HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FC 2021/07/20 2020-2022Committee on Finance
15t' Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawai `i
July 20, 2021
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Finance was called to order at
ORDER: 3:15 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Kona, by Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder,
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Matt Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder, Chair (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Vice Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (came in later)
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III, Member (came in later)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, let's go to our public testimony.
And I believe we have a number of people on today. Can we please go to the top
of the line, Relley, for our testifiers.
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to provide comment regarding Res. 161-21
(Comm. 315), and came forward when called by the Chair:
Kaleo Paik.
Michelle Galimba.
Keoni Fox.
Jodie Rosam.
Reyna Ramolete Hayashi.
Janice Palma-Glennie.
FC -15 July 20, 2021
Megan Lamson Leatherman.
Nohealani Ka`awa
Deborah Ward
(representing the Sierra Club).
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Relley, thank you very much for getting us
our testimony. With that, let's go to our meeting. And mahalo to the public for
everything that you've said, and your comments. We really appreciate you
having you weigh in our decision-making process, it's incredibly important.
Mr. Clerk, can we please take Resolution 161 out of order? Unless there's any
objections from my fellow Council Members, I would like to take 161 out of
order, as it's the topic of discussion today from our community.
MR. HENRICKS: I see no objections here, Mr. Chair, so I'll go ahead and read
that in.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members,
of Business: the following items were taken out of order:
Res. 161-21: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LANDS AND/OR
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS FOR ALL OR A PORTION OF THE
PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEYS 9-4-001:008, 009, 016,
017, AND 023, SITUATED IN THE AHUPUA`A OF KIOLAKA`A AND
WAI`OMA`O, DISTRICT OF KA`U, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS,
OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND
The County seeks to acquire the properties in whole or conservation easements
to protect cultural and natural resources and important agricultural lands,
preserve portions of the ala loa or Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, and
facilitate responsible public access. The parcels, consisting of approximately
1,841 acres, were listed as the number two priority for acquisition in the 2020
Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission.
Reference: Comm. 315
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to recommend adoption of Res. 161-21.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
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July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. David, could you please lead us in the
discussion for the resolution?
MS. DAVID: Mahalo, Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. You know, I'm sitting here,
I'm listening to the testifiers express the importance of this particular purchase,
and there's really nothing that I can add to what they have said and what they
have expressed, except to say that I totally—I'm appreciative of them being here
today to convey that special message to this body. They've provided a perfect
description of the importance of our native culture, our history, and place; and
then the inner connectiveness to the environment, and how important it is that we
as a governing body recognize these things. So I just would really want to thank
all the testifiers and the Ka`u `ohana and community for their commitment.
You know, working for nonprofits who partner or are willing to dedicate
themselves and partner with organizations and government to do this takes a lot of
dedication. So for that, I am forever grateful for all of their help and their work.
I also would like to just note that in the last month or two, the most recent, PONC
(Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission)
purchase resolutions that have come before this body is very unprecedented in
what it means. Mahukona, and what that purchase or that potential for purchase
will be, Keakealaniwahine on Alii Drive, and in just these three different
resolutions that have come before this body, I think it makes a huge, huge
statement of how important this program is.
So again, mahalo a nui loa to all of the testifiers and dedicated people that have
come forward today. And I humbly ask for my colleagues support on this. I
yield. Mahalo, Chair.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Council Chair David, and I
completely agree with you.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, I cannot see you, so go
ahead and let me know who would like to speak.
MR. RICHARDS: Richards.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Richards, go ahead, sir.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. Chair David, I couldn't agree with you more. I
was thinking as we were going through listening to the testimony, and some of
things that Michelle Galimba stated—and I've always said that Kohala and Pahala
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July 20, 2021
have a lot—very similar. And that whole Ka`u district, as you know I've spent a
lot of time down that side—and so listening, it runs the same threads. And so I
fully support this resolution going forward because it's just the right thing. So
with that, Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Richards. Again, I can't see
you, so if you'd like to say something, chime in please, and if not—
MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, please.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Thanks for holding down
the fort in Hilo today. We miss you over here.
I just want to share my enthusiasm and support for this PONC purchase. This
piece of property has been talked about, visioned for, walked and cared in so
many ways for so many years by so many different people. I know—I just want
to thank those who have worked so diligently, because I believe this has been
kind of a complex purchase. There were some—and I'm sure Chair David knows
all the ins and outs and the nuances with this, but I'm just really grateful for those
that remained committed to walk through whatever complications needed to be
clarified in order for this property to not only make it to the list, but to now,
hopefully having a resolution passed. And in the near future being owned by the
people, for the people, and with the people, and in some capacity returned to the
people of that place and the lineal decedents and those willing to step in and take
that role to care for the area again.
So, thank you once again. I also want to thank all the passionate testifiers and all
the great messages that they brought forward. This is super exciting. We have so
many PONC properties right now that are moving forward in this direction, and I
just find that really encouraging, and so many community groups ready and
willing and capable to step in to that kuleana and malama those spaces. So with
that, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas.
MS. KIMBALL: Chair? Council Member Kimball.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Maile, this seems like a real treasure, and thank
you for putting this forward. I just wanted to tap into one of the comments made
by the one of the testifiers, about the value of keeping intact a complete
ecosystem. When we preserve areas piecemeal, we do have that habitat
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Vote on Res. 161-21:
(Approved)
July 20, 2021
fragmentation issue, which I'm glad she raised. This is a nice big property, with a
full intact native ecosystem, so it's something definitely, I think, we can all get
behind. Again, thank you for putting this forward, and I'm happy to support. I
yield, Chair.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Kimball.
