HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FC 2021/01/20 2020-2022Committee on Finance
2nd Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
January 20, 2021
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Finance was called to order at
ORDER: 9:03 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder,
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder, Chair (via videoconference from Kona)
Heather L. Kimball, Vice Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member (via videoconference from Kona)
(came in later)
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba (via videoconference from Kona)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona)
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.)
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Let's go right to the order of the day. Can
you please read the first communication?
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 31.3: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: DECEMBER 1 — 15, 2020
From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated December 21, 2020, transmitting the
above report pursuant to Hawaii County Code Section 2-12.3.
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January 20, 2021
Vote on Comm. 31.3: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 31.3. Seconded
Filed by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder – 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David –1.
Excused: None.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Next communication, please.
Comm. 57: REPORT OF DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM THE DANIEL R. SAYRE
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2020
From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated December 30, 2020, transmitting the
above report pursuant to Resolution No. 468-20.
Motion to Close File: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to close file on Comm. 57.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We have Director Sako as well as, I
believe, Fire Chief Bobby Perreira in Hilo. Is that correct?
MR. BROWN: Fire Chief is not here at the moment, Chair. Oh, but he is outside.
We can get him, if needed.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I think it might be nice of him to say a few
words, if has any. You can let him in, please. Any questions from the Council in
Hilo?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, no questions, but do appreciate an update from
Fire Chief Perreira. He's in the chambers now.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Mr. Perreira,
if you could please—Mr. Perreira, can you please come up to the front and just
give us a quick update on what's happening. And I think this is very good for
your department. But kind of let us know what's going on. And thank you for
being here this morning, as well.
(Note: At this time, Acting Fire Chief Robert Perreira came forward to
address the members of the Committee.
MR. PERREIRA: Good morning, Council. So thank you guys for allowing me
to be here, and a big thank you to the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation for all they do
for the Fire Department. They are actually a very, very big help in providing
resources for us: equipment, training, and supplies.
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So if you look at this resolution, there's a list of items. Does the resolution
include the list? Yes. Okay, so I believe there are 15 items here. And these are
the kinds of things that, number one, help us do our job and help us serve the
community. And with our tight budget that we have, the Sayre Foundation and
the many generous donors to the Sayre Foundation help us to get equipment,
some training, and it's going to just enhance our ability to do our job.
There's a few big-ticket items on this list, and there's some smaller items, but it's
items that will serve the whole island, the whole community. We have stuff from
all the way north to all the way south. And we also even have equipment that is
replacing equipment that was stolen down in Pohoiki, unfortunately. But that's
the kind of stuff that the Sayres are doing, they're replacing equipment that
someone in our community took from us, and it stopped us from being able to do
our job efficiently. And so, they're replacing that equipment out there.
So they're just doing a lot. We appreciate them. We appreciate the Council for
allowing us to receive equipment and training from them. You know, they're
well into the millions of dollars of donations over the years. Thank you.
MR. PERREIRA: Thank you very much for being here today, Chief, and I think
the pleasure is ours. Kona, do you have any comments you would like to make
regarding the donations from the Sayre Foundation? Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: I'd just like to personally express my gratitude to the Sayre
Foundation and the Sayre `ohana for their continued commitment to our Fire
Department and for their diligence in fundraising and helping to gather the
resources, the funding, and the equipment necessary to support our Fire
Department and First Responders, and being able to provide the services for our
community necessary to keep everyone safe.
So thank you again for those years, and years, and years, and hundreds of
thousands of dollars and generous contributions. And also, to the Fire
Department and all of the men and women that serve. Yeah, big mahalo.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: I don't think I could express it any better than Council Member
Villegas just did. But most sincere mahalo to the Sayre Foundation and to the
Sayre `ohana for all of their support to fill the gaps where we might not be able to
as a County and as a department. So mahalo to you folks. I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Inaba. Anyone in Hilo?
Please raise your hand or go ahead. Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Aloha. Thanks, Chair. Chief, this looks like kind of a running
list. Do you the Sayre Foundation is an outstanding organization. They've been
really supportive of the County, of the Fire Department. But how are they doing
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January 20, 2021
it now? Is this just kind of a running list of what you give them and they're able
to support it? Or how did that work out?
