about 30-40 percent type range as far as unemployment
impact.
So you can see, you know, how important what was just said by you, Councilman,
in regards to promoting local Ag and along that with anything local businesses.
And I also would like to take this opportunity to emphasize what was emphasized,
I'm elated and so is everybody else that at this point with fingers and toes crossed,
you know, of what the impact has so far been to the Hawaii Island and even
Hawaii State, but folks on Hawaii Island to rehash what was said, only four
active. With what I rehash was said was no one had to be hospitalized except for
one just overnight. And that person is recovered and well today. And obviously
no fatality for this island. That was our goal and, you know, that's tremendous to
feel that.
But as I've stated in opening, Mr. Chair, Members of the Council, the importance
of continuing this work in regards to the impact economically, why the Food
Basket and those programs were just told at the last food drop off, they ran out of
packages. And there are a thousands of those things being distributed, and again,
I thank all of those who are contributing to the Food Basket Drive.
I want to read this very short program to emphasize what I'm emphasizing, "we"
meaning the County of Hawaii, ". . . was recently awarded a grant from the
Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to work with nonprofits to stand up
financial navigational assistance program and a call center." The nonprofit will
provide financial counselor assistance with filling out forms, like unemployment,
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
food stamps and those things. Whatever else a person needs, because you know
in Hawaii, there's so many people that with paperwork, they feel very
uncomfortable, that it even stops them from even applying. And I think this
program that Diane Ley is in charge of coordinating, and we hope to get it
implemented within a month or so. It's a long-term type program. And to help
these people individually pursuing.
You know, this island's poverty level was much higher per district than any place
in the state. And so I'm emphasizing to this Council that it's going to come back
to you for your assistance, which you have already had. You're the ones that
came up with the supplementary program to fill in the gap of the loan program,
and we'll work with you on that, obviously. Because of the guarantees that need
to be addressed. And you're key on that, and we will address that.
But the good news on the only four active is tremendous, I think for this State.
I'm sorry for the fatalities, but you know, at least we didn't have youths and those
things. And every one of them had underlying, quote, unquote so-called health
issues. This island has had no hospitalization besides the one overnight. And the
recovery rate, if you noticed, the recovery rate yesterday's report, believe it or not
was 11 being monitored. This morning's report is four.
You could expect a drop, but I didn't expect that much of a drop. And this is
monitored by Eric (Eric Honda, Department of Health) and people sitting behind
me. And I want to thank Eric. He's with us every single morning, seven days a
week. In regards to keeping us abreast and working with us. And so is the
hospital people at all the meetings that guides us, you know, where we should go.
Now, the guidance along with that, which will continue, I'm very proud of. For
example, your fogging program, the only one in the State. Fogging all of the
urgent cares and healthcare centers daily so they can keep their place sterilized.
We will need your help, Mr. Chair and the Council, to work with you in every
way possible of program ideas that you may have like you just did in regards to
the economic issues. I'll close with that, we are the highest in the United States of
America as far as economic impact, because the coronavirus because our industry
is based so much on travel from outside.
MR. RICHARDS: Mayor, and I appreciate that, and I couldn't agree with you
more as far as our impact. We have about an $8.5 billion economy, and at least
one-third of that if not more is from tourism, and so that's why we're seeing the
impact.
I have to commend you, sir, for the funding you're putting forth through R&D
(Department of Research and Development)to support the farmers, and that's
standing up nicely with the other program that we've come up with, the so-called
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Bridges program. Again, to bridge the gap while we can keep our farmers and
ranchers going, and also feeding our people, which is a great direction.
In sitting in on some of the national calls for NACo (National Association of
Counties) for briefings out of Washington D.C., I know there is funding coming
forth from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), and it's my
understanding that the counties—well, most of the funding will have to come
through the State, but they're working on getting direct funding to the counties. I
assume we are working very diligently to get some of that funding to again fill
into our county program as it stands up next to the Bridges program, all-in-all to
support our farmers and ranchers going forward.
And one other thing I do want to touch on, sir, was the greenwaste thing. You
didn't happen to mention that, but I think that's a great way for exercise. And I
think we could get that back in place. Could you just comment on that please?
MAYOR KIM: Yeah, sorry, I forgot about that, but the greenwasteI don't
think he's here. Bill (Kucharski), you know,just informed me yesterday, and I
have to admit that I didn't really remember all the details, but the greenwaste will
be reestablished in regards to the importance of that. I can get that information to
you, sir, as soon as this is over. But it is known that the greenwaste must be
reestablished, and it will be.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thank you so much Mayor. I appreciate your time.
Chair, I yield.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Mayor, for your
efforts. I really appreciate everything that you're doing especially your staff.
Your cabinet has always been available to me at very odd hours every single day,
and I know that they're working incredibly hard as our County employees and
many essential frontline workers in every industry,private sector, grocery clerks,
you know, volunteers that are pushing out food to kupuna. I mean, I'm impressed
with community. The Big Island's heart is just so big, and I'm just so proud to be
of this place and representing this island.
MAYOR KIM: Thank you for that.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, I mean I think we all need to exercise some
compassion. This is having a very devastating impact locally and globally, but I
know we're going to pull through together. Thank you, Roy, for setting up the
basecamp. I know it was a wish of mind that we had a platform as Council and
Administration to collaborate and talk story. So thank you for doing that. Look
forward to continuing to work with everyone.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
The dashboard you mentioned regarding the metrics for reopening, that's
accessible via basecamp, but I'm wondering if that information could also be
shared with the public. Yes, it can be. Okay, great. I mean I think it's great for
the public to know and to understand, you know, where we are, and can make
adjustments. So thank you.
Questions I have are related to logistics and finance as well as economic recovery.
So I'll start with Deanna, if that's okay, Mayor. One of the missions here notes,
you know, expedited purchasing system, and so I'm wondering if there are certain
things that our County plans on purchasing. Also, Deanna if you can share with
us if any of the CARES Act money is going to be utilized or can be utilized to
supplement any of our budget shortfall that we may be experiencing. We can
start there, and I have a few more questions for you.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director,Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: So, the first one, on the expedited purchasing, the Governor gets to
spend the 103D (Hawai`i Revised Statutes), which is the procurement section.
However, that doesn't mean we don't still follow procurement, because we still
want to get the best deals for our island and for our County. So our staff are still,
you know, putting things out to bid. Still, you know, making phone calls.
We get a lot of solicitations everyday wanting to sell us masks, disinfectant, and
other things. And their prices are outrageous. I mean, so we're monitoring
everything. And the focus has been on getting PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment), disinfectant; all the things we need to combat COVID. To support
all the other teams, the Bug Busters;just having our staff be safe out there.
Initially, getting disinfectant, hand sanitizer, and masks was extremely difficult.
But we've increased our supplies. We intend to increase them more, because if
we hit the second wave, we don't want to be competing with the whole world
again. It was really hard to be able to just find suppliers for some of these items.
We do believe we have sufficient stock right now to support especially our public
safety employees.
So we continue to work on that along with regular procurement. And then in
terms of the CARES Act, we are monitoring all the different grants. It can be
frustrating at times. You know, when we've had other FEMA (Federal
Emergency Management Agency) disasters, we've been mostly the only one with
Lava, with Hurricane Iselle, with Lane. All of those things, we've been the only
one dealing with FEMA. We're competing for their time with the entire country
right now.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
And so, it's kind of different. It's been hard. As I was sitting back there I
realized that yesterday, they were supposed to get back to us on our feeding plan
to say if they would support it or not, and I realized on the call yesterday that
didn't come up. So we'll follow-up with them again.
We believe we'll be getting some of the other CARES Act money. Because we
are a County of less than 500,000, we didn't get it directly. We believe some of it
will be coming through the Governor, but we're not sure how much yet. So we're
continuing to, you know, do everything we need to do to support our staff, the
community, and whatever we need to do.
But sometimes it's difficult too—some of the programs we have don't always fit
into the guidelines of the CARES Act funding. The CARES Act 4 is the one,
when you mentioned the budget, the one that's before Congress right now, is the
one that will help us supplement our budget for our revenue shortfalls. The
money that's come down so far has only been to support the COVID-19 response.
So it has to be, you know, disinfecting or PPE, or you know, different programs to
stimulate the economy but not to supplement our budget. It's not allowed.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So, you know, with CARES Act 4.0, I mean do you think
this is going to be like the Big Mahoy, right? I mean all these bills that have
come through Congress have been kind of small to kind of get us through the next
few weeks. And so I'm wondering if this next bill will be bigger to kind of
sustain response and recovery over a longer period of time that extends more than
just a few weeks.
MS. SAKO: I hear what you're saying. I think even when we hear these big
numbers, when it is divvied up amongst every local government in the Country,
it's not going to be as much as we're hoping for.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Sure. You talked about money coming from the State.
Have they put together a formula to ensure that monies are distributed equitably
among the remaining counties that have populations under 500,000?
MS. SAKO: Yeah, I believe they're doing it by population. I mean there's some
sort of factor. They obviously have, you know, a lot of concerns themselves. I
mean they're the ones having to cover all the unemployment right now and
everything. So we just hope for a portion of it. We would prefer to use that
money because with FEMA with have a 25 percent match. With the CARES Act
funding I believe there's not a match on some of those items. So we're trying to
monitor every funding source and take advantage of each one. But even when the
portion has come down to us, it's you know, not as much as we would like
sometimes.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, well, I know Deanna you're going to keep fighting
for us, so thank you.
MS. SAKO: Well, we do every day.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Just a couple other things. So CDBG, we had
conversations about how this is being divvied up to help certain nonprofits in the
community that are doing excellent work to keep our people fed and safe.
You know, we talked about last Council in order to support the Emergency
Resiliency Loan Program, Mayor, that I was able to put forward. Maybe, you
know, using some of that money to stand up that program. But you mentioned to
me that there's certain criteria in place with CDBG that allows us to spend money
on feeding operations. Can you elaborate a little on that?
