HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2021-04-07 2020-2022 Hawaii County Council
91h Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
April 7, 2021
INVOCATION: Pastor Howard Nash of Thy Word Ministries gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Vice Chair
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Mr. Richards led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The 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: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Janice Palma-Glennie: PC-12 (Comm. 161), in opposition.
Charles Flaherty: FC-23 (Comm. 155), in support;
PC-12 (Comm. 161), in opposition;
PC-13 (Comm. 162), in opposition; and
PC-14 (Comm. 163), in support.
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval Mr. Inaba moved to approve the Minutes of March 3,
of Minutes: 2021. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried
(Approved) by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Before we move on to "Communications," I'd like to see if the
Council Members would object to me taking one report out of orderMs., who is
waiting. Ms. Kaneali`i has a PONC (Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission) site visit that she needs to attend. So, I'd
like to take her out of order. And also we have, I think, the applicant on Bill 26
that's in the queue video. So, let's take those two first if that's okay.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
FC-23 NOMINATION OF DIANE KANEALI`I TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN
(Comm. 155): SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 11, 2021 (Section 2-215(k),
Hawaii County Code)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Finance Committee Report
No. 23. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
(Note: At this time, Diane Kaneali`i, nominee, came forward to address
the members of the Council, via videoconferencing.)
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion, Council Members? No? Seeing none
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
MR. RICHARDS: Just real quick.
CHR. DAVID: Okay, go ahead, Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah. I've worked with Diane since I've been in office, and I
think she has a real good perspective and feeling on the pulse going forward. So,
I fully support her on the PONC side.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo for that. Anyone else? Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to say
Ms. Diane Kaneali`i is an amazing individual who also happens to be my aunt. I
will not be voting today and will be recusing myself as I think should be required,
and I appreciate her being on this commission.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Ms. Kaneali`i,
would you like to say a few words before we take the vote? I know you have to
leave.
MS. KANEALI`L Thank you for allowing me to jump the gun a little bit here
and move forward so that I can do the site visit. I appreciate that. And I truly
appreciate the nomination and to be working with the County on this very
important commission for the PONC. I look forward to working with all of you if
possible and do these site visits and do the best job that I can to rate these
properties and hopefully secure them for public access for eternity. So, mahalo
a nui.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo a nui to you for your service, and I totally support your
nomination as well.
MS. KANEALI`L Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Council Members, all those in favor of
confirming the nomination of Ms. Kaneali`i,please say "aye."
Vote on FC-23: The motion to adopt Finance Committee Report No. 23
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Ms. Kaneali`i.
MS. KANEALIL Thank you so much, all of you, and aloha.
CHR. DAVID: Aloha. Okay. Mr. Clerk, I believe Bill, I think it's 26.
Bill 26: REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 12-128, WHICH AMENDED SECTION 25-8-23
(MOUNTAIN VIEW ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING
CODE) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (CV-10) AT `OLA`A,
PUNA, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 1-8-002:064
(Planning Director Initiated) (Area: 13,785 Square Feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation to
repeal Ordinance No. 12-128, which would revert the property's classification
back to its original designation of Single-Family Residential — 10,000 square feet.
The property is located on the northwest corner of Highway 11 and Nichols Road.
Reference: Comm. 143
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-15
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 26 on first reading and
adopt Planning Committee Report No. 15. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This is a pretty straightforward request
coming from the property owners. We had a discussion, pretty straightforward, in
Committee but I do have the Planning Director on standby if anybody has any
questions. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Anyone else? No? Okay. Seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Bill 26 at first reading, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Bill 26: The motion to pass Bill 26 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 15 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. I believe we can go to the top of the agenda right
now.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 16: REQUESTS THE FORMATION OF AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO APPOINT
A NEW COUNTY AUDITOR
From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated November 17, 2020,
requesting the formation of an ad hoc committee to review applications, conduct
interviews, and score applicants in order to identify a list of candidates who will
advance to a round of interviews and final decision by the County Council.
Waived: GOREDC
Postponed: December 23, 2020
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Kierkiewicz, seconded by Ms. Lee Loy, to close
file on Comm. 16.)
