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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FC 2021/04/20 2020-2022 Committee on Finance 9th Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii April 20, 2021 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Finance was called to order at ORDER: 10:31 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder, Chair Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Vice Chair Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III, Member (came in later) Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair. Simmy McMichael Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Lokelani McMichael Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Janice Palma-Glennie Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. FC-9 April 20,2021 Antu Harvey Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Bob Hoxie Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186), comment. George Yasuda Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Ed Rapoza Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Laura Mallery-Sayre Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Daniel Sayre Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Dwight Vicente Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186), comment; Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187), comment; Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188), comment; and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), comment. Pua Paikuli Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Charles Flaherty Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Mandy Johnson-Campbell Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Page 2 FC-9 April 20,2021 Eileen Nanni Kiyoto Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. Clare Loprinzi Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186), comment; Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187), comment; Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188), comment; and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), comment. Sandra Lehua Kamaka Res. 80-21 (Comm. 186); Res. 81-21 (Comm. 187); Res. 82-21 (Comm. 188); and Res. 83-21 (Comm. 189), in support. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 31.9: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: MARCH 1 — 15, 2021 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 18, 2021,transmitting the above report pursuant to Hawaii County Code Section 2-12.3. Motion to Close File: Ms. David moved to close file on Comm. 31.9. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council, is there any discussion on Communication 31.9? Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I'm hoping Deanna is available for the question. (Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to address the members of the Committee.) CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: She is in Hilo. MS. LEE LOY: Hi. There she is. Deanna, I'm looking at the change related to Mass Transit, I'm sorry, for the Hawaii Economic Opportunity Council and we're at a cumulative total of$2.4, looks like, is that ? MS. SAKO: So I think this was an original contract that had multiple option years, so it kept getting amended. That's why the cumulative is so high. This particular change order is just to extend to the end of the fiscal year so that we have time to proceed with new procurement. Page 3 FC-9 April 20,2021 MS. LEE LOY: So Deanna, is this going to be coming out of the Highway Fund or out of our General Fund. MS. SAKO: This is from the General Excise Tax fund. MS. LEE LOY: For the GE Fund. MS. SAKO: Yes. MS. LEE LOY: Okay. So we contract with HCEOC (Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council) to provide, it looks like paratransit or some kind of disability ? MS. SAKO: Yeah, right, paratransit type of transportation, yes. MS. LEE LOY: Okay. So HCEOC is being paid out of our GE Fund to help the County provide the paratransit? MS. SAKO: Yes, paratransit transportation as well as other on-demand services. So young or old as well. MS. LEE LOY: Okay. And tell me again where we are in their contract? MS. SAKO: I believe we extended it for these five months till the end of the fiscal year, so that we can go out and do a new procurement and determine what we're doing with paratransit. I think Mass Transit is looking at that program right now. MS. LEE LOY: Awesome. Great. I think we heard some of that conversation during our budget hearing. Okay, great. Thanks, Deanna. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Lee Loy. Mr. Chung, go ahead. MR. CHUNG: Yeah, thank you. Deanna,just a suggestion. Maybe the next time you prepare one of these reports, if you could put it on a different sheet of paper. It's really difficult to read the small print especially for guys like me and Maile, you know, we kinda old, right? MS. SAKO: I know. I'm getting there. Got it. MR. CHUNG: Alright. Thank you. Bye. MS. SAKO: We'll try bigger print. Got it. Thanks. Page 4 FC-9 April 20,2021 CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Chung. I do have to say I miss, Laura. Laura used to kick these back, I think, when they weren't dark enough when they came in for the photocopies. So maybe that has something to do with it too, Deanna. Council, any further discussion? Okay. All those in favor of closing file on Communication 31.9. Vote on Comm. 31.9: The motion to close file on Comm. 31.9 and all related Filed communications was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Communication 32.5, please. Comm. 32.5: MONTHLY BUDGET STATUS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2020 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 23, 2021,transmitting the above report pursuant to Hawaii County Charter Section 6-6.3(h). Vote on Comm. 32.5: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 32.5. Seconded Filed by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk. Comm. 32.6: MONTHLY BUDGET STATUS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 23, 2021,transmitting the above report pursuant to Hawaii County Charter Section 6-6.3(h). Page 5 FC-9 April 20,2021 Vote on Comm. 32.6: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 32.6. Seconded Filed by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk. Comm. 32.7: MONTHLY BUDGET STATUS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED JANUARY 31, 2021 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 23, 2021,transmitting the above report pursuant to Hawaii County Charter Section 6-6.3(h). Vote on Comm. 32.7: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 32.7. Seconded Filed by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Resolution 80-21, please. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 80-21: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TAX MAP KEY 7-6-014:013, SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH KONA, ALSO KNOWN AS KEAKEALALANIWAHINE OF HOLUALOA, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND The County seeks to acquire this 15,372 square foot parcel to preserve historic cultural sites, protect open space located long Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona, and provide access for fishing, gathering, and recreational purposes. The parcel is listed as priority number nine for purchase in the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Reference: Comm.186 Intr. by: Ms. Villegas Page 6 FC-9 April 20,2021 Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to recommend adoption of Res. 80-21. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, please lead us off. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes. First off, I want to thank all the testifiers. The representation was really powerful and moving that we heard this morning, from young and old. Those referring to lineal descendants and those referring to future generations having access. There's become an unprecedented opportunity right now for these lands on the Kona Coast. We have willing sellers who have patiently waited to go through this process and provide the opportunity for these lands to be purchased by our County where they can be protected and nurtured and taken care of in perpetuity. I see this as an incredible opportunity for our County to ensure that we provide open-space access to the communities in the Kona region as well as protect our natural resources. I was looking through, this morning, the `Rina Aloha booklet that I believe some of my colleagues are familiar with. I know that we voted to support the `Rina Aloha Economic Initiative in this last term and they have now put out, "Growing a Stronger Hawai`i," and some of the initiatives that are relative to that. And one of them is Empowering Community-Based Resource Management. And I just would read here that, "This framework should be built upon as a foundation for management of watersheds and forest reserves along with community leases and curatorship of Wahi Pana across Hawai`i." I see this as an unprecedented opportunity. I also want to make very clear that this is just a part of the process and by no means does this prohibit or stop other members from this Council from bringing forward resolutions for PONC properties that have been identified in the new PONC booklet that we recently approved of from being purchased in the future. Deanna, can I ask you a quick question just for confirmation? (Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna S. Sako came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. SAKO: Good morning. MS. VILLEGAS: Good morning, Deanna. Thank you for being here. Is it correct for, I just want to make sure the numbers are correct,that the currently in the PONC fund balance we have $18.4 million? MS. SAKO: That sounds about right. There are some purchases in progress so it may be a little less than that. Page 7 FC-9 April 20,2021 MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. And then, when we look at—and I know this is kind of like nailing Jell-O to a tree at the moment. But when we look at potential property taxes coming in from last year, is there an estimate for the amount of money that we might anticipate landing in the PONC fund? MS. SAKO: So I believe in the current year we've budgeted $6.6 million as the transfer to the PONC fund. Probably about half of that, actually we're in April, so three quarters or more of that should've been transferred already and may be included in that $18 million balance. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, great. But we do have a sizable amount of money in that PONC fund balance. MS. SAKO: Right, right. It's roughly about $6.6 million per year that gets transferred. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, fantastic. And we have $3 million in the maintenance fund, correct? MS. SAKO: Correct. MS. VILLEGAS: And that amount caps out at$3 million. We stop adding to it until some of that money gets allocated to different organizations who are vested MS. SAKO: Until it's used, correct. MS. VILLEGAS: Right. Okay, fantastic. Thank you, Deanna. I appreciate your clarification on those questions. And I'm grateful to have Hamana Ventura here as well today. And with that I would just bring the question to you about the properties currently in the process. I want to make sure to assuage and calm any fears from any of my colleagues or any members of the public or anybody that would be concerned that because there are four resolutions forward right now, that there is any intention for that to, as this goes through the process, use up all the money in this fund. I don't think that any of these purchases are in that price point that would jeopardize that in any capacity. (Note: At this time, Property Manager Hamana Ventura came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. VENTURA: Thank you. Hamana Ventura,Property Manager. To address your concerns this is just, like Council Member was saying, part of the process. We have to go through submission to our commissions, letter to the Mayor, letter submitted to Council, and then Council Members have the opportunity to bring Page 8 FC-9 April 20,2021 forth resolutions on behalf of their districts. So I think that given our existing pipeline that we have a healthy fund. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. So none of the potential purchases, as Deanna mentioned, are in the there's no risk of those purchases when completed deleting this to a point that would jeopardize anything? MR. VENTURA: Not yet. MS. VILLEGAS: Fantastic. Thank you for that. You know, I want to open it up to my colleagues to share, but I just hope that everyone really was able to take to heart the testimony this morning from the number of different people. And one of the things I just took the opportunity to do was to take a look at the list of all the parks on our island. And we don't have that many parks here on the Kona side and these open-space purchases allow the opportunity for us to expand some of those services that open space can provide. And I believe the tenants of what can happen on open space have been brought in to include parking and a bathroom? MR. VENTURA: If we're looking at the amended Charter. MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah, yeah. And so that's kind of in the works. And as I have been inundated by concerned constituents that relate to different properties in these areas with parking issues or, you know, different things going on. I think that if we open up access to more open space I think it can help remedy some of those issues. I also really feel that as we look, as Mr. Rapoza said, we are slated for quite a bit of development. And so the creation of open-space networks is imperative to the health of our community. So I just ask for the support of the members of this Council. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Mr. Chung, go ahead. MR. CHUNG: Thank you. You know, I have no problem with supporting this resolution as well as the other ones that follow. But my question to either Ms. Villegas or Mr. Ventura is, what am I voting on here? Basically, is this a statement of support for the acquisition of these properties or, you know,just a mere support. Or is it something that's going to cause this to leapfrog over other prioritized projects. I just want to know what MR. VENTURA: On an annual basis and you've been through this before. For our new Council Members is that the list comes and then we have an opportunity for our Council Members to bring a resolution forward. Resolutions give us the ability to negotiate for purchase. Without it,then we can't do it. It's part of the entire process. It doesn't mean that they take precedence. What it means is it gives us the ability to be actionable if the situation presents itself. Page 9 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. CHUNG: So if something is of higher—and I really don't know what priority, you know, these are. But if there's something of a higher priority then it would be incumbent upon, you know, a Council Member to introduce a similar resolution to authorize you guys to do that. And then you guys let it run its process, right? MR. VENTURA: Correct. MR. CHUNG: Okay MR. VENTURA: But you have to remember that— MR. hatMR. CHUNG: This is not a statement of importance or anything. I mean, it's important, of course. MR. VENTURA: No, it's more so a statement of opportunity. MR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. MR. VENTURA: Since 2006, a total of 16 purchases with the program. That's it. MR. CHUNG: Yeah. Okay. Alright. That's all I wanted to know. Thank you, Hamana. MR. VENTURA: Thank you. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Richards. MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Ms. Villegas and Mr. Chung and Hamana for clarifying that. I think, we as a Council, we as a County, often discuss PONC, Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resource Conservation Commission. But we don't really get to talk story about it a little bit. I think some of the lines of conversation here are great so we can talk to our people and let them know what's going on. And as I've been contacted by my constituents concerned with the priority of this. And first of all, big shout out to the PONC Commission for coming up, doing the work and coming up with the list of priorities based upon a myriad of information coming forth them and ranking things. And so one of the things that, you know, Mr. Chung, you asked the question about priority. Number one priority right now on the list is Mahukona. And we've been working on that resolution for probably coming up on two months right now. And Hamana knows this because we've run into a problem. Anybody Page 10 FC-9 April 20,2021 here who's looked at some of the old maps will realize that the spelling of ahupua`a's vary between different maps. And when we're trying to get this resolution right, we are having trouble and working with Hamana and actually with the Kohala community trying to get this accurate as well as the line of where these ahupua`a's might be varies a little bit depending on which map you're looking at. So long story short, I appreciate this opportunity to talk story about this because we have the Mahukona one, which is about 650 acres and Mahukona number three, which is the third one which is about four hundred and some acres. I know Ka`u is number two. And the point is, yes, we are giving, authorizing the talk story to start the process rolling forward. But to my community out there, yes, we fully recognize. I think the Council all fully supports the work that the PONC Commission does, because they have to sort through a whole bunch of information. Now we're trying to do the clerical side and try to catch it up. And some of the old maps, we're still struggling on trying to figure out how to get this done. So I appreciate the conversation. But to the community, yes, this is one step in a very long process to go forward. And so I appreciate this coming forward. I fully support all of the PONC acquisitions. I am concerned that we cap the PONC maintenance fund. And right now that's not a problem but later it's going to be a problem. That's a concern for me. But that's not before us today. That's a different talk story. So I'm going to be supporting this as I support the intent of PONC going forward. But this is about the only time we can actually talk story about it and explain it to the community. So thank you. And I'll be supporting it. And then to the community out there, I'm working on that Mahukona one. Thanks. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Richards. MR. VENTURA: Thank you, Council Member Richards. On the brighter side, we're looking forward to may be actually being able to tap into Kupu to help us manage these properties, look at redesigning or repurposing some of our fellow stakeholders who may have suffered job loss. So we're looking for opportunities as well to readily utilize what we own. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Ventura. And then just for the Council, let's keep it to the resolution that is in front of us today, instead of delving too deep into the PONC process. Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead. You're next. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Yeah, but it actually is part of the process, right, Hamana, this actually is part of the process? And so a process question is, you know, some of the stewardship. And I'd like to see this resolution, and I wholeheartedly support this, as a call to action for who would be stewarding the property. Because that would be the next piece to some of this, right, along with Page 11 FC-9 April 20,2021 the prioritization, the funding, the resolution, and then the stewardship which would tap into the other fund. And maybe that's something that the PONC Committee could look into,that as we develop the priority list that there might be some metrics as to what the stewardship of that would look like. And/or, like you mentioned, reaching out to Kupu or some of our other stakeholders in community that would be willing to steward some of these properties. Is that something that you guys can do, Hamana? MR. VENTURA: Well, I agree. And as time has gone by, we see the commission when they go through their vetting process. Actually, those are some of the questions that they're asking nowadays. It's in addition to acquisition, how are we going to care for these lands? MS. LEE LOY: Yeah. Thank you, Hamana. And then for Ms. Villegas, you know, you had so many people in support and it really is a no brainer. But you know, as with `Rina Aloha, you know, part of that is that civic engagement piece, right? So if you keep tapping into that stewardship piece to remind them that it's not just this piece but it's the stewardship in perpetuity. And the quicker they organize to do that,they can actually get through these processes a little quicker. So thank you for bringing these forward. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Ms. Kimball. Sorry who's first, Ms. David or Ms. Kimball? MS. DAVID: I think Ms. Kimball. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Kimball, go ahead. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Hamana for being here. Nice to meet you for the first time. I appreciate it. And thank you, Sue, for bringing up that question of stewardship which is what I was wanting clarification on. The guidelines within the code of the commissions responsibilities are pretty loose in terms of what it means to vet potential stewards. Could you explain about the process that they actually do use to evaluate organizations that put themselves forward as steward for some of these properties? MR. VENTURA: A few years back, the evaluation of stewardship grants was shifted from Parks and Rec back to the commission. And the commission gets to ask them in depth questions. I think the gist of it was that the commission had the background on the properties and it was easier to ask the relevant questions because they had working knowledge of these properties when it came to stewardship as opposed to shifting it off to Parks and Rec to make a black and white decision based on information gathered. So it's worked out really well in the process as far as our commissioners digging in, asking the serious questions, Page 12 FC-9 April 20,2021 actually making recommendations to cut back on certain grant amounts if they deemed them to be inappropriate or they wanted more clarification. MS. KIMBALL: So there's no specific requirements that they look at when considering potential stewards, it's really just the questions that they come up with based on their in-depth knowledge of the property? MR. VENTURA: The commission bases it on total evaluation of the property and past submissions via stewardship. They can review the applications that were submitted in the past and look at the responses. MS. KIMBALL: Okay. Thank you. And yes finally I'll say thank you, Council Member Villegas, for starting us all on this discussion this year. You know, it's a wonderful program that we have as a County to be able to purchase these open spaces. It's certainly a priority for so many of our County constituents. Glad that we are able to move in this direction. So mahalo. Thank you, Chair. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Ms. David, go ahead. MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Really quick. I really appreciated the memories brought back about Keakealaniwahine, the Royal Chiefess Complex. And Hamana, this parcel is not within that complex. It's along the shoreline, right? MR. VENTURA: Yep. MS. DAVID: Okay. And that's the clarification that I wanted to make because the Keakealaniwahine Complex is protected forever thanks to a joint effort by a matching funds purchase between the State and the County, Mayor Kim. And so that royal complex in Keolanahihi is forever protected, and this is yet another parcel that I guess is associated with Keakealaniwahine on the ocean side. So I really want to thank theI was getting questions on whether this was the complex itself. So I just wanted to make that clarification. Thank you. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. David. Ms. Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. And mahalo, Ms. Villegas. I will be supporting all of these resolutions. I think there is a way for us to, you know, infuse some of the efforts that's happening with the Job Corps. program creation, on that resolution we all adopted, you know, really urges Hamana and his team, the Department of Finance, to take a look at how we could be leveraging the maintenance funds to, you know, do the hard work of natural resource, conservation, preservation, stewardship. So thank you. Page 13 FC-9 April 20,2021 Just a couple of procedural questions, Hamana. You know, I know one of the Charter amendments that the voters passed was to transfer maintenance stewardship funds applications from Parks and Rec. to Finance. MR. VENTURA: Correct. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Can you provide us with an update on that? MR. VENTURA: We're working through that with Parks and Rec., working on helping them to come up with a transition date in addition to wrapping up their previous grant agreements. But yeah, we're in conversations to make that happen. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Are you going to share with us approximately how many folks are on that list of applications? And the reason why I ask is because, you know, if we are able to move forward with acquiring these properties,just want to make sure that if we identify proper stewards or even partners such as Kupu to fill in the gaps, that we're able to connect with them and provide them the resources and appropriate timeframe so that they can get working on the land. MR. VENTURA: Okay. We'll double check with Parks and get back to you on that. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. That's great. Thank you. Chair, I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Mr. Inaba, go ahead. MR. INABA: Aloha. Mahalo, Council Member Villegas for bringing these resolutions forward. And I think it's a testament to the idea of preserving these special lands. I don't want to get emotional here but, you know,to have a bunch on a diverse group of our community members come out and support of preserving these lands was moving today. People who are 70-plus years old like long residents of Holualoa mauka and these lands where my `ohana comes from the mauka on the Inaba side and on my mom's side, descendants of Keakealaniwahine, Holualoa makai. You know, and I grateful that this body is supportive of moving a resolution like this forward. I guess I have a question for Mr. Ventura. The purchases we've made so far since 2006, you said there were 16. After the Council approves these resolutions, what is the timeline? And I know we've talked about there's nosorry, you know, I have a different question. I take that back. When we have these lists provided to us every year by the PONC commission, obviously we have a top 10 list every year, how does that factor when we don't move on purchases and now we have multiple years of different top 10 priority lists? Page 14 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. VENTURA: Well what it's come down to is conversations with the current administration, Finance, and looking at total packages. Some parcels took years to happen. Reason being was that we were seeking leverage funds on some of these parcels. And to wait for the grant finally to come through is a year's long process. So there's no true time table depending on what the situation looks like. Some parcels roll off. Some may not have really been in retrospect and after doing an investigation, that high of a priority when we go through the entire process. So it's a combination of many factors. And that's why there's only been 16 purchases. MR. INABA: Okay. Well I look forward to supporting these resolutions. And mahalo again, Council Member Villegas. Chair, I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Just to say, it sounds like there'd need to be a deeper discussion into PONC purchases and how we proceed as a county, and process. But without getting into that. Mr. Richards, go ahead. MR. RICHARDS: Just a quick comment after Chair David's comments. About the PONC in—and I think this probably after Ms. Villegas as well. Looking at value and it's sometimes measured in dollars but also cultural value, historical value, and there's a lot of things that come through that. And there's one thing I didn't mention on that Mahukona property. When I was out there touring with Chad Paishon, Shorty Brittleman, Patty Ann Solomon, talking story about that, that's where the makali`i is housed right now. As they rebuild on that property, and I think Hamana, you've seen it, they have a heiau for the navigators which is very unique. And apparently that where 1­16kule`a, everybody starts there before they make their long voyages. And so that's something that I was not aware of. And that's some of that value that we're talking about to preserve and protect going forward. So I just wanted to mention that based upon what Ms. David said. Thanks, Chair. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Richards. Rebecca, can you bring it back to the point of the resolution, please. Thank you. MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. Thank you for allowing us this latitude, Chair, in discussing as there's four pieces here in one district. They've kind of morphed into one topic. But thank you for bringing us back too—and in an effort to do that and also to piggyback onto what Hamana said, when or if these resolutions pass, then with Resolution 80-21, then it will allow for you to go and get an appraisal, correct? And once you have that appraisal the County is not allowed to purchase the property for anything over that appraisal price. And correct me if I'm wrong but one of the reasons only 16 properties have been purchased potentially is because the appraisal price that the County comes back with is very different than Page 15 FC-9 April 20,2021 the property owner's asking price which becomes an issue of contention and makes it more challenging to move forward with a purchase. Is that correct? MR. VENTURA: Yes. At times it can be. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes. It can be. MR. VENTURA: And then there are other times where in the case, let's say for example, O`oma, that you needed outside help to close deals. Developers putting in money to makes items happen. MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah. Or Puapua`a, where it had been on the list for years but never had a willing seller. And then synchronistically everything shifted and the timing was right and we were able to move forward with that. Just another quick comment based on this piece of land, Keakealaniwahine. Is the stewardship point that you guys brought up—and I'm happy to report and I'm hopeful that just the testimony in itself today exemplified the community's commitment. Once again, correct me if I'm wrong. But in order to put in an application for a property to be added to PONC, doesn't it have to be submitted by a nonprofit organization? MR. VENTURA: Usually. Or have a blanket organization that's willing to put in the application on their behalf. MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah. So I'm grateful to say that where this property specifically is concerned, there are people committed to its stewardship. And we've all had long relationships with the Sayre Foundation, and as we listen to their testimony today, even their commitment to that area and the activities that happen there makes me very confident that we are going to have the support that we need from the community to make sure that the stewardship side of this potential purchase is supported in the capacity necessary to make sure it's a success. I just wanted to add those couple of points. And I just ask for your continued support with Resolution 80-21. Thank you. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. I just, before we close up the resolution, I'd like to say that the testimony this morning spoke greatly to the importance of these projects that Rebecca has put forward. The history and the mana that came forward from the different testifiers wasI had chicken skin a couple of those moments and we cannot miss that. We have to remember there's a great history here and there's an importance to the land that is easily forgotten as we stare at the piles of paperwork in front of us. But it's of huge importance for us to remember that for our children and generations to come. Mahalo for your perseverance in this, Ms. Villegas. And with that, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor of forwarding Resolution 80-21 with a positive recommendation to Council? Page 16 FC-9 April 20,2021 Vote on Res. 80-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 80-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Resolution 81-21. Res. 81-21: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TAX MAP KEY 7-7-004:063, SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH KONA, ALSO KNOWN AS MAGIC SANDS OF LA`ALOA, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND The County seeks to acquire this 8.814-acre parcel to protect flood plains that threaten public beaches, and preserve and promote Hawaiian culture, tradition, and customary practices. The parcel is listed as priority number fifteen for purchase in the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Reference: Comm.187 Intr. by: Ms. Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to recommend adoption of Res. 81-21. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Once again I want to ask for my colleagues' support in passing a resolution to allow Finance to negotiate the acquisition of Magic Sands of La`aloa. If you're not familiar with this property, it is essentially the property almost directly across the street from Pahoehoe Beach Park. It is and has been slated for development a number of times but has come into a lot of complications. One of them based on the fact that it is a, much of it is a floodplain and with the recent flooding that happened—my mom actually has a farm mauka of this, which caused mass devastation to the five-acre farms just mauka of this property. And this property, and it remaining permeable is one of the important factors that helped mitigate the destruction of Pahoehoe Beach Park across the street and the coral ecosystems and La`aloa in general. So once again, we have had a landowner walk through this process with us and instead of selling to other buyers, has expressed the desire to make sure that this Page 17 FC-9 April 20,2021 land goes back to the people. I want to thank Simmy McMichael for her years of working with this landowner and convincing them to participate in this process even though it's much lengthier than many of them would've liked. They've had to continue paying on properties in order to navigate this process with us. But it's also, as you can read in the PONC booklet, it's an area of really incredible cultural significance. So we create a space that promotes mitigating potential future catastrophes related to increased rainfall and climate change, we protect and preserve these cultural sites, and we provide another phenomenal large open space area on the Kona Coast. And once again, we have a nonprofit that put in the application, and groups and people lining up to help support and steward this property. And I am just especially grateful for the Kupu project and this opportunity for civic engagement and putting people to work, really getting their hands in the dirt and propagating whatever is decided to be best planted in these areas which then of course holds our top soils, creates more permeability in those areas which stops that runoff and potential devastation. So I just would hope for the continued support of my colleagues. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Council, any discussion? Okay. We have a motion on the floor to move Resolution 81-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Vote on Res. 81-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 81-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, Resolution 82-21, please. Page 18 FC-9 April 20,2021 Res. 82-21: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TAX MAP KEY 7-7-008:120 AND 124, SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH KONA, ALSO KNOWN AS PAHOEHOE OF LA`ALOA, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES RESERVATION FUND The County seeks to acquire these parcels, which consist of approximately 29.8 acres of land, to protect sacred burial grounds, natural resources, and buffer zones, and preserve and promote Hawaiian culture, tradition, and customary practices. The parcel is listed as priority number fourteen for purchase in the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Reference: Comm.188 Intr. by: Ms. Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to recommend adoption of Res. 82-21. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Again, I'll echo myself in my last statements. Ironically, very similar circumstances for this piece of property. Just an unprecedented opportunity here. We have an area just to the south of it, a kind of suburban development of a neighborhood which adds a significant amount of traffic just from a logistical standpoint to our community and to our highways. So an opportunity to have this designated open space which goes completely mauka-makai is so special. And I believe that currently it is on the market. Correct, Hamana? And its asking price is under $1 million for this many acres, in this location, on this coastline, I feel that this isI can't believe it's happening. And that this opportunity is even there is so exciting because I know that the price points won't stay this way. And so I really look forward to yeah, those of you who can't see it in the book that we're looking at, the PONC book,there's a photo of it and it's currently forested with mostly hale koa and some other different species. But here's a space that already looks like a park and it already looks like something that could be worked on and turned into such an enjoyable location for people and also protect tsunami evacuation roadways for us and make sure that we're not overburdening these areas for evacuation sites. So I just hope for the continued support of my colleagues. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I think you have it. We have a motion on the floor. Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I have a question for you, Hamana. You know, I'm just going through the resolutions and some key words are Page 19 FC-9 April 20,2021 sticking out for me like, living history and perpetuating traditions, culture, customary practices. Just a little latitude, Chair, here. Is there anything that precludes you from say, connecting with University of Hawaii at Hilo to explore place-making initiatives? I mean, we're acquiring these properties and I just want to make sure that somewhere we are documenting the stories of this place. And in many situations they are wahi pana, so sacred and storied places. And so if we're acquiring them, is there a consorted effort to document this information so that future generations can access it. MR. VENTURA: Well we've gone digital in years past so our hard records are backed up on Laserfiche. But yeah, all of the information that we gather, we're holding on to. In addition, our archaeological surveys, the nice thing is that one of our surveyors, our archaeologist Matt Clark, his dissertation was through UH Hilo. So we have backups upon backups. Sometimes we have hard copies prior to digitizing. But most of the stuff is scanned in at this point. And any other additional information that we can gather we store them in our files. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. And where on the County website is this viewable? MR. VENTURA: This is in Finance's Laserfiche files, under Property Management. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. I would just love to explore opportunities for the public to access it sort of like in a GIS (Geographic Information System) format, some sort of map interface. And if we could even, you know, leave in interviews from people of the area and have that as part of the record,that might be kind of interesting to explore. MR. VENTURA: Yup. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Thank you. I appreciate the latitude, Chair. I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anything further? Okay, we have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 82-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Page 20 FC-9 April 20,2021 Vote on Res. 82-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 82-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Please forward to Resolution 83-21. Res. 83-21: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TAX MAP KEY 7-6-004:003, SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH KONA, ALSO KNOWN AS KE AL KAKOU, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND The County seeks to acquire this 2.4888-acre parcel to mitigate the risks of stormwater, flooding damage, recharge area acquifers, preserve and promote Hawaiian culture, tradition, and customary practices. The parcel is listed as priority number sixteen for purchase in the 2020 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Reference: Comm.189 Intr. by: Ms. Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to recommend adoption of Res. 83-21. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. This resolution pertains to a piece of property in Holualoa Mauka, which I think is something unique and special as well because it's a mauka property and right above Holualoa Town which unfortunately doesn't always get the infrastructure support and some of the needs met that it has. But this opportunity we have been talking about for a number of years with the property owner. They have been incredibly patient with us. And one of the things that was brought to the table and is still being visioned and we are hopeful for—anyone familiar with Holualoa School and the challenges for the parents there to have drop-off and pickup and the road that currently runs directly through the school, which there have been instances. At one point a car lost its brakes and ran straight through the school. Thankfully not hurting anybody. Page 21 FC-9 April 20,2021 But with the purchase of this PONC property we have the opportunity, hopefully working with DPW (Department of Public Works). I was talking under the last administration we have their support to do this was to divert that road and bring it into, if this PONC purchase was able to move forward, use the access road along the side of the school instead. And so essentially we eliminate an issue of safety with Holualoa Elementary School. We provide access to the homes above. We also take a piece of property that has been designated a flood plain potential which is currently forested. We keep it forested and we provide also a walking path between the Imin Center and Holualoa School. Currently if you walk through Holualoa Town at all, you're walking on a very, very narrow side of the road, which thankfully, hopefully most people are doing the speed limit through town. But it provides for another walkable path in that community from the Imin Center, back up and behind town and then to come back. And right below that, historically the County had been leasing a parking lot facility for the town there, too. So the acquisition of this property is an investment in that community. And as you heard today, there are a number of concerns about that waterway. And with increased rain flow, potential flooding, and making sure that ecosystem remains intact so that we avoid any damage done to the town. So I am once again hopeful. And once again, we have the stewardship. Anybody knows Holualoa Town and their community organization, they are about as committed as you can get, and constantly involved in the preservation and promotion of the success of that town and maintaining its historic significance and the lands around it. So I ask for your continued support. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Ms. David, did you want to add something? MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I was waiting till you got to your fourth resolution before I just wanted to say, mahalo a nui for your foresight in putting these four really valuable and historical properties on the PONC purchase process. So thank you, Ms. Villegas, very much. Aloha. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. David. Ms. Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Before I forget. And I humbly want to express my gratitude for all those that have come before me because these properties and these projects and the PONC program in and of itself was worked on for decades prior to me. I'm grateful to be able to be in this position and this tiny role right now to bring these forward. But I want to honor all those that have come before me and all the hard work that they've put in into making this happen. And to Hamana for your Page 22 FC-9 April 20,2021 continued wisdom and sharing that wisdom with me in this process, and encouraging me to be patient in how to navigate it. And I'm grateful to the property owners as well for recognizing this as an avenue to give back to our community. So I just humbly want to recognize that I'm just tiny part that had this opportunity to do this. But this is really the fruition of work of so many amazing people with a vision and the foresight that have come before me. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Mr. Inaba, go ahead. MR. INABA: Yeah. I just want to mention real quick. This is really a special property and a location, because as you know Holualoa is really, like some of the testifiers said, getting bought out and our family property being one of them, the Kona Hotel. So the opportunity that this could provide to create a walking path, like you said, between Holualoa School, where all of my family went, and the Imin Center, which was a hub for many of, you know, my grandpa's generation growing up Japanese, here in Hawaii. So what a really wonderful opportunity we have here. And speaking to the flooding, you know, that property has a stream and it borders the school. And I also worked at Holualoa School and was tasked with trying to figure out a solution for that. So look at that, full circle over here. So mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Chair, I yield. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Okay, on that note, thank you for being here today, Hamana. Appreciate your time. We have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 83-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Vote on Res. 83-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 83-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 23 FC-9 April 20,2021 Res. 88-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR ONE (1) TWO-MAN BUCKET TRUCK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate monthly cost of$5,333. The County will own the equipment at the end of the lease. Reference: Comm. 196 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend adoption of Res. 88-21. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council, any discussion? We have Aaron Takaba and I think Director Rodenhurst as well on Zoom if anyone has a question about this. I do if you don't. Mr. Takaba, can you hear me? (Note: At this time, Traffic Division Chief Aaron Takaba came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. TAKABA: Yes, I can. Yep. Hi. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for being here today. I appreciate your time. MR. TAKABA: Yup. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just give us a quick breakdown. We got the background and justification on the B-52 that you provided. But, I mean, do we have one of these already? I see you using one-man trucks or one-man bucket trucks to do heavier work. But I'm just watching, trying to be fiscally responsible in our purchases and our leases and understanding the department's needs. MR. TAKABA: Yes. So currently we don't have a two-man bucket truck. We have one-man bucket trucks. And in talking to the staff, they want to use the two-man bucket truck primarily for emergency work and heavier work requiring two people, and it's easier when they work on the highway especially when they have to park the one vehicle versus the two. So that was the reason to get the two-man bucket truck. And it's going to be used island-wide. So it's not just for one particular side of the island but just meant to kind of cover the island as the conditions require. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then, will this be replacing one-man bucket trucks then? Page 24 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. TAKABA: Well we do have one that we're going to, yes, replace. We've been having some mechanical problems on an older bucket truck, a large bucket truck. So we're going to turn that one in. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: How many one-man bucket trucks do we have? MR. TAKABA: Let's see. So we have currently, we have in West Hawaii, the Kona area, we have one single-man bucket truck and two smaller. And then two larger single-man bucket trucks. In East Hawaii we have one each, small and large bucket truck. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And at the end of the lease we own the equipment, correct? MR. TAKABA: Yes, correct. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you. Appreciate your time. MR. TAKABA: Thank you. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards, go ahead. MR. RICHARDS: You know what, hang on. I've looked at both of these together. I've got a question about the crane. So I'll wait till we get that read in. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Richards. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 88-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor. Vote on Res. 88-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 88-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, please read in Resolution 89-21. Page 25 FC-9 April 20,2021 Res. 89-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR ONE (1) CRANE TRUCK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate monthly cost of$5,000. The County will own the equipment at the end of the lease. Reference: Comm. 197 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend adoption of Res. 89-21. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards, go ahead. MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. Question again for Public Works. I don't know who I'm talking to. MS. LEE LOY: Aaron. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Aaron Takaba is joining us today. MR. RICHARDS: Aaron, looking at the paperwork here, this is to augment, you have one boom truck and you're getting a bigger one, is that what I understand? MR. TAKABA: Yes, correct. Our current crane trucks don't have the adequate height requirement to stand up streetlight poles and the traffic signal poles. So we've been kind of making do with what we have. But I think we feel like it could be safer with a large crane truck. So that's the reason for the lease agreement that we're trying to pursue at this time. MR. RICHARDS: And it looks like the old one had a reach of 24 feet height. What is the new one going to be, is it substantially higher? MR. TAKABA: Let's see, hold on. Let me check here. I might have to get back to you on that. It's significantly more. But the specific number, I'll get back to you on that one. MR. RICHARDS: Okay. And is this to replace or to augment? MR. TAKABA: We have one crane truck that we plan to turn over to a different division, Building Division. So it's a replacement. MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Page 26 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. TAKABA: It's also going to be used around the island, too. So it's not just for one particular side of the island. It's going to kind of go around where the conditions require, again. MR. RICHARDS: Okay. But the older truck will be given to a different division. My question, line of questioning, was if you're going to station one on each side of the island, granted if you have to have the higher reach you would send the bigger truck. But that way, in event of an emergency you have a boom truck nearby or nearby-ish, it's a big island. But you're going to be turning it over anyway so this is a replacement, correct? MR. TAKABA: Yes, correct. MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Thanks, Chair. I would like to know how much higher, if you can get that to the Council? Chair, I yield. MR. TAKABA: Yes, definitely. I'll get back to you on that. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Council, any further discussion? Mr. Takaba, thank you for your time today. I have to ask, is this going to, is this equipment purchase a precursor to getting more of the installations done when it comes to like what you've listed here, changing intersection controller cabinets, up cabinets, street light poles? Because I know we've had some intersections in Puna that were really delayed in getting fixed and I'm just wanting to hear from you that this is going to increase our productivity. MR. TAKABA: Yes, that's the plan. It's going to increase productivity and I think it's going to allow us to do more on our own without having to contract some of the larger work out. So I think it's going to be better all around, for the County, and safer as well. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for mentioning that. I brought that up in our budget discussions. I know we do contract a lot of work out within our Traffic Division, but we have a lot of staff members as well. I don't want to be doubling up on contracts when we have perfectly able staff to do that work. MR. TAKABA: Yes. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So thank you. Appreciate that. Okay, any further discussion? Okay, motion is on the floor to forward Resolution 89-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor. Page 27 FC-9 April 20,2021 Vote on Res. 89-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 89-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Takaba. MR. TAKABA: Thank you. Res. 90-21: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII Provides $15,000 from the Department of Research and Development to the University of Hawaii to fund its "Sustaining Hawaii County Agriculture: Resources to Detect Banana Bunchy Top Virus"project. Funds will be used to lease a fluorometer and purchase reagents to perform tests. Reference: Comm. 198 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend adoption of Res. 90-21. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: We have Mr. Sako joining us from the Department of Research and Development. Mr. Sako, can you please touch on this resolution real quickly regarding the Banana Bunchy Top Virus Project. (Note: At this time, Economic Development Specialist Glenn Sako came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. SAKO: Yes. Glenn Sako, Economic Development Specialist with Research and Development. Thank you for considering this resolution. Basically what it is, is to speed up the opportunity to diagnose a potential Banana Bunchy Top Virus infected bushes so that the producer can rogue and destroy those plants, so that those infected plants do not serve as a reservoir, host that may continue to spread that deadly disease in the rest of the producers mass. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Glenn. Council, any discussion? How often do we see this virus on the Big Island? Page 28 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. SAKO: What it is, the extension service reported to me that they get about two to four samples coming in a month. And you know, the concern is that Hawai`i County produces 90 percent of the State's fresh banana product. And so we have most of the production here on this island. So we want to make sure that we don't allow it to get out of hand. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Interesting. So this really touches on sustainability then? MR. SAKO: Well we would like to continue this industry and not, you know, have it face the same effects of other diseases that have, you know, impacted some of the South American Countries. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is there any kind of public awareness campaign around this? MR. SAKO: They are going to make—if the County supports this lease of the equipment, they will allow one free sample to be brought in, you know,to be diagnosed. Because even a backyard producer, I mean backyard garden, could have an infected plant that could serve as a reservoir that could continue to spread this disease. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Interesting. Does R & D put out any kind of information on their Facebook pages about the Bunchy Top Virus so people can see it? Images, that kind of thing. MR. SAKO: That, I'll have to double check on that. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Might be worthwhile. Okay, thank you for your time, Glenn. And then you have one more resolution after this, so stay with us. MR. SAKO: Yes. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Any further discussion, Council? Seeing none, motion on the floor is to forward Resolution 90-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Page 29 FC-9 April 20,2021 Vote on Res. 90-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 90-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, please read in Resolution 91-21. Res. 91-21: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII Provides $15,594 from the Department of Research and Development to the University of Hawaii to fund its "Sustaining Hawaii County Agriculture: Resources to support On-Farm Consultation and Service Programs"project. Funds will be used for expenses to visit agricultural producers. Reference: Comm. 199 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend adoption of Res. 91-21. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Glenn, could you start us off please? MR. SAKO: Sure. At the close of the previous administration, Research and Development was approached by the County Extension Service, which included Dean (Nicholas) Comerford with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and the Dean of Extension, requesting the County's support for a paid position to add another County agent to their staff on Hawai`i County. And this is because the State has a hiring freeze in place. The County Extension Service was losing a couple of agents to retirements. However, we felt that the County would not support a paid position and instead wanted to assist the existing County agents to reach out to their clientele with farm visits. Even as a backyard producer myself, I would prefer to have an extension agent come to my site if I had a problem, to look over the entire lay of the place in order to help me as a producer. So that was the justification behind this proposal, to allow the agents to get out to help their producers by doing more farm visits. CHR KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Very nice. Council, any discussion? Okay. Glenn, did you spearhead this project? Page 30 FC-9 April 20,2021 MR. SAKO: I was working with the previous Director, Diane Ley. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is a good program. I appreciate you guys doing this. Thank you. MR. SAKO: You're welcome. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Without any further discussion, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor of forwarding Resolution 91-21 to Council with a positive recommendation. Vote on Res. 91-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 91-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kimball— 1. Excused: None. Res. 92-21: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY TO AWARD FUNDS TO CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES Awards an additional $10,000 to provide shelter and support services to domestic violence victims. Reference: Comm. 200 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to recommend adoption of Res. 92-21. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And we have someone from the office. Deborah, are you joining us today? (Note: At this time, Program Director Deborah Chai came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. CHAL Yes, I am. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for being here today. Can you please just tell us a little bit about the resolution in front of us so the Council can understand what's going on? Page 31 FC-9 April 20,2021 MS. CHAL Thank you. So we get a large amount of money to fund our program from the Victim of Crime Act, it's our VOCA grant. And so this past year we got about $965,000, we have to spend it all in a year. And under that grant we have one position, we actually have a number of positions, but one of the positions that was funded was a woman who got promoted in our office to another unit. And so I had unexpected salary funds that I had to spend by the end of the year. It's about $20,000. I was able to reallocate $10,000 of it into the program at the Prosecutor's Office. But I have an additional $10,000 that I couldn't expend before the end of the grant period which is June 30''. And so I would like to give it to the Child and Family Services, and it would be to support their shelter. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much. Council, is there discussion on this item? Okay. Seeing no discussionI appreciate you doing this and getting these funds back in to the community where it's needed. Mahalo for joining us today. Appreciate it, and for making time in your schedule. MS. CHAL Thank you very much. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Okay, seeing no further discussion, we have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 92-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor. Vote on Res. 92-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 92-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And our last order of business, sir. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances. Page 32 FC-9 April 20,2021 Bill 30: ADOPTS A PAY PLAN FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY OTHER THAN THOSE WHOSE PAY IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, DESIGNATES PAYROLL PERIODS, PAY DAYS, PRESCRIBES REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OFFICIAL FIDELITY BONDS, AND REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 20-40 AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO, SAID ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE SALARY ORDINANCE OF 2021 Establishes rates of compensation for appointed employees in the Legislative Branch and the Office of Housing and Community Development, the County Physician, and Student Helpers and Senior Community Services Aids for various County agencies. Reference: Comm. 195 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to recommend passage of Bill 30 on first reading. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council, is there any discussion? Today we have joining us, Mr. Bill Brilhante. Mahalo for being here today on such short notice from my office. I apologize for that. Any discussion? Go ahead, Mr. Inaba. (Note: At this time, Human Resources Director William Brilhante came forward via zoom to address the members of the Committee.) MR. INABA: Mahalo, Mr. Brilhante. Could you please share your mana`o on the bill before us? MR. BRILHANTE: Good afternoon, Committee Chair and Chairperson David, as well as the rest of the Committee Members. William Brihante, I'm Director of Department of Human Resources. This is so odd,but I appreciate being here this afternoon. You know, as the transmittal letter referenced, there's no significant changes to this salary ordinance. We've maintained status quo for all the salaries, you know, for the various divisions that have been identified in the transmittal. So I'm happy to, you know, answer any questions that there may be. MR. INABA: Okay. So this bill before us is remaining, or is keeping the status quo. Is that correct, Mr. Brilhante? MR. BRILHANTE: That's correct. It's maintaining the current salaries through this next fiscal year. MR. INABA: Okay. Mahalo nui. Chair, I yield. Page 33 FC-9 April 20,2021 CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. That was a good question. Okay, Mr. Brilhante. Well thank you for joining us today. I don't see any other questions from the Council Members. And I appreciate your time and then your explanation. MR. BRILHANTE: No problem. I'm happy to be available. CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, sir. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to forward Bill 30 to Council with a favorable recommendation for first reading. All in favor? Vote on Bill 30: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 30 on the (Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:05 p.m. Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo everyone. Approved: A y 2,O Mr. Matt Kane.li`i- Kleinf,lder, Chair ( te) Finance Commi, ee MK/tk Page 34