MR. PERREIRA: So we have a small team of personnel that will take in requests
from different stations and different operational needs out there. We look at the
different requests, and then we prioritize our ask to the Sayres. And then the
Sayers really just go out there, and they hit the ground running, and they find the
funds and see what they can do. So it's just awesome what they do. We're so
thankful and appreciative. And, you know, they have a heart to help.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah.
MR. PERREIRA: Because we helped bring their son
MR. RICHARDS: Right.
MR. PERREIRA: Bring them closure about 23 years ago. And it's just amazing
how, from tragedy, there's just positive. And we're thankful.
So we come up with priorities, and the Chief has the final say in that. So we look
at the list, and it can be a long list, but we have to prioritize. And even this year,
you know, without having their annual dinner that they usually have, the
fundraising was a little harder. But Frank and Laura just—they push hard, and
they work hard out there for us every day. And we're so grateful to them.
And so this is the list. But even in this list, as stuff comes in we still get more. As
she gets more funding, she'll go through the list and she'll see, okay, we can do
this, we can do that. And so it doesn't end right here. This is not the whole year.
We're also getting a Sealegs watercraft, a boat that can drive on land. Like—and
there's—it's endless on—she's working on trying to get a helicopter for us.
MR. RICHARDS: So my understanding then is, it's kind of a rolling list, that you
just you keep in communication with the foundation. And as funds become
available, they help support?
MR. PERREIRA: Yes. We have a person on the board, and we also have a team
on our side that is looking at our needs, and analyzing what we have and what we
need and what we can afford in our budget, and how we can reach out the Sayres
and see if there is something that they can support.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Alright. Yeah, just curious how you prioritize that, you
know, with the Sayres. You cannot tell Laura "no." She just goes after it. So,
okay. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
MR. PERREIRA: Thank you.
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CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Anyone else in
Hilo?
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, this is for the information of the new members,
Mr. Holeka Inaba and Ms. Kimball. But this is actually the first time received this
list, right, the donation list? Prior to this, each of these donations were done via
resolution, individual.
But in response to some concerns about the speed of, you know, the process or
lack thereof, this body passed a law or resolution that allowed for the receipt of
each of these items to be done like this. Not precluding the possibility that we
could ceremoniously have an individual type of donation come before us via a
resolution, but this was intended to fast track the process, right? And we really
appreciate what the Fire Department and Finance's cooperation in that regard.
Just wanted to point that out.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Anyone else in
Hilo?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I may?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And I just want to thank my colleague,
Mr. Chung, for brining that up. You know, the Charter does not allow our
departments to begin utilization of this critical equipment without the resolution,
so very thankful that we were able find a way.
You know, my partner is a firefighter. He's worked at a number of stations
around the island, and I can tell you there's great appreciation for the continuous
generosity shown by the Sayre Foundation. You know, the folks on the ground,
our First Responders, really do appreciate this kokua. So, I am also appreciative.
You know, it's great to hear the process, Chief Perreira, on how you work in
partnership with this foundation to communicate what you need, and to see their
hustle and continued commitment to make sure that you have these critical
support. So big mahalo to the Sayre Foundation. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MR. CHUNG: I have one more comment.
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CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Before I take your comment, Ms. Lee Loy,
did you have anything to add?
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, I do. I really did appreciate what Mr. Chung mentioned.
You know, this was an action sponsored by him and Chair David to speed the
process along. But as Ms. Kierkiewicz mentioned, the Sayres are just incredible
philanthropists, and that they turned around and took a tragedy and turned into
something amazing and positive for our community. I really send my heartfelt
mahalo nui loa to them. Chair, I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Okay, go ahead,
Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, if I could ask the Chair, for the next time since this is a new
process, that we're going through—and we always appreciate it when the Sayres
would come here and grace this body with their presence. Because we're going to
do this infrequently, if we could invite them to come for the next time so that we
can extend our personal thanks to them as well, and they could make a few
statements.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Alright. Thank you. Thank you for that
reminder, Aaron. I appreciate that. I will. Okay, any other comments in Hilo?
