HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2021-04-21 2020-2022 Hawaii County Council
101h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
April 21, 2021
INVOCATION: Senior Pastor Sunny Ahn of Kona United Methodist Church gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:01 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, 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
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
Absent& Excused: Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Ms. Kimball 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 (Note: At this time, Mr. Chung presented a Certificate of Merit to
EXPRESSIONS OF Professor Andrea Ghez for receiving the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics.)
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:
Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Recess: At 9:33 a.m., the Chair called for a recess due to technical difficulties.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:39 a.m.
Robert Golden: Res. 75-21 (Comm. 178), in support.
Misti Padilla: Res. 84-21 (Comm. 190), in support.
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval Ms. Lee Loy moved to approve the Minutes of March 17,
of Minutes: 2021. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Approval Ms. Lee Loy moved to approve the Minutes of April 7,
of Minutes: 2021. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
(There were none.)
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Res. 73-21: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2019 INTEGRATED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
Presents for the County Council's consideration an updated integrated Solid Waste
Management Plan, as required pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 342G,
Part III.
Reference: Comm. 175
Intr. by: Mr. Richards (B/R)
Approve: RAWEEMC-10
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 73-21 and Regenerative
Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental
Management Committee Report No. 10. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion, Council Members?
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Chair?
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, I just want toI didn't get a chance
to talk at the last meeting because we cut the item short. I read through that plan,
and I got an email from a good friend of mine over the weekend who basically
challenged our County and said, "Look, you guys have a Zero Waste plan, and
nothing about this plan is zero waste. It's that simple." And I think that sums it
up pretty well.
So, without having a lengthy discussion, as I said before, I'm disappointed in that
plan that was put forward. Disappointed for two reasons: It came forward late,
and besides that, if you read through that plan, almost every single initiative or
idea that was presented at the last plan has yet to be implemented, did not get
implemented, or is still in discussion after ten years.
And so, without being too lengthy, I think we need to expect more out of our
planning going forward for how we deal with solid waste and any kind of waste in
this County. We have very finite resources and we need to do better. Thank you
for the time, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Mr. Inaba, go ahead.
MR. INABA: Yeah, I spoke with Chair Richards this morning regarding this
resolution. And I believe Director Mansour will be coming back at some point to
further explain where we are in terms of the whole department. I know it's an
ongoing conversation. So, Chair Richards wanted us to move along with this
resolution.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
But I will echo the mana`o of Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. We know
that there were, I think, six themes that were boiled down from 80-something
recommendations that came into this plan, and we keep hearing that it's a lack of
funding. But if we can hopefully just choose one theme or one strategy to
accomplish so we have something down the next time this plan needs to get
updated. And like I mentioned two weeks ago, if we can get the next plan done
on time. The Administration's changed so I'm asking that our civil employees
who don't change make sure that this stuff gets done because you folks are here
throughout. So, that's all I have to say. Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Mr. Inaba. Anyone else? Mr. Chung, go ahead.
MR. CHUNG: I'll just reiterate briefly what I said at Committee. I'm very
troubled by us having to accept the 2019 plan here in 2021.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all right. Yes, there's a
lot of concern about this. Duly noted, Mr. Chung and Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and also Mr. Inaba. So, hopefully, that I was told that this would not be the
final discussion about this matter. So, I would respect the request of Mr. Inaba,
and I'll take the vote on this matter knowing that it's not going to be the last time
we see this. So, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 73-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 73-21: The motion to adopt Res. 73-21 and Regenerative
(Adopted) Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental
Management Committee Report No. 10 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 75-21: URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO ADDRESS
THE LACK OF AVAILABLE AND AFFORDABLE PROPERTY INSURANCE
FOR RESIDENTS OF LAVA ZONES 1 AND 2
Requests the Department of Finance to investigate and explore all possible
mechanisms, including a captive insurance company, to provide affordable
property insurance to "High Risk"properties within Lava Zones 1 and 2, and
provide its findings by October 31, 2021.
Reference: Comm. 178
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Approve: GOREDC-11
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
(Note: Comm. 178.3, from Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder dated
April 16, 2021, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 75-21, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 75-21 and
Governmental Operations, Relations and Economic
Development Committee Report No. 11. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Chair. I'd like to recognize
Bob Golden's testimony and mahalo him for being here today. I was reached out
to by many people who are in favor of this. Ultimately, it's hard to make it to
testimony for people who have nine-to-five jobs.
The reality is the price of insurance is going to drive our local families away from
being able to afford homes they have or want to purchase in Lava Zones 1 or 2.