MS SAKO: Yeah, so Duane's (Hosaka) here and could probably explain a little
more about CDBG specifically. But that source of funds is able to help some of
our nonprofits that are doing feeding, whereas some of our other funding it's very
specific that it's not for food. It can be delivery of food. They feel that, you
know, there's other programs that can provide it.
But you know, our County as the Mayor and we keep talking about, we have a lot
of people that are food insufficient. And so we need to get them, you know, food
the best way we know how. And so we're happy the nonprofits are picking up for
us and doing that, and the CDBG funds are one of the ways that we can actually
funnel the money to them. Some of the other money ideas have not been working
out.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thanks for that explanation, because several of us
thought could we leverage CDBG to support the loan program.
MS. SAKO: Yes, we did find other funding from that and we believe that will fit
under the CARES Act.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And then, sorry, last question regarding some of the
Federal monies. Are you hearing that we may be able to expand, like Section 8
vouchers have more of them or other monies be available to help renters or folks
make mortgage? Maybe that's a Duane question.
MS. SAKO: Duane, we got more from Section 8, correct? Yeah, I think there's
actually—we've already submitted some Section 8 amendments. I don't think
they've been agendized yet, but I believe we have gotten additional funding.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's extremely helpful. Thank you so much
Deanna. I really appreciate your partnership and all of your efforts and your staff.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
I have questions for Director Ley, please, R&D regarding business assistance and
economic recovery. Diane, you and your team have been fabulous to work with,
thank you. What's the pulse out there, economically, business community?
Curious to know the kinds of products that you are seeing on the market in terms
of support for small business. Some partnerships that R&D has established or
kind of strengthened to support the business community and kind of aid us in our
economic recovery.
(Note: At this time, Research and Development Director Diane Ley came
forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. LEY: Thank you. Diane Ley, Director for the Department of Research and
Development. Yes, the pulse is we went through shock to despair and panic. And
then we turn the corner and people started lifting themselves up. Very quickly
there were collaborative efforts where people wanted to share information, do
surveys; be able to hui to resolve issues. And so I think that's that renewal, and
good we took a deep breath.
We know we're all in this together, not only on this island, as we've been through
so many disasters, but statewide nationally and globally. So I think that's really
good, and I think that people are now looking to, you know, what can I do to do
my part as a business owner, as a business industry? I think we all want to get to
continue to support in the immediate. Take the intermediate steps knowing that
we may have to step forward, step back as the Mayor was talking about, you
know, as we bump into problems along the way. And those may be health and
safety; they may be other, you know, financial concerns. But I think we are
bringing that, all forward together. And then we want to look at the long-term
systemic changes that this crisis brings an opportunity to. So I think that many
people are lifting their voices and trying to come together on that. And that's the
good news.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Can you talk a little bit about some of the products that
R&D is working on in collaboration, say with the Farm Bureau or the Kohala
Center?
MS. LEY: Okay, sure. We very quickly, you know, recognized that with people
losing their jobs, and not just their jobs, the employment. Because it's very
important to understand that, and I really wasn't aware of this, the number of
businesses on this island. I thought they were smaller than they are, but we have
over 22,000 businesses on this island.
Now, some of those are sole proprietors. And we just talked to a gentleman this
week. He had four businesses registered. So, you know, it maybe one guy with
four. But regardless, the large majority, 81 percent are these sole proprietors.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
And these people may have had their business completely lifted out from under
them. And maybe all four of their businesses.
And so recognized very early that food was going to be a challenge, because
that's our primary concern. And then, we obviously, you know, we have rent or
mortgages and other bills that we must pay. So lifted up and luckily the County
has a Food Access Coordinator, so we were able to deploy her along with other
staff from R&D and within the Administration, working collaboratively with
Finance and the Mayor's Office and others, Office of Housing, to look for where
we can find financial resources to bring to the table that are not necessarily only
the County's, but we have been lifting that.
And I want to acknowledge the Council Members for the contributions that are
going out to the different organizations that are feeding people. But we also
recognize that our farmers are challenged. And so we wanted to look for
resources both within the County and outside to bring forward that we can
purchase local produce, meats, dairy products. And move those into these feeding
systems and distribution points.
So we're happy to partner on that. We'd like to, you know, continue to see that
we can do more, and obviously, we want to bring along other programs. Existing
Federal programs like the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
benefits. So getting people signed up for that will help us long term because it
really concerns me that we are so focused right now on getting people food and
getting, you know, through those food lines on a multi-point basis each week.
But the long-term haul that we're going to be in is very concerning, so we need to
keep focused on that, and the SNAP program is one of those that I think we can
help our families.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: You know,just to summarize, right? The Calabash Fund
is going to be available through the Kohala Center. I know you folks have
worked on that. Also, the program through Hawaii Farm Bureau, right? Both of
these programs, buying local and then positioning the food into communities that
really that extra support. So thank you for helping to lift that up.
MS. LEY: And again, you know, along the lines of long-term shifts, we are
encouraging some of our partners to look at the distribution models that overcome
some of the long-term hurdles that Hawaii Agriculture has faced, because it is
more expensive to produce food and deliver it. Or that's been our assumption, so
maybe now we can make some shifts. So we're trying to be strategic to overcome
some of this.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, I love the public-private discussions that are
happening among all of those stakeholders to really figure out how is our island
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
and our State really going to get to that food secure future that we always
envision? Two more questions Diane.
You know how much I love talking about the CEDS, right? And for anyone who
doesn't know what that acronym is, it is the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy. I just like knowing where we're going, and so I'm
wondering if the EDA (U.S. Economic Development Administration) is going to
be providing additional support to carry out the work this time around, or are
there, you know, extended deadlines to get this document completed considering
the situation we're in.
MS. LEY: Okay, good questions. I don't know all the answers. I do know that
the State did put in an application for the CEDS program. And what it does is it
flows from the Federal Government from Economic Development
Administration. They provide planning dollars to states.
And then the State puts out a request for proposals and with criteria that is
directed by the Economic Development Administration. But the intent is to bring
that home so that we can do planning documents that will align and help us move
forward in the future. And then once the CEDS is in place, then we can go back
and as community-based groups as institutions, whether it's state or county and
go back and ask for resources from the Economic Development Administration.
That's typically how it goes, you know, how things roll in the future I don't know.
One of the good things and we are, you know, we know that we need to do an
Economic Recovery Plan for COVID. What that means, yeah, we're all
questioning. We do have an outline of a strategy,but I think one of the fortunate
things that happened out of the Kilauea eruption was the Economic Development
Administration gave us money for planning. And part of that was to tee up the
CEDS, so we do have baseline information about the economy prior to the
eruption which was just two years ago. So that will help us with our planning
going forward. We won't have to do that work, and then what's this new model
going to look like.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Do you think the Economic Recovery Strategy that was
crafted during eruption recovery process, which is ongoing, do you think that is a
good foundation or a strategy related to how we bounce forward from COVID
impacts?
MS. LEY: I think it was fortunate because we were able to really look at the
broad picture, and while we narrowed it down and the document still hasn't
moved—and I apologize for that, but it hasn't moved because of time constraints
but it's near ready to go public but I think what it did was while we had to—our
consultants took a really broad look and they were also from outside the state, so
they came in with different ideas, and some of those we thought didn't fit at the
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
time. But now, our whole world is turned inside out, so now we want to be able
to lift back up some of those ideas that we put aside and say, are these appropriate
and can these help us? Or do we tweak them and maybe them.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for your open-mindedness on that. And I really
appreciate you standing firm and wanting to ensure that we have a really good
work product that goes out, that will be meaningful for our community.
Last question I have is related to the Economic Recovery Taskforce that's being
established by the Governor, headed by Alan Oshima. My understanding was
three representatives from each County. Do you know who they are? Is someone
that is part of this taskforce going to be participating in those conversations? My
understanding was someone in government, in business as well as community. So
I'm just curious if the names have been floated up.
MS. LEY: Okay, so from my level of awareness, Roy Takemoto and I have been
participating in the unified strategy. But I also understand that Wendy Laros from
Kona Kohala Chamber has been participating through the House Select
Committee. But to my knowledge, I don't think anybody else that I'm aware of
specifically from this island.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, no worries, lots of people wearing many hats. Lots
of conversations. Thank you, Diane, I really appreciate it. Chair, I'll yield.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Matt?
MS. POINDEXTER: Can I just do a follow-up?
MR. CHUNG: Alright, go ahead.
MS. POINDEXTER: On the CEDS grants, those are block grants right? Because
you're saying they're coming to the State and then the State puts it out. So those
are block.
MS. LEY: I don't know what the terminology is for sure with EDA, but it does
go the State and then the State subcontracts out.
MS. POINDEXTER: So, yeah, those are block grants. So are we able to get any
direct grants, because there's block grants and there's grants that are direct grants.
Are we looking at the ones that can come—rewrite for our County's needs?
MS. LEY: Okay, the CEDS is a planning document. So the last CEDS was
intended to identify our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. And so
that's what that document did. I don't know what the criteria is for this one.
EDA sets it. We still have an open door with applications with EDA based on the
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
old CEDS. And statewide and the Pacific Basin has about$4 million every year
available for funding projects. And then, like with the Kilauea disaster, we
qualified for a pot of funds that included California, Oregon, and the Pacific
Basin. So we're still in the process of applying for Kilauea relief projects.
MS. POINDEXTER: So I'll talk to you about the other types of grants after,
because those are block. Okay, thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, Matt.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning.
MAYOR KIM: Mr. Chair, if I may follow-up on a comment on just one thing in
regards to the Recovery Taskforces, because it is all connected. What it is of
economic stimulation, and because of the recovery group, I think you just read
where through their efforts and FEMA grants, $90 plus million has just been
granted to the County Government to apply for repair and recovery from the
eruption. And all of this is more than welcome because it is for the roads and
water, but in regards to that, that is $90 plus million of new money. As you
know, how important new money is. It will be coming in here to create jobs as
well as obviously to address the project.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you. Go ahead, Matt.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mayor. And thank you
everyone for being here today. I appreciate all the brilliant minds we have
working on our solutions to COVID-19 as a County.