; and
Comm. 16.1: From Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated March 30, 2021, transmitting
a report of the ad hoc committee's findings and recommendations.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Just a little background: This matter was
postponed on December 23rd, 2020, to allow for the ad hoc committee that was
formed during that same meeting to review the applications, conduct interviews,
and score applicants for the County's vacant County Auditor position and then
provide a short list of candidates to the full Council for its consideration and
action. We now have the report from the ad hoc committee, which includes its
recommendations as provided for in Communication 16.1.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
This is the second of the three meetings that are required by Sunshine Law and
our Rules of Procedure that govern the permitted interactions of an ad hoc
committee. This second meeting is a hold period by law. We will not be
discussing the ad hoc committee's report or making any decisions today. We will
be postponing this matter to another day when we'll be able to take up the matter
in full.
In discussing with the Clerk what we can discuss today is the Council's
preference whether to call a special meeting or to hold our review of the actions
on the remaining candidates during a portion of our regular meeting. So, Council
Members? Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you, Chair. So—and I know we're not
discussing. We're discussing procedures right now.
CHR. DAVID: Procedures, yes.
MR. RICHARDS: Are we going to be interviewing these candidates? Or how is
that going to be going forward?
CHR. DAVID: Ms. Kierkiewicz, can you please respond to Mr. Richards?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Yes, Mr. Richards, to answer your
question, it will be the work of this body to interview the candidates that the
ad hoc committee has elevated as individuals that this body should consider to fill
the position.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, so, the final candidates then. Okay.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Correct.
MR. RICHARDS: And that makes sense. So, given that, it's my preference I
think that we would probably want to schedule a special meeting to do that so we
are focused on that and it doesn't detract from the other meetings. But I will
listen to my colleagues and come with a solution. Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Ms. Kimball, go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: I'll just briefly state that I concur with Mr. Richards. I think
there should be a special meeting. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo. Anyone else? Okay. If no one else objects, I believe I
think we have a decision that we will be convening a special meeting for this
purpose. Being that there's no objections to it, Mr. Clerk, so, your
recommendations, then, for this special meeting? Any ?
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
MR. HENRICKS: It's really impromptu. So, I don't know if everybody is
prepared right now to pick a date and time that they're available. They don't have
their calendars. So, I don't think there's any problem with
CHR. DAVID: With letting us
MR. HENRICKS: Postponing to the call of the Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: And then I don't see any issues with coordinating a meeting to
make sure everybody's available, date and time. And then, of course, we do have
a busy calendar this month. So, factoring that in. So, I don't think you need to
decide right now
CHR. DAVID: Okay,perfect.
MR. HENRICKS: The date of the special meeting. And of course, it would be
like any other meeting. We'll provide the notices required by law.
CHR. DAVID: Notices. Exactly. So, I will just leave that to Ms. Kierkiewicz to
kind of fill this out as far as a date and time. Or is that up to—at this point, the
ad hoc committee is still in
MR. HENRICKS: Well, actually, if you want, we can assist with that.
CHR. DAVID: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: The Clerk's office can assist with coordinating a date and
time
CHR. DAVID: For the special. Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: That will make sense for everybody. And I guess I would like
to know, though, at this point,preference from the Council as far as completing,
or at least maybe not completing but starting this process within this month of
April.
CHR. DAVID: Council Member Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. And thank you for the start of that
conversation. I would prefer the ad hoc committee has been doing this for a few
months, and we have been without an auditor. I would actually like to try and set
a special meeting before the end of this month, in addition to recognizing we're
going to have a conversation. And then, there's some on-boarding processes that
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
have to happen for a new employee. Because, we really need an auditor to get to
work and start hammering in some of the audits that we hope to accomplish. So,
that is my preference.
CHR. DAVID: Anyone else? Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I don't want to postpone this communication to the
call of the Chair. We still have a third reading that we need to do where we can
elaborate on the process and the candidates that we've elevated. So, I would like
to postpone this measure to our next Council meeting, which I believe is on the
21st. And likely within that week if we could host a special meeting to interview
the two candidates, either on the Monday or Thursday.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, actually your special meeting would serve as
your third meeting.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: So, we don't need to do another meeting in between now and
the meeting that Mr. Richards had asked about what's going to happen.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you for the clarification.