It's an extremely large area. It takes up a large part of Districts 4 and 5. It affects
thousands of homeowners. HPIA (Hawai`i Property Insurance Association) is,
basically, the only lender—insurance agency willing to provide insurance to those
folks, and we're seeing rates as high as about$5,000 a monthsorry, $5,000 a
year on top of every other insurance that we carry here in Hawaii due to
hurricanes and other things.
At the request of the Council, I worked with the Legislative Research Branch.
Specifically, I'd like to compliment Dennis Kauka for helping me with an
amendment, given some of the comments that were made. You'll find it in your
pinkie's folder, Communication No. 178.3.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend Res. 75-21 with
the contents of Comm. 178.3. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead on the amendment.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, the amendment really takes into account
what was said at the meeting. I did reach out to the State. I've yet to receive any
response from the State insurance commission. I have heard from different folks
in the community that they have asked for the same thing, and apparently, there
may be some kind of an investigation going on in the commissioners' behalf, but
I've yet to verify that for myself.
If you read through this, we basically ask for the State insurance commission, the
DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), to take the reins as far
as what is happening in Puna. And thisalthough, I'm not clearing the County of
that responsibility because I do feel that the County needs to work with. But I
really feel that we need to drive the decision-making process and not just take a
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
back seat. It's our responsibility to take care of these kinds of issues. This is,
again, good social policy because these are our residents who need us to act.
If there's further questions from the Council on the amendment, I'd love to hear
them. But this is in conjunction with what was said at the last meeting. Chair, for
now, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else wants to—is
Finance ? No? Anyone else wants to weigh in? Mr. Chung, I'm sorry, go
ahead.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah. Mr. Clerk, is this okay, though, as far as changing the title
on the resolution?
MR. HENRICKS: Yes. There's no issue there with the unlike a bill, you can.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. All right. In as much as this reflects what several
members of the Council had suggested during the last go around, I'll definitely
support it. I was very concerned about how the first resolution had kind of set
the—or put the Finance Department in a rather awkward position. And I was
worried that we were possibly setting them up for failure, not intentionally of
course. I feel more comfortable with this, but I have to note that this actually runs
counter to what Robert Golden was advocating. I think he said something about
State being a little too far away, and if we do, things will be here. But I guess
working between the State and the County Administration might work. I don't
know. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Anyone else? Ms. Kimball, go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: I'll be supporting this, too, today, as I do think it incorporates
everything that we discussed in the previous hearing on it. I believeClerk, am I
correct that this will come before us again because we are amending it today?
MR. HENRICKS: That's a possibility.
MS. KIMBALL: Okay, because I would like to get some feedback from the State
in terms of their actual willingness. And I understand you haven't had a reply
from them yet. But I'm hoping that if we have the opportunity to discuss this
further, we have some feedback from them about their willingness to do this
work. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else? Then that being said, I
think, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, I want to thank you for your efforts in amending
your resolution. And I believe including the State in this was—and hopefully the
support of this Council will demonstrate that this is an important issue for this
island. And I thank you for doing that. So, that being said, all those in favor of
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
approving Resolution 75 no, I'm sorry, the amendment. We're going to vote on
the amendment first. All those in favor of amending Resolution 75-21 with the
contents of Communication 178.3,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 75-21 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 178.3 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion on the resolution, as amended?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair? The Rules state that the matter will be held
over for the next meeting due to the amendment.
CHR. DAVID: Okay, unless we suspend the Rules. But you want to hold this
over and go through the regular ? Your call, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'd rather not. I think time is of the essence.
But as I said, I put in a phone call to the State and still received no phone call. On
that point, my due diligence has been done. And sometimes as a Council, we
have to take an action and then send a message to the State when the people's
voice needs to be heard. And so, again, acting on behalf of our citizens and trying
to make and find solutions instead of waiting and putting things on the back
burner.
CHR. DAVID: According to County Clerk, we need a motion to suspend the
Rules. Mr. Clerk? Yeah.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to suspend Council
Suspend Council Rule 24 to waive the holdover for the substantive
Rules: amendment of Res. 75-21. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and
(Approved) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Vote on Res. 75-21: The motion to adopt Res. 75-21, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Governmental Operations, Relations and Economic
(Adopted) Development Committee Report No. 11 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 76-21: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF A WATER POLO
LANE LINE COURSE TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION
The donation,provided by the USA Women's Water Polo Team, is valued at
approximately $5,500 and would be used at the Kona Community Aquatic Center
in Kailua-Kona.