Okay, I would just like to extend my gratitude to the Sayre Foundation as well as
Bobby for being here today. I mean, this is, like Rebecca said, hundreds of
thousands of dollars worth of equipment to help, you know, public safety, and the
Fire Department, and every other aspect you can think of, in bettering what we
can offer to our constituents. So it's just an amazing opportunity, and I am
grateful for that.
And I'd like to request that we waive the five-day hold on this item. Clerk, is
there a five-day hold on a communication?
MR. BROWN: No, Chair. No hold.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, then I take that back. Okay, well
without any further questions, we have a motion on the floor, all in favor say
Ic aye.
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Vote on Comm. 57
Filed
Comm. 70
January 20, 2021
The motion to close file on Comm. 57 was carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David —1.
Excused: None.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Next order of the day, please.
NOMINATION OF LISA ANNE KAMUELA MEHEULA TO THE PUBLIC
ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020, requesting the
Council's review and confirmation.
Requires Council
Confirmation by: February 6, 2021 (Section 2-215(k),
Hawaii County Code)
Vote on Comm. 70: Ms. Villegas moved to recommend confirmation of the
(Approved) appointment of Ms. Lisa Anne Kamuela Meheula to the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David —1.
Excused: None.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward
and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and
experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment.
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder informed Ms. Meheula that she does not need to
appear at the Council meeting for the final confirmation of her appointment.
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Comm. 76
Vote on Comm. 76
(Approved)
Comm. 77
Vote on Comm. 77
(Approved)
January 20, 2021
NOMINATION OF GAY MATHEWS TO THE MERIT APPEALS BOARD
From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020, requesting the
Council's review and confirmation.
Requires Council
Confirmation by: February 19, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Ms. Gay Mathews to the Merit Appeals
Board. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member David —1.
Excused: None.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward
and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and
experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment.
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder informed Ms. Mathews that she does not need to
appear at the Council meeting for the final confirmation of her appointment.
NOMINATION OF GABRIELLA CABANAS TO THE MERIT APPEALS
BOARD
From Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, dated December 30, 2020, requesting the
Council's review and confirmation.
Requires Council
Confirmation by: February 12, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Ms. Gabriella Cabanas to the Merit Appeals,
Board. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward
and provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and
experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment.
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder informed Ms. Cabanas that she does not need to
appear at the Council meeting for the final confirmation of her appointment.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, can we please move on to
Resolution 31-21?
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
Res. 31-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE MULTI -FUNCTION COPY MACHINE FOR THE OFFICE OF
THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement, with an
approximate monthly cost of $750.
Reference: Comm. 58
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend adoption of Res. 31-21.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We have Nancy Kelly of the Prosecuting
Office available to answer questions. And I was told she would be appearing via
Zoom today. Sorry, Mr. Clerk.
MR. BROWN: Excuse me, Chair, we're going to just try connect with her real
quick. Do you mind taking a recess, please?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That's fine, Mr. Clerk.
MR. BROWN: Thank you.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So we're taking a recess.
Recess: At 10:06 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:38 a.m.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Let's just go. So please read in
Resolution 31-21.
MR. BROWN: So I read it in. Chair, we have a motion on the floor. You guys
can actually open discussion and take a vote when you're ready.
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CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Let me just go around to the
Council. Is there any questions regarding the multi-year lease for the copy
machine? It is fairly expensive. I think sitting at the tune of $750 a month. Any
questions?
MR. RICHARDS: Chair? Richards.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards. And be mindful that we did
reach out to Ms. Kelly of the Prosecuting Office, but she is not here. So we have
our document in front of us, and any further questions would have to be submitted
to Nancy Kelly at the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, we have Deanna in here. And so just a quick question.
If this was, maybe I missed it, but is it a lease to own or is just a lease to own or is
it just a true lease?