Any further discussion, Council? Okay, seeing none. I fully support this
resolution. Mahalo everyone who put this together and who made this happen.
Council Chair David, I hope that this moves through, and I think you're doing a
tremendous job for your community, as usual. With that, let's take a roll call vote
as I can't actually see you, if this works better. So all in favor?
MS. DAVID: Are you wanting to do a roll call, or just call us here?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Sorry. Well—
MR. HENRICKS: Well, that might be completed too, because he's—well, I'll
tell you what, if you call the vote, I'll let you know if there's anybody that votes
no. And I'll let you know also that everybody's here right now, and that might
help you out. Is that okay? That work for you?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Beautiful. That's good. That's good, Jon.
Thank you.
MR. HENRICKS: You got it, okay.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So all in favor of the motion on the floor?
The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 161-21 was
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder – 9.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
None.
Excused:
None.
MR. HENRICKS: There were no "no" votes.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Okay, that would
be nine members in favor. And then can we please move on to—let's go to
Bill 54. The director is here and asked for us to take this out of order, as well. If
there's no objections from the Committee Members?
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MR. HENRICKS: No objections, Mr. Chair.
Bill 54: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 21-38, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2022
Appropriates revenues in the Federal – Housing Choice Emergency Housing
Voucher Program account ($1,250,000) and the Federal – Housing Choice
Emergency Housing Voucher Program Administration account ($650,000);
and appropriates the same to the Housing Choice Emergency Voucher Program
account ($1,250,000) and the Office of Housing Other Current Expenses
account ($650,000), for a total appropriation of $1.9 million. Funds would be
used for immediate start-up costs, payment of rental assistance for eligible
participants, and administrative fees.
Reference: Comm. 322
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend passage of Bill 54
on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
(Note: At this time, Housing Administrator Susan Kunz came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then I have Director Kunz. She's not
on? is Kona? Oh, there shez-s. Okay, go ahead, Ms. Kunz.
MS. KUNZ: Hi, good afternoon. .
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: reannot. 1 apologize. we -king ^„
it-. Go ahead when you're ready, just give us the breakdown for the bill, Bill 54.
MS. KUNZ: Okay, terrific. This appropriation is for the Emergency Housing
Voucher Program, which is made available through the American Rescue Plan
Act, or ARPA.
This particular specialty, I guess I'll call it voucher, is a little bit different than the
others that I've been coming before you with. So if you remember, we've been
appropriating monies for the Mainstream vouchers, VASH (Veterans
Administration Supportive Housing) vouchers, and foster youth. This one is very
focused on the homeless. There are four criteria to qualify for these vouchers:
you have to be either homeless; at risk of being homeless; fleeing or attempting to
flee domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking; and the fourth criteria is,
were recently homeless or has a high risk of housing instability. So I want to
point out that these vouchers can be used for individuals who are housed, recently
housed but are still highly instable—unstable, I should say.
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July 20, 2021
The other component of this program is requiring the Public Housing Authority,
which is the Office of Housing, to partner with the local Continuum of Care, or
COC. The other vouchers don't require us to do this. So instead of getting on to
a waitlist, which most individuals would have to do to get to the vouchers, this
program is requiring that the Community Alliance Partners, our local nonprofit
agencies that serve this population, are doing referrals. So they're vetting the
eligibility of the individuals and are doing a referral. This system is going to
include—it's a statewide system that we're coordinating. So it's a little bit more
complex, right, than some of our other vouchers. But Hawaii County is receiving
110 vouchers, with a total of $1.9 million. So this is a really great program, we're
really happy to have it.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Director. Just to get it out
there, how do people apply for this? Where do they go?
MS. KUNZ: They would be already working through the agencies who are a part
of the Community Alliance Partners.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Council Members, discussion?
MS. DAVID: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. David, go ahead.
MS. DAVID: Yeah, good afternoon, Ms. Kunz. Thank you for being here.
MS. KL NZ: Sure.
MS. DAVID: The partnering organizations, do you know who they are? Oh, you
said ten of them?
MS. KUNZ: Yes, there's a list of them, and you know, I'm going to be really
MS. DAVID: You don't have them?
MS. KUNZ: I don't have them all memorized.
MS. DAVID: Okay.
MS. KUNZ: Puna Neighborhood—the Neighborhood Place of Puna, I know that
organization, because he's currently the Chair of this group. Hope Services, you
know, agencies like that are all a part of this group. I am more than happy to
provide you with a list of the agency members, can I do that?
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July 20, 2021
MS. DAVID: I'll call you later.
MS. KUNZ: Okay.
MS. DAVID: Okay, thank you very much. I yield Chair. Mahalo.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. David.
MS. VILLEGAS: Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Kunz, for being here. Quick
question, is Going Home Hawaii a part of those potential lists?
MS. KUNZ: You know, I know that he comes to the table. I don't know if he's
an actual member of the COC, or the Community Alliance Partners I should say.
So if I can, please allow me to provide you a list of that.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, perfect. Perfect, because I know one of the challenges
they face in finding funding that has otherwise been allocated for homeless
outreach mitigation—
MS. KUNZ: Yes.
MS. VILLEGAS: Is that a number of the people that they serve could be coming
out of jail, or a detention center, or the hospital, and once you've been in one of
those facilities for more than 90 days, you're no longer considered a homeless or
houseless. So they have this odd gap.
MS. KUNZ: Yes.
