Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOREDC 2021/06/01 2020-2022 Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development 1Oth Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai i June 1, 2021 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, ORDER: and Economic Development was called to order at 1:01 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member (via videoconference from Kona) Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (came in later) Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona) Absent& Excused: Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, 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: (There were none.) CHR. KIMBALL: Alright, I will close public testimony at this time and we'll go straight in the Order of the Business. Mr. Clerk, could you read in the first order of business. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. (There were none.) GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, Order RESOLUTIONS: of Resolutions. Res. 130-21: RECOGNIZES THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT OF 1920, AS AMENDED Reference: Comm. 262 Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend adoption of Res. 130-21. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy, would you like to go ahead and kick us off? MS. LEE LOY: Yeah. Thank you so much, Chair. And thank you to my colleagues. You know,this year, 2021, has actually been rather exciting when it comes to celebrating 100. Just earlier in May, we celebrated Auntie Dottie's 1001h birthday, and this resolution actually talks about us celebrating the 100 ' Centennial Celebration of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. And I have with us via Zoom, Niniau (Kawaihae) Simmons from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. And I also believe Mike Kaleikini who's our East Hawaii commissioner, is online with us. So if it's okay with you, Chair Kimball, I actually want to hand it off to Niniau and our members of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Commission, to share what this resolution really is celebrating, and some of the celebrations that will be happening, over the course of the year throughout all of our different homestead communities. So Niniau, go ahead. (Note: At this time, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act Manager Niniau K. Simmons and Commissioner Mike Kaleikini came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. KAWAIHAE: Aloha. Awakea mai kakou. My name is Niniau Kawaihae. I'm a Special Assistant in the Office of the Chairman. So Commissioner Kaleikini, if you'd let me to summarize and talk about what the commission is doing and then, I'll defer to you for your words of support. But the Hawaiian Homes Commission last year in March, prior to our shutdown because of the pandemic, passed the resolution commemorating the centennial, which begins July 9h, 2021. And that is the day that President Warren G. Harding way back 100 years ago signed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act into law. Page 2 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 And then the commission this year will be celebrating from that date, July 91h, 2021 through June 81h of 2022. And so we, because of the pandemic, had to really scale back a lot of our community or homestead-oriented events. And so we've moved, like most of a lot of other State and non-profit and business organizations, to social media and online platform. So we'll be providing at least monthly of one, two-hour educational lecture series on Prince Kuhio; his life as a delegate to the United States Congress from 1903 until 1922 when he passed. And then to talk about a lot of the notable people who helped to one, in the territory of Hawaii set up the County system, set up the territorial legislature; and then the key figures that help to support Prince Kuhio and his efforts to develop this homesteading program for Native Hawaiians who had been over decades, displaced from their land and had been living in tenements. And I think it's particularly important for us today to also take a look at the living conditions many Native Hawaiians currently experience with being houseless, suffering from health disparities as well as economic and other challenges. And I think if we look at the story from what was going on in 1918 to 1921 when the Act was passed, we will see the same types of experiences that Native Hawaiians are currently living in, in the 21" century. And I think the challenge to all of us as we go through his centennial year, is to figure out as policy makers in our own areas of the County, State, and Federal level how do we address rehabilitation for Native Hawaiians? How do we put them on land, so that they can fill the puka that the overthrow and the loss of their connection to their culture and their language is having on them and all these generations later? And how do we prevent it from moving that forward to our next generations, and our keiki? So, I think that for us, is the importance of the celebration of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, first to understand the historical perspective; and then, two, to bring that into our current experience and as Native Hawaiians, how do we prepare and make better for the future? MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Niniau. And before we jump forward over to Commissioner Kaleikini, you know, I know you folks did a lecture series with Brickwood. And if you don't mind sharing for the rest of my colleagues, how that YouTube series and that lector series actually provided all of the background information, and some of the context that we're trying to bring forward through this centennial celebration. Page 3 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. KAWAIHAE: Yes, we did for Prince Kuhio's birthday, this past March, we had Manu Boyd. Of course, Manu Boyd serves as the repository for the Honolulu Civic Club, which was the mother club for the civic club movement that Prince Kuhio also founded. And then we also, had Dr. Davianna McGregor, whose written work on Ahahui Pu`uhonua O Na Hawaii, which was the group that Prince Kuhio began in 1912 when he saw the tenement conditions. And he gathered 200 of his Alii and called them together and said, "Hey we've got to figure something out." So that Ahahui over five years collected data under the careful watch of Akaiko Akana, who in 1918, after his work of getting the data ready for the introduction of the Hawaiian Homestead Act, Akaiko Akanahe was overseeing the gathering of the data. And so, that's the information that was used, demographics, social outreach, and medical information that helped to go into the Territorial Legislature's version of the Hawaiian Home's Commission Act in 1918. And the Act is titled, In Congress, the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. Because when it was introduced in the Territorial Legislature, it passed in 1919, and then it went to the U.S. Congress the first time in 1920. In December they had hearings, but because of the low blood quantum 132nd, the Senate never heard it on the floor. So it never passed out of committee. And so, Kuhio during the Spring between January, March, April; went back to Hawaii, asked the Territorial Legislature to make the amendments, they increased the quantum to one-half. Now,this sets up the stage. You have to understand the times. I mean we just saw what was happening in Tulsa, celebrating the 100'h Anniversary of the Tulsa race riots where the whole community of black people who had made significant economic improvements of their lives was destroyed. And so race was a very big issue that Kuhio was sensitive. And in the committee hearings back in December of 1920, many of the senators and house members are saying, "Hey if you're 132nd native, then you know, you've bred out all of the bad stuff. So you should be good. We should put a, you know, half-blood race quantum, because you still have too much native blood. And you know, we need to rehabilitate you. And that's the kind of racial commentary back then, 100 years ago, that was taken as normal. And of course, Prince Kuhio just wanting to get land for his beloved Hawaiians. You know, went back, and the Territorial Legislature made the amendments and then in the end of May and end of June, you know,the full House the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate were able to pass the Act. And then, President Harding signed in July 1921. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Sue, before you go ahead and queue our next speaker, I just want the record to reflect, Mr. Clerk, that Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder has joined us. Thank you. Back to you, Sue. Page 4 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Niniau. You know,part of this celebration, as you mentioned is really recognizing the decision making that was being made 100 years ago. And we know now that things are a little different. And so with that, I kind of wanted to hand it off to Mike Kaleikini, who is a current east Hawaii commissioner who sits on the commission. And then soon thereafter I want to give it over to our subject matter expert, Uncle Pat Kahawaiola`a to really talk about what it's doing for our homestead community. So go ahead Mike. And I know you guys have a delegation planned or a number of commissioners who will be traveling to D.C. (Washington D.C.) later this summer. And so I wanted you to share that with my friends here on the dais. MR. KALEIKINL Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. First and foremost, I do want to express a great amount of gratitude and appreciation to Niniau. This is something the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the staff folks have been working on, this centennial celebration for some time now, over a year. So you can see, Niniau is well versed in Prince Kuhio, and like I said, I really appreciate her hard work on this and contributions. And then I'd like to move on to express appreciation to this Council, and Council Member Lee Loy, for Resolution 130-21. And in general, I wanted to just be here and to show and express my support. And I stand on the written testimony that we submitted on May 251h. And I'll be here if anybody has anything for me. Appreciate it. Thank you again everyone. MS. LEE LOY: Thanks Mike. And Uncle Pat,thanks for being here. I know we have written testimony from other commissioners; other Native Hawaiian organizations, and also, Uncle Pat Kahawaiola`a. But, you know, Uncle Pat, we're really proud to be the first Homestead community down in Keaukaha. And I wanted you to share a little bit about, you know, Kuhio's legacy and what that's done for Keaukaha. And really the structure of government that we have today is kind of part of that celebration. (Note: At this time, Keaukaha Community Association President Patrick L. Kahawaiola`a came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. KAHAWAIOLA`A: Aloha, Mai Kakou. My name is Pat Kahawaiola`a. I'm currently the President of the Keaukaha Community Association. I'm also a proud product of the Homestead, being born and raised on the homestead. It was this village that raised me. Whether or not history would then say, they did a good thing is yet to be discovered. However, it is my pleasure to be here on behalf of the community that raised me. But it's also an opportunity to share with Page 5 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 many of new Council people that we are a viable community that has contributed a lot to this County. And I will begin by, you know, echoing and thanking Commissioner Kaleikini for being here. Niniau, in my opinion (inaudible), Ms. Kawaihae is an employee, but I'd like to claim