MR. HENRICKS: My understanding unless—we'll look further into it, and if it's
determined that it's necessary, then we would put it on for the 21"per the call of
the Chair. But I believe the special meeting is your third and final meeting, or
potentially final for this process.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. I just want to verify to make sure that we have
everything in order for this because this is a new way that we've undertaken this
work. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you for that, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Any
questions?
MR. HENRICKS: So, I'm hearing that the—April.
CHR. DAVID: April.
MR. HENRICKS: Before the end of this month.
CHR. DAVID: Yes.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
MR. HENRICKS: And maybe just kind of looking ahead at perhaps the week of
the 19d'through the 23rd since we have meetings scheduled for the 20d' and 21" in
Kona. Perhaps just kind of looking at it at some point in time during that. And if
not, then the last week of April.
CHR. DAVID: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: Probably not the 12d'through the 16d'; we wouldn't be able to
provide notice in that timeframe either.
CHR. DAVID: Right. Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: All right.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. So, in that situation,we don't need to discuss
anything more on this one, right? We're just going to leave it alone the way it is.
MR. HENRICKS: Yeah. And because we don't have a date specified, the best
motion would be to postpone this to the call of the Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Okay.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to postpone Comm. 16 to the call
Postpone: of the Chair. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Comm. 53.5: REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS INABA, RICHARDS,
AND VILLEGAS AT A MASS TRANSIT AGENCY MEETING REGARDING
SITES UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR A KONA HUB AND SPOKE
LOCATION HELD VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING ON MARCH 29, 2021,
PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 92-2.5(e)
From Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba, dated March 30, 2021.
Motion to Close Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 53.5. Seconded
File: by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Inaba, go ahead.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
MR. INABA: Yes. Standard practice. Council Members Villegas, Richards, and
I were in a Zoom meeting for the Mass Transit Agency regarding the hub-and-
spoke—or the hub locations in Kona. This meeting occurred on March 29h.
Mahalo. Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? No? All right, seeing none, all those
in favor of closing file on Communication 53.5,please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 53.5 The motion to close file on Comm. 53.5 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
Res. 65-21: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF EQUIPMENT,
SUPPLIES AND FOOD TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FROM HAWAII
RISE FOUNDATION AND VIBRANT HAWAII
The donation, valued at$68,000, and will be used to provide support for virtual
learning spaces for children and corresponding food distribution.
Reference: Comm. 148
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-25
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 65-21 and
Finance Committee Report No. 25. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: We had fairly substantial discussion about
this last time, and I appreciate everyone's support moving forward.
CHR. DAVID: Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I do want to share that I am a volunteer
board member for Vibrant Hawaii and also chair the economy stream. And so, I
will be abstaining from this vote. Thank you. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
CHR. DAVID: Thank you for that. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 65-21: The motion to adopt Res. 65-21 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 25 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: Council Member Kierkiewicz— 1.
Res. 67-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR TWO MULTIFUNCTION COPY MACHINES FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate monthly cost of$170 per copier.
Reference: Comm. 150
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-26
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 67-21 and
Finance Committee Report No. 26. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just a summary. This is a multi-year lease
for five years for two multi-function copy machines for DEM, or Department of
Environmental Management. It's fairly straightforward, and clean discussion in
committees. I look forward to your continued support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please
say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Res. 67-21: The motion to adopt Res. 67-21 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 26 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 72-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FOR THE HAWAII ISLAND CHEF CHALLENGE SHOW
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Office of the Mayor, Office of Management
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 174
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
(Note: Comm. 174.1, from Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated
April 6, 2021, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 72-21, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 72-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend Res. 72-21 with the
contents of Comm. 174.1. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. There was just an error in the amount that we
were transmitting for this project.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of
the amendment, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 72-21 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 174.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Back to Resolution 72-21, as amended. Any discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Just happy to support—
MR.
upportMR. HENRICKS: I'm sorry. Excuse me, Madam Chair. We would need a rule
suspension for further discussion.