MS. VILLEGAS: Even though the people that they serve and would end up on
the street, they don't—that definition is not applied to them. So I would just love
to—if you get a chance, to find out if there is opportunity for them to tap into
those resources, right?
MS. KUNZ: And I would say too that—so say for example if they're not an
official member of the Community Alliance Partners, whoever it might be, you
know, I know that the local partners, they partner so well. And there is a method
of referring your clients to other agencies who can give them access to the
programs. So I think we have to think creatively so that we can get the people
who need the services.
MS. VILLEGAS: Great.
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July 20, 2021
MS. KUNZ: And I think that would be a way to coordinate that. But let me
provide—I'll get a list of the partners so you can see who's on that, who is part of
the group officially.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you so much.
MS. KUNZ: Yeah.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for being so available all the time.
MS. KUNZ: Okay.
MS. VILLEGAS: And with such great information. Really appreciate your
leadership and service.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Thanks for being here, Susan.
MS. KUNZ: Sure.
MS. LEE LOY: I just had a question. You know, this is almost $2 million, how
many vouchers are we looking at?
MS. KUNZ: This program is 110 vouchers.
MS. LEE LOY: And then what happens if not—what would happen if we're not
going to use all the vouchers? I mean, I'm hoping we'll be able to use them all.
MS. KUNZ: Yeah.
MS. LEE LOY: But what happens if we're not able to use all the vouchers?
MS. KUNZ: So we have already checked and assessed what this referral system
and the number of people who are already in the pipeline, we far exceed this
number. So I don't think we're going to run into a situation of that. It's going to
be very interesting because there is an end date, September 2023, I think it is.
You know, we will work with our partners to get the vouchers out on the street;
make sure that the people who are in need get them. This will greatly help them
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July 20, 2021
to secure there housing, because it's subsidizing their rent. There is a percentage
of attrition that happens in this program, meaning that there are individuals who
may go into housing and come out of housing, so we can continue to recycle the
vouchers until that end date. And then who is ever housed and whatever vouchers
we have out on the street at that end date, HUD (Housing and Community
Development) will continue to fund beyond that date. But we cannot continue to
recycle those vouchers after that. Does that make sense?
MS. LEE LOY: Absolutely, absolutely. And I guess I'm just trying to
understand how much inventory we have, because we keep hearing about housing
and how it's really disappearing, and so I'm a little concerned that we might have
a number of people in the pipeline, but we actually don't have the housing
inventory.
MS. KUNZ: Right.
MS. LEE LOY: But what I hear you saying is, this is good till 2023. Is that
correct?
MS. KUNZ: Yes, that's correct.
MS. LEE LOY: So we would have to have at least this -110 units?
MS. KUNZ: Yeah. So instead of this, and we've been talking about this quite a
bit with HUD, the concern—and every county is faced with this. There's not a lot
of units out there; so you figure we have 110 vouchers, are there 110 units out
there? I think even that is a challenge. So if you notice, some of the criteria for
eligibility are people who are already housed. HUD wants us to focus on that
population, so recently—either recently homeless or still at a high risk of housing
instability; which means that they just got into a unit; they're not subsidizing, so
they're paying full rent, HUD wants us to address some of those individuals to
make them more stable. Because part of the issue, is people who are already
housed becoming homeless, so in a way—I look at it as stopping the bleeding.
And HUD is really working with us, to encourage us to try and focus on that
population, as well. So I think it's a good strategy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and I think just along those lines, right, how do we pour
in housing so that we could actually get this HUD money? And what we actually
want to do is grow these opportunities with housing vouchers, but we actually
have to grow the housing opportunities.
MS. KUNZ: Right.
MS. LEE LOY: Because they can give us all the vouchers, but if we don't have
the housing—
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July 20, 2021
MS. KUNZ: Right.
h
MS. LEE LOY: Because it sounds like we have more than enough people in the
pipe.
MS. KUNZ: We're utilizing this emergency. A lot of the emergency money, I
notice it's very focused on stability, right, housing stability. And so if we can get
those more stable and prevent them from becoming homeless, that really is half
the battle.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you for that. Actually, I want to have kind of an
offline conversation. I mean—because we can go and get all the money we can,
but if still don't have the units, we're just going to leave a lot of money on the
table.
MS. KUNZ: Yeah.
MS. LEE LOY: Okay, thank you. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Lee Loy. Further discussion
from Kona? Okay, my questions, Director, and thank you for being here today.
Does this tie into any of the eviction moratorium lifting? Is this available to the
same folks who may have a hard time paying their bills?
MS. KUNZ: I would say "no." We have several programs in the pipeline right
now that are helping to address that issue. But the housing voucher funding
program, I don't think it crosses over, because yeah, a person who is not able to
pay their rent can be assisted through our emergency rent programs. And we
are—I recently came before this body to appropriate monies for the mediation
program, which we're going to be kicking off at the end of this month, about a
week ahead of the end of the moratorium, on August 6. So those programs would
directly help to support those who are at risk of being evicted. I would say this
one doesn't quite do that.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. The news, July 16th, there was a
discussion about folks in the Waiakea Villas possibly being evicted. Would this
be an option for them, as well?
MS. KUNZ: I don't—well, it would mean that the individual who is housed or
renting from the Waiakea Villas and the landlord would have to agree to utilize
the voucher to subsidize. Now if the landlord is looking to evict or end their
lease, I don't know. I don't think that housing voucher is going to help them.
Does that make sense?