I just wanted to touch on a couple things that came up today. And thank you for
your time this morning. We are at almost two hours now. The funding, I think
Honolulu County got$350 million from the $1.2 billion that came from the Feds
through the CARES program. But Ashley touched on it earlier, but how are
they—since we're not 500,000 people, how is that breakdown, and do we know
how that amount of funding that comes from the State to us and what's that's
based on? I think Deanna touched on it a little bit,but it sounds like nobody has a
very clear answer on how we know what amount we'll get.
MAYOR KIM: If I may, the only answer I have is communication with the
Governor who the rest of the funds of$1.25 billion will be given to the State for
distribution. He has assured me more than once in regards to that. He has not so
far received any strict guidelines, but we just received I think, I thought was an
updated one yesterday, but it was just a repetition of the general guidelines which
stated, "The money shall be distributed..." In regards to this, the money shall be
used only for COVID response-type of expenses and not for, very specifically
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
stated for State and County governments, not to be used for any kind of budgetary
balancing.
In regards to when it will be distributed and how, I can tell you up to yesterday
morning from the Governor, he has still not received the quote, unquote cash in
hand. He has not received any more specific interpretations of how and what the
money can be spent for except for that general statement, and assured us that
money will be distributed to the three remaining counties and the State
Government.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, that's good to hear. I'm still waiting
to see how and what we're going to get, because I know Honolulu County got
already.
MAYOR KIM: Yeah, because they're as you said, over 500,000, so they get
direct supplement. The rest of us will have to wait till the State gets their
supplement.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then we have two County
physicians that are in our departmental reviews that come us again and again. But
do they have a role in the COVID-19 response or updating? I've never actually
seen one before. They're like unicorns, but they're in our budget. So I'm
wondering can they help provide, you know, any information for us when it
comes to COVID-19. I see Bill Brilhante behind you raising his hand. I don't
know if he can help you or if you want to answer.
MAYOR KIM: I'm laughing to myself, Councilman, but I think since February
doing other things is our job. That's all we did seven days a week. And every
position, almost literally somehow is connected to this. You can call any
department head and see the amount of time they put on this. And I'll let Bill
answer those specific questions in regards to those positions, but those were really
reviewed. We know this would be a really bad time to come before this Council
and ask for new positions, but these are positions that we felt are very important
because of that department. So, Bill?
(Note: At this time, Human Resources Director, William Brilhante came
forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. BRILHANTE: Good morning, William Brilhante, Human Resources
Director. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Call me Matt.
MR. BRILHANTE: I was planning on that, but then, that's kind of informal. In
response to your question to the Mayor regarding the two County physicians.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Historically those physicians have been contracted for the County's benefit and
use as it relates to pre-employment physicals as well as fit-for-duty physicals and
the like.
There has been some added use, the physicians have stepped up as it relates to
some first responders are required to wear respirator type facemasks. And there's
a requirement that if they're going to be mandated to wear the facemasks then
they have to be fit-tested for mask use and have pulmonary functioning tests. So
we've been utilizing them in that capacity, and you know, that's been the extent
of it so far.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. My question was, can we use them
for COVID-19 updates as they are physicians. And I've seen them bouncing
around different areas of social media but it's an option. We have County
physicians, they're doctors. They would know how to respond and hopefully they
have some background in bacteria and epidemiology.
MR. BRILHANTE: That's definitely something we can look at. It hasn't been
brought to the table, but yeah, that's definitely something going forward that we
can take a look at.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, thank you, Bill. And then we're
going to reopen at some point, we know that. And I think you just signed in
another rule or proclamation that just happened. So I think what's important is
how we reopen and how we take into account everyone's safety moving forward.
And I think Ms. Lee Loy touched on it. Globally it's being touched on as, as we
begin to reopen, what do we do?
Is the County looking at any kind of tracing? And we have low numbers, but as
you start to reopen you could see spikes. It's a very real possibility. And new
clustering. And I think it is. It's in the community already, we know that. It's
floating around. So do we look at tracing as an option? Is that something that the
State gives us, you know, movement on? Or do we move on that as a County?
MAYOR KIM: On this, it's going to be working together. I want to take this
opportunity to—I think Eric (Honda). He's the head of the Department of Health
here. And I've stated that he's with us all the time. We depend, as I've stated,
you know, we have no health department as we know in the County Government
of Hawaii, so the expertise of all of that relating to this disease goes back to
them. And well-coordinated with them, and I've stated Eric's staff is with us
seven days a week into all discussions. And I want to thank him for that, and he
is seated back there and can answer any of those questions.
But I think he'll agree that where we go from here in regards to response as well
as recovery, and those things. And I'll agree that,you know, in reopening we
have to havea major reopening comes with the associated risk of potential
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
outbreak, etcetera, etcetera. So we have to have the screening, testing, monitoring
all in order. So we know when thresholds are met, and we depend very heavily
with the Department of Health. And I think I can say that, you know, we've
offered to the Department of Health all the resources we have due to the limited
framework of employees they have, because they just have a branch, so to speak
to cover the whole island, Kona and Hilo branch. And I know we can be a big
help. For example, very few people know that the Police Department assigned
two detectives to them at their call at any time if they need any help in regards to
tracking and tracing. So that's the kind of relationship we have.
And also, these people are working seven days-a-week. I noticed behind me is
somebody I really owe a lot to the Fire Department, Lance Uchida. He was given
a really difficult test of emergency response of training, monitoring and all of that.
They're just keeping it broad, and he took the ball and ran, I think, a superior
program second to none anywhere I know. And I mean, anywhere that I know, so
I thank him for that.
Public Works and Parks, they're still doing seven days-a-week for disinfecting
and they will continue that. These numbers are low and if you remember what I
read this morning, and maybe that's a good way to end it, you know, asking
everybody to ramp up. Because it's low, we're not going to slow down, we're
going to ramp up until we knock this son-of-a-gun out of the air.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and you touched on our first
responders. Do all of our first responders have all the PPE(Personal Protection
Equipment)that they need?
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir, that is an absolute requirement, you know, that we do
that. And we have people on the taskforce that are responsible for that to make
sure that they have the gear that they need. I think we're very lucky in a sense
that especially because the hospitals—if you can imagine the whole island, not
one person except for that one overnight had to stay at the hospital. So all the
kind of things you read about the ventilators, and certain kind of protection
equipment has never really been a problem here, because there was no need
because of a mass in influx of victims.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, that's good to hear. Just gaging from
what I'm seeing, you know, online and in different countries and different states,
we have people threatening to cough on people or spit in people faces. I want to
make sure that our first responders are taken care of when they're out and about,
because they're our frontliners.
MAYOR KIM: I appreciate you bringing that up publicly because as you said,
we owe so much to our first responders. And coincidentally today is called
National Nurses Day. And my goodness, the kind of hours that they put in.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, they're as much a frontliner as any
other. Businesses, PPE and some comments that I got; some emails and phone
calls were where we're asking businesses to have sanitizer and different
techniques to keep COVID down. But some restaurants and some businesses
can't actually get it, because they're hard to find right now.
So for the County, our requirements, if you could please take that into
consideration when we're start doing requirements of reopening. And enforcing
that you have to have these things. If it's not available to them, that is going to be
an issue, and it's a scary thing when you've been given a requirement that you
can't meet.
MAYOR KIM: Absolutely sir, and I think when we made that announcement of
that requirement—we gave him aI see him back there, the red-headed guy back
there. There's only one red head in the audience, so I don't have to look. He's
with Civil Defense; he's responsible for that. He's done a bang-up job of two
things. He's the one that was given the responsibility of the fogging machine, and
it was just go get it, and we have a full program implemented. And along with
that, he took upon his responsibility to work with the private sector who's
donating things and ideas of how to develop sanitizers. So when we made that
announcement, it was associated with if you need help on this, let us know and we
will provide that help.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. And my last question,
non-essential and essential services. Kalapana Transfer Station has been demoted
down to one day-a-week from three, they used to have. The community is a little
bit upset about that. I'm just voicing that to you. I think a good solution maybe is
to do instead of one day a week—and it's always due to tonnage and different
things but maybe two days a week; shortened hours. But I'm touching on that
because Bill's (Kucharski) or Greg (Goodale). I'm touching on that because I'm
watching different things.
We're all cleaning out our houses. Salvation Army is still closed. I think
Goodwill just opened. A lot of our outreach services are closed and Hope
Services and guys like that aren't taking anything because they're overwhelmed
right now with stuff. But everyone's at home cleaning out their homes. Like
Mr. Richards said cleaning up their yard. Years of projects happening at one
time. But things like for the County services, white goods; your metal
recycling, all of those are being deemed nonessential right now.
And I can understand that, you know, we have to do what we have to do. But
anything that we don't take is going to be dumped in places that we may not want
it. And yes it will end up probably in a landfill, great. But if we can divert, and
being Vice Chair of Waste Management, I'm hoping to get some of these services
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
back open again, because as people clean their homes, all that stuff has to go
somewhere.
So I don't know if you touched on that in your last rule that you just did, but if we
can start to see some reopening of some of those services that may not be
essential, but definitely help the County on the backend as far as waste tonnage,
and you know, greenwaste. And helping people get what they're accumulating in
the house is out, that would be a great service to the community.
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir, and I'll get more details to you, because Bill was trying
to update me, and I wasn't giving him that much time. He was trying to give me
updates in regards to the greenwaste, and I'll get that information to you. And on
the Kalapana issue, a hard decision had to be made and distributed in regards to
that. And we felt at that time, you know, one day a week is not enough, but the
best we could do in regards to distribution. But I'll talk to Bill about that to see if
anything can be changed.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, I understood both sides of the
conversation. I thought maybe because one day a week is hard for any
community, and two days a week, shorter hours may be a good solution going
forward. Yeah, thank you. I appreciate your time, and again I appreciate
everyone who's here. It's great to see all these different minds in one place doing
one effort to get us moving forward. So, mahalo for your time today, Mayor.