Reference: Comm. 179
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-28
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 76-21 and
Finance Committee Report No. 28. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: I look forward to everyone's continued
support. We had a discussion at committees two weeks ago and everyone seemed
very positive at the time. Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
adopting Resolution 76-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 76-21: The motion to adopt Res. 76-21 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 28 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Res. 77-21: ADOPTS THE 2021 COUNTY OF HAWAII ACTION PLAN FOR THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM, HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, AND
HOUSING TRUST FUNDS PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OF
THE COUNTY OF HAWAII TO EXECUTE AND SUBMIT THE ACTION
PLAN AND ALL OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS TO THE UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND
STATE OF HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
The 2021 County of Hawaii Action Plan describes the projects and activities that
will be executed by the County to provide decent housing, suitable and safe living
environments, and accessibility for disabled individuals to public facilities using
the County's share of Community Development Block Grant program funds.
Reference: Comm. 180
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-29
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 77-21 and
Finance Committee Report No. 29. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Again, we had discussion in committees and
look forward to everyone's continued support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 77-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 77-21: The motion to adopt Res. 77-21 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 29 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Res. 79-21: 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 $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of the Mayor, Office of Management
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 185
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to postpone Res. 79-21 to May 5,
Postpone: 2021. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, we would need a main motion to adopt first and
then the motion to postpone.
CHR. DAVID: Oh, I see. Okay. Sorry, Ms. Lee Loy. Go ahead.
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 79-21. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to postpone Res. 79-21 to May 5,
Postpone: 2021. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: This matter is postponed to May 5�'.
Res. 84-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO IKAIKAMAULOA YOUTH
FOUNDATION INC. TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS KONA
GOLD BOXING CLUB
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 190
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 84-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Inaba, go ahead.
MR. INABA: Mahalo. Just asking for my colleagues' support. We had Misti
and Kaleo here to explain the good work that they started in the middle of this
pandemic to provide a facility here in KonaI think the only boxing ring here in
Kona. And we see just numerous community members using the facility and
wanting to continue to support those efforts that they've started. So, mahalo for
your folks' support.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Mr. Inaba. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor
of approving Resolution 84-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 84-21: The motion to adopt Res. 84-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 85-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL
CHURCH FOR THE PA`AUILO COMMUNITY MEAL PROGRAM AT
ST. COLUMBA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO HELP THE COMMUNITY
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RECOVERY PERIOD
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 191
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 85-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Just asking for my colleagues' support in
supporting this really great program. Pa`auilo, where this is located, is both a
food desert and one of the areas that was hit hardest by the unemployment related
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
to tourism over the duration of COVID (coronavirus disease) here in our
community. They're doing great work in providing food, and this will go a very
long way with them. I know they will spend it well. So, mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 85-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 85-21: The motion to adopt Res. 85-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 86-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN
MUSEUM, A DESIGNATED RESILIENCE HUB, TO SUPPORT ESSENTIAL
COMMUNITY SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND
RECOVERY PERIOD
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 192
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 86-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Another great program for people in the
Hamakua District who have been doing a lot. They were a Vibrant Hawaii
resilient hub providing food for the community, providing Wi-Fi access for the
kids, a place for tutoring, a place to study. And they're continuing to connect on a
lot of different innovative food resilience measures. So, very happy to support
this organization and just asking for the Council's support. Mahalo. Thank you,
Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Ms. Kimball, thank you. We rarely speak on other
people's contingencies. We just always support. But this one really emerged out
of our nonprofit grant-in-aid as solutions, and I really do appreciate the good work
that they are doing. And although it says Laupahoehoe Train Museum, they
really are an umbrella nonprofit that's really taking care of our Hamakua Coast. I
don't know if that really gets elevated in these contingency resolutions, but I just
needed to share that they really are driving solutions in that community. So,
thank you for supporting them. I'll be supporting this resolution for sure. Thank
you so much. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 86-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 86-21: The motion to adopt Res. 86-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 87-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAMAKUA YOUTH
FOUNDATION, INC., A DESIGNATED RESILIENCE HUB, TO PROVIDE
ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
AND RECOVERY PERIOD
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 193
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 87-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Yes, another organization that really went
active with COVID in supporting the community,providing meals, providing
activities for keiki, resources, tutoring, internet connectivity. Again, another
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
organization like the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, which is really a seed for a lot
of different organizations. And they really are a part of a larger community and I
love the work they do. So, happy to support them and asking my colleagues to
support as well. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you for that. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor
of approving Resolution 87-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 87-21: The motion to adopt Res. 87-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 93-21: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF MOSAIC
ALPHABET TILE BOARDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION
The donation,provided by Gerdine Markus and made in collaboration with
11 other local artists and valued at$12,000, would be placed on pillars surrounding
Lincoln Park.