Page 11
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Vote on Bill 54:
(Approved)
July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah. I'm just—I'm trying to tie the two
together and see if there's a way for us to help them, if it does happen that they
get evicted. A lot of these guys are Section 8. You know, you have kupunas,
veterans
MS. KUNZ: I'm sorry.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, no, go ahead.
MS. KUNZ: If they're at risk of being evicted because they're not paying their
rent, then I would refer them to the emergency rent program, to help them apply
to get that money so that they can pay off their rent. The Mediation Services
Program and Act 57, that was recently passed by the State Legislature, it amended
the Landlord -Tenant Code, right? So it's extending the period that the landlord
has from five days to fifteen days for an eviction, notice to evict, and then they
have to do a referral for mediation before they can go through that eviction
process. So I think those programs might be really helpful in that situation.
CHR. KANEALI `I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I'm just reading over the
justification sheet on the back, and it says, "four eligibility categories: homeless,
at risk of homelessness," or "recently homeless." I mean, there's the discussion
between houseless and homeless. But if let's say folks did get evicted due to the
Tower Development and Waiakea Villa's issue, I mean, would they—are these
funds—or would these funds be available to them, as well?
MS. KUNZ: Yes.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, good. That's what I wanted to
know, thank you. Okay, any other questions from the Council? Okay, seeing
none. So we have the motion on the floor, all in favor?
The motion to recommend passage of Bill 54 on
first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder – 9.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
None.
Excused:
None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Director, while we have you here,
Mr. Clerk, can we please do Bill 55?
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July 20, 2021
Bill 55: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 21-389 AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2022
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants – Block Grants account ($41,851);
and appropriates the same to the Kiheipua Emergency Shelter – Certified
Kitchen Construction account ($2,082) and the Administration, Planning and
Fair Housing account ($39,769), for a total appropriation of $41,851. Funds
would be used towards housing and related needs of persons of low and
moderate income throughout the island.
Reference: Comm. 323
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend passage of Bill 55
on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Any—well, let's go to the Director.
Director, lead us off and then if there are any questions, we can go there.
MS. KUNZ: Okay, thank you. So this $41,000 is an additional appropriation by
HUD, and actually what it is, it's a correction to an error in their formula
allocation to Hawaii County. So they've recalculated the formula and found that
they shorted us $41,000 and change, and so this is the appropriation for that
adjustment.
What we normally do in this situation, is we go to our list of action plan projects
for 2021; so we wanted to complete this project for, I believe it's Kiheipua, the
certified kitchen, yes Kiheipua. So we are allocating $2,082 so that they can
finish that project, and the rest of the money is going to admin., to take us up to
the maximum, 20 percent administrative funds that we can take.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wonderful. And whose catch was this?
Was this your catch, Director, or just the federal government?
MS. KUNZ: No, it was HUD actually. I can't take credit for it.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Well, kudos to them. Okay, Council, any
discussion on the bill? Okay, hearing none. So we have the motion on the floor,
all in favor?
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Vote on Bill 55:
(Approved
Return to Order
of Business:
COMMUNI-
CATIONS:
Comm. 30.13:
July 20, 2021
The motion to recommend passage of Bill 55 on
first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 9.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
None.
Excused:
None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And with that, let's go back to the top of
the order. Mahalo, Director.
The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business.
The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
Communications.
REPORT OF FUND TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED: JUNE 1 — 15, 2021
From Controller Kay Oshiro, dated June 23, 2021.
Vote on Comm. 30.13:
Filed
Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 30.13.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas, and
Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Chung —1.
Excused: None.
Comm. 31.15: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: JUNE 1 — 15, 2021
From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated June 22, 2021, transmitting the
above report pursuant to Hawaii County Code Section 2-12.3.
Motion to Close File: Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 31.15.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, discussion on the
motion?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair.
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July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. On the back of the change order is a project on
roads again, and this in regards to Kawili Street, Manono Street, and then a
second project, which is Kawailani. And I'm hoping that Director Rodenhurst
or—there we go.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst and
Deputy Director Steve Pause came forward to address the members of the
Committee.)
MS. LEE LOY: Deputy Director Pause, thank you for being here.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Lee Loy, you also have
Mr. Rodenhurst in Council Chambers in Hilo.
MS. LEE LOY: Perfect. I'll let whichever gentleman has the right answer for
these two projects.
MR. PAUSE: Yes, Steve Pause, Deputy Director of DPW (Department of Public
Works). Council Member, your question?
MS. LEE LOY: It's in regard to—the first change order I'm looking at is in
regards to Kawili and Manono Street. It's additional engineering services for
areas change from paved shoulders and swales to curb -gutter -sidewalk, and just
trying to understand.
MR. PAUSE: So the original contract was for $309,000. This is a change order
for design services, for an additional $39,000. The additional work is going to be
for design of approximately 1,600 lineal feet of sidewalk. The original contract
had curb and gutter, and then it was determined that they wanted to change that to
include a sidewalk. So that it would extend the contract—the sidewalk to make it
continuous.
And then an additional 400 lineal feet on East Kawili, same thing, to change it
from just a curb and gutter, to include a sidewalk to make it contiguous to the
existing sidewalk.
MS. LEE LOY: Perfect, thanks for that. So, this is just for design. What's going
to happen when we have to build those sidewalks? Are we looking at a future
change order for that work?
MR. PAUSE: Well, the contract hasn't been let for the construction. So at this
time, we're only doing the design work.
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July 20, 2021
MS. LEE LOY: And then, I know that we're actually doing a negative change
order on the Kawailani Street improvements. I think we're going down, "Modify
the contract quantities to match the actual installed and measure quantities."