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MS. SAKO: I believe it's a lease to own, most of our copiers are. I'm sorry, a
lease, just a true lease, because we don't want to have to pay for all the supplies
afterwards. One of the things with leasing it, it comes with the toner and all of
those things. We do have a few departments though, that do lease to own and
they're in some of our baseyards and other areas, and they continue to use the
machine, like forever. But most of them are just true leases, and we'll return it at
the end. Normally at the end of the five-year term, there's new technology and
things that—you know, those machines can do more for us.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Thanks, Deanna, I thought so. But I appreciate it. I
yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Any further
questions?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz. I don't have a
question. I just want to thank Deanna for that explanation. Having done a few
days of job shadowing in the Prosecutor's Office, they go through a ridiculous
amount of paper. Not by choice, but because the judicial system demands that of
them. Until we can move to a more electronic format, this is a critical investment
and allows them to do their work. So supporting this investment and their work
wholeheartedly. Thank you. I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for that comment,
Ms. Kierkiewicz. Any other further discussion? Okay, seeing none, all in favor?
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Vote on Res. 31-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 31-21 was carried
(Approved) by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Moving on.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances.
Bill 13: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 20-44, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021
Reappropriates lapsed fuel tax funds from past fiscal years by establishing the
following program appropriation to the Capital Budget:
Kawailani/P6hakulani/Ainaola and Kawailani/`Iwalani Traffic Signals
Engineering Project ($10,546.40).
Reference: Comm. 59
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend passage of Bill 13 on
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is there any discussion?
MR. INABA: Yes, Chair.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, Mr. Inaba. We have Acting
Director, Mr. Rodenhurst, and Haku Kelii from the Department of Public Works.
They will be present to answer any questions. I believe they are in Hilo, and I do
see them. So can you come up to the table, please? And Mr. Inaba, go ahead
with your questions.
(At this time, Public Works Director Steven L Rodenhurst came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. INABA: Yeah, it might be a question more so—is Director Sako still in the
room?
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January 20, 2021
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MS. SAKO: Yes, I am. Good morning.
MR. INABA: Good morning. You know, this is still my first time around at this
stuff, so if you could just clarify. I understand that this is money from the
previous year, and we're putting it towards specific projects that are in the Capital
Improvement Project Budget. Is that correct?
MS. SAKO: That's correct. So this is a CIP appropriation, which is good for the
current year plus two additional fiscal years. And so these fuel tax monies are
back from 2010 to 2012. And we weren't able to fully expend them on this
project, so they're reappropriating it so that we can get these monies spent. And
specifically, it is for that projects listed in Exhibit A.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you. Director Rodenhurst, you're there too, I see. Is
there a timeline as to when these projects would get done, ifI mean, when these
funds are appropriated?
MR. RODENHURST: For Bill 13.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Please introduce yourself for the record.
MR. RODENHURST: Yes. My name is Ikaika Rodenhurst. I am the Director of
Public Works.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo.
MR. RODENHURST: As far as this project, this project is currently completed
to its current state. The funds have lapsed. As they are lapsed, and they are being
reappropriated to this. As far the timeline for this reappropriation yes, this
should be wrapped up, this project, within the year.
MR. INABA: Okay. So back to Director Sako. The monies that we are
reappropriating, it's just—these projects have been completed, money spent, and
we are just—how is this working? (Inaudible) answer that?
MS. SAKO: So there could be remaining change orders that they need to process.
But otherwise, the second item on the list is Roadway Capacity Improvement
Program. So then any project that would increase roadway and capacity, these
funds could be allotted towards that, as well.
MR. INABA: Do we know how much is going to be actually going towards the
Kawailani/Pohakulani/Ainaola projects that are already completed?
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MS. SAKO: I think that would only be if there were any remaining or
outstanding fuel orders that the change order haven't been processed for, so then
that would be our share. So since it's only $10,000, that maybe absorbed in a
change order. Otherwise, it will go ahead and be used for roadway capacity
improvement.
MR. INABA: Okay, mahalo. Just helping me to understand this process better as
we move forward. Chair, I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Inaba.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Mr. Inaba, just to provide you a little context. This
project was in Council District 3. It was a STIP (State Transportation
Improvement Project) project, and so the County brought a match. And so as the
project progresses, there are number of change orders that happen. And so as
those change order bills get paid, there's a split between the federal funds and
then the County funds. So this is just some of that money that—as Ms. Sako
mention, is kind of left over through the different change orders. And as soon as
we wrap up those bills, this money will move into the other roads project.
But the project is complete. And that community is incredibly happy to have that
signalization at Pohakulani, Ainaola, and Kawailani. Thank you.