Reference: Comm. 201
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 93-21.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This item was asked to be waived from
committees to Council. The title is very self-explanatory. But what's neat is you
had a number of artists come forward, like 12 artists actually, and they created
these mosaic the boards. They're a good value, $12,000, for Lincoln Park. Parks
and Rec (Recreation) is here as well as, I think, Gerdine Markus. So, if you want
to come up, you guys can come up and just give us a brief description of how this
neat collaboration between the County and our local artists happened and what we
can expect. And thank you for being here today.
(Note: At this time, Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina and
Gerdine Markus came forward to address the members of the Council, via
videoconferencing from Hilo.)
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
MR. MESSINA: Maurice Messina, Director of Parks and Recreation. This
donation has been in the works for, I believe, over a year already and we've got
Gerdine here to talk about the tiles, the mosaics, and what it took to create them.
We believe this will be a great addition to Lincoln Park. With the addition of the
security guard that we have at Lincoln Park, we're seeing a lot more kids and
families show up. And we believe that this will help the kids with their alphabets.
So, Gerdine?
MS. MARKUS: Yeah. Thank you, Council, for hearing me about this. Like
Maurice said, we have been working on this for about three years. And due to
COVID the boards were ready last year this time, and due to COVID, we could
not get them installed.
The reason why we started this project was I was inspired. We talked about
inspiration before. I was inspired by the park itself: the location, the layout of the
park, and the pillars that surround the park. And being a music educator and
teaching my four- and five-year-olds the musical alphabet, which is only seven
lettersA, B, C, D, E, F, GI was counting the pillars and, to and behold, there
were 24. And the two corner pillars had two sides to themso, 26. There you
go.
I also noticed that the park was under used. I've been living in Hilo for about
30 years and it's a beautiful park. It went through some turbulation. And I
thought that putting these boards on the outside of the pillars would enhance the
attraction of the park and get families and children there again to use the beautiful
playground donated by Dr. Oda, and learn about the alphabet, walk around, touch
the tiles, and learn the letters and look at the pictures.
So, I introduced that idea to a couple of other mosaic artists and everybody was
very excited. And here we are. I brought the "p for panda"today for you to look
at. They're 15 by 18. They are measured so they fit exactly on the pillars. And I
hope finally they will be installed in May with help of Parks and Recreation. We,
then, will cover the corners, which are where the screw holes are. And they will
be ready to go, and they can be enjoyed by the whole community. Thank you. I
hope you will accept our donation.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo for that brief presentation, and I
think you're going to find us very supportive of this. My only comment is just
how neat it is when things line up—like you said, the number of pillars being
exactly 26. I don't know why the world works like that sometimes, but it's
always amazing when it does. So, mahalo.
MS. MARKUS: I thought it was pretty unique too.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo. I'm going to yield for my other
Council Members, but mahalo for being here today.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Oh, go
ahead, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you. Yeah, I wanted to thank Gerdine too. Gerdine was
my kids' long-time piano instructor in Hilo when she was living there. She now
lives in Nanawale. And that's why I think she had a fondness for that area down
there at Lincoln Park. So, I wanted to thank her and her group. But I think we'd
all be remiss if we didn't recognize the efforts of former Director Roxcie Waltjen
in trying to advance this thing through. But thank you very much, Maurice, for
actually bringing this to fruition. Really appreciate it.
Oh, and also that panda is really significant. I don't think—Gerdine didn't
mention it but she really loves pandas. Her whole studio is just replete with panda
images and stuffed animals and all of that. All right.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you for that, Mr. Chung. Anyone else? Ms. Kimball, go
ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Yeah, I just want to also say mahalo both to
the former Director and to Director Messina for seeing this through. Lincoln Park
has a special place in my heart. When my kids were small, before they went to
school, we would go to Keiki Steps and then head over to Lincoln Park to play for
a couple hours until it was nap time. And it's really been wonderful to watch the
evolution of that park, which has come through some dark times, and to really see
it be renewed as a place for families. It really kind of chokes me up a little bit
since there was so muchI have so many fond memories there.
And I will also say that it is Lincoln Park that is the reason I'm in politics today
because I started to organize against the really inappropriate signage there. And
one of the folks said, "Hey, you should run for office," and that's where it all
started. So, thank you so much for this beautiful art, and it's a wonderful
contribution to a very special place in our town. Aloha.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Ms. Kimball, for that. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go
ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I couldn't help but, yeah, I was
thinking about that man with his signs, and I am so glad he is not there anymore.
I had many things go through my head about what I could do to help alleviate that
problem, but eventually, it took care of itself. So, thank you for bringing that up,
Ms. Kimball.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, I just really wanted to echo our mahalo for the donation and the beautiful
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
artwork and Director and former Director of Parks and Rec for making this
happen. So, with that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 93-21, please
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 93-21: The motion to adopt Res. 93-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards – 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 94-21: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Funds in the amount of$150,000 would be provided to the University of Hawaii
to provide research for the establishment of shoreline and riparian setbacks.