MR. PAUSE: Yes, so my understanding is that this is a true -up of the unit pricing
and the quantities, and again, hardly nothing ever goes down; but in this case, it
did.
MS. LEE LOY: So did we just measure wrong, or is it because—?
MR. PAUSE: Well, the measurements at the time of the contract and the design
work, our best estimate, quantities; and then when you actually get out and do the
final measurement, you true it up. And if you come out ahead, in this case, which
we did, it would be a negative change order.
MS. LEE LOY: Perfect. So then what happens to the money that was
appropriated for this work, and now that we're going through a negative change
order, what happens to that?
MR. PAUSE: I'm sorry, again?
MS. LEE LOY: Because this is a negative change order—because we're
changing the quantities, right? We estimated at a particular cost, and then we're
going—?
MR. PAUSE: So the actual cost will be lower than what the original estimate
was, and in the contract value was correct.
MS. LEE LOY: So what happens to that overage? Where does that overage go?
Am I asking—? Right—because it's like we were supposed to pay $10, but now
it's actually $8. Where does that extra money go?
MR. PAUSE: I'm not sure of the funding source, but it would—I would assume
it would be returned to the source of the funding. On this particular project, I'm
not sure what that source is. Could be CIP (Capital Improvement Projects).
MS. LEE LOY: I actually have a question for Judge Strance.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MS. LEE LOY: You know, a lot of this change order work we've seen come
through, and I'm just kind of alerting my Council Members too, and it's always
been just function and form, where we just go ahead and approve and close file.
And I'm concerned because we saw rather large change orders come through over
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July 20, 2021
the last—the course of the last two months. What happens if we don't approve
these change orders?
MS. STRANCE: Good afternoon. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel.
Council Member Lee Loy, I didn't hear the last part of your question.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Judge Strance. These change orders come through
us all the time. What happens if we don't approve a change order, or is this just
ceremonial? We're being told that these costs are going up, or in this one case
down.
MS. STRANCE: I would have to check, I mean, if these are essentially budget
changes, and the Council is in charge of the budget, I think it would depend on the
request, because I think sometimes it's become proformed and monies have been
spent. And so the short answer to your question is, the work shouldn't be done
and the funds shouldn't be transferred. But I think it's probably more complex
than that, and I would want to talk with the Department of Finance a little bit
more before I give any type of firm response.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and thank you. You know, I know this is the report, and
when we actually see the transfer of funds, we'll see it in a different vehicle. I'm
just really concerned of the cost that we're spending around our roads and the cost
overruns, and I'm just trying to figure out a way that this body can be more
assertive about efficiency and ensuring that the department is being wise with the
taxpayer's money. So yeah, if you could provide that to me. Yeah, that would be
wonderful.
MS. STRANCE: So the question is, what if Council says no? Does no mean no?
MS. LEE LOY: What if we say no? And I get that this is the report, so you're
alerting us, and then like I said, we'll see it in a different vehicle when the funds
are transferred.
MS. STRANGE: So basically it's, what authority does the executive have to
move monies between lines?
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah.
MS. STRANCE: Okay.
MS. LEE LOY: Thanks. Thanks, Judge Strance. Chair, I yield at this time.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MR. INABA: Chair? Inaba.
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July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Inaba, go ahead.
MR. INABA: Is Director Sako in chambers, in Hilo?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: You have Mr. Steve Hunt here, and you
have Mr. Rodenhurst here.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Finance Director Steve Hunt came forward to
address the members of the Committee.
MR. INABA: Oh sorry, Mr. Hunt, I didn't look up at the screen before I asked.
Are you able to answer the question that Council Member Lee Loy just asked,
Mr. Hunt?
MR. HUNT: I would probably like to confer with Judge Strance. But my
understanding is as long as we're not asking for additional appropriations and
we're just moving monies between existing budget line items, this is primarily
proforma to tell you what has been done within the department.
MR. INABA: Thanks. And then in regard to where extra funds go and the cost is
less than what was budgeted, do we have an answer for that? Or, Director
Rodenhurst?
MR. HUNT: They should lapse back in. So I'm not sure on this particular one,
whether this is a Highway Fund or not; but if it did, it would lapse back into the
Highway Fund.
MR. INABA: Got it. Thank you. Director Rodenhurst, for this change on the
Kawili and Manono Street shoulder improvements, what would cause a total
change in design like this?
MR. RODENHURST: Well, if for example, this one is where we decided to go
with a contiguous sidewalk rather than end of sidewalk, where it is, and make it a
grass area. It's primarily a design choice and something that we would look into
the scope of work for that project, what the plans were for then. You know, one
of the things they were working with Planning on is our multi -model plans, and
taking into account other forms of transportation such as pedestrians and
bicyclists. So, this is definitely an improvement for pedestrians.
MR. INABA: Okay, are we—is it standard to do it as it's being requested or
reported now versus what it was originally put in for?
MR. RODENHURST: It's a function of a few different things. One thing is, is
there available funds for that change? That's definitely a very important aspect to
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July 20, 2021
take into account. If we don't have the funds for that change and other funds for
that improvement, it wouldn't be wise to put that forward, unless we can
anticipate funds in the future. Again, it's based on the funds and the need of the
community.
MR. INABA: Okay, so just to clarify, for instances like this where we're going
and putting in this change order, it's because there's anticipated extra funds
beyond what we thought we had for the project to begin with. Is that right?
MR. RODENHURST: I'm going to ask Deputy Director Pause if he has any
information to answer that question right now. I'd have to review with our
engineering staff with some of the details on this one.