Thank you, I yield.
MR. CHUNG: Tim, you had a comment?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Aaron (Chung), I think we do have a couple comments
here.
MR. CHUNG: Who?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Villegas.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, go ahead, Rebecca.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Chair Chung. Just a couple of things. I wanted to,
and I'm not sure if James Komata(P&R) is still in the room, but there are some
contingency funds set aside for a weed steamer, which is the technology that we
actually did an example and kind of a trial run day with DPW (Department of
Public Works) and Parks and Rec. This weed steamer also works also works as a
disinfectant device with the radically hot water that comes out of it and the steam
that could be used to disinfect our parks and facilities. So I'm very hopeful that
with some CRF (Contingency Relief Funds) funding and working with Parks and
Rec. that piece of equipment can come in really handy as we continue to navigate
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
the disinfection processes that will be in effect in our parks. So I'm kind of
excited about that and I just really want to put a call out there to Parks and Rec
with the request that we keep working together to get that kind of technology and
that equipment. And I think that the public, and families, and children will very
much appreciate a transition to a water disinfectant just removing any and all
potential accusations about chemicals or bleach. Really hot water can get the job
done.
I also just wanted to give a big shout out to Sharon Hirota and for her continued
diligence to work on both sides of the island making sure that the facilities are
coming into effect and to be able to used to house our vulnerable houseless and
homeless community right now. I wanted to see if I could just put in a request
from the Administration to support her. We are really trying to find an
appropriate place to put this next round of tiny homes.
And it's been mentioned to me by a number of different people how impressed
they were with the productivity of DPW to clear and grade areas after the lava
flow. And I'm hoping that maybe we could do that at Kukui Ola and save a step
in this process, and if we can get the equipment and the manpower out here to get
that area grated, that perhaps those tiny homes could go just directly to Kukui Ola
and really get a jumpstart on that project. And show the members of our
community and the businesses who are unfortunately negatively impacted by the
current tent city on Pawai Place to get those transitions out of that location and
into more adequate facilities where they can be better taken care of.
I also want to say a big mahalo to Mo (Maurice Messina) and James (Komata).
Thank you, Maurice, for your consistent communication in my district. And I
actually live on Walua Road, which is a walking path, which a lot of us didn't
even consider as a County park necessarily until the order came down, went
through, and then the signs went up that the County parks were closed.
And I just want to thank you for diligently taking an inventory of our parks and
what specifically they're used for, and as soon as possible getting that new
signage up so people that are concerned about, you know, potentially breaking the
law by walking on a path that is essentially just a connection point on whole
Walua Road walking path, really appreciate that. So we are waiting on baited
breath for some transition on the signage.
And just kind of in closing, something that I think is interesting that's been shared
with me recently is a listing, and perhaps I can ask you, Mayor Kim, about the
shovel-ready CIP and funded projects through the State of Hawaii. I was looking
through the report that was put out, and it looks like there's 174 funded,
shovel ready projects on this State report, and I just kind of wanted to highlight it
and put the tickler in your ear if this is a potential opportunity for us to get the
economy moving again with infrastructure projects that have—and it seems to
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
me, and correct me if I'm wrong, that those projects are already funded and ready
to go. So hoping we can pull the trigger on those as well.
And just lastly, also wanting to throw in there that we have a number of
shovel-ready funded projects on the west side just waiting for permits. So as
we're looking for opportunities, and as most of you who know me would know,
I'm going to err on the side of caution and for the side of health over economy,
that as we do look for means to safely reopen our economy and with construction
being one of those opportunities, we have some great projects on this side of the
island that I would be happy to share and connect with just need some permits.
And I want to make sure that we're included in that strategy as it becomes more
and more specific. Thank you, with that I yield.
MR. CHUNG: Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Also, Ms. David.
MR. CHUNG: Alright. Maile.
MS. DAVID: Oh, thank you, Chair. First I just have one comment and maybe a
question, but I want to thank the Administration for what they've been doing and
how they've been doing it. And my question is, the basecamp that's been
established, will that be the venue when we decide, or when the County decides
what is to be open, what facilities are to be open, will that be the venue for us as
Council Members to provide input? I'm not sure who can answer.
MR. TAKEMOTO: The basecamp is intended to provide several different
functions. One is information; second, a venue to ask questions to the taskforce
leaders; and third to provide your suggestions and input. So, yeah, it's a
free-willing place, and as you judge what information should be agendized to
make public, then use your discretion on that. But this would be a way for us to
brainstorm together.
MS. DAVID: I see, thank you. And then you mean we'd be able to actually
bring forth a proposal before it actually gets out there or a decision is made? Is
that how this is going to work?
MR. TAKEMOTO: Yes.
MS. DAVID: Okay, that's great. And thank you so much because I just needed
to clarify that, because I think that's a great idea, and I think it really goes to show
that we as the County Administration and on the Council level are trying to do
this in such a joint effort and collaborative manner. So, I thank you, Mayor. And
I thank your Administrative staff and also your department heads for always being
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
available and accommodating to our requests from our constituents and stuff as
things come up. So thank you very much. Mahalo and I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Before we close, Mr. Chair, I just
wanted to comment that—
MR.
hatMR. CHUNG: Are we closing?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Oh, I don't know. Well we don't—
MR.
on'tMR. CHUNG: We still got Tim and Ashley.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, well then let me add something before we leave
Kona. That's was just something I've noticed, as they say aloha goes both ways.
And I think following up with what Ms. David just said and everybody thanking
the Administration for working together with us as Council Members, relaying
information back and forth as quickly as possible, and the responsiveness that
we've all felt from the Administration right now, it's trickling into the community
too. And I feel that the cooperation and the care, and all of the aloha that is in our
community is kind of the reciprocal effect of everybody working together. So I
wanted to thank the community as well as all of the Council and the
Administration for the work that we've been doing recently. So, that was it. The
questions I had before have all been addressed.
MR. CHUNG: Alright. And that was well said. I wanted to echo that, yeah.
Tim.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Yeah,just a quick comment. I wanted to
put forth. It's concerning the direct funding from the CARES Act. That was a
$2.2 trillion act that came out of the initial funding. A comment and mainly for
the constituency, is that we did not qualify for that direct funding from the Feds to
the County. Only populations for Counties that had over 500,000 people got that
direct funding. What that worked out to be was something like three percent of
the Counties in the nation qualified for that. So all that funding only went to
specifically those.
That is being addressed and I haven't seen a solid number as of yet, but that was
recognized as a problem going forward. And so our National Association of
Counties, NACo, has been working on that, and with the Legislators in D.C. to
get that corrected. So hopefully, we're going to get some of that direct funding.
And it was at no fault of our County that we didn't get that funding. Chair, I just
wanted to pass that along.
MR. CHUNG: Alright. And thank you for all your good work up there, Tim,
really appreciate it. Ashley.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, thank you. Mayor, last question. How are you
folks considering the reopening of churches? What does that look like?
MAYOR KIM: Very good question, ma'am, because they fall within the
gathering number of no more than ten. And there's been truthfully very little
discussion locally or statewide on that. And it's something I think we should go
from the very beginning—I think a lot of us were bothered by that, I mean
interference on that. But all of it was done in regards to the gathering rule for
safety. And all I can say at this time is, I'll bring it up for discussion, you know,
what the churches can do. But within the gathering numbers they can do it, but
there's a limit what they can participate in. But I will follow-up on it.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, I appreciate that. I know that nearly all of
them have transitioned to some kind of online service. But the issue for our island
is, so many parts of Puna and down south, you know, do not have internet
connectivity and so spirituality is important to so many individuals and so we
want to make sure where we can, we're able to allow them to nourish their souls.
And so, thank you. Please let us know when you can.
MAYOR KIM: Thank you for bringing it up, Mr. Chair and Members of the
Council, because I think from the beginning everyone realized the extreme
importance of social connection. And for many churches is perhaps the only way
of doing that. So it's not just for religious element.
I'd like to close off with this, Mr. Chair and Members of the Council that all of
these task forces, I think we're all lucky that we have such good people that with
background they could pursue it, and all of these were created on March 9h. And
from the very beginning, you know, they've been working on it many, many days.
But I want to address also the Council Woman from Kona in regards to shovel-
ready projects. Those are anxiously been awaited. All of the funding so far has
forbidden the use of the money for that. But the next source of funding, hopefully
with our fingers crossed will address two things. Number one will be for local
and state governments to use it for budgetary purposes. And the second will be
for infrastructure. So everyone's anxiously awaiting that because that's the only
funding so far that will go directly to state and county governments for purposes
other than COVID response.
MR. CHUNG: Alright. Anyway, Mayor, segueing off of that, though, you know,
Ms. Villegas did bring up a good point. You know, even if those things are
constrained. And one of the main things that we're going to have to do to kick
start our economy is to get construction going.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
And part and parcel with that comes the importance of the building permit
process. And right now, I know that Ms. Lee Loy, you know, she is being tasked
with the responsibility of coming up with some meaningful legislation. She's our
point person on that, and I think augmented with Ms. Kierkiewicz, Mr. Richards,
as well as Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, because you know, of his expertise in the
construction industry.
But I think the public, you know, should be expecting something coming up from
the Council. And you know, hopefully it's in collaboration with the
Administration. We can work together in that regard. But it's going to be vitally
important that the building permit process move very quickly during this time.
That's very clear. You know, I didn't see Police here, but I'm assuming they're
part of your taskforce, right?
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir. That's my problem.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. No, but I just wanted to make sure because they're so
important in all of this, right? Because if we are going to open up our community,
you know, enforcement and people sticking to the rules is again vitally important,
right? So they're on board, correct?