Reference: Comm. 203
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 94-21.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
(Note: At this time, Planning Program Manager April Surprenant came
forward to address the members of the Council, via videoconferencing.)
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: This item was asked to be waived from
Committee as well due to the need for the funding. I asked Ms. April Surprenant
to be here today, and I see her on her Zoom screen. Ms. Surprenant,please go
ahead and explain what the funding's for, what you're doing, and the need for the
waiver.
MS. SURPRENANT: Aloha. April Surprenant with the Planning Department.
Thank you, Chair and Council Members. We already have the funding. You all
have already approved the funding that we have for this project, so this is simply
permission to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the university to do
part of the science research related to this particular project.
So, we have two sources of funding. One is from the Coastal Zone Management
program and the other is a hazard mitigation—from the FEMA (Federal
Emergency Management Agency) hazard mitigation program. So, we're using a
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
portion of that to work with UH (University of Hawaii) to do some science
analysis and field data collection to better inform the information that we need in
order to update our shoreline setback regulations.
This is something that the other counties have been doing for many years and it's
been a long time coming. We've been talking about it a lot. We finally were able
to secure some grants to help us with that. It will continue through the future.
This is one of those projects and processes that will always evolve and need to be
updated and add more data. But we'll be developing the methodology and
creating that pattern. So, as we get additional funds, additional grants, we can
continue the work. So, that's what this is for. Happy to answer any questions.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, ma'am. Thank you for that. We
had our budget discussions last week, and we discussed with Civil Defense how
much of our County infrastructure needed necessary County infrastructure is in
the tsunami inundation zone. Does that tie into this at all?
MS. SURPRENANT: Perhaps a little. It would be a consideration in the overall
data, but we're specifically looking closer to the coastline than just the tsunami
zone and looking at the SMA (Special Management Area), the actual shoreline
setback needs that we need to update in terms of the SMA and when we issue
SMA permits and things of that nature through the planning commission. Also,
it's a little bit more detailed than that, but that data is being considered in the
overall.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That's good. If you look at the map, it
breaks down who's where: Civil Defense, County building, State building they
all just seem to fall right within that zone. So, if you can, touch bases with
Talmadge if you haven't already and just—
MS.
ustMS. SURPRENANT: Oh, absolutely. He's in the mix. He's a team member.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Beautiful. Well, thank you for being
here today, Ms. Surprenant. I'm going to yield to the other Council Members.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Ms. Surprenant.
Mr. Inaba, go ahead.
MR. INABA: Hi, April. I have a question. Here in the B-52, it says it's for two
coastal areas on Hawaii Island. Where specifically is this research going to be
done?
MS. SURPRENANT: We're looking at two specific locations to start this process
to look at both coastal and riparian hazards and gather science in those particular
areas. One is Honoli`i. And the other, we have a couple of different options in
Kona. I'm sorry, I don't know exactly which of those locations they are, but I'm
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
happy to get that to your office after this. But we're looking in a couple of
locations, and we're working with UH to best determine which location would
give us the most information to be the most useful. But we're looking at both
coastal and riparian. So, we're looking at where streams enter the shoreline.
Honoli`i is a great example.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you. And does this research inform just those specific
areas or the broader coastline of the island?
MS. SURPRENANT: It would be applied more broadly with like locations. So,
the point is to—we have so many different coastal typologies around the whole
island. We're also hoping, through UH they have some other analysis, which is
one of the reasons why we want to work with UH. They have some other analysis
and coastal work that they're doing. So, we're hoping to wrap the work that they
are doing and the information that they receive into the work that we are also
engaging in. So, we're looking for that partnership and collaboration to share the
analysis and information.
But in looking at these two locations, like I said, we're looking at places that
occur in other areas of the island. And so, it's more of the typology and not
location specific.
MR. INABA: Thank you. And then, last question, you mentioned that some of
the other counties have been working on similar projects. Are we collaborating
with them as well to inform what we're doing here?
MS. SURPRENANT: Absolutely.
MR. INABA: Or to what extent are we doing that?
MS. SURPRENANT: Yes, absolutely. So, we are active partners in the ORMP
(Ocean Resources Management Plan), which is the ocean management program
that is run through the Office of Planning. And so, we are actively involved with
all of the counties in that program as well as just individually. We do collaborate
with them a lot. So, we're borrowing some of the methodologies that they have
used in the past and applying that into our system as well.
MR. INABA: Thank you, April. I appreciate it. Chair, I yield.
MS. SURPRENANT: You're very welcome.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, April. Great to see you.