MR. PAUSE: Sure. So, I spoke with our engineering folks. The original—the
process—this design is somewhat iterative, and the original scope of work was
based on what the original cost estimate was. But as they started doing the design
work, and were able to define what the project would look like, they made the
determination that there would be funds. I believe that this project is a CIP
funded project, so the design team, the engineering team, made the decision that
they would be able to accommodate this work within the original budget for the
overall project.
MR. INABA: Okay, I'm not super clear. But one other question, Deputy Hunt,
the first line item in this report, can you just go over that real quick? It's for the
Ulu Wini Assessment Center here in my district, and I just want—I'm not clear
on this one either.
MR. HUNT: Sure. I believe this is a transition between the CARES
(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act the department funds, and
the American Rescue Plan dollars. So the contract amount, which was $41,166,
was the original, which is what the department was able to afford, as sort of a
bridge in between the funding sources. And what this is funding is the street
database, and that helps with the --confirming or being able to verify that there's
no duplication of benefits for any of the federal monies that are flowing. In order
to make sure that we retain the data and information for these projects that are
being runned by Housing, they needed a bridge, and so I believe that initial
contract was for a very short period of time, until the American Rescue Plan
dollars were available to extend that contract.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you so much for the explanation. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI `I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Mr. Inaba.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, I have a follow-up, if no one else has a question.
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July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Any further discussion from the
Council before I take Ms. Lee Loy? Okay, go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Deputy Director Pause, you just stated the scope of
work was based on funds. So I'm trying to understand what's driving what?
Function is being driven by funds, or funds are driving function?
MR. PAUSE: As Director Rodenhurst commented earlier, the concept here is to
match the project work with what is there. So at the time, the design process, I
guess I would call it—the term would be "progressive elaboration." You begin
with the budget, and you begin with the design scope of work; and you complete
the design, or you go along the course of the design, and you're constantly
looking at what the needs are for that design as well as what you can afford based
on what you've been allotted for, your budget.
So the design team, as I understand it, our engineering folks, made the decision
that for the betterment of the community, the sidewalks were an improvement,
and it was something that they could do within the overall budget, capital budget
for the projects.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Deputy Director. I think we're trying to
manage community expectation, right? And we see these change orders begin
to climb, I'm just trying to dig in on what's—we start with the budget, right,
and then we design a project around that, and then we see if we can get more
money to meet the design. Or do we augment the design to fit the budget?
MR. PAUSE: Well, it ultimately begins with what the work scope is. When the
project was initiated, there was a scope of work. So that's what they set out to do,
to do the improvements. And obviously, there's consideration for drainage. And
then when you get out there and you do field surveys, you realize that there are
sidewalks, and we want to have everything connected. So I don't believe there's
any effort whatsoever to beef up design to increase the budget of—increase the
overall cost of the project. It's just trying to work within the constraints that
they're dealing with.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. And then you get out in the field and then you find
the waterline, where it's—wasn't—where we weren't aware and then we end with
another change order. But that's how construction goes.
Director Pause, I really appreciate it. Like I said, I'm just trying to understand the
steps so that we can manage community expectations a little bit, with our taxpayer
money and watching the rising cost of roadwork. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Any further
discussion? Okay, I have some questions of my own. One, I wanted to just
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July 20, 2021
mahalo the Department of Finance for increasing the size of these change orders,
because they're actually very easy to read now. So, thank you for doing that.
And then two, following up on Ms. Lee Loy's and Mr. Inaba's questions. If I
remember correctly, at the last meeting we had we discussed—maybe the last
meeting, but one of our previous meetings, we discussed Kilauea Avenue, and
ultimately, I think what it came down to, and correct me if I'm wrong, was that
Mr. Keone Thompson had actually managed to decide, almost by himself, that
sidewalks would be added on to the project; and if I'm wrong, tell me, but that's
what I remember hearing. Actually, I thought that was interesting that he could
make that change and move forward with it. Is that right?
MR. RODENHURST: It was determined that change order to add sidewalks was
within the allotted budget.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And that was for a different project?
MR. RODENHURST: Yes, correct.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And now we're looking at the same thing?
MR. RODENHURST: Similar, yes.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And Mr. Thompson is now doing what?
MR. RODENHURST: He's currently the TA (Temporary Assignment) Division
Chief for the Highways Division.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, is he permanent?
MR. RODENHURST: TA, temporary.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Temporary. So my concern, although—
you know, actually, although I hear the concerns of my Council Members, I'm
hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. I would say more so, there's a lot of need in
our community as a whole, and there's a lot of focus with this funding right now
to build out, you know, specific areas. I would love to see some of these funds
we're putting towards sidewalks and bettering our pedestrian access, it's very
important, but we also have potholes and bus roads, across the island that aren't
being addressed. And if this is coming from the same pool of funds, I'd much
rather see it getting applied to really needed projects versus providing pedestrian
access. And I am a little bit concerned that if the original scope didn't call out
this part of the work, and there's an ability to change that if the funding is there, it
may not be ultimately in the community's best interest but in a smaller decision-
making body's interest. And I don't like that, I like to play in a fair field.
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July 20, 2021
So, that was my concern. And at this point, two times now we've seen the same
way of handling a situation. So then we start to see a pattern, and I don't
necessarily like where this is going, okay. That's my comment. And if you want
to respond, you can, but I'm not really asking a question.
MR. RODENHURST: I do trust that our engineers are addressing the needs that
they see. You know, sometimes things do come up in design, where they see
ways to improve what is originally set out to do, and if it's available, they find it's
in the community's best interest to make those improvements at that time, while
they're there. So, it is a balanced work.