CHR. DAVID: Okay. Sorry.
Motion to Suspend Ms. Lee Loy moved to suspend Council Rule 24 to waive
Council Rules: the holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 72-21.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Happy to be supporting
MR. HENRICKS: Sorry. Second time I got you. You just need to call the vote
on the rule suspension, then we can move forward.
CHR. DAVID: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: It's not going to happen again.
CHR. DAVID: All those in favor of a rule suspension, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Motion to The motion to suspend Council Rule 24 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 72-21 was
Rules: carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Clerk, are we good now?
MR. HENRICKS: (Inaudible.)
CHR. DAVID: Okay. Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I really appreciate our Clerk wanting to
make sure we do everything correctly. Happy to be supporting this project.
Really grateful to the Mayor's office for working with our keiki, local farmers to
elevate our food systems and really just give kids a chance to explore these
ingredients and test out their culinary skills in the kitchen. So,just looking for
everyone's support on this. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo. Anyone else? Seeing none, now we're at
Resolution 72-21, as amended by Communication 174.1. All those in favor,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 72-21: The motion to adopt Res. 72-21, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Res. 74-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOLUALOA FOUNDATION
FOR ARTS AND CULTURE TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS
DONKEY MILL ART CENTER EXHIBITION PROGRAM
Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 177
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 74-21. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Aloha. Thank you. The Donkey Mill Art Center in Kona has been
an art foundation and staple of our Kona community for decades. And in a recent
visit there, I got to see some of the exhibits that they have put on, some that speak
to our climate change. And it was really moving to see how they bring different
artists together and bring together different mana`o. Just extremely supportive of
those efforts. So, I look forward to your support for these contingency relief
funds to the Donkey Mill Art Center. Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Mr. Inaba. Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you, Chair. Something Council Member Inaba
said about the art. I think, Maile, you and I are old enough to remember when it
was actually still coffee.
CHR. DAVID: (Inaudible), yeah.
MR. RICHARDS: So, I'll definitely support going forward but well done,
Holeka.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Anyone else? Seeing none, I just want
to say mahalo a nui to the Donkey Mill Art Center for all their work. I've been
there several times, and it's really amazing what they've done to the place, no
less, and now that it's transformed into an art center. Anyway, okay. All those in
favor of approving Resolution 74-21, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Res. 74-21: The motion to adopt Res. 74-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 78-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE DIGITAL POSTAGE METER FOR THE OFFICE OF THE
CORPORATION COUNSEL
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate monthly cost of$50.
Reference: Comm. 181
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 78-21.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This item was waived from Committee to
Council. This is for a lease for $50 a month for a postage meter if anyone has
further questions. I think it's pretty self-explanatory. But if you did have
questions, I think Ms. Strance is here to answer anything for Corp. (Corporation)
Counsel that may be needed although it's doubtful that it would be needed. I look
forward to your support. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 78-21, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Res. 78-21: The motion to adopt Res. 78-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 27: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 19-53, REPEALS
CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 19-58.1 AND SECTION 19-58.2 OF THE
HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED),
RELATING TO THE NONSPECULATIVE RESIDENTIAL USE REAL
PROPERTY TAX DEDICATION
Repeals the nonspeculative residential use dedication program, effective July 1,
2021.
Reference: Comm. 152
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Approve: FC-27
Motion to Approve: Mr. Chung moved to pass Bill 27 on first reading and adopt
Finance Committee Report No. 27. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yes, when we last visited this matter, it was with the
understanding that the Real Property Tax Division would be sending out letters to
affected land owners and we would hear what kinds of responses, if any, were
received. I did receive something from Ms. Miura, but I think it's best if she or
Keita Jo come up and explain what we've learned from this. Lisa?
(Note: At this time, Real Property Tax Administrator Lisa Miura came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. MIURA: Good morning, County Council. It's nice to see all nine of you in
the same room. It's so much easier to communicate. Lisa Miura, Real Property
Tax Administrator.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
We had our last Finance Committee meeting on March 16''. On March 18'', our
office sent letters to all the owners of record for every parcel that was in here. So,
a lot more letters went out than just the number of parcels we have. Of those, we
received actually of this morning 65 phone calls by our office and majority of
them were positive. There were a couple three that had some concerns, excuse
me, four had concerns; they were the same. And one just wasn't supportive of
this change even though she would have saved money. It was more due to untrust
of government, not so much this bill.