MR. INABA: Thank you, Sue.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for your explanation of what's
going on, Ms. Lee Loy, from your point of view. Any further questions in Hilo?
Okay, seeing none, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor?
Vote on Bill 14: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 14 on
(Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Next order of business. And,
Mr. Rodenhurst, Ms. Kelii, and Deanna, please stay for the next two bills, as well.
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Bill 14: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 20-44, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021
Appropriates the seventh increment of the fuel tax revenues established by
Resolution No. 504-08 to the following programs: Roadway Projects -
Engineering ($1.7 million); Bridge Inspection, Repair and Replacement
Program - Engineering ($1.2 million); and Local Road Improvements -
Highways ($2.9 million).
Reference: Comm. 60
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend passage of Bill 14
on first reading. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako and Public Works
Director Steven L Rodenhurst came forward to address the members of the
Committee.)
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Again we have Deanna, Mr. Rodenhurst,
and Ms. Kelii here to answer any questions. Hilo, anyone would like to go on this
matter.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, Richards.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thank you. Deanna, this is an ongoing conversation
about our economy. And the fuel tax collection, I want to say I remember reading
there's about a ten percent decrease in fuel tax revenues. Is that reflected in this?
MS. SAKO: Yes, it is. So Public Works did the analysis, but basically this is
much lower than previous biennium period that's being appropriated. They did
take that all into account. And at any given year, we tend to go conservative
anyway, so we may the next bill actually is an appropriation of the additional
collections for the last biennium period.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay.
MS. SAKO: So we try to estimate, sort of conservatively, and then come back in
and reappropriate any access so that we don't overspend in any way.
In addition, as they're doing allotments during the year, we're also—especially on
the roadway, the local road improvements, we try to allot maybe only 90 percent,
even of what's being appropriated here, until it'swe have enough collections to
ensure that we have the full $5.8 million.
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January 20, 2021
MR. RICHARDS: And you've taken the reduction? You were planning for that
already
study?
So we're not—this is okay. We have the funding available to get the
MS. SAKO: Yes, we have the funding. I think this is about $1 million less than
the last biennium period, yeah.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Alright. And that makes sense from the numbers that
I've been reading.
And then, Mr. Rodenhurst, there was a survey being done by the State that the
County partnered with a report, and it was using new technology, basically like
Google Earth, driving around, and doing all that. Do we have that report as of
yet? I know it's forthcoming, but I don't know when it's actually due out.
MR. RODENHURST: I will follow up with our department as far as when that is
due out. But I know we have the report, and I know that we're finalizing that.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. So I know it's imminent. But obviously, I expect that
these funds will be used anyway, from that report. Okay, thank you, Chair. I
yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Anyone else in
Hilo?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Director Rodenhurst, question about priorities
based on funding allocations articulated in this bill. Twenty percent of the funds
were allocated for work in Puna. You know, when your predecessor was here, I
believe this body did request of him a list, a breakdown of priority projects based
on this particular funding stream. Just wondering if we could get an updated
version of that list so we can see what the priorities are for our respective districts.
MR. RODENHURST: Yes. That was one of the first things that I was pursuing
once in the position, and I will get that list as soon as possible. I do not have it
today, but I will get it as soon as possible.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No problem. And perhaps there is potential to weave in
the information that we're learning from the studies that Council Member
Richards had brought up. I just want to make sure that we are leveraging all the
available data to prioritize with transparency for our community. Thank you. I
yield, Chair.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
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January 20, 2021
MS. KIMBALL: Chair? Mr. Chair, this Ms. Kimball.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, thank you, Ikaika, for being here today. I'd also like to
request the same things with respect to bridges and your priority list there. Thank
you.
MR. RODENHURST: Ms. Kimball, yes, I'm working on that, as well. Bridges
is very important, especially in the Hamakua District. And I will get that to you
as soon as possible.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else in
Hilo?
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, Chair. Richards again. Real quick.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Before I go to you, Mr. Richards, I've got
to get everyone else first.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Chung, Ms. David?
MS. DAVID: Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder, I just have one quick follow-up for
Director.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Chair David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you. Welcome, Director. Follow-up to the question about
providing us a list. Will you be providing all of the Council Members in our
respective districts? I'm just checking.