And yes, we have many needs in the community, specifically to our roads and
sidewalks, and our right-of-ways, and so it is a balancing task for our department
and even for the Engineering Division regarding our Highways CIP. I agree with
you; there's something that we do consider of how best to serve the community
and meet the community's needs.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then when these decisions are
made, is the entire community being thought about, or is it just this one project,
and hey we got the funding, let's go?
MR. RODENHURST: It's if the funding is available and the appropriations for
these projects, so it's about what's allowed in that project.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. But not really taking into account
Hawaii island, but more so the funding for a specific project?
MR. RODENHURST: The fund is appropriated to the project, and that's after the
funding has been devied up into the various aspects, and these will go—whether it
be maintenance of roads, or highway projects, bridges, and all that. And when
that's appropriated, it's used appropriately for that one.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Got to build in that fairness
compound, yeah?
MR. RODENHURST: Yes.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah. Okay, thank you. Thank you for
that discussion. Appreciate it. Thank you for being here, Director.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Hey, 1 di Okay, thank. And
Mr. Hunt, thank you for being here as well. Any further questions from the
Council? Seeing none. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to close file on
Communication 31.15, all in favor?
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Vote on Comm. 31.15: The motion to close file on Comm. 31.15 was carried
Filed by the following voice vote:
voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder — 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Members Chung and Richards — 2.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, gentlemen. Okay, let's move
on to next order of business, Resolution 142-21.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 142-21: FORMS A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF
COUNTY ASSETS AND TO URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO UTILIZE
THIS ASSESSMENT TO TRANSFORM THE DEVELOPMENT AND
REPORTING OF THE CAPITAL BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAM AS
OUTLINED IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 10-6, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
CHARTER
Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Susan Lee Loy would Co -Chair the
Working Group, which would include representatives from the Department of
Finance, Planning Department, Department of Public Works, Office of the
Corporation Counsel, and the Office of the Mayor.
Reference: Comm. 280
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy and Ms. Kierkiewicz
Postponed: June 15 and July 6, 2021
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Mr. Richards to
recommend adoption of Res. 142-21.)
(Note: Comm. 280. 1, from Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated
July 20, 2021, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 142-21, was
circulated.)
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Clerk. Who would like to
take us away on this?
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July 20, 2021
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Aloha, Chair. This is Ashley.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend Res. 142-21 with the
contents of Communication 280.1. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Any discussion, Council?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, thank you.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. And I just want to mahalo all our colleagues
for all of their mana`o at the first meeting, where we had introduced this
resolution. And I want to acknowledge that Sue and I heard all of you, and that
we've had numerous conversations with the administration. There was so much
that we wanted to do, and I'll go through the list: inventory County assets, get a
list of where we are in terms of age, and location, and cost, and capacity, and
history of maintenance; a template for strategic and preventative maintenance
plans; decision support tools, including life -cycle cost analysis; frameworks to
objectively determine investment priorities based on data; and then platforms to
house and process all of this information. Very robust, a lot we can do.
After consulting with Corporation Council and all of the different departments
that we've, you know, pulled together, Planning, Public Works, to really figure
out what's feasible. The message that we get is, "You need to be very general but
very specific." So do what you must with that information. And I provide that
context because the amendments that we have presented really reflect what is
doable based on what the Charter prescribes our functions as legislators and the
functions of the executive branch to be.
And so in conversations with the administration, really focusing on of what we
have presented, what would be the most helpful? And so we determined that was
a tool to rate the condition of various County assets would be most helpful to the
departments. And what this tool would look like, it's either a one to five rating
system, or a system of good, excellent, poor, fair type measurements. They would
be using this metric, this tool, to rate and assess conditions of assets in their work
as they build up the capital budget.
Using this particular tool would be outside of the focus of this working group. It
would not be a function of the working group. All we would do is create that
metric, and then the departments would be urged to test it out for this upcoming
budget cycle. Again, this was at the advice of Corporation Counsel, be very
Page 24
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July 20, 2021
narrow but very general in your approach, because there are things that the
administration must do, certain things the Legislative Branch must do. And this
was a way for us to begin to break down silos, and like take an incremental step
towards getting the information that I think we all desire and the public desires.
So, we don't want to take no step at all. We want to take a step, and it's small
step, but I think it's a good step in the right direction. Thank you, Chair. I yield
for now.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Further
discussion in Kona?
MS. LEE LOY: Oh yes, Chair.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. You know, for—really,
we heard a lot. I think we all desire this information. We want to understand how
these business decisions are being made. And I'm actually going to walk back to
a conversation that we had with the administration, is this idea of how do we work
better together, but also bringing transparency to the process? As Council
Member Kierkiewicz mentioned, it's just we're developing the tool. It's a tiny
little tool and encouraging each and every department to use this.
And, I also reflect back on our budget process. The Department of—even Parks
and Recreation, they talked about doing a needs assessment. They don't even
have anything, and so if we can help guide each department to use the similar
tool, then we will actually get some information rather than everybody picking
and choosing their own way forward. And I think it just brings a lot of continuity
to the work that we want to do. I think it brings a lot of continuity about what we
do with the public's money going forward. And then, better understanding how
the administration made their decisions, so that as the legislative body, as we
move into the next budget cycle, which starts so quickly here, we will all have a
very firm foundation on how they're assessing it.
So thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Thank you to the administration, Judge Strance,
and then Deanna Sako for really, like talking us through this, and helping us at
least get something started. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. KIMBALL: Chair? Heather.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Council Member Kimball, go ahead.