MS. SURPRENANT: You too.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah, looking forward to seeing you in person again sometime
soon. Actually, Holeka asked the question that I was going to ask as to what the
locations were for the study. And thank you for explaining and taking into
consideration replicable sites on both sides of the island, which are indicative and
represent the issues most effectively.
I just was remembering when we were at the Hawaii State planning conference
in Maui, what, two years ago now. There were a lot of conversations about
increasing setbacks due to climate change, sea-level rise, and whatnot. And I was
just wondering, as you were talking about the reconsiderations of SMA permits
and the specifics involved in the numbers exactly of how far the setbacks should
be, is that something that is being incorporated here? Is that all related? Is that
kind of a part of this process?
MS. SURPRENANT: Yes, it is part of the process. I would say it's too early to
say if setbacks will increase or not. The point is to have more science-based
setbacks instead of just an arbitrary distance. And so, that's what the State
provides as a minimum. But all of the other counties have incorporated a science
approach, which is really looking at the erosion rates and what's actually
happening with our coastline, and then applying those methodologies to
determining what various setbacks could be.
We have additional challenges because we have so many different—it's very
easy, actually, to do the more open-beach type locations, typologies. It's much
more difficult to do some of the cliff situations that we have. Hamakua's a good
example. Even North Kohala and Ka`u are very different, with North Kohala
having a lot of wind and coastal erosion with the type of soil conditions that they
have there. And then Ka`u, for example, which is a very rocky and a much
slower eroding-type process.
So, it's looking at those different types of typologies, understanding what the
sea-level rise factor is with all of the State's science that has gone into that subject
matter and is continually updated on a regular basis. Dr. Chip Fletcher has been a
big part of that, as well as the State. So, we're taking all of that data and
information into consideration in looking at developing our own science-based
way to determine what the setbacks should be, which is really about protecting the
public health and safety regarding development that may happen in those areas.
And also being respectful and protecting the natural and near-shore coastal
environment.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, April. That is incredibly all-encompassing and I
really appreciate the leadership that's being taken to incorporate a science
perspective and gathering all the data to make sure that the decisions that are
made are made with the best information possible.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
It also brings me back to in the last term, the Council, we passed a resolution
urging the Mayor to sign on to the climate litigation that the other counties have
signed on to, which it will be a number of years as this litigation moves through
the different courts. But I remember one of the comments from our prior
Administration being "Well, we didn't need to join in as a County because we
have so many cliffs. So, we won't be as directly impacted by sea-level rise and
climate change." I strongly disagree with that statement.
And I am hopeful that, as this study continues and the data becomes available,
that perhaps with this new Administration and working together we can
encourage our new Mayor to sign on to that litigation, and potentially then
provide more resources for studies like this and for the mitigation of what is
coming and what is happening. So, thank you for your leadership and continued
support of programs like this and collaborating with UH. Really appreciate it. I
yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Ms. Kimball, go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, April. Nice to see you.
What's the duration of this research project?
MS. SURPRENANT: So, this first piece that we're doing with UH should be
complete by the end of the year. We actually have a hard deadline to meet the
requirements of the grant that we're using for it, the Coastal Zone Management
grant. So, we have a hard deadline by the end of this year. And UH has indicated
that they will be able to meet that deadline.
MS. KIMBALL: And are you working with the Manoa campus or with Hilo's
campus?
MS. SURPRENANT: Hilo geography—GIS (Geographic Information System)
team.
MS. KIMBALL: Great. Okay. And have you ?
MS. SURPRENANT: They're very familiar.
MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, my buddies. Yeah, I think you've identified one of the
real gaps that we have in understanding coastal erosion behaviors. We understand
a lot about what happens in low-lying areas and in beach areas, but our various
cliffside types across this island definitely put us in a more challenging position
with regard to actual scientific-based decision-making and coastal management.
I have gotten a lot of inquiries from constituents in the Hamakua area about what
the County plans to do. So, I hope by the end of this year when you do have some
information, I'd love to have you come back or some of the folks doing the
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
research come back either to the climate change in the Planning Committee and
share with us what you've learned because there is a lot of interest out there in
this particular data set. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
MS. SURPRENANT: Yeah, I would be happy to do that. Like I said, this first
piece with UH is more of the analysis. And there will be a report that comes out
with that analysis, but then that will then be used for a different contract, which
we're going out through professional service for a private consultant to help with
the second part, which is really to develop that analysis into a process. And
looking at drafting alternate or amendments to our regulations for shoreline
setbacks based on that science and analysis. So, it's kind of a two part.
The second part is probably a year or so after the end of this year. So, it will be
about two years before we really start to see the final results of this overall
project. But this first piece, we should see something by the end of the year.