And so, I do want to be cognizant and share that the other four were more from
the understanding that they have no intention to sell. They're not against the bill,
but their preference would have been to let the dedication period ride out, and
then after that come at their frozen values. But everybody elseso, that would be
60 of them were in support. And that was all the feedback that we received.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. And, Lisa, I mean and for all of you, that idea of letting the
program run out was also something that we had discussed. But as I related the
last time, I'm just going to stick with this. If anybody wanted to come up with an
amendment that incorporated that concept, they would be free to do so. But
really, I think what this has demonstrated, and I really appreciate what the
Finance Department has done in that regard, is that there was no escape clause,
really, for these individuals. And many, when I just kind of read—was I the only
one provided with this ?
MS. MIURA: The entire list, yes. After yesterday's meetings, I got nervous
about sending the list to every person individually.
MR. CHUNG: Oh, right.
MS. MIURA: I did send
CHR. DAVID: Good call.
MS. MIURA: To Council Members if there were some concerns or specific
comments from constituents in their district. I would let them know, "I'll let your
Council Member know." And so, that's why not every person got that because
some people would then either get a call from your district or there was just no
concerns with the bill. And just to be clear, when we sent our letters, we also sent
a page off the County Clerk's website on how they could provide testimony by
either written or call-in or whatever your options were. But a lot of these
individuals were seniors, and they didn't feel comfortable with either the
technology or making a fuss and just felt like Council would make the best choice
for them.
MR. CHUNG: I saw some that were even children of some seniors who were
now in care homes and other places. So, I think that really underscores what you
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
and Deanna and everyone else who had been advocating for this, the repeal of this
program, have been saying all along. If anyone has any questions of me or the
department, feel free to do so. But if not, I'm just going to ask that we move this
thing along.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I don't have a question. I just want to
thank you, Lisa, Keita, for doing this step to inform individuals that are part of
this program and let them know the potential changes that we were considering.
It's just reassuring to know that vast majority are in support, and it's really helpful
data and context to support our decision-making. I'll be supporting the measure.
Thank you, Aaron. Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Ms. Kimball, go
ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, I'll also be supporting the measure because of the data
that you've provided for us. I think it assuaged some of the concerns that I had
about folks that were on the program. It seems like they're overwhelmingly
willing to support this change. So, thank you again, Council Member Chung, for
introducing this piece of legislation. I yield, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing, oh, go ahead.
MS. MIURA: I believe there was a concern and I forgot to address it.
Somebody, a Council Member, had wanted to know how many individuals were
rolled back in the last few years. So, if you still want that information, Keita does
have that for you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? No? Well, I just—
MS.
ustMS. KIMBALL: Chair, I'd actually like—if that information is available, we
might as well have it presented to us. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Assistant Real Property Tax Administrator Keita Jo
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. JO: Hi. Keita Jo, Assistant Real Property Tax Administrator. One of the
takeaways was to take a look specifically at the numbers in terms of rollbacks.
There were seven rollbacks over the last three years that occurred in this program.
The average rollback was over 13,000 in rollback taxes and penalties for
individuals. We did have one individual in their 90s that received a rollback of
over $15,000 as a result of the transfer of their property. So, it just underpins the
severity of what a lot of our kupuna feel in terms of participating in this program.
It's a catch-22. There are some severe penalties if things change in life.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you very much, Keita. I appreciate it. I yield, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else? If not, I just wanted to
say thank you to the Administrator, Mr. Jo, Ms. Miura, and Director and, most of
all, Mr. Chung for actually moving this forward to benefit the community. Thank
you for your hard work and I will be supporting this. Mahalo, everyone. All
those in favor of approving Bill 26 at first reading and forward to Council, I
mean, not forwardI'm sorry, Bill 27—approving Bill 27 at first reading,please
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 27: The motion to pass Bill 27 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 27 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING): (There were none.)