Page 25
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July 20, 2021
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Again, thank you both for putting this
together. Appreciate, first of all, the direction that you're trying to go: get us
good information, bring clarity to the decision-making process; and then also, you
know, with Judge Strance, exploring where our boundaries and where the rules
are for some of these methods of collaborating. Appreciate the change from
needs assessment to condition assessment. In some conversations I had,
completely unrelated to this needs assessment, do have some other connotations
that I think might have been problematic, so I actually—I'm glad that you've
made this change.
One minor comment to you both, or a question I guess would be, are there any
tools out there already that you have explored? I don't want to see us reinvent the
wheel, if there's some thing already working out there. And in addition to that
question, a recommendation for a next step, appreciating that narrow yet broad,
broad yet narrow, is to maybe then—the next level is to pick a department and go
through the budgeting for outcomes, starting from the place of the tool. Just an
idea.
So either of you, if you can answer the question about, maybe what tools you've
looked at that exist already that can perform this condition assessment? Thanks,
Chair. I yield.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, thank you for that question. Chair, if you might?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz. And
thank you, Ms. Kimball. Go ahead, Council Member Kierkiewicz, and mahalo,
Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Thank you,
Council Member Kimball, for the question. You know, we've done some
preliminary research, to take a look at what tools might make sense, but at this
point, we didn't want to take for granted that this body would support this
particular direction, so we hit the pause button on it. But I am a huge fan of not
reinventing the wheel; if something is out there and working, let's take a look at it
and figure out how do we begin to adopt that and integrate that into our County's
systems. And so that's going to be part of the work, researching what's working
and what could be adopted for Hawaii County's purpose.
And I think going through this, I'd like to think an iterative process, where we are
constantly doing and learning, that will help us to determine what is the next step
after here. Because I see that this is just building the foundation for more
progressive and innovative work to come.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo. Kona, further discussion?
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MS. VILLEGAS: I just have a quick question.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just had quick a question. Because as I looked at the
amendments that were made, based on the departments that were included, one of
the departments mentioned last time was the inclusion—potential inclusion of
Parks and Recreation, and I wondered—I know you guys have a reason for why
you didn't include it, so I just wanted if you could share that?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, I'd love to share. In consulting with Corporation
Counsel, because Ms. Lee Loy and I chair Public Works and Mass Transit, and
Planning, respectively, it would make the most sense that we continue to liaison
with those particular departments. She and I do not share or vice chair Parks and
Recreation, and Public Safety, and so that's the reason why they weren't included.
However, they would certainly be urged to use this tool upon its development.
So, we wanted to keep it as a nice, small core group.
And there's a huge nexus with Planning, because the Planning Director, per the
Charter, pulls together and prioritize that CIP list; and because so many of our
assets are being reviewed and worked on by Public Works, it made sense to
include that department, as well. But again, Parks and Recreation, IT
(Information Technology), all these other departments, Environmental
Management, even wanted to have Ramzi Mansour part of the discussion. These
departments would be urged to use the tool upon development.
MS. VILLEGAS: Gotcha, that makes sense. Thank you. I yield.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, if I might expand on that for Ms. Villegas?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: And it's the hope, right, we get this tool, and that wouldn't stop
Council Member Inaba, as the Chair of Parks, to then take this tool and then take
a deep dive in with Parks. Because we're hopeful—Council Member Kierkiewicz
and I are hopeful that what we're doing with the work with Planning and Public
Works will set the tempo, but that shouldn't stop other Council Members. And
this is where we talked about unleashing this information for all of us to start to
utilize, whether it's the respective departments that we have through our
committee assignments, or begin to leverage that in looking for networks and
other specs of funding. I hope it's bringing clarity on what we're trying to do. It
really is a tiny, little tool that we hope that everybody can then implement in their
own way. Chair, I yield.
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July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, did that answer any of your
questions? Do you have a follow-up?
MS. VILLEGAS: No, that's it. Thank you. Appreciate it.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Any further discussion from Kona?
Okay, seeing none. I looked this over, and I do appreciate what you two are
trying to do.
There was a request by Council Member Kimball for the data that you would be
looking for, or some kind of, you know, a diagram of how it would look. And I
also asked for the inclusion of one more person from the group to round it out, as
far as giving the whole community of Hawaii Island a voice for this group, just to
bring it a little bit more to the discussion, and I see that did not happen. I
understand the difference between a working group and permitted interaction
group and a Council Member number. But that was something that I had wanted
to see, to create a nice discussion at the table with many different voices. I have
not seen that. Can you provide a reason why?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah sure, Chair, I'll provide a response for both of the
things that you just elevated. The data compilation piece, again that was where
Corporation Counsel really advised us to take a look at, what our function is as
legislators and what the function of the administration is. And I think there was a
lot of consternation around a couple of members of this body having access to that
information, first and foremost. And so the safest, cleanest, best way forward was
to just come up with an objective tool and not even be part of any of the work to
rate any of these systems or curate that information. So it's very deliberate in
creating something that is a very objective tool that can be used by any
department.
Again, to answer your second part of your question, to expand the number of
folks to be part of this group. You know, in talking with Corporation Counsel,
creating an ad hoc would just make things more complex, and I'm not saying that
we wouldn't entertain that; but because the scope of work has now been so
narrowed, it just seemed easiest to move forward in this manner.
And again, you know, Ms. Lee Loy had elevated, this is something that Mr. Inaba
and any Council Member can work in partnership with departments to