MS. KIMBALL: Great. Thank you, April.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else? Seeing none, I just want
to say, Ms. Surprenant, thank you so much for doing this. I think it's long
overdue. It's something that really was on everybody's mind, especially in the
planning community. And so, I really thank you for all your hard work and your
dedication in this. And so, with that, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 94-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 94-21: The motion to adopt Res. 94-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 95-21: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF A SELF-
CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS AIR COMPRESSOR FROM THE
STATE OF HAWAII TO THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
The donation, valued at approximately $6,000, would be used to fill air tanks at the
Waiakea Fire Station.
Reference: Comm. 204
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 95-21.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
(Note: At this time, Assistant Fire Chief Darwin Okinaka came forward to
address the members of the Council, via videoconferencing.)
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: As you can all read, this is for a self-
contained breathing apparatus air compressor donation. And Assistant Fire Chief
Ian Smith was not available, and I believe Mr. Okinaka is here to discuss with us.
Mr. Okinaka, go ahead.
MR. OKINAKA: Hi. Good morning, everyone. Darwin Okinaka, Assistant Fire
Chief, Hawaii Fire Department. Yeah, so, this is a project that we started a little
over a year ago, and it's to replace a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Basically, we kind of talked about this in our budget hearing where Council
Member Kierkiewicz mentioned about a few SCBA (self-contained breathing
apparatus) compressors that we wanted to purchase. So, this is something that
was already in the works, and finally, I'm glad to say we have it going because we
are in need of replacing our compressors.
So, when the Hilo ARFF (Airport Rescue Fire Fighting) station rebuilt and they
made their new station, they bought a new compressor. So, they had this older
compressor that was sitting there and available, so they offered it to us. Long
story short, we finally have it here. We're going to have it—actually, we have it
installed at the Waiakea Fire Station and are about ready to get it retrofitted and
utilized to fill our bottles, actually.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, sir. I appreciate that brief
summary. This is good. We need this kind of thing to happen more often.
MR. OKINAKA: Definitely.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just for my information on the back end,
this allows us to fill up our tanks that we need for our firefighters in the field?
MR. OKINAKA: Correct, yeah. So, our self-contained breathing apparatus,
which is the air packs that we use to do structural firefighting or any type of
firefighting when we need clean, breathing air. Also, scuba tanks, the scuba dive
tanks for our rescue personnel—when they do scuba diving, sorry. So, that's
what this compressor will do.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: I mean, do we use this? It's like a Monday
through Friday kind of a thing? Or we use these kinds of thingsI mean, I know
you don't know when your emergencies are going to happen, but is the equipment
in use all the time? Or is it just randomly, as needed?
MR. OKINAKA: Yeah,just as needed. So, if we have a rescue and we have to
do dives, then we use the scuba tanks and then we have to refill them. And the
same goes for fires if we have a fire. We had a structural fire last night where we
used tanks. So, it needs to get refilled. That's when we would utilize this
mainly when we have incidents and we have to use the tanks.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate
that.
MR. OKINAKA: You're welcome.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Chair, I yield for now.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 95-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 95-21: The motion to adopt Res. 95-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 96-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE HAWAII COUNTY
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR THE PURCHASE OF CITRIC
ACID TO CONTROL COQUI FROGS IN COUNCIL DISTRICT 7
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 205
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 96-21. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just ask for the support of my colleagues for the continued
support of our community in the battle against the coqui.
CHR. DAVID: Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 96-21, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 96-21: The motion to adopt Res. 96-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 97-21: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAII
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF KEAU'OHANA STATE
FOREST RESERVE
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 206
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 97-21. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Happy to be providing funds to this
organization. A special thanks to Jaya Dupuis and community members for their
consistent efforts to restore this treasure in Puna,propagate native plants, and
eradicate invasive species. So,just looking for everyone's support. Thank you. I
yield.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 97-21, please say "aye."
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Vote on Res. 97-21: The motion to adopt Res. 97-21 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
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 29: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 20-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2021
Appropriates revenues in the Federal —Block Grant account($2,699,374) and the
Block Grant—Program Income account($100,000); and appropriates the same to
the following accounts: Ulu Wini Low Income Housing Wastewater Treatment
Plant—Repairs ($1,420,889); Ulu Wini Low Income Housing Certified Kitchen—
Conversion ($495,500); Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter - Interior & Exterior
Renovations ($225,760); West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter—Interior&
Exterior Renovations ($157,225); and Administration, Planning & Fair Housing
($500,000).