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir.
MR. CHUNG: So, you know, one thing I didn't hear though and I was kind of
very curious. This is one of the reasons why, you know, I invited you guys here.
Do you have any specific list as to what might be opening this week, next week,
or you don't have that yet?
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir. I'll get it to you right after this.
MR. CHUNG: Okay, you don't want to announce anything right now? And you
can do that, but you know, it would be a good opportunity for you if you wanted
to. Just give us some idea, no?
MAYOR KIM: We will open up definitely, some of the walking parks.
MR. CHUNG: That's this week?
MAYOR KIM: This week. And in regards to other small things like the book
stores, bicycle shops, and those things that we added to the list.
MR. CHUNG: This week? Jewelry stores? Okay, so they got like three days to
do their shopping, right?
MAYOR KIM: Yeah, we're doing all the paperwork on that.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. But everybody has to adhere with these strict, as you
call them, physical, and I think that's the proper term of our physical distancing
protocols, right?
Okay well, thank you. You know, Mayor, the reality of the situation is I think due
in part to the taskforce and our community as a whole, we've really combated this
COVID situation, and I think, you know, we haven't succeeded naturally. And
we shouldn't fall into any kind of false sense of security. The fact is, we've done
a really good job. The community has rallied behind this thing big time. Yeah,
you have some, what did Derek Kawakami call them? "Covididiots,"right? You
have them, but by and large this community has been really patient and they've
abided by all of the rules, and they have to be commended for that.
MAYOR KIM: Yes, sir.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, and you know, I think it's time as long as we're you
know, I hate to vilify our tourists because they're so important, but you know, any
kind of influx of people from the outside, I think we're okay. We have a
geographic advantage. I support any measure that you guys have in terms of
reasonably opening up our communities and normalizing our way of life here on
this island. And so,just go ahead keep on doing your good work.
MAYOR KIM: I'd like to close with these words, Mr. Chair. First of all,just
echoing what you said, this State community, not only of complying, but look at
the contributions and help they gave in regards to the Food Basket and all of those
programs. You step back and you just, as Hawaiians say, "chicken skin" of
seeing that kind of help that comes forward. But we will be very careful in
recovery because, because of the (inaudible) but we know how important it is of
the economy base to come back.
MR. CHUNG: Alright, you know, it's been an awful situation no question, but
we have seen some beautiful things come out of all of this. So, Karen, take it
away. Oh, Harry.
MAYOR KIM: You know, what is said on bragging a bit, that this County was
only the second County in the whole United States to declare an emergency to
address this back in February. And so, the people here have been really good.
Those numbers for the State are not by accident. It's follows all of the good
programs and I think we are really the envy of a lot of places.
MR. CHUNG: I think we have noted that on several occasions, you know, that
you guys really stepped up quickly and moved ahead. Thank you all of you.
Karen?
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. So we will begin our agenda for today
with Communications. Mr. Clerk, Communication 11.28.
COMMUNI- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 11.28 REPORT OF FUND TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED: MARCH 16 —31, 2020
From Controller Kay Oshiro, dated April 13, 2020.
Waived: FC
Vote on Comm. 11.28: Ms. David moved to close file on Comm. 11.28. Seconded
Filed by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Moving to Order of Resolutions.
Mr. Clerk, Resolution 580.
ORDER OF Acting Chair Eoff directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
Res. 580-20: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Matching funds in the amount of$20,000 would be used to provide technical and
business assistance to small and early-stage companies.
Reference: Comm. 869
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-119
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 580-20 and Finance
Committee Report No.119. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Comments?
MS. DAVID: Yes, Chair, this was passed out of Finance Committee and I ask for
your continued support.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any questions? Hearing none, all in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 580-20: The motion to adopt Res. 580-20 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 119 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.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, Chair Chung is out of the room.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, eight"ayes." Thank you. Resolution 601.
Res. 601-20: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF 176 3M
RESPIRATORS WITH CARTRIDGES TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Donated by Home Depot with an approximate total value of$7,740 to be used by
first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference: Comm. 894
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 601-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I just would like to really mahalo Home Depot for
this donation and for our Police Department and ask for your support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Page 41
Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Res. 601-20: The motion to adopt Res. 601-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 602.
Res. 602-20: AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO
AWARD FUNDS TO THE PEOPLES ADVOCACY FOR TRAILS HAWAII
Awards a $30,000 grant to help cover operating expenses, including the cost
of increased sanitation and precautionary measures for Hawaii County's
bike-share program to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference: Comm. 895
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 602-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Discussion, Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I'd like to mahalo Tina Clothier, the Strategic
Projects Director for PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i), for
submitting her support testimony. And I just wanted to make a note that this
$30,000 comes out of the Bikeway Fund from bicycle and moped registration
fees. And this money will help cover the cost of operations for three months,
April 10h through June 30'', during which PATH is giving free 60-minute ride
memberships to any Hawaii Island resident 16 years and older. So I really want
to thank Tina and PATH for continuing this program.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Res. 602-20: The motion to adopt Res. 602-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 603.
Res. 603-20: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF
$3,105 TO THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
Donated by FM Global, funds would be used by the Fire Prevention Bureau to
purchase iPads and accessories for fire inspections and code research.
Reference: Comm. 896
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 603-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I'd just want to also mahalo FM Global, a mutual
and international property insurance agency for their donation to our Fire
Department, and just want to mahalo them and ask for your support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 603-20: The motion to adopt Res. 603-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 604.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 604-20: AUTHORIZES THE MASS TRANSIT AGENCY TO AWARD FUNDS TO
THE PEOPLES ADVOCACY FOR TRAILS HAWAII
Awards a $120,000 grant to maintain Hawaii County's bike-share program in
Hilo and Kona.
Reference: Comm. 897
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 604-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. And I also want to mahalo Tina Clothier again for
submitting support testimony. And just make a note that funding will be able to
maintain this bike-share program within the County, and the $120,000 grant will
be used for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the program. And I ask
for your support. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 604-20: The motion to adopt Res. 604-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 604 is adopted.
Resolution 605.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 605-20: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR TWO COPY MACHINES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate
monthly cost of$178.
Reference: Comm. 898
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 605-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MS. DAVID: Just a note that this monthly lease does include maintenance, and
parts and supplies. And DPW (Department of Public Works) Automotive
Division really needs this piece of equipment, so I ask for your support. Thanks.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 605-20: The motion to adopt Res. 605-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 606.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 606-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO `O KAT
KAKOU FOR EXPENSES TO PROVIDE FREE MEALS IN KAT DURING
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $6,350 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 899
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 606-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Thank you. I'd really like to mahalo Wayne Kawachi and OKK
(`O Ka`u Kakou) Organization for their weekly efforts of distributing food for the
Ka`u community. Mr. Kawachi and several local fishermen have prior to this
contingency assistance have been spending their own time and monies in fishing
and providing fresh fish to the Ka`u community. So I really want to applaud them
for what they're doing. And also this will help them actually purchase food from
wholesale distributors that will help keep them hopefully in business until we can
get this economy started again. So I ask for your support. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 606-20: The motion to adopt Res. 606-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 606 is adopted.
Resolution 607.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 607-20: 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 BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND FOR A REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS COMMUNITY FEEDING PROGRAM IN
HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 900
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 607-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. And I really cannot express enough mahalo to the
Boys and Girls Club for all the good work they're doing for our communities.
And also this will assist them with their feeding programs in Hawaiian Ocean
View Estates. So, mahalo Boys and Girls Club, and I ask for your support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 607-20: The motion to adopt Res. 607-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 607 is approved.
Resolution 608.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 608-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO BIG ISLAND
MEDIATION, INC., FOR ITS RAPID RESPONSE LANDLORD TENANT
MEDIATION PROGRAM
Transfers $5,000 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. 901
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 608-20. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Comment, Ms. Villegas?
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to express my gratitude for the Big Island
Mediation Organization. And it's recognizing the need to transition some of its
services on to something so specific. It's tragically been created by this
COVID-19 pandemic, and I having had a number of different constituents reach
out to me with panicked concerns on what was going to happen to them if they
couldn't make their rent. And I had kind of scrambled on who to send them to for
legal advice. I'm extremely grateful and honored that Big Island Mediation
stepped in and will be providing these services. So thank you for that.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair Eoff, if I can make a comment, please?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Sure. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And I want to thank my colleagues. Council
Member Villegas, I believe you too as well; Council Member Eoff, and I believe
Council Member Lee Loy, for supporting this program. You know a few weeks
ago I had a conversation with Kehau Costa of Hawaii Realtors. Just really
concerned about what, if anything was out there to help landlords and tenants kind
of get through this emergency crisis.
And so she had the brilliant idea of starting this program and working in
partnership with Ku`ikahi Mediation Center on the east side and West Hawaii
Mediation Center on the west side. You know, it's an amazing collaborative
effort that we've been able to lift up in less than two weeks.
I want to acknowledge some additional funding that came in from Hawaii
Realtors, West Hawaii Realtors. I know our County, thank you, Deanna, was
able to put up some initial funding so we could get this kicked off on May 1st, as
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
well as Hawaii Community Foundation. So there's funding in place to support
this program for the next six months. And I think with your funding, we'll be
able to go further than that.
If anyone is really interested about the program, you know, call Ku`ikahi at
935-7844. If you're on the west side, call 885-5525. And this is for, you know,
tenants worried about making rent. It's for landlords worried about how they're
going to be covering their costs.
And everybody needs help communicating their needs. I think talking about
money is a very difficult conversation to have, and so by having something like
this; by being very proactive we can prevent misunderstandings. Have parties
explore, you know, actions and come up with their best own solution so that we
overt legal action in the future. So thank you, Chair, and thank you to my
colleagues for their support. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? Seeing none, all
in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 608-20: The motion to adopt Res. 608-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 608 is adopted.