MR. RODENHURST: Yes, Ms. David, I will provide that list to everybody, for
their respective district.
MS. DAVID: Okay, perfect. Awesome. Mahalo.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Chair. Kona?
MS. LEE LOY: Chair?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you. Director Rodenhurst, I'm looking at some old
resolutions that the Council worked on, back in 2017. It's resolutionI'm sorry,
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January 20, 2021
212-17. There was a follow-up communication, Communication 966 dated, well,
time -stamped June 13, 2018. I think this provides a good template for you folks
to follow as far as providing the information back to the Council Members.
That's how we saw it in the past. And it gave the breakdown for how fuel funds
would be spent. Just some guidance.
MR. RODENHURST: Mahalo for that. And we will be looking into that,
making sure that we provide the appropriate formatting.
CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else,
comments? Okay. Mr. Rodenhurst, and my one question, do you—did your
department have an information officer yet?
MR. RODENHURST: At this time, we do not.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, previous to you being appointed,
you had a Denice Laitinen, who used to work in the Public Works, and she went
output to all the Council Members a list of projects that was coming, that was
being worked on and as well—at the very bottom, you find a list of projects that
were kind of set for the immediate future, and I found that very useful for the
Council to share with their constituents of what's coming. And I think that, you
know, on top of what's being discussed and asked of you today, I think that would
be and was very useful for us as Council Members, but also for the public to
understand where we're at with projects, so I would make that suggestion to you.
And to try fill that positions as soon as you're able.
And then just a quick question. So the roadway improvement projects, although
Puna, you know, has never really been the priority I felt for the last
administration, I'm hoping that'll change going forward. But I did notice that on
those roadway improvement projects, the $1.7 million has been set aside for that
section. None of those roads I believe are in Puna. And I wanted to see if you
have any further comments on that, or if you have any knowledge of Puna
projects set for that are road improvement projects coming up.
MR. RODENHURST: Mahalo, Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder. First, I want to
address the report, I requested, that Denise previously provided. Yes, we are
actively pursuing an information officer for DPW. That's one of the first things I
did on the job, is pursue that position getting filled. And I do 100 percent agree,
we need to be transparent with the Council and public as far as what we're doing
in the community and how we're doing it.
And I agree wholeheartedly, we need to get this list out. So we are actively
working to put this list out. In the meantime, we're splitting up the duties of this
officer amongst myself, my Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto, and staff, to
provide that information. So bear with me, we'll get it out as soon as possible.
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January 20, 2021
As far as addressing Puna projects, for this particular increment, you know, we
have some more general road capacity improvements, and there are possibilities
of projects ending up in Puna with this. As far as priority, it's more of a
need -based priority, And I agree 100 percent, there is a need in Puna. So we are
actively pursuing what we can do in Puna with these various fuel tax revenues.
And I'll get you that list along with everything else, with Denise's list. Is there
anything else you need to clarify on that?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, you did fairly well. I just—you know,
being that Puna is about 50,000 people strong, and about one-third of the island's
population, capacity improvements, roadway projects, need to be a priority; and
although we do get about 20—almost 21 percent of the local road improvement
funds, most of the roads in Puna fall under the State jurisdiction for our major
thoroughfares, and then the most—and the others are all private. So with the
funds that we do get, I would hope to see some really good, you know,
resurfacing projects, capacity improvement projects, for our district going
forward. So, thank you for hearing me, and I appreciate that. Without any further
questions, I will
MR. RICHARDS: Chair?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, I just I wanted to echo what Ms. Kimball said
concerning the bridges. Bridges throughout the island, and I'm thinking about
Maile, in your district as well, and I `ve got some in mine, bridges are a lot more
expensive per foot, and we all know that, and I'm very mindful of that. So as we
go forward—and I know a lot of these bridges are quite aged, so I just wanted to
make sure that that's put on the list going forward. Because I know I've been
across of Heather's bridges, and Iwe have to focus on some of some of that
stuff, so I just wanted to throw that out there and put it as a priority. Chair, I
yield.
MS. KIMBALL: Mr. Chair, can I make one additional comment, as well?