Reference: Comm. 180
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-30
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 29 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 30.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: I look for everyone's support. We had a
fairly robust discussion at Committees. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Bill 29 at first reading, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
Vote on Bill 29: The motion to pass Bill 29 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 30 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 31: 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
Adds the Parks and Recreation Hilo Bayfront Trails Phase II—Federal project for
$69,000 to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from
Federal Grants Receivable.
Reference: Comm. 202
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend,pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 31 on first
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This item was asked to be waived from
committees to Council. And Mo Messina orsorry, Reid Sewake, I see you in
Hilo. If you could just give us a little background on the need for the speed on
this and the project itself. And thank you for being here.
(Note: At this time, Business Manager Reid Sewake, Department of Parks
and Recreation, came forward to address the members of the Council, via
videoconferencing from Hilo.)
MR. SEWAKE: Good morning, Council Members. Reid Sewake, Business
Manager. So, this appropriation is for Phase 2 of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project.
We actually got awarded this is actually additional to our original award of
220,000. We are experiencing some higher construction costs than we originally
anticipated.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
The urgency is mostly due to the because it's grant funded, there is a time
period of performance of the grant. So, we'd like to get this awarded as soon as
possible.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, there was an increase of$70,000 in
construction costs?
MR. SEWAKE: Yeah. So, it's actually the Federal funds is for 50 percent of
the project. So, the overall increase or the additional amount is actually 140,000.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: What was the reason for the increase?
MR. SEWAKE: This higher construction cost for the bids for the project came in
higher than what we had original funding, for the 50 percent Federal funds.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: When was the bid made?
MR. SEWAKE: It was this fiscal year, a few months ago, I believe.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Sorry, what was the reason for the you're
saying the bid amount increased, but what was the reason for that besides
construction costs being more?
MR. SEWAKE: Well, I'm not sure what the exact reasons are, but it's put out to
bid and we received the bids back at a higher amount than what we had really
budgeted for and received funding for.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Well,that's kind of helpful. Can you
show me the information for that,just what was going on with the project, so I
can understand? We've got a few projects, now, come back to the Council for a
need to increase the original contract amount. This is fairly small compared to the
other project I'm thinking about. But if you have further information, I'd like it
please. Thank you, Reid. I yield for now, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Bill 31 at first reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 31: The motion to pass Bill 31 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
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):
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)
First Reading: April 7, 2021
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 26 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Chair, as we all know, this bill was initiated
by the property owners and has received support from the planning commission
and members of this body. So,just looking for ongoing support so that they can
sell the property. I know that new owners are currently in escrow with them on
this, and so, this is us playing a part in just assisting community. So, looking for
everyone's support. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo for that. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Bill 26 at second and final reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 26: The motion to pass Bill 26 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
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
First Reading: April 7, 2021
Motion to Approve: Mr. Chung moved to pass Bill 27 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Lisa, do we have any more information on affected property
owners calling in or any ? I just wanted to get an update from you before we
move forward.
(Note: At this time, Real Property Tax Administrator Lisa Miura came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. MIURA: Good morning, Council. Lisa Miura, Real Property Tax
Administrator. Keita Jo is also in Hilo if you have any other questions. Sorry.
We only had eight more calls and two people visit the office. All were okay with
the change.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you, Lisa. And I will say that my office received three
calls as well expressing support. That was an escape clause for them. They were
really appreciative of the Council's efforts. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Anyone else? Thank you, Ms. Miura.
Thank you for being here today. On that, then, all those in favor of approving
Bill 27 at second and final reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 27: The motion to pass Bill 27 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
Page 30
Hawaii County Council-10 April 21,2021
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
RAWEEMC-9 NOMINATION OF CARRIE HOOPII TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
(Comm. 182): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: May 6, 2021 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Regenerative Agriculture,
RAWEEMC-9: Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 9. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
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.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
CHR. DAVID: I believe that brings us to the end.
MS. LEE LOY: (Inaudible.)
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MR. INABA: I have an announcement.
CHR. DAVID: Oh, go ahead.
MR. INABA: I just wanted to take a moment to recognize our administrative
professionals being that today is National Administrative Professionals' Day.
Page 31
Hawai`i County Council-10 April 21,2021
And we know, as Council Members, we probably couldn't do what we do without
our staff So, big kudos to our staff and to all the staff throughout the County of
Hawai`i departments as well for keeping us and keeping this ship going. So,
aloha to all of you folks. Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo for that, Mr. Inaba. And, yes, ditto to all of our staff
people who actually are our right hands and left hands in our jobs here. So,
mahalo. On that, motion to adjourn?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 10:49 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, Villegas, and Chair David— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: We are adjourned. Mahalo, everybody.
J rY .Y
Council Approval:
MAY 1 9 2021
-4111
CO - -
JH/dg
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