Resolution 609.
Res. 609-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO BIG ISLAND
MEDIATION, INC., TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS RAPID
RESPONSE LANDLORD TENANT MEDIATION PROGRAM DUE TO THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $5,000 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. 902
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 609-20. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Yes, thank you all for supporting this in advance. All in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 609-20: The motion to adopt Res. 609-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 609 is adopted.
Resolution 610.
Res. 610-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A
WATER TANK FOR POTABLE WATER AT KAPA`A BEACH PARK
Transfers $8,300 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Parks
Maintenance, Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 903
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 610-20. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Comment, Mr. Richards?
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you. Just ask for your support. This has been a
long-time coming. It's one of our beach parks in North Kohala, and the concern
was having appropriate and functioning lua facilities for our—essentially mainly
kupuna going forward. And this has been, like I said, a long-time project coming
forward. We're able to get this done, and so once we get our beaches open, I
think our constituents are going to be very happy with us. So I just ask for your
support.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 610-20: The motion to adopt Res. 610-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 610 is adopted.
Resolution 611.
Res. 611-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO NORTH
HAWAII HOSPICE, INC., TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES IT
REQUIRES TO OPERATE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of Aging, Other Current Expenses
account.
Reference: Comm. 904
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 611-20. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter, comments?
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, it's self-explanatory here. Any questions, I can
answer it. Thank you, I ask for your support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Hearing none, all in favor please say
Ic aye.
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Vote on Res. 611-20: The motion to adopt Res. 611-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 611 is approved.
Resolution 612.
Res. 612-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO LOKAHI
TREATMENT CENTERS, INC., FOR EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES IT
REQUIRES TO OPERATE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $7,000 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. 905
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 612-20. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: It's self-explanatory. If you have any questions, I can
answer it. Thanks.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. All in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Res. 612-20: The motion to adopt Res. 612-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 612 is adopted. And I
believe we have several resolutions. We may need to amend the agenda.
MR. HENRICKS: Yeah, Madam Chair, before we enter into that process,just so
we can have an itemization of where we're going through here. What I have
received, Resolution 615, 616, 627, and 628. And we're all on the same page
with that?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, I think everybody should have a copy of all of that.
MR. HENRICKS: Can we check and make sure. Mr. Richards, do you have
access to these documents?
MR. RICHARDS: Working on that. Go again,please?
MR. HENRICKS: 615, 616, 627, and 628.
MR. RICHARDS: I do not see them, hang on. Oh, yes, we found them, thank
you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, would anyone object to a five-minute recess before
we get to this?
Recess: At 11:27 a.m., Acting Chair Eoff called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:36 a.m.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Calling this meeting out of recess. Is everybody ready to
go? Okay, we're going to start with Ms. David
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Motion Ms. David moved to amend the agenda to add Res. 615-20.
to Amend A eg nda: Seconded by Ms. Poindexter and carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Now, Mr. Clerk.
Res. 615-20: APPROVES AND AMENDS THE 2015-2019 COUNTY OF HAWAII
CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT,
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMS, AND NATIONAL
HOUSING TRUST FUND AND AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OF THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII TO EXECUTE AND SUBMIT THE AMENDED
CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND ALL OTHER
RELATED DOCUMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The County's Office of Housing and Community Development anticipates a
Community Development Block Grant allocation of$1,543,033 from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds would be used to
prevent, prepare, and respond to the impact of the coronavirus and to meet the
needs of low- and moderate-income persons throughout Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 910
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 615-20. Seconded by
Ms. Poindexter.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Do you have a brief explanation?
MS. DAVID: Well, I think the title of the resolution, basically we were asked to
put this on the agenda because it's a companion to Bill 159, which is right now at
second and final reading, in order to get these funds itemized and appropriated.
So if there's any other questions, I believe Director Sako is available in Hilo.
Otherwise, I ask for your support. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any other questions or comments? Hearing none,
all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 615-20: The motion to adopt Res. 615-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 615 is adopted.
MS. DAVID: Chair, I'd like to move to suspend the five-day reconsideration
rule.
Vote on Motion Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 15 to waive the
to Suspend five-day holdover for reconsideration of Res. 615-20.
Council Rules: Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend the agenda to add Res. 616-20.
to Amend A eg nda: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Mr. Clerk, Resolution 616.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 616-20: APPOINTS THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO SERVE ON THE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE OF THE HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Designates Council Members Ashley L. Kierkiewicz as Representative and
Rebecca Villegas as Alternate Representative, effective July 1, 2020.
Reference: Comm. 911
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: GREDC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 616-20. Seconded
by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz, did you want to explain?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, please Chair, thank you. So, I mean COVID-19 has
upended every operation, including HSAC's (Hawai`i State Association of
Counties). And prior to the annual conference there are representatives, alternate
representatives from each Council that are appointed to serve as part of the
Executive Committee. So the recommendation from President Monahan was,
let's just continue to appoint members that are currently serving in these
capacities to serve out the remainder of this calendar year.
There are opportunities for each Council at the start of the next term to appoint
new representatives should they desire. But it just seems easiest to continue with
who is serving now. And this is in anticipation of,you know,just having
everything in line in order to make certain decisions around HSAC's operational
budget as well as appointing members to WIR(Western Interstate Region) and
NACo.
This is what their Corporation Counsel suggest that we do first, is ensure that we
have the representatives to EC (Executive Committee) for HSAC, which leads me
to an announcement. At our last HSAC meeting about a week ago, it was
discussed that while we do not have to host a physical conference, which our
County was in charge of doing this year. Pursuant to the bylaws in order for
HSAC operations to continue, we needed to pass the budget; we needed to
appoint members to the Executive Committee as well as to serve on NACo and
the WIR boards. Having said that, their recommendation is that Council
Members meet via Zoom for a virtual quote, unquote, conference. And so the
date for that is Thursday, June 25h at 9:00 a.m.
An official communication will be coming forward from President Monahan's
office. But the idea is, I've asked Council Member Richards to invite the
President of NACo to address this body to let us know what they have been doing
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
on a Federal front and what those efforts mean for Hawaii. And it is at that
convening that members will be voting on the slate of officers for the Executive
Committee. So any questions, happy to answer them.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you. Just to follow-up with that.
Ms. Kierkiewicz, I have communicated with the President, and specifically the
Executive Director, Matt Shaw. That is in the works, and they are making every
effort to make sure that she's able to attend. Thank you, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other comments? Thank you,
Ms. Kierkiewicz, and all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 616-20: The motion to adopt Res. 616-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 616 is adopted.
MR. HENRICKS: Now we have Resolution 627, I believe, also introduced by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
Vote on Motion Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend the agenda to add
to Amend A eg nda: Res. 627-20. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Okay, Mr. Clerk.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Res. 627-20: AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
TO AWARD FUNDS TO HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY ASSETS
Awards a $250,000 grant to provide technical and emergency relief to residents
and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference: Comm. 927
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 627-20. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Discussion, Ms. Kierkiewicz?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. So last Council Meeting, I introduced
Resolution 599-20, calling for the establishment of an Emergency Resiliency
Loan Program. I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support on that.
This resolution is a follow-up to that. There is a commitment by the
Administration to provide an initial $250,000 to kickstart this program, which is
being modeled after a very successful program on Kauai. Zero percent interest
loans to folks that need immediate relief.
Working directly with Hawaii Community Assets (HCA), Hawaii Community
Foundation (HCF)was able to convene a conversation that had members from
those organizations as well as Sharon Hirota from the Mayor's Office who's been
phenomenal at championing this effort. Director and Deputies, Diane Ley and
Riley Saito from R&D are also involved; as well as Finance Director, Deanna
Sako.
But we had a conversation about how we can learn from Kauai's model and
ensure that the suite of products we are offering for our island really makes sense
for our residents. And so in doing a mix of emergency loans for residents and
small businesses, and it's intended to be a bridge. You know, so many are
waiting to get immediate relief through unemployment benefits or from the SBA
(Small Business Administration). And so the idea is once those benefits come
through, if they're able to pay back, then we will have a revolving fund where we
are able to help even more residents.
So looking for support for this, I think if we stand it up right and we're really
successful, which I know we will be. It's very possible that this could be a portal
to direct more Federal funding that's coming through the CARES Act. You
know,just getting to the heart of this program, we've got to help the most
vulnerable, right?
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
If you have the capacity to get a loan from your credit union or bank, great, go
there. You know, there are kupuna, there are homeless individuals, there are
emergency resources to help them. This loan program is intended to help folks in
the middle. Our working families, our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income
Constrained, Employed) households.
So really excited about this. I am personally committed to staying involved and
making sure we get something off the ground that really makes sense for our
community. So asking my colleagues for their support. I'm very thankful to the
Administration, HCA (Healthcare), HCF (Hawai`i Community Foundation) for
being involved in helping to push this over the finish line. Thank you, Chair, I
yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? Hearing none,
all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 627-20: The motion to adopt Res. 627-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries, and Resolution 627 is adopted.
Vote on Motion Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to suspend Council Rule 15 to
to Suspend waive the five-day holdover for reconsideration of
Council Rules: Res. 627-20. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Motion Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend the agenda to add
to Amend A eg nda: Res. 628-20. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried
(Approved) by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Go ahead, Mr. Clerk to read
Resolution 628-20.
Res. 628-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KU'IKAHI MEDIATION
CENTER, INC., TO ASSIST WITH COSTS RELATING TO ITS RAPID
RESPONSE LANDLORD-TENANT MEDIATION PROGRAM DUE TO THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Transfers $1,297 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 928
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 628-20. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy, you have the floor.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. And as Ms. Kierkiewicz mentioned, you
know, and my other colleagues, we're just putting this money to really address a
tough conversation. So I really do have to mahalo Ms. Kierkiewicz and the
Realtors' Association, and then Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, for filling this gap.
You know, having conversations about money is often very tough, and this rapid
response is a way to start that conversation. With that, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. All in favor, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Res. 628-20: The motion to adopt Res. 628-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 628 is approved. Okay, I
think that's all of the resolutions, and we can now go on to bills for first reading,
Mr. Clerk, Bill 158.
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 158: ADOPTS A PAY PLAN FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY
OTHER THAN THOSE WHOSE PAY IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR,
DESIGNATES PAYROLL PERIODS, PAY DAYS, PRESCRIBES
REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OFFICIAL FIDELITY BONDS, AND
REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 19-68 AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO,
SAID ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE SALARY ORDINANCE OF 2020
Establishes rates of compensation for appointed employees in the Legislative
Branch and the Office of Housing and Community Development, the County
Physician, and Student Helpers and Senior Community Services Aids for various
County agencies.
Reference: Comm. 873
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-120
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 158 on first reading and
adopt Finance Committee Report Number 120. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I think we discussed this in Committee and I just ask for your
continued support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any other comments or questions? Okay, all in favor
please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Bill 158: The motion to pass Bill 158 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report Number 120 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 158 is moving to second reading.
Moving to Bill 160.
Bill 160: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-3 (NORTH KONA ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—7,500 SQUARE
FEET (RS-7.5) AND MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—3,500 SQUARE
FEET (RM-3.5) TO RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL—THREE ACRES
(RA-3a) AND SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—20,000 SQUARE FEET
(RS-20) AT PAHOEHOE 2ND, NORTH KONA, HAWAII, COVERED BY
TAX MAP KEY NOS: 7-7-008:120 AND 7-7-008:124
(Applicant: BNP Paribas VPG Brookline CRE, LLC) (Area: 29.949 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this
change of zone, which would allow the applicant to construct up to
45 single-family residential units. The property extends west from Kuakini
Highway and is located east and west of the La`aloa Avenue extension.
Reference: Comm. 889
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Waived: PC
and
Comm. 889.1: From Planning Director Michael Yee, dated April 6, 2020, transmitting the draft
transcript from the Leeward Planning Commission's February 20, 2020, meeting.
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 160 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz?
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if you'd like I can provide an overview of the bill
for my colleagues, and I'd just like to note the presence of Director Michael Yee
and Jeff Darrow from the Planning Department. They are standing by outside of
our chambers ready to answer any specific questions that anyone might have. But
again, happy to provide an overview if you think that would be helpful.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, maybe a brief overview would be good.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, I'll try, it was a very interesting read. I went
through the background materials, minutes and things of those nature. But
basically, what's being requested with Bill 160 is a downzone. Going from
Multi-Family Residential and Single-Family Residential, which you know,
according to the ordinance that's currently in place; that's Ordinance 94-124, that
would create a total of 275 units.
However, the downzone is to RA-3 to RS-24, a total of 45 units. And this is
because of the availability of potable water in the area. You know, the existing
ordinance does not—with the existing ordinance, there is an inadequate amount of
water infrastructure to be able to support that many units. There are only 37 water
units available, and the Department of Water Supply will recommend extensive
improvement and additions to their water systems if more units beyond 45 is
requested.
I will make note that in 2016, SSFM had prepared the White Sands Mauka Traffic
Assessment, and they also recommended that the max number of units for this
property, the subject parcel, be limited to 43 because having 275 units in that area
would have adverse impacts to an already congested area.
Just some conditions of approval noted in this ordinance requiring an SMA
(Special Management Area)prior to any land alternation or the approval of final
subdivision permitting. And the SMA is something that would be granted by the
Planning Commission. So there are checks and balances along the way to insure
that any development is done in a responsible way.
Because an AIS, Archeological Impact Study was done, several actually over the
course of these years, some archeological cultural assets were identified and
found. This information was provided to SHPD, State Historic Preservation
Division and they had approved the recommendations for preservation of some
sites as well as mitigation through data recovery for a number of those sites as
well. And so that has triggered a requirement of a data recovery plan as well as a
preservation plan. That is a condition in this ordinance.
In addition to that, an additional traffic study; there will only be right-in and
right-out movements. A sewer study is needed to determine the extent of any
improvements to wastewater treatment facility infrastructure. And within the
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
restrictive covenants in the deeds, you know, there is no second dwelling unit or
condo regimes allowed on any of these properties. So, that is it in a nutshell.
Again, Director Yee and Mr. Darrow are standing by very excited to answer any
questions you might have. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, I'll open it up to Council Members. Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sure, thanks for that recap, Ashley. I actually live a stone's
throw from this area with La`aloa being just below Walua Road. In reading
through this information, I guess the other thing that just seems important to
mention is it seems the purpose of the downzoning is this property went into
foreclosure and then it's currently owned by a bank, if I understand correctly?
And the intention of the bank is to downzone it so that it will be easier to sell. Is
that correct, Ms. Kierkiewicz?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: My understanding is yes, it is currently owned by a bank,
and I do believe in the materials it does state that the bank has the intention of
selling it to a developer, because they're not in the business of development.
MS. VILLEGAS: Great. Okay, I thought that's what I read as well. I just
wanted to confirm. I also think this was the property that at some point had been
given to build a YMCA facility, is that correct? I remember something about that
in the past, or it had been assigned for a park of some kind, which a number of
people who live in District 7 were really excited about the opportunity for. I think
something happened and that fell through along with the rest of the funding.
I have heard just from a couple of constituents, some concerns. They love the
idea of the downzoning, but they still have concerns about traffic, which has been
taken into consideration here. And it is my understanding, but please correct me
if I'm wrong, so if the purpose of the downzoning is to make the property more
attractive for a sale to a developer, that developer would have to come back and
do a SMA, and do a number of these different studies and reports and before
anything could progress. Is that correct?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That is correct and I will say that a downzone is incredibly
important because there is only a certain amount of water available. And so, you
can only develop based on what DWS's water supply is, you know, has capacity
to support.
MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah. And so, that's the only way they can, you know, make
it attractive to sell it. Mr. Yee, are you in the room?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Director Yee is here and maybe they can elaborate on the
PONC (Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Commission) acquisition that occurred related to this property. And I know that
there was a gifting of—was it a portion of La`aloa to the County?
MS. VILLEGAS: Director Yee, can you clarify for me?
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Michael Yee and Planning Program
Manager Jeff Darrow came forward to address the members of the
Council.)
MR. YEE: Michael Yee. Stand by for Jeff please? Can you please repeat the
question again?
MS. VILLEGAS: The question relates to a little bit of clarification. In reading
through the documents, there's mention here that a PONC purchase of the
property, and maybe that's potentially related to—it was my understanding that
years ago, there was supposed to be a YMCA facility built there? So I'm just
wondering if you could clarify a little bit on the nature and history. I mean my
understanding now is the property was foreclosed on; the bank owns it. They're
trying to downzone it so that it's more attractive to a buyer because there are
limitations on water and traffic and whatnot. So just a little explanation on that
history would be great.
MR. DARROW: Good afternoon, Council Members. Jeff Darrow, Planning
Program Manager with the Planning Department. The PONC purchase actually
happened. This particular property was rezoned back in 1994 and involved three
parcels. The PONC purchase was for the makai portion of this project, so that
actually has been done and it's owned by the County. So when you look at the
overview of the map, you'll see the lower portion and that's owned by the County
through the purchase of PONC funds.
MS. VILLEGAS: One quick question, Mr. Darrow. So, when I'm looking at this
Exhibit A, which is the map, there's a dotted line that goes through the property.
So it's everything makai of that is a PONC purchase?
MR. DARROW: The map that you're looking at on Exhibit A does not show the
third parcel that was a part of the original rezoning. That would be just makai of
Alii Highway.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, got it. Of Alii Highway, okay that's where that stops
then. Okay, thank you for clarifying.
MR. DARROW: And then the other question regarding YMCA, the five-acre
parcel. I don't believe that was part of this particular project. I think it was part
of Alii Heights, and that it involved one of the parcels, if I'm not mistaken, I
think the more mauka parcel just between Alii Heights and this parcel.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MS. VILLEGAS: The one right across of Laelae Street?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, got it. That makes sense. Thank you. With that, I
yield. Thank you, I appreciate that clarification.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other questions or comments for the
Planning Director?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I have a question.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So the total land being rezoned is how many
acres?
MR. DARROW: It is approximately 29 acres.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That's being broken into how many pieces?
MR. DARROW: It is two parcels.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Two parcels. Why two parcels?
MR. DARROW: If we could look at Exhibit A on Bill 160, it involves a parcel
that is above La`aloa, which is the portion that is being proposed to go from
Residential to Par A, three acre. And I believe that's approximately 10 acres.
And then the portion below La`aloa is the parcel that involves RM (Multi-Family)
and RS (Residential) zoning, which is proposed to be RS-20. And that consists of
approximately 19 acres.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I've seen this before. There's a State law
which requires any parcel over 15 acres to come before the State Land Use
Commission. But when you breaka large piece of property is being developed
as a whole into two separate pieces then you bypass that.
MR. DARROW: That would be true in the case where it would require a State
Land Use boundary amendment, but in this particular case, the State Land Use
boundary of Urban is already in place, and so that's been taken care of. It actually
did go before the Land Use Commission in 1994 for the entire project and
changed it from Agricultural to Urban.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so because it's Urban it doesn't
require a Land Use Commission appeal even though it's less than 15 acres?
MR. DARROW: Urban zoning is consistent with the RS and the RA (Residential
Agricultural) zoning that's being proposed.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so they've met all their requirements
then? Okay.
MR. DARROW: Sure. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, any other questions?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could just ask one more question?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you very much. You know, Director Yee,
Mr. Darrow, maybe if you could just clarify for my colleagues and members of
the public that are watching. This is a downzone, this is not the approval of a
specific project. It is setting the parameters for what could be there. And so
should a developer purchase, they could develop up to this amount of 45 units.