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
(Note: FC-23 was taken up previously, out of order.)
FC-24 NOMINATION OF STEVEN PAVAO TO THE SALARY COMMISSION
(Comm. 156):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 18, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on FC-24: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Finance Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 24. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
PC-12 NOMINATION OF DANA ASIS TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 161): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
No. 12. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion, Council Members? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: In light of what we saw yesterday, I'm just
going to go ahead and say no to this today, but I appreciate everyone's
understanding of that. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else?
MR. INABA: Yeah, mahalo. Chair, sorry.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Inaba.
MR. INABA: Mahalo to Ms. Palma-Glennie for her testimony. It got me to
reconsider, so I'll be voting "no"today.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Anyone else? Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: I find myself in the same circumstance and situation where I'm
reevaluating the amount of—the risks versus the rewards of who's being
nominated to our Leeward Planning Commission and the other commissions, and
I will be voting "no"today. I think that there needs to be a broader scope. And it
would be really wonderful if representatives of the districts represented by the
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Leeward Planning Commission were once again taken into consideration when
nominating people for these special and very important boards and commissions.
Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Anyone else? Seeing none, I
basically, I believe I was absent on that day and had just what I was observing and
listening to with the testimony, and also yesterday's discussion about the concerns
from the community regarding members that are, especially on the Leeward
Planning Commission, that are either pro-businessI mean, not,pro-
development or in the business of real estate and that sort of thing. And I'm kind
of uncomfortable.
I didn't have a chance to—I did look at Ms. Asis's information. And based on
what we went through yesterday and the community's concerns, I think we need a
more diverse variety of people on our Leeward Planning Commission just to
balance it out. So, I will not be supporting the nomination of Ms. Asis as well.
So, thank you. Mr. Clerk, roll call on this one, please.
Vote on PC-12: The motion to adopt Planning Committee Report No. 12
Failed failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
and Richards –4.
Noes: Council Members Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kimball, Villegas, and Chair David–5.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
PC-13 NOMINATION OF CLEMENT KANUHA, III, TO THE LEEWARD
(Comm. 162): PLANNING COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on PC-13: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 13. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—8.
Noes: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
PC-14 REAPPOINTMENT OF NICOLE LUI TO THE HAWAII COUNTY
(Comm. 163): CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Vote on PC-14: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 14. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
PWMTC-5 NOMINATION OF JAMES LEE TO THE TRANSPORTATION
(Comm. 160): COMMISSION
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Public Works and Mass
PWMTC-5: Transit Committee Report No. 5. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
GOREDC-10 NOMINATION OF BREEANI SUMERA-LEE TO THE REDISTRICTING
(Comm. 157): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations,
GOREDC-10: Relations and Economic Development Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 10. Seconded by Ms. Kimball and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
PRPSC-16 NOMINATION OF DEBRA LEWIS TO THE VETERAN'S ADVISORY
(Comm. 158): COMMITTEE
Vote on PRPSC-16: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Parks and Recreation and
(Adopted) Public Safety Committee Report No. 16. Seconded by
Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
RAWEEMC-5 NOMINATION OF MICHAEL BELL TO THE WATER BOARD
(Comm. 164):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Regenerative Agriculture,
RAWEEMC-5: Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 5. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
RAWEEMC-6 NOMINATION OF CORTNEY OKUMURA TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT
(Comm. 165): ADVISORY COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Regenerative Agriculture,
RAWEEMC-6: Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 6. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
RAWEEMC-7 NOMINATION OF LEOMANA TURALDE TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT
(Comm. 166): ADVISORY COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 7,2021
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Regenerative Agriculture,
RAWEEMC-7: Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 7. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
RAWEEMC-8 NOMINATION OF ELYSE ROBINSON TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
(Comm. 167): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 10, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Regenerative Agriculture,
RAWEEMC-8: Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 8. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
EXECUTIVE for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(There were none.)
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
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Hawai`i County Council-9 April 7. 2021
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Clerk, I believe that concludes our agenda for this morning.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 9:53 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David- 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, everyone, for today. We're adjourned.
Council Approval: APR 2 1 2021
COUN -LES
JH/dg
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