her as being just a young girl from the Big Island who has gone on to bigger and better things to help continually to help the people. But to all of you again, I will support this resolution. And I really need to thank our (inaudible) on all things that are relevant, and at times, irrelevant to, you know, the workings of the County. But for me again, my mom and dad were the reasons none of us—because I would challenge any of you here that, because none of us had that choice. CHR. KIMBALL: Excuse me, sorry to interrupt you, you're kind of breaking up over here on our end. Can I suggest you turn your camera off so we can hear you? I'd hate to lose anything that you're sharing with us. MR. KAHAWAIOLA`A: (Inaudible) and therefore I am now a parent of three of my children who are applicants. They're beneficiaries on the waitlist. Unfortunately, two of them for over 30 years. So it hurts, but then again, I'm happy that those of you in public office, elected officials. Maybe not even caring of what is happening to the Hawaiian people. And I don't mean that to be facetious. I'm just saying that sometimes, you know, there's things that get in the way that those are not the important things. Especially if you represent a constituency of very little. But for me it is my life. And it is an awesome privilege to be here on behalf of Keaukaha. If you didn't know, we're the oldest homestead association on this island, second to Kalama`ula. We settled with 61 setters in a place called Kuhi6 Village at that time in December 16, 1924. So our centennial will be shortly. And I do hope to have all of you present at that. But it is and again, an honor and a privilege to be here. I would especially for our support and mines especially to this Council. It's just that we need, or you need to understand your duties towards those of us who are a part of this Act. It's the only Act that was a proviso of the Admissions Act that created the State of Hawaii. It's the only proviso that said, in laymen's term, if you want to become a State, Hawaii you need to adopt the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act into your State Constitution. So therefore it lies. I'd like to remind people that there are three parties to this provision, the State, its people who shall uphold the Hawaiian race. Page 6 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 So that's the problematic issue that bothers most of us as Native Hawaiians of the homestead. It is trying to work after a series of lawsuits; trying to work with our entity, which is the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, who in their latest court case where the judge clearly said, they have only one job. Their job is to work to better the conditions of the Native Hawaiians as defined. That is their only job. They have no obligations to the State. They have no obligations to have a political party. They just have us, the beneficiaries to work for. And I'm hoping that maybe they can understand that. Because within that, the County has a body political as the last form of the political subdivision. You have the awesome job of working with our commissioners, because you have the job of having to enforce the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. And you do that how? Through your zonings, through your building processing, through your road maintenance. So those kinds of things. That's the job they threw upon the County. However, I think understanding that, you all work to make sure that things get properly done in adjudicating some of what we do. But it is always again a pleasure. I'm honored that Sue believes that I'm this expert witness. I just got, you know, 77 years of being here on earth and being here in Keaukaha that allows me to be part of this dynamic force that's available now. And 100 years of the Act is worthwhile only because our Alii, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole saw fit as a non-voting member of Congress back in the territory. Those are very important things that we're all supposed to realize. As a non-voting member of Congress was able to get this Act passed through—and probably the only person of color at that time in Congress to get these things passed, especially with westward expansion; the American, you know, move to expand into the Philippines and into Guam, and all those other issues that we hear about. I am proud to be a Native Hawaiian. I am proud to serve. I proudly served during the Vietnam War. My father did, my brothers did; my son has. So we are not anti- American, but I am proud to be Hawaiian. I am proud to sure that if I can represent our people properly, they will make the final choice. I'd like to end this way, there is a `Olelo No`eau and that's a proverb by one of our respected leader's Kupuna, Mary Kawena Pukui, who speaks to E hana pono ma`ai pono hana, do what is right. Do not just do it. And again, on behalf of Keaukaha, our community, our kupuna, those that came before us; those that are still here, and our future, I thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to speak on behalf of this resolution. And in total support of it. Thank you. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Thanks for the latitude, I really do appreciate just members of the community Page 7 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MR. KAHAWAIOLA`A: Thank you. MS. LEE LOY: Thanks Uncle Pat. They're here to answer any questions. I think the resolution speaks for itself. I think what you saw here demonstrates that sometimes to know our future we have to know our past. So I really appreciate Niniau, Pat, and even Mike, sharing a lot of that backdrop. You know, 100 years and we still have a long way to go. So I do urge my colleagues' support. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Recognizing Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Mahalo. I wanted to just say, thank you to Sue for bringing this forward. You just mentioned it's 100 years ago, and among Native Hawaiians and people who know Hawaiian History, Kuhio was known as Ke Alii Maka`ainana, and that's the chief who is really of the people. And it's a reminder that 100 years ago, Kanaka Hawaii were struggling and they're still struggling today. And our community, in general oftentimes is struggling for the same purposes and the same reasons as 100 years ago. So I think this just serves as a reminder for us to be of that mindset to serve in our roles today. So, mahalo to you, Sue. Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair Kimball. Mahalo nui Sue, for elevating this conversation at this level. I also want to mahalo nui Niniau, Uncle Pat, Mike. Just so moved by your passion and your commitment, and your approach in how you choose to show up. Lot of historical trauma, right, that our Hawaiian people are facing? But you are choosing to show up and figure out how you can make a difference in your capacity. And I think that makes all the difference, right? You are choosing to leverage your assets, your relationships, and focus on the positive. What we can be doing together. So I just want to mahalo nui you on that and look forward to the celebrations that will be taking place over the course of the year. Certainly going to be working with Laua`e and Auntie Paula; Maku`u Homestead, which is in District 4 to figure out how I can best be a support and find ways to further support community in their quest to be more sustainable and sufficient; and malama aina and malama each other. So thank you again for being here and mahalo again, Sue. Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone over there in Kona? Ms. David or Ms. Villegas? Page 8 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. DAVID: Chair, no thank you. I just wanted to say mahalo to the comments that Council Member Inaba shared. And also thank you Council Member Lee Loy for bringing this forward in recognition of the 100 year anniversary. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you Ms. David. Here, Council Member Chung. MR. CHUNG: Thank you. And thank you, Sue, for bringing this forward. You know, I didn't talk at all this morning, so I'm going to talk a little bit more right now. You know,this whole issue about the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act is something that has been near and dear to my heart for more than 20 years, as Pat knows. And Sue described him as subject matter expert, that is true. He's my go- to guy. Not saying that we agree on everything, but you know, he's the first person I call. He's been a champion for this Act and all that it stands for. But two things have come across, you know, my table over the years. The first one had to do with jurisdiction. I'm not going to talk too much about it, but you know, there are really from my perspectives, you know, double standards in the application of the jurisdictional aspects as they relate to Hawaiian Home Lands. And that's when I first really got acquainted with Pat, many, many years ago. But later on and I described this to you guys and you know, Pat I've also called him a naughty boy. You know, that was many years ago when he and others decided to go and cement their water meters. That was a long time ago. Probably not the best way of addressing the situation, but bringing a very important issue to the floor. The issue of water to beneficiaries on Hawaiian Home Lands. Vitally important in my opinion, and has never been addressed over more than 20, 30 years; forever actually. The Act specifically says, that, you know, people on the lands will get water free of all charge. But the water departments over the years have taken the approach, or offered the argument that they are providing water free of all charge. The only thing that's being charged is the charge for the service. To me that doesn't make sense, because that means everybody is receiving water free of all charge on the island and we're just paying for the service. The whole purpose of that Act was to confer a benefit upon the beneficiaries. I think, though, this is where Mike, Niniau, and others on the commission have to take really notice on this. I think the department, no offense to any of you, have let down the beneficiaries in that regard. I think it's incumbent upon the commission and the department to develop water systems. Work in tandem with the departments of water supply throughout the States, and develop those water systems, use their expertise, you guys have the land, you guys can draw water, and you guys can sell the water. And with the revenues, you guys can get people on the lands. You know, one time I was driving down Maku`u, and I saw, you Page 9 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 know, beautiful homestead down there, farm lots, but nobody on the land. I quickly called up Pat, I said, "Hey Pat, what the hell is going on over here." Then he explained to me, you know, the dynamics and—so very sad commentary, quite frankly. You know, you guys have opened up lands, but people are unable to get on the lands for whatever reasons. So you know, that's just my thoughts on this thing, because as I said this is near and dear to my heart. You know, Pat has been a super champion of the Act. But he as well as everyone knows, you know, for as much of forward thinking as those framers had many, many years ago, there's still a lot to do. And, you know, it's still has a lot of promise, but a lot of the promise hasn't been fulfilled. And no fault of anybody standing there, and you know, hopefully you guys can take some of these things to heart, because this water issue really can be a boon to the department and all of the beneficiaries, but somebody has to make the decision to move forward. That's just my thoughts. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Chung. Anyone else? Council Member Lee Loy, I just want to mahalo you for putting this resolution forward. And thank you to Pat and Mike and Niniau for presenting today. It's good to have this elevated to the public consciousness. And I think you said it already and some of our speakers, how important it is to look at the past as we figure out how to move forward. And this is one example where, as Council Member Chung has indicated, maybe not all the promises has been kept. And so there are lessons to be learned there as well. Appreciate you bringing this forward, so that we could have this conversation and reflection today. Mahalo. I'll go ahead, Mr. Clerk, and take the vote, all of those in favor of passing Resolution 130-21 with a favorable recommendation to Council? Vote on Res. 130-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 130-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1. Excused: None. Page 10 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 CHR. KIMBALL: Clerk, moving on to the next order of business, please? Res. 135-21: RECOGNIZES JUNE AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, INTERSEX, AND ASEXUAL PRIDE MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII Reference: Comm. 269 Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend adoption of Res. 135-21. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Ms. Kierkiewicz, would you like to start us off? MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, thank you. I had hoped to bring this resolution forward last year, but COVID kind of put the brakes on everything. In a second I'm going to introduce and invite to the Koa table here, Beverly Tese and Greg Lupton with the Hawaii Island Chapter of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) here on Hawaii Island. But first I wanted to recognize my Legislative Aide Jake Sykes, who authored this resolution. And it just gives me great pride and honor, to introduce it for you on your behalf. Because Jake is gay, and proudly so. And I am so impressed with this young man, and his ability to be so compassionate and kind, and generous, and hard-working; and to just live so authentically. So Jake, I love you and I'm so happy to be doing this today. Sorry, I did not think I was going to be emotional folks, sorry about that. Okay, I think we're all familiar with the struggles that members of the LGBT community have faced in their quest to obtain just basic human rights and civil rights. And thankfully, there's been progress that's been made. And it was wonderful to see last presidential election to have Pete Buttigieg, right, running for president, openly gay, incredible. Now, our Director of Transportation on the federal level. And you know, while this resolution is symbolic and nonbinding, I just think it's so important that we have this tool as a Council to be unified in this moment. And to recognize all members of our community. And the message that I hope that we send with this resolution is, "We see you; we accept you. We recognize all the contributions that you have made to our community here locally, nationally, and around the world." And that we wrap our arms of aloha around you, and that we are inclusive, and it is this openness and this aloha that is so foundational and grounding to who we are here in Hawaii. Page 11 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 So I've asked the Mayor's Office, I have Pomai here as well to collaborate with our office, and have kindly asked them to raise the rainbow flag here at the County Building and in the West Hawaii Civic Center. It's never been done before. And it's more than just raising the flag. I think when we raise the flag, we are elevating the stories, the contributions, the struggles, the work that we need to do as a community for the LGBTQIA (Queer, Intersex and Asexual) community. So asking my colleagues, you know, in the spirit of love and acceptance and inclusion to support this resolution. So, thank you. And again, I wanted to invite Greg and Bev up to just share a little if they'd like. You know, we had this conversation again a year ago about this particular resolution, so they have been foundational and collaborating on this. And then, I also have Pomai from the Mayor's Office that I wanted to call forward in just a second. She's you know, worked hard with us to arrange for a display of flags here in the atrium at the Aupuni Center. And they're representative of the various members of the LGBTQ community. And so we'll have more communications going out to County employees and the community about what that means. So handing it over to you guys. Bev, if you could just introduce yourself for the record? (Note: At this time, Greg Lupton and Beverly Yates-Tese came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. YATES-TESE: My name is Beverly Yates-Tese. I'm the president of the nonprofit Hawaii Island LGBTQ Pride. We're a small but mighty committee. And I'm here representing my committee and the LGBTQ people on the Big Island. We wanted to extend a very big mahalo to all of you for entering this resolution, and to Jake for working so hard to make it happen. It really does mean a lot to our upcoming youth. Everybody on our committee, people who have been struggling, especially with COVID with any identity issues that they may have. And people like me; to myself and my little queer family, it really touches my heart. And so we just want to let you all know that it's very much appreciated. We have worked very hard and it does mean a lot. MR. LUPTON: My name is Greg Lupton and I am the current treasurer of Hawaii Island LGBTQ Pride. And it was my pleasure to put together the display in the atrium, and as I was doing it I thought how important it is for people who maybeI don't think there's anyone that doesn't know the rainbow and kind of know what the association with June and pride. Because in the last several years, the media has really been playing it up to I think our community's betterment. But there is a great diversity within LGBTQ, so much so that we can't there's a joke, that it's the whole alphabet soup because it just goes on and on. Page 12 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 Some of you may have noticed the banners downtown that we put up a couple years ago. When those went up there was a discussion that we had about, well which of the pride flags should go up? And it was the first time that we had really, within our own group,talked about the breadth and diversity issue within our own community. And one of our solutions was to do a display of the many flags that you see here at our pride that year. And it was our most popular display ever at a festival. Everyone stopped by, read the things, wanted to understand that we had many young people who were saying, "Hey, that's me." For the first time they were recognizing that there was a name given to what they were experiencing in their own lives. And so it was a real pleasure to be able to bring that communication in this particular group of flags that are among many more flags to the County Building to help better create awareness for the County and for the community. And the kiosks that we've set up are a bit about our local journey as a Pride Organization and how we have created messaging based on what we have gone through over the last eight years that we've been in existence. And so I hope that all of you as well as other people that visit this building will have the chance in the next month, not only enjoy the display, but also to perhaps gain a better understanding of how we locally interact with our movement globally, and with other issues that we face as a community. So hope you enjoy it. And thank you for the invitation. It really has been a great honor to have our things on display. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That's wonderful. And thank you, Greg. And it's my understanding that there is going to be a Pride event here at the County Building, June 26h I believe from 11:00 to 3:00. So it's a drive-through event. Similar to what you did last year. MR. LUPTON: Yes. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Provide more details, please? MS. YATES-TESE: Yeah, so absolutely, anyone can contact us at our website, The Hawaii Island Igbtgpride.org. And so basically it's an adaptation for COVID where the community gets to be the parade for everyone else. So it is a drive-through. You have to stay in your car, mask on, contactless, that kind of thing. But we are doing the best we can with what we're given. So we hope you all are able to make it and it is a formal invitation to come. It's a really good time. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you again. And then I wanted to call Pomai forward. I believe she also has a proclamation from the Mayor proclaiming June as Pride Month. So wanted to gift that to you folks now. Page 13 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 CHR. KIMBALL: Just so everyone's aware, what we'll do is we'll have this presentation of the proclamation; have a discussion among the Council Members and then we'll take a quick recess for a photo op. And I know that you folks have something you wanted to share with us too. (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i Bartolome came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. BARTOLOME: So, aloha. First of all, thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz for bringing this to just raising awareness, you know, for everyone. Thank you so much for being here. I'm Pomaika`i Bartolome, Executive Assistant to Mayor Roth. I'm not going to read this whole proclamation, I'm just going to share that, you know, Hawaiian style in Hawaii, we accept everyone, no matter what. That's the kind of household that I grew up in, right? And I think that, you know, this is about unconditional love, and we celebrate all backgrounds. We celebrate all, whatever representation you bring. As long as you breathe life, unconditional love means no conditions. And so that's what we celebrate here today. And so with that being said, you know, we are an Administration, we say this, we've said it over and over and we will continue to say that we have and will always operate with respect and dignity. And today we cherish that. We value. And the dignity, and also appreciate what the—okay, I have to read this part because it seems like we added on some things here. So, "LGBTQIA Plus Pride Community,"right? And you know, we just want to share that. Again, I'm going to back to that we appreciate, you know, what you bring to our community. The awareness and all that—you know, sometimes it's hard, right,to share. And I know this because I have family members; I have friends that till today, they can't share with openness because they're afraid of, you know, how people are going to react or if they're going to accept them. And so being here today and really raising awareness to such an important topic of just being inclusive. I thank you for that and that's what this proclamation is really all about. So, on behalf of the Mayor; on behalf of our Administration; on behalf of the County of Hawaii, we declare June, LGBTQIA Plus Pride month. Mahalo for being here. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Mahalo nui, Pomai. And you know, one of the requests in the resolution is to raise the rainbow flag in Hilo and in Kona. And I just wanted to confirm that that is something you folks can supporting and help arrange. Page 14 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. BARTOLOME: So, I'm not sure if that's something we can do. Perhaps Corp. Counsel, Betsy's here. Maybe she can answer that question. You know, because I'm just not sure as far as policy, bureaucracy, whatever, you know, guidelines we have to follow. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, I'd love for Corporation Counsel to weigh in, only because, you know, when it's Disaster Preparedness month, I see the American Red Cross flag flying. You know, for Child Abuse Awareness month; Sexual Assault Awareness month, we have those different flags being raised to recognize and raise awareness of those issues. So if there are bureaucratic hoops to jump through;just looking to understand what those hoops look like so I can prepare myself to jump through them, right? Corp. Counsel, do you want to weigh in on this, please? And maybe this is an opportunity to provide a very transparent process for how we go about things. (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. STRANCE: Aloha, Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. I wasn't prepared for this question. I can't imagine if there are other flags that are raised, that there should be any problem with these flags. I think you should proceed as if you should and can. We'll let you know if you cannot. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Mahalo nui. That was easy to jump through. Thank you. Thank you, Chair for the latitude. Mahalo nui again, Jake, for authoring this. Greg, Bev for being here; for showing up, for collaborating on this. Really look forward to collaborating with you on other projects. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Opening the floor. Council Member Lee Loy. MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. And thank you, Jake, for bringing this forward. You know, what seems to be emerging here is this tapestry of community. You know, everybody has a role to play in community. But as we elevate community, we also have to elevate it in a very inclusive way. So I will wholeheartedly support Resolution 135-21. You know, because this is how we include community. It's everybody in it together. Again Ms. Kierkiewicz, thank you. Jake, well done. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member Inaba. Page 15 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MR. INABA: Mahalo. I just wanted to echo Council Member Lee Loy's sentiments here. And I think it all comes down to aloha is aloha. And at any point in time and in space here, where that doesn't necessarily hold true, aloha needs to shine even brighter. So to put that in the buildings where leadership sits, I think is very important. So thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz and to our folks here for putting together such a wonderful display outside. Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Anyone in Kona? No? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to. Oh, sorry, Chair Kimball. CHR. KIMBALL: We'll get to you next, Rebecca. Go ahead, Matt. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Mahalo for what you're doing outside. It looks wonderful. It's very colorful and I appreciate that. And I was going to ask Ms. Kierkiewicz, maybe she should put in the resolution, but after reading it again, your second to the last paragraph says, "And directs to raise the flag." I love the idea and I think there should be no problem in getting it done. And then,just to echo some of the comments made earlier, I grew up in a very open household. Lot of the friends and family that we had, that revolved around us were part of this community. And some of my most flamboyant and very good friends have come out over the years, and I justI love you guys. So, mahalo for doing what you do and for being and pushing openness in community. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Thank you so much for being here. Mahalo for this resolution. Mahalo for taking the time and focus and this opportunity to essentially make a declaration of inclusion. Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz, for including all of those details and following through with them. And, yeah, I am just really grateful and excited. Such a special opportunity here. So, very moving and really grateful. So mahalo. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Council Member David or anyone else? Alright. I just want to thank Jake for putting this together and Council Member Kierkiewicz for raising this before the committee; and Beverly and Greg for being here today. You know, as a parent of a queer child, I have appreciated that she has grown up in a community that is so accepting and so loving. And she's participated in some Page 16 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 of your events and has enjoyed that over the years. An excellent friend group who, you know, this is nothing strange. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It's part of their open conversations. My only thought as a parent is I wish she wouldn't fall in love with anime characters so often and would actually fall in love with human beings. But you know, you're laughing but it's true. It's like, "Sweetie, they're not real." But you know, I thank you for just really sharing the spirit that we have here in this community; elevating it more broadly. I can't tell you how much it means to, you know, to just have this acceptance out there. Thank you guys for all that you do. And wholeheartedly supporting this and the celebration of this for the next month. It's already June already, actually, wow. Okay, without any further ado, I will go ahead and take the vote. All of those in favor of moving forward Res. 135-21 to Council with a favorable recommendation? Vote on Res. 135-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 135-21 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: We'll go ahead and take about a 10-minute break, so coming back at 2:05. Just to take some quick pictures. And I think you had some things you wanted to share with the Council. So everyone, we'll be back in about 10 minutes. Mahalo. Recess: At 1:54 p.m., the Chair called for a recess. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 2:04 p.m. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay, everyone, it looks like we're all back, so I'll call this meeting back into session. And to use a word that we use a lot, we're going to "pivot"to another subject and I'm going to pass—Mr. Clerk, sorry, I'll let you get settled. Please let the record reflect that I'm going to pass the gavel to Ms. Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair for this next item. Thank you. Relinquish Chair: At this time, the Chair relinquished the chair to Vice Chair Kierkiewicz. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: She literally passed the gavel and so let the record reflect that I am taking over as Chair of this committee effective 2:04 p.m. Mr. Clerk, next item on the agenda, Res. 136-21,please. Page 17 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 Res. 136-21: SUPPORTS INVESTMENT IN HAWAII COUNTY FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, AMERICAN JOBS PLAN, AND AMERICAN FAMILIES PLAN AND TO FORM A PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP TO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL Adopts an official position of support for investments of these Federal funds into the community and allows for the formation of a Permitted Interaction Group pursuant to Section 92-2.5(b)(2), Hawaii Revised Statutes,to allow between two and four Council Members to advocate for specific types of funding investments on behalf of the County Council. Reference: Comm. 270 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend adoption of Res. 136-21. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Ms. Kimball, go ahead. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. So hoping that we can have a robust discussion here today. This is an attempt to do something a little bit different. And if you may recall when I was providing the presentation on the legislative update from HSAC (Hawai`i State Association of Counties), one of the comments that I made was that our requirements under Sunshine Law make it difficult to respond quickly to situations that are rapidly evolving and very dynamic. So I've talked at length with Corporation Counsel to come up with a strategy and a platform that would allow us to at least have a group of us collaborate. I think it's important to speak to intentions here with given some of the previous conversations today, I really want to give the foundation that from my perspective, we are in a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime unique situation with this huge investment of Federal funds. Some of which has already been brought before us, some of it that's still in the works. And it's necessary for us to get all hands on deck to strategize in order to most effectively advocate that some of those Federal monies come to our Council and our County. My thought is that two heads are better than one and three heads are better than two, and four heads are better than that. And heck, if we could get all of us, that would be great. But we are limited be it by Sunshine Law to have less than a quorum in a permitted interaction group. Page 18 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 You'll note that as part of the resolution, there would be a monthly agendized report from this permitted interaction group which would give us the opportunity to have further discussions as a full body. But my intention here is to have a group of us that is working and paying attention closely to what's happening at the Federal and the State level around these different funding packages that are out there lobbying on behalf of our County around the subject areas that are listed in the resolution. To give an example, with the American Rescue Package. You know, that money has mostly been disbursed already. But there is still opportunity for advocacy, at the State within the departments. An example would be that we have the rental assistance, and our County is actually having difficulty getting that out. There's not enough applications. And so if we can have conversations about repurposing that to a more useful function, that would be an example of what this group would strategize around and advocate for. So looking forward to a discussion, about this to see what my colleagues think. Is this the best approach? I know we are all working on it on our own, and so I don't want to discount that at all. But my idea is basically that this is all hands on deck, and let's not let a penny that we could get slip away. Thank you, Chair, I yield. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. I'll start with Kona. Any questions or comments? Okay, hearing none at this time, here in Hilo? Ms. Lee Loy, you have the floor. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Kimball for bringing this forward. And I absolutely agree. I think, you know, we're going to see infusions of money to stand up all of our communities in all types of shapes and forms. And there's going to need to be this very concerted effort. We heard at Council meetings in the past or committee meetings in the past that. you know, we need to focus our priorities, especially as it relates to funding. I think my challenge is, this will work amongst four of us. But I'm wondering if there's not a way to have a consistent update in this committee, so that we can just constantly have the conversation rather than just relying on four individuals, you know, at maximum. And I'm just thinking about something we did today with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. There definitely is some conversations that we can have with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, that I'm not sure we're going to be able to reach out to during this permitted interaction group. And maybe there's a tool that would elevate this conversation, as a recurring conversation on the agenda like we do. In the past we've had an update from the Administration, you know, constantly to give feedback. But I do appreciate that idea of being Page 19 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 trigger-ready, and then making sure that we're all having a very transparent conversation. Because, for example, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, they're also getting funding too. And if there's a way to amplify their infrastructure,their infrastructure needs bringing those funds and matching them up in a very systematic and strategic way with some other recovery monies along with our own projects, I think that's how we would be able to amplify needs in the community and really accelerate all of these funds. But I'm looking forward to hearing from the rest of my colleagues. I'm a little on the fence with just four people, because we all travel in very different networks and very different arenas. And I would hate that we're just limiting ourselves to all four, when we could have this conversation monthly here at this committee. Those are my thoughts. I yield. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else here in Hilo? Mr. Chung. MR. CHUNG: You know, I'm probably going to vote against this, but I just wanted Ms. Kimball—to give her an opportunity to explain to me, how this arrangement will enable the County to respond quickly and with flexibility? ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Ms. Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, thank you Council Member Chung. And I'll respond a little bit to also what you're talking about Council Member Lee Loy. Is that at least as far as the American Rescue Package, and we're also starting to see this a little bit with the American Jobs Plan, is the guidelines and the opportunities for input are very short notice. And I agree. That's why I wrote into this a monthly report, so that we could have that conversation as a whole. But that timeframe alone is actually probably not compressed enough for us to be as able to participate in these discussions in a united way within these very short timeframes. We are looking at, like I mentioned middle of this month for the final set of comments into the Jobs Package. Appreciate that, you know,this could on the surface, you know, appear exclusionary. And I want to just really make clear that's not the intent. The intent is to be able to have a solid footing by which to respond quickly as these things evolve. MR. CHUNG: Yeah. I don't in any way, mean to suggest that this is exclusionary. But even looking at what's provided here that, "Two or more members of a board, but not less than a number of members which would constitute a quorum for the board that may be assigned to present, discuss, or Page 20 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 negotiate any position which the board has adopted at a meeting of the board." So therefore the position needs to be adopted at the meeting. So this still does not allow for a quick turnaround. It's not something where we can give this group carte blanche, to take a position and then advance it at a higher level. It has to be something by its own terms, a position that was adopted by the board, a position or positions I guess. See what should of have been done, but which everybody is afraid of their own shadow, you know, when it comes to trying to amend the Sunshine Law. And we've tried to advance this in the past. We've meet with the legislature, and kind of lukewarm at best, to allow for the counties, you know, they can caucus we cannot caucus, right. Double standard. But at least allow us to do what would be constitute minute resolutions, where we can circulate position papers really fast and then have it ratified at a subsequent meeting. That's all, very simple. And then we could move very quickly, but this does not allow us to move quickly. And what I'm concerned about, and no offense to the maker or anybody else who supports this. But if this were a matter of us having a working group, who's going to stay focused on what's going on at the Federal level in terms of, you know, how things can move quickly. And then report back to us quickly, I have no problem. But the use of the term advocate, on behalf of the Council troubles me. I don't mind making subcommittees for nonprofits, I don't mind making subcommittees for real property taxes or the budget. I've supported those things. But when it comes to advocacy, to any governmental body above us, State or Federal, I cannot advocate my responsibilities to any group. I have to retain that for myself. And if there's a way that we can figure out, and coordinate utilizing all of our resources, that's fine. Or if this shows me that we could move this thing fast, via this route then I'll be all ears. But I'm not convinced, so I cannot support it. Thank you. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Chung. I definitely appreciate your insights into this, as both an attorney and as somebody that's been on the Council for many years and has interacted with these different levels of government. To your point about the fact that this permitted interaction group, would be able to negotiate on a position that was adopted by a meeting of the board. That is the purpose of the inclusion of the first be it resolved, that clause which list the types of things we would in essence by approving this resolution be taking a position on that we support funding for the county in these areas, which are the areas that are identified in these three plans as being the areas that they're going to be funded. And again, this was vetted by Corp. Counsel, and I'm happy to have Judge Strance come up and address questions to that fact. But we do try to meet the requirements of the statute. Page 21 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 Agree also that there is necessity, to have further conversations around the Sunshine Law. The way it is now, it does prohibit collaboration. You know, I'm all for transparency to the public, but there are some barriers that it presents. And I do hope that this next session, HSAC, can put a package together that describes some meaningful changes that will maintain the level of transparency but also allow us to do our work. I'll just make one final comment. I really wish Council Member Richards was here for this conversation. Not saying that I know what position he would take as we have not discussed it due to Sunshine Law. But as our representative NACo (National Association of Counties), I'd be interested in his two cents. So would request that, you know, my colleagues consider continuing the conversation on this. If not everybody is there today, and also giving Council Member Richards a chance to weigh in. Thank you, Chair. I yield. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Chung, did you have further comments? MR. CHUNG: Yeah. I just wanted to say that these things that are included as, you know, giving authorization to the working group or whatever they may call. I think overly broad, it's just everything. And really, if this passes it's fine, and I really mean this with no offensive intent. But because it's so broad,this is just a way in my opinion of circumventing the Sunshine Law. It's a way of getting around it, so that we can do something. But it still doesn't allow us to do it quickly, it just doesn't. It's going to put a lot of authority in the hands of four people to decide how to prioritize these matters, what we're going to see, what we're going to advocate. In my opinion it doesn't sit right, in my mind. Sorry. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Any other comments here? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. If I could ask Ms. Kimball, what was the culminating moment of putting this out? What was really the driver for this? MS. KIMBALL: Thank you for that question. The culminating moment has been with the conversations that were happening. As the NACo convention was happening we were getting every other day briefings from the White House on how the American Rescue Package would be rolled out and how it could be spent. And in my mind, I'm thinking this is such a golden opportunity for us. This is such an opportunity, for our county to bring these much needed Federal funds. No lie, we're a big geography with a small population. If we're going to move the needle on these billions of dollars in deferred maintenance that we have on the table it's going to take this Federal funding. Page 22 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 And then my second thought was, boy who could I talk to. I wish, I could talk to my colleagues about this. I wish we could strategize together, and figure out how we bring that money home, how we bring that money here. And you know, we're up against the Sunshine Law, in terms of being able to do that. So you know, that's my response to what was the kick starter for me, was just listening. And this is stuff that's changing, day by day. And I don't know if that's going to happen with these other packages or not. But it was really, the intention behind this is to just put us in the best position to bring these monies home. In response to Mr. Chung's—first of all I don't take any of this personally. And I really do, and I'm not just saying this, respect your input because of your experience and your background. I think that the list of items that are there in the first Be It Resolved clause, those are coming directly from the packages themselves. So while they are broad,the packages themselves are broad. I think it is again, succinct enough to be a meaningful way to meet the expectation that this is a position that we as a board are taking, supporting, funding, to Hawai`i County in these particular areas. Those areas having been identified as the focus areas of the three Federal Plans. Thank you, Chair. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So you had your moment of clarity, and you must have had some idea who those people would be. I think the question I heard so far, what is that group and how did they come back to State or Federal partners and really push? Is it like a NACo kind of a push, or what is your thought? I mean how that focus is directed to the right people. MS. KIMBALL: So I think it happens at multiple levels, and formats. First of all again, written in is the monthly report, which would be a status report about what's going on with these packages, what is coming that we know of, what are guardrails with what's coming. There would probably be interactions with the Administration in terms of, you know,talking with Deanna what she knows as far as finance. Reporting coming in from NACo, and Tim would obviously be one of members that I would expect to be involved because he is our representative there. My thoughts actually in terms of what would be the best arrangement, would be to have Ms. Kierkiewicz and myself as Chair and Vice Chair of this committee. And then Tim as our representative to NACo, and then actually Council Member Chung. Although I wasn't sure I would convince him that would be a good fit. And my idea would be that group would both advocate through and with HSAC, through and with NACo, and then on our own at the State level. I hope that answers your question. Page 23 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then the idea would be to push for sources of funding, and really get the legislature both Federal and State behind the ideas that we bring forward? MS. KIMBALL: Yeah. I mean essentially it would be lobbying an advocacy behind bringing funding to the county projects from these Federal packages. Let me provide an example. There's funding within the American Jobs Plan, particularly for infrastructure relating to indigenous communities. I've been working with Hawaii Appleseed to try and get some funding for improvements to Waipi`o, some safety improvements that were identified in the Kenoi Administration at $5 million. I don't know when I'll have a chance again, to go after $5 million for that project. So there's a variety of things that I see us putting in for whether it's in this comment period for these packages, which we are with the American Jobs Plan; or it's advocating for money that's already been distributed, as it has been with the American Rescue Plan. And changing the way that some of that is directed, so that it's going to what we have identified as the key areas to respond to our community's needs. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I like your idea, and I'm glad we get to have the conversation. I think that our Council Member two-year terms could limit that, because I think this needs to be something that stretches farther than just Council. Maybe finding a department to house that in, and making that the guiding directive. Whether Planning, Research and Development, someone who can take it and run with it and push it hard. So it's not—hopeful that we all come back for another term, or get wrapped up in other things. The idea is good. I guess my question would be the Council Members, and then if you passed it through Corp. Counsel like you said and there's been an improvement. I know there's an approval, for our permitted interaction groups. And you listed the wording in there very well. But I'm wondering if a department may not be better suited to have put the effective push behind it. So that we as the Council could sign off and say, "Yeah, we love this idea. Please we'll take the funding." But if a department would be better for that purpose, or if there's a department that's already doing it. Have you talked to any departments about it? MS. KIMBALL: Yeah. I have spoken with the Mayor, and Managing Director Lee Lord, as well as Deanna. And as far as Deanna, she was willing to support this effort. What I will say is that, first of all to respond to the timeframe. The way it's written now, would exist for the period of a year. And we could decide after that time if it was something we wanted to continue or not. The other thing that I wanted to really make clear, is that this is not replacing someone else's job or trying to indicate that somebody who's supposed to be Page 24 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 doing something is not doing it. Or that it should be something, I mean the Administration is and should be doing this as well. My thought is, this is again once in a lifetime opportunity to bring much needed Federal funds. Let's get all hands on deck. Let's have the Administration advocating, let's have us advocating. Hopefully our State delegation, is advocating as well. It is not intended to say to be a permanent thing. But to really respond to the moment we're in with these very unique packages. I don't know that things like this, will ever come before us again. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Mr. Chung I see your light on, but I believe Mr. Inaba had some mana`o he wanted to share. You were reaching for it, you sure? Okay, Mr. Chung. MR. CHUNG: First of all, thank you very much Ms. Kimball, for, you know, thinking about me. But you know, I would have to decline anyway. You know, the more I look at this, I like the intent. We have to be able to move quickly, I have no problem with that. But I don't view this as being all hands on deck approach. I would be basically advocating my role, to four individuals. And see, if this resolution specified certain projects, for example. Up to $100 million worth for wastewater treatment, or something like that. Or $1 billion wastewater treatment. X amount for roads, x amount for—you know. This is overly broad. And what happens is, within that four-person working group not saying whoever is in there would do this, but there might be a different emphasis, than what I feel is important. And you guys wouldn't be able to interface with me, because once you do that then we're going to be violating the Sunshine Law. So how would I have input, into what the priorities are going to be? I mean, you know, you've talked about Waipi`o Valley, Waipi`o Valley very important, but I think if we specified a few focus areas, I might be more amenable to approving something like this. And then have it be incumbent upon each of the Council Members, to go and talk with our Congressional Delegation for our specific pet projects. The ones that we would like to see there, for our individual districts. The reality of the situation is this, only four people are going to make this decision and it's not going to be us. It's going to be our two senators and our two representatives and that's it. Those are the people, we're going to have to be talking to. Whether it's individually, or with a four-person group, you know,that remains to be seen. But that's the reality. So I gave you what, you know, what I felt would be something that would be acceptable to me. But it has to be more specific. In fact, it has to be laser focused on what this group is going be trying to advance. Because I cannot guess as to Page 25 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 what's going to happen during the course of what you guys intend to do, right? You guys are still going to have to come back to the Council to report, and there's a good chance after this thing is passed at committee, goes to Council in two weeks, pass there by the time we pass this thing, it's done already. The infrastructure bill, there's a chance it might be finished, and all of the earmarks have been made. So that's just my thoughts on it. Thank you. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Inaba. MR. INABA: Yeah, thank you. I think I understand the intention of this, and I think it's important. I can speak for myself, when I say I don't necessarily know as much as I could about what's happening at the Federal level. And how that correlates down with us, so I think there's benefit to this. But I also understand the perspective, Council Member Chung is sharing here. And I want to go back to what Sue mentioned earlier, and is that something that we might consider in terms of a recurring conversation, as it was done in the previous term for the Mayor Administration update. Sorry, that was a question. MS. KIMBALL: Yes. I think we can certainly, you know, if this doesn't move forward today, we can certainly schedule within this communication around these Federal funds. My concern is, and Mr. Chung has a point that we may already be too late on this, but my concern would be, if we are exclusively relying on reporting of what's going on, we are already behind in terms of advocacy. I can see what Council Member Chung is saying about providing a little bit more specificity to some of these items. I think that's entirely possible to do. And I can understand also the concern around, you know, giving up some of your own responsibility as Council Members, as representatives, of your district. I like to think of our body and each one of us as representatives of our district, but serving the county as a whole. And so this again is, the intention behind here is to allow to put our best effort forward to bring that money as much of it as we can here. It is about being able to respond quickly, to a very dynamic situation. And I should highlight that, you know,the intention right now is focused on these Federal actions, and I think that's particularly unique. But I think this conversation also initiated in terms of our ability to respond to what's happening to the State legislature. And so fleshing some of this out now, will also help us in that very compressed legislative term that happens at the beginning of the year. MR. INABA: Got it, okay. Thank you. Well based on what our discussion has been so far, I'll be supporting this resolution today. Thank you. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Anyone in Kona? MS. DAVID: Chair Kierkiewicz? Page 26 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, Chair David, you have the floor. MS. DAVID: Hi, thank you. Ms. Kimball, thanks for bringing this up. I think the discussion has been very comprehensive, as far as pros and cons. I have a question, you said that you checked with the department, and I was just wondering if Director Sako is in the room? No, if she isn't, then fine. I really think that the comments made as far as procedures go by Mr. Chung, I think, I have to agree with his position. Basically in forming this interaction group, it's almost, or if not the same as an ad hoc group or ad hoc body. Except that this interaction group, would consist of four members that you anticipate. And I believe the departments as well, right, part of your working group? MS. KIMBALL: On an as-needed bases, those have not been identified as permanent members of interaction group. MS. DAVID: I see. And then so along the lines that was discussed about the specifics of this, I would imagine that having a more focused identification of what this group is going to be doing, and also for me would further explain how we're going to accomplish this as far as what is our goal as the legislative body in participating in something like this. I'd like to hear from the department, because they're the ones that at our last meeting accepted the funding for this. And I'd like to hear more about that, before I actually make a decision based on what we're talking about today. So I understand what you're saying, but I'm just wondering whether this is some function that would be more of an Administrative function. Where we as Council Members would be able to have discussions freely, ourselves with the department, to accomplish what you're saying. Because I really feel that the point brought out about the four people in this interaction group making the decision basically for the body, I have some concerns about that as well. So before making up my mind, I'd like to hear from the department, especially the Department of Finance. And if you're amenable to holding this off, then maybe we can get some further answers. MS. KIMBALL: I'll text Deanna, right now. We do have Judge Strance here, she's been kind of waving her hand to weigh in. Council Member Kierkiewicz, if you don't mind if we could have Judge Strance come up and provide some insight. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Aloha, Judge Strance. Are you going to be speaking to the legality of activating a permitted interaction group? What are you providing clarification on? Just trying to understand the scope of this part of the discussion. Page 27 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. STRANCE: Thank you. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. My intent was to talk about the scope, and the authority of the committee. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. Thank you, perfect. MS. STRANCE: In addition to the Hawaii Revised Statute, you folks have your ad hoc committee, Rule 7. And there is a bit of the threading of the needle, which I think is what you folks are struggling with. And you know, if it comes down to a specific project, as opposed to these areas then the committee may not have authority, because they would then be entering into a deliberative process. And so as I understood the purpose of the resolution, it was to grant a group the authority to advocate the money come to Hawaii into the county in these areas. And that's it, you know, it's not to negotiate any specific plans, or any specific project. Because that would be deliberative. And the ad hoc committee process requires, if there's going to be that step,that they come back and report and you folks act. So my understanding of the purpose of the resolution is to give an ad hoc committee the authority to grab the ear of necessary people and to advocate this list. Not to discern the list, not to talk about any specific project. But to make the Council's position known that we want this money. And that's basically with the scope, of the committee's process is. And I think, you know, what caught my attention was Council Member Chung's discussion about advocating his duties. And where that comes into play, is whose project is it going to be? Is it going to be more money here, more money there? So the committee is not given specific authority to negotiate any amounts of money, or projects that would then bear upon that authority. It really is just to get the ear. And so I think I wanted to make sure that since, you know, we have had some discussions about this resolution, they're not completely comfortable discussions, and it's a balance of complying with laws around transparency and the Sunshine Law. And then also being able to advocate positions that are stated by the county. And what this resolution says is that the county wants to see money in these areas come to the county. This group can go, and express that sentiment. But I think from a legality standpoint, that would be I believe the extent of it, because I think this idea, that concern about coming back and the timeframe. So if it came up, well you guys would have to decide in three days whether you want money for this or that, the committee doesn't have authority to negotiate that, because the Council isn't granting authority of discernment, it's granting authority of asking for that money come to the county for these specific areas. Page 28 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 And so I just wanted to clarify that, in light of the conversation. And then also give Council Member Kimball, an opportunity to make sure that we didn't miss understand each other and any of our conversations about the scope and role, and trying to balance that interest of being heard, with your responsibilities as legislatures and under the Sunshine Law. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Judge Strance. We really appreciate those details, and for that clarification. Thank you. And I think just the nature of this conversation, it evolved, it's very fluid, thanks. I believe Kona just so, you know, we have Finance Director Deanna Sako here. And Chair David, I believe you still have the floor, and you had a question of her. MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. And I really think Corporation Counsel basically answered my questions, or concerns regarding this process that we're trying to entertain. But Ms. Sako, I just wanted to get her read or her feeling on this resolution, and her general idea, based on what her Corp. Counsel said what would be the function of this interaction group as it relates between the legislative body and the Administration. (Note: At this time, Director of Finance Deanna Sako came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. SAKO: Yeah. I'm still kind of reading parts of the resolution, I think I looked at it earlier last week. But you know, basically the Administration is obviously going to fight for every penny we can,just like the Council is for our community. And so I think as long as we're all striving to work together, we are familiar with how things were done last time when we had the last stimulus money. I can't say for sure, it would be the same way this time. But most of that money was funneled through the State, so it's also keeping very good relationships with our State legislature. As well as, you know, the Governor's Office, and the various departments that are going to be in charge of selecting those projects. We have already submitted a list of shovel-ready projects, to the governor as requested by him, so that, you know, they are ready to go, as soon as this money is approved. MS. DAVID: And that means that you folks at the Administration, it's not a direct line with the State and the Feds on this? MS. SAKO: Mm-hmm. MS. DAVID: I see, okay. Well, thank you for coming down for this minute or so, Director. You answered my question. Thank you very much. MS. SAKO: Thank you. Page 29 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. DAVID: Chair, I yield. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair David. Ms. Villegas, any questions or comments? MS. VILLEGAS: No, thank you. A lot of my questions are being answered, and primarily by Judge Strance. So thank you for that. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy, your light is on, you have the floor. MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. If I could call back up, Judge Strance, because I think this is where it would focus for me, because I do support the intent. And so Judge Strance, if I could ask you, your read is this permitted interaction group would provide advocacy around these things. Looks like about a dozen things, right, infrastructure, affordable housing, and so on and so forth. If we were to form this permitted interaction group, and information emerged around a wastewater treatment facility, because Council District 3 houses the wastewater treatment facility and a member of that permitted interaction group said, "Hey Sue, there's money on the table for a wastewater treatment plant. Call up your representatives go advocate for this money." Would that be a violation of the Sunshine Law? MS. STRANCE: It's the purpose of this committee to inform Council Members of status without initiative informational process, and not an advocacy process. So in your district it might be, you know, wastewater in Council Member Inaba's, it might be solid waste. You know, if it's to inform, and to provide information to the individual Council Members MS. LEE LOY: I'll give you a minute to think about it. Because I think what I don't want to happen, is this group gets formed and then it forecloses the opportunity to reach out to someone outside of that permitted interaction group that might have one of these infrastructure projects in their district. I think that's my challenge right now, Council Member Kimball. And I think it's what Mr. Chung, is speaking about. If we form this group, have we now created a barrier where we couldn't just communicate across channels that we already have. And that if we just share information without the permitted interaction group, and we advocate on our own based on the needs of our district, that wouldn't be running into Sunshine Law violations, right, because these are conversations with the Federal Government like we do with the legislature. And I think that's where I'm having a problem. Does this permitted interaction group prohibit us or foreclose us from having those free-flowing conversations with our delegates? Page 30 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 MS. STRANCE: I think, I'd like to see how it would be drafted up. I mean you might run into a situation where the committee could only advocate. We could only say, we want the monies in these areas, right. And then so it's all of these areas. And then you're going to a legislator, or some other body to say I want earmarked for wastewater. And I'd rather have the wastewater money come, then the broadband money, for example, since those are both on the list. I think the question is whether it would make your efforts more or less effective. I'd like to get back in touch with you folks on whether you are delegating all of your authority. I think that's what I'm hearing you say, if I'm delegating authority in a way that now prevents me from advocating individually. And I'd like to just chew on that a little bit, because I haven't really thought it through more in those terms. And I think you folks are getting much granular than—kind of a broader discussion, about we want to make sure that Hawaii and Hawaii County doesn't get forgotten when money is being disbursed. And if the way that the process works, is that those advocacy for those specific projects have to be made up front, then the construct of this ad hoc committee is probably not very effective, because it doesn't have and you're not delegating that level of specific authority. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Judge Strance, for identifying that, because I think that's what we want to maintain is our sovereignty. To go advocate however we see fit, for our respective districts. These are very broad things that impact all of our districts. And I know for Council Member Kimball, myself, and then Mr. Inaba, there's a wastewater treatment facility in our districts, but we could use one in Puna, right. And so I think there's a balancing act that I'm trying to create here, is we want as much information as we can as possible to advocate for our various districts while not foreclosing on the opportunity to share information, so that we can advocate. I think that's my struggle right now, is how we balance all of that while not short circuiting ourselves in the process. If you could get back to us Judge Strance on that. With the understanding if the group was formed, what kind of communications we could have thereafter? That would help me. Chair, I yield at this time. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Mr. Inaba, you had your light on? No, okay. Mr. Chung, absolutely, you have the floor. MR. CHUNG: This is my fourth time, thank you. And I'm not going to take long. You know, I think Maile said it better than I could ever say it, so when she talked I was kind of listening. And then after Judge Strance gave her talk. I've got to get back to this being too broad, it really is. I mean we could just do it by a Page 31 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 resolution, you know. We support you know, the infrastructure program and urge our legislators and congressional delegation to do x, right. And then we each go out on our own, to try and advance it. Or we could try to get more specific, which would be a better way. Because then it would be more transparent, in the way we work. Then whatever finish product that we have, then if it's satisfactory to everyone on the Council then we could probably delegate that responsibility for advancing those principals or those projects to higher bodies. But as Judge Strance said, this merely gives this working group or this group the authority to say, yeah, we want money for these projects. Really no discretion, and I would not want to give anyone discretion in that regard. So if you guys want to come back, and try to work out specifics. Like for example, a Puna wastewater treatment facility, the development of a Puna wastewater treatment facility, you know, put within the context of this. And x amount for the Hilo wastewater treatment facility, which is in total disrepair. And then you prioritize things along those lines, and you know, Kona, Kealakehe, and other things within these different categories. Then I would be okay, as long as it's more specific. But if we're just going to go real broad, we might as well just pass a resolution saying we support the legislation that's moving forward. That's my thought. But nobody disputes the intent behind this. It's that we should there's a traunch of money out there, or potentially out there. We want to be able to move quickly on it, and provide our input. But we're just constrained by other things, right. So that's all I have to say. Thank you. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Ms. Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. And first of all, thank you to all of my colleagues for this really great discussion. I mean that is part of the intention of a committee hearing, is to suss through some of these things. And granted this resolution was designed in a way to thread that very narrow needle. To respond specifically to your comment, and Judge Strance did a much better job of describing this than I did previously, is that the reason we can't get too specific like she said, to certain projects is that we then get outside of what a permitted interaction group is allowed to do. So we have to one, approve as a body these positions, which the position that we're approving, is we support money coming to our county in these areas. If we get too specific, then we start moving into the position where we're violating the scope that a permitted interaction group can have. Appreciate the thought, exercise that you're presenting, Sue. And Judge Strance is the expert, but I've been focusing on this a lot. And I think that it is all about how you communicate what's happening in these bills. If it's in a public way, which is the intention, then you're not going to run into the situation. Page 32 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 And Judge Strance could maybeI know she wants to think about it. And I appreciate that she's deliberative that way, to get you an accurate response. But I think you solve that issue, by how you share it. And how the permitted interaction group puts it. If it's public, if it's on a webpage that is updated, you know, something like that it becomes a different story. Chair, I yield. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Seeing no other lights on. Like everyone else, I share the sentiments. You know, I appreciate the intention around this. Flattered that you would consider me, to wanting to serve. Feeling stretched very thin, so don't know if it's something I can necessarily take on. And you know, I do appreciate the comments that others have shared. It's very similar to what I was thinking as well in that I don't know if I would feel comfortable relinquishing the authority that I have as Council Member to pick up the phone, and advocate to friends at the State and Federal level. I struggle with understanding what the deliverable is, because in every permitted interaction group that I've been part of or have supported creation of, at the end of the day there was a product, and often times that is a recommendation for this body to consider and vote on and adopt. And so if that's the direction here, if this permitted interaction group is going to be doing a bunch of research and coming up with a white paper and saying you know, based on all the conversations that we've had and information that we have, you know, been made available to us. These are our recommendations for how the county, can best leverage what's coming our way. And this is what we need from other partners to kind of get from point a,to point b. I'm all for that. But that's not what's before us. And so I just offer that up. And I also wanted to ask Deanna, because I recall last Administration, six months to spend $80 million. Who thought we could do it, but we did. Under the gun it's amazing what County Government, government in general it's impressive. I just appreciated how proactive the Administration was in coming to the Council and saying, "We have this money coming. These are our very loose plans, for how we plan to spend it. Do you have any thoughts?" And we had a very public discussion. Members of the public was made aware of what the Administration was considering supporting. Any thought around maybe bringing that process back, because in addition to sort of this public discussion at the committee and Council level. You also had conversations with every single member of the Council, to understand what the issues they were hearing about on the ground, so that you could sort of adjust your plans of how we spend the funds. MS. SAKO: So I think part of that is what we're going to be doing tomorrow on the Rescue Plan funds, but in addition to that, you know, both the Rescue Plan, and then we haven't even seen the Jobs, or whatever that current bill is being called right now. You know,the rules coming out yet. But I can tell you like the Page 33 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 Rescue Plan, is more specific and more rule-oriented than the Cares Act was. Well yes, we can have the conversations, it's going to be more difficult to be as loose with how we spend it. Because they're very specific categories, and there's very specific formulas in some cases as well. When it comes to things like revenue loss. So the other thing on the Jobs bill, is that the projects have to be shovel ready. So yes, I think it's important everybody can express like which areas you'd like us to focus on. But if we don't have projects shovel ready in that area, like ready for construction, then we're not going to be successful. So we don't want to lose potential funding either, because we're waiting to get projects shovel ready in a specific area also. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I think the benefit we have with these particular packages, is we have a bit more time. The ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money provides us three years to spend, and I'm going to assume that's the same for the other packages. So we have a little bit more time, to really hone in on what our priorities are and get ready for that. MS. SAKO: I'm just thinking of like, you know,the projects that are supposed to be shovel ready. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Right. MS. SAKO: Those types of projects, the ones I thought you guys were discussing today, if they're not like ready for construction, that whole process even though it sounds like a lot time—but you know, by the time you get the permit, and construction going, get the materials on island. If it's something, you know, depending what it is, that time fly's by really quickly. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: It does. Thank you. Thank you for being honest, and realistic about it. Deanna, in a perfect world how can the Council best sort of plug in and work in collaboration with the Administration to ensure that we're getting every dollar coming to our county, but it's being spent in a way that is most appropriate, for the county with a big c. Because I see a lot of the things here, are important to all of us here as residents. MS. SAKO: Oh, totally yeah. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: But some of this stuff like education, that's for State to handle. MS. SAKO: Right. Page 34 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And I certainly want to make sure, Hawai i Island is getting its fair share. But I also want everybody to remember, we're in the county canoe let's row that one. And have the State rowing right alongside us. So just your thoughts on that, how can we work in collaboration with the Admin? MS. SAKO: I think just, you know, everybody's been reaching out to whether it's State legislators, Federal legislators, but you know, working with them to get whatever money we can, earmarking it when possible. But you know, for these coming projects, I think it's just going to be a little more challenging. I think its fine to say, like we want to focus on wastewater. But when we have to get specific on it, then only the projects that are shovel ready are really the ones that are going to be able to move forward. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Got it. Thank you, Deanna. MS. SAKO: Mm-hmm. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: And then I know it was mentioned earlier about having, how we spend COVID recovery money. How it's in a particular department. What are your thoughts on that? MS. SAKO: I've might have missed that part. Could you elaborate? ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I think Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder had talked about you know MS. SAKO: Sorry, I wasn't listening upstairs. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Oh, okay. MS. SAKO: I was in a meeting, sorry. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: No, no. Just to recap, and jump in if I'm mischaracterizing this. But just considering that,we as Council Members are term limited,right. And you know,this resolution clearly points out,that these members would serve at the pleasure of this body for a year. But this question is around,you know, can we house this in a county department, because there is sort of longevity, sustainability, with the departments and the folks that are doing the actual work. Just curious if there's any thought to mobilize some sort of like incident command center around COVID recovery. And that is a thing, by the way, MS. SAKO: Yes. And I think right now R&D (Research and Development) is specifically leading the way on the recovery, and they'll be presenting some of that plan tomorrow. So that's kind of one of the main things. But you know, obviously Page 35 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 Civil Defense is going to continue to be involved. But yes, you're talking about having a specific team, or group of people that would continue to lead it. Yeah, it's similar to how we've done other things, yes. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Good to know that R&D is going to be serving us point on this, and that they're going to come before Council tomorrow to provide a presentation, on how they see Federal dollars coming to be spent, you know, here on the island. I think that's important information for us to have great context, before we can make any firm decisions on how to move forward on this resolution. Just my humble mana`o here. But I would rather get that information to determine how best we proceed with what's before us. Just going to suggest maybe putting a pin on this, and postponing to the next meeting. But again, I want to defer to the author of the resolution. Thank you, Director Sako. Ms. Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, thank you, Chair. I am happy to table this, because I think we had really great discussion today. And I really want to say to my colleagues, I appreciate the level of depth that we've all gone to in this discussion today. And it's really important, not just with this immediate resolution before us but just in general. And like I've mentioned before, I did want to get Council Member Richards on this as well as our representative at NACo. The timeliness is of an issue, and we do have another shot. And typically my preference will be to continue to hash this out in committee, and I'm happy to do that this time. Although we are already potentially behind. You know what, I'm going to go ahead and make a motion to table this in committee at this time. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: I'm sorry, I think the correct motion is going to be motion to postpone. MS. KIMBALL: Motion to postpone to the next hearing of the GORED Committee which will be on the 15''. Vote on Motion Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Res. 136-21 to June 15, 2021. to Postpone: Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried by the (Approved) following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1. Excused: None. ACTING CHR KIERKIEWICZ: This matter is postponed to June 15''. Page 36 GOREDC-10 June 1,2021 BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances. (There were none.) ACTING CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: May I have a motion to adjourn? ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 3:10 p.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the MENT: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards— 1. Excused: None. ACTING CHR. KIERKIEWICZ: This committee is adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Mahalo. Approved: --„StA 7/6(4 Ms. Heather L. i ball, Chair (Date) Government Operations, Relations, and Economic Development Committee HK/dt/rk Page 37