However, it could be 10 units if they desire. Just wanting you to elaborate on the
process and what exactly we're voting on here, because there are checks and
balances along the way to insure responsible development.
MR. DARROW: Thank you, Chairman. So the limitation on this particular
project—when they came in originally, it was for 200 and some-odd units and
water was available; infrastructure was required to be conducted as part of the
overall conditions of approval. But, over time this area has grown and water has
become scarce. And with our new concurrency rules in our Zoning Code, it limits
the amount of units you can do when you're proposing zoning to the amount of
units allowed by water.
And so when they had asked the Department of Water Supply, how many units of
water were available, not only for these two parcels, but for the third parcel
these two parcels were limited to 37 units. We were trying to figure out a zoning
that would work as close as possible to come up with that 37 figure, which
resulted in RS-20 and RA-3 acre. The applicant has the ability to also seek other
units through purchasing from other developers in the area.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: You mean water units?
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MR. DARROW: Water units, yeah. So they can do the full 45, but if they were
to come in today they would be limited to the 37 units based on water. Even
though the zoning would allow them the 45.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you, appreciate that clarification. Thanks for
being here.
MR. DARROW: Thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Madam Chair, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. And it's good to know also that before
any development would occur, a new landowner would need a SMA permit which
would require a pretty in-depth public hearing process at the Planning
Commission. So, okay, I'm supportive of the downzoning. All in favor please
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 160: The motion to pass Bill 160 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 160 will go to second reading.
Okay, Mr. Clerk, on Order of the Day, Second and Final Reading, we have
Bill 159, Draft 2.
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):
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Bill 159: 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 —CDBG-CV (COVID-19) account
($1,543,033); and appropriates the same to the following CDBG CV accounts:
Administration ($250,033); Hawaii Food Bank ($643,033); HOPE Services
($300,000); HCEOC ($150,000); and Boys & Girls Club ($200,000). Funds would
be used to prevent,prepare, and respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference: Comm. 874.3
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: April 22, 2020
and
Comm. 874.4: From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated April 23, 2020, transmitting proposed
amendments to Bill 159, Draft 2.
(Note: Comm. 874.5, from Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated May 4, 2020,
transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 159, Draft 2, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 159, Draft 2 on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Discussion, Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you,
Motion to Amend: Ms. David moved to amend Bill 159, Draft 2, with the
contents of Comm. 874.5. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Clerk, the Suspending the Rules for discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: Should this motion prove to be successful.
MS. DAVID: So this discussion on the amendment basically corrects an error in
the organization name of the Food Bank and changing it to Food Basket; and also
corrects the amount under the Food Basket appropriation $643,033 to $643,000
even. And that came from Finance and we just need to make this amendment to
get everything straightened out. So other than that, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Everybody clear on the amendment? All in favor please
say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Motion Motion to amend Bill 159, Draft 2 with the contents of
to Amend: Comm. 874.5, was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Ms. David.
Vote on Motion Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 24 to
to Suspend waive the holdover for substantive amendment of Bill 159,
Council Rules: Draft 2. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. We can go and continue discussion and
voting on Bill 159, Draft 2 as amended with Communication 874.5.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. And I believe, it's pretty much self-explanatory.
This is a companion to the Resolution that we added to the agenda,
Resolution 615-20. So, Director Sako, I believe is available if you have
questions. Otherwise, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. I don't think there's any questions, so
we'll vote. All in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
Vote on Bill 159: The motion to pass Bill 159, Draft 2, as amended to
Draft 3 Draft 3, on second and final reading was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
Vote on Motion Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 24 to waive the
to Suspend five-day holdover for reconsideration of Bill 159, Draft 3.
Council Rules: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. And we will waive the five-day
holdover. Okay, Council Members we're getting to the end of the business, but
we do have some announcements to make today before we adjourn. So,
Mr. Chair.
REPORTS: The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
(There were none.)
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(There were none.)
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
OTHER The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you, Karen. You know, I wanted to just make an
announcement that I'm going to be calling an Emergency Meeting of the Council
next week Wednesday; that's the 13'h of May, from 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon.
It's basically to take up or to consider the tiered structure, rate structure that you
know, has come up in the news of late. As well as any last minute CRF
(Contingency Relief Fund)requests. So it's going to be a relatively short
meeting, I believe. But at that time though, you know, keeping with the spirit of
the Mayor's taskforce, and you know, reopening things up, you know, we're
going to unveil our new way of trying to get more public input and testimony in
person.
I'd like Mr. Henricks, our County Clerk to let all of you know what we're going
to be doing a first. And of course, it's going to be something that's very fluid, and
you know, hopefully at some point we're going to get it real good. But,
Mr. Henricks, go ahead. This is something that we've been discussing for a
while.
MR. HENRICKS: Right. So starting with a Special Meeting for Wednesday,
May 13'h to be held at 2:00 o'clock. What we're going to do is to provide
in-person testimony; open up conference rooms that will be very near to where
the Council Members are located in Hilo and in Kona. And there'll be more
information on that, but they'll be essentially in the same buildings. The
conference rooms will allow for testimony, one person at a time to go in and
testify, and then by videoconference will be included as part of the meeting prior
to the Council taking up matters on that day and then going forward for the
foreseeable future until we're able to open up the doors again.
And you know, same processes for many things. Not unlike going to a grocery
store we're going to, I hate to use the word"require,"but I think it's important to
use that word that people who are going to come and testify practice those same
safety measures. And I like the words "physical distancing." I do prefer that.
Masks, hand sanitizer; again, one person in the room at a time.
And you know, as Chair said, I'm confident this is going to work but fluid
situation. So this will be our effort at it, May 13. And we'll encourage people to
come and participate and more of that to follow in our future meetings until again
we can be in a position to open up the doors again.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MR. CHUNG: Alright. Thank you, Jon.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Any questions anyone?
MS. VILLEGAS: I have a quick question.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: Is this related to budget for next year? Or is this just an extra
special meeting for CRF and some testimony?
MR. CHUNG: Well, it's tangentially related to the budget but not directly
related, because we have to deal with the rates.
MS. VILLEGAS: The rates of pay?
CHR. CHUNG: And because, you know, we've come up with this
collaborative
MS. VILLEGAS: Property tax rates, thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, and both the Administration and Council, some Members
anyway, have collaborated on this tiered-rate structure. That needs to be put into
effect per our Corporation Counsel's opinion prior to the establishment of the
rates. So we're going to have to have something in place that will enable us to set
a tiered-rate structure in June.
MR. HENRICKS: To elaborate even further, look for a bill. It was just
co-introduced today by Chair Chung and Finance Committee Chair Maile David.
It's a bill for an ordinance, so the reason for calling a special meeting is just a
matter of time. So again, as tangentially related to our Operating Budget, it is
connected in that sense.
It's supposed to be a part of the budgeting process for this year, hence the calling
of a special meeting for that purpose. But there was a bill that was introduced
today, I'm not sure what the number is, but if anybody's out there listening and
for the Council Members, you can look for it, and you'll see it very soon. And
again, it'll be taken up next week. And we will be posting the agenda for this
special meeting, I believe tomorrow afternoon, so keep your eyes out for that as
well.
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Hawaii County Council-38 May 6,2020
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. And Jon, I just want to say, your hair just looks
fantastic the longer it gets. Just you, buddy.
MR. HENRICKS: That's very kind of you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any other comments, Council Members? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yes, so either Chair Chung or Clerk, in my understanding, are
you opening satellite when you say conference rooms, what are we doing about
Waimea? And do you want me to report to one of the Council Chambers?
MR. HENRICKS: That's up to you, Mr. Richards. You can remain as you have
been doing participating from Waimea, but the conference rooms will be located
in the Hilo County Building directly across from the Council Chambers. And
then in the Kona Conference Room, which is part of Building A where the Kona
Council Chambers are located. Those will be the two locations where people can
come to participate and provide their testimony in person.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, so satellites are not open? Just those specific sites?
MR. HENRICKS: Not at this time.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thank you Chair. I yield.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you for asking and clarifying that.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any other questions or comments?
PRESENTATION MR. HENRICKS: Wait, I've got one more announcement, though. It's not as
OF CERTIFICATE formal but it's very important.
OF SERVICE:
(KAREN EOFF) MS. DAVID: Very critically important before we adjourn. And that is to
actually I need to—we're going to social distance, but I wish I could come there
and give you a hug and present this to you, but it's the County of Hawaii
Certificate of Service, awarded to Karen Eoff for 15 years of valuable service and
contributions to the people of the County of Hawaii. And it's awarded on your
anniversary or your birthday with the County; 30'h day of April 2020. And so I'm
going to give this to you, and then I'm going to say a few words before Mr. Clerk
does.
When I saw that, I went, "Really, it's been that long?" And all I want to say is, I
really want to thank my buddy and friend for not only 15 years of working
together and also for several decades of being a very dear friend and close
working community partner. And I don't have the experience of actually being a
very close friend and also having to work with that close friend for many, many
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Hawai`i County Council-38 May 6,2020
years. I think I haven't had that experience before. So this is once in a lifetime,
and I thank you for everything, for the pleasure. So, Mr. Clerk.
MS. EOFF: Oh, thank you.
MR. HENRICKS: Very shortly. Karen is a very soft-spoken, polite person.
Some people think too nice sometimes. But as evidenced by that certificate, she's
a County warrior and always has been. And it's been my privilege to serve
alongside her for most of those 15 years. So, congratulations, Karen. Time well
spent for the community, and for yourself, and your family.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Well, it's been my honor actually to have a
family in this County, and to have been able to be part of all the functions that
I've taken on and learned about and participated in. It's really a valuable work
experience. So, mahalo, thank you to everybody.
Okay, anymore surprise announcements? Hearing none, may I have a motion to
adjourn?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:19 p.m., Ms. David moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Richards, Villegas, Poindexter,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We are adjourned.
Council Approval: Al 2 2 2020
COUNTY CL ' '
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