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Richards. And yes, go
ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. And to add on to that, I don't know if we can
expect any additional federal funding for infrastructure, but I want us to be
absolutely prepared that sort of stimulus might be coming to our area.
As Council Member Richards had mentioned, most of these bridges in my district
and some of the others are beyond their useful life already; and as beautiful and
historic as they are, they're becoming a safety hazard, and I have grave concerns
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FC -2 January 20, 2021
about the public's health and safety with regard to our bridges. So anything you
can get shovel -ready, I would appreciate. Thank you.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Now, I do have
a follow-up question. We have, I believe, oneI don't know even if it qualifies
as a bridge, but there's a section of Highway 130 that crosses a stream, and when
we had Hurricane Lane, it actually flooded out and cut Puna off from Hilo
basically, because there is no other work -around roads. And in that time, being
that there were other flooding happening in other areas, that would block off our
normal emergency access routes. Are there any bridges in Puna that are being
inspected, or looked at, or qualified for this funding source?
MR. RODENHURST: At this time, I do not have a clear answer on that.
Because there are over 129 bridges on the national database and there are
numerous other bridges that don't qualify for national database, so I'll have to get
back to you on that one. But I am concerned about that as well, as it is the district
I live in. We need to provide safe access and safe passage to all the users of our
roads.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, great. Please keep me updated on
that, and send me an email when you have more information, please. Okay,
without any further comments, questions, I'll move for the vote. Okay, all in
favor?
Vote on Bill 14: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 14 on
(Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And please move on and go on to the next
motion of the day.
Bill 15: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 20-44, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021
Appropriates excess fuel tax revenues collected pursuant t Ordinance 19-7 to
the following programs: Roadway Projects ($27,420.13); Bridge
Inspection/Repair ($18,280,08); and Local Road Projects ($45,700.21).
Reference: Comm. 61
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
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FC -2 January 20, 2021
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend passage of Bill 15
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is there any question? Wonderful.
Deanna, I have one question for you. It's more of a staff question, if you will
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Committee.
MS. SAKO: Sure.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I was told I needed to get it on the record.
In regard to what these billsespecially, you know, regarding a reappropriation,
what they are pursuant to; this is pursuant to Chapter 243 of the HRS (Hawai`i
Revised Statutes as well as Section 10-10 of the Charter, is that correct?
MS. SAKO: Yeah, it's 10-10, the appropriation section. I don't have that in front
of me, sorry.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm going on memory. We had some
discussion, just as a Committee.
MS. SAKO: Yeah.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And discussing how to correctly put down,
you know, what these are pursuant to you. In the past, it hasn't been a really
given, it was just, you know, according to ordinance number la, la, la, la, but in
this case, I wanted to be as specific as we could.
MS. SAKO: Like, yeah, that's correct. As I mentioned earlier, the appropriations
are good for the current fiscal year plus two additional ones and then they would
need to be reappropriated. And I believe that is Section 10-10, I just don't have
the Charter in front of me.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so I'm going to I'm just—I'm
using this to kind of give Donna (Brillheart) the ability to write "Pursuant to" as
part of our Committee report. And I just wanted to get it right. I'm going to look
up that section really quickly. Bear with me, please? And this was asked from
the Council Services side that we get this said.
MS. SAKO: Yeah.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So Section 10-10 is the lapse of
appropriation, is that correct?
MS. SAKO: Yeah. Clerk just handed it to me, and yes that's the section that
we're referring to.
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FC -2 January 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so I'm going to go ahead and have
Donna use Chapter 243 and Section 10-10 of our Charter as the "Pursuant to"
articles, correct?
MS. SAKO: That's correct. Thank you.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Ms. Sako. And
thank you for being here today as well as Mr. Rodenhurst; and Ms. Haku Kelii,
nice to see you.
Okay, without any more questions, I will move to the vote. Okay, all in favor?
Vote on Bill 15: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 15 on
(Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI `I-KLEINFELDER: May I have a motion to adjourn?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 10:37 a.m. Mr. Inaba moved to adjourn
MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo for your time today, And I call
this meeting to adjournment.
Approved:
(0,?, 3 ?i
Mr. Matt Kdneali `i- K einfel er, Chair (Date)
Finance Committee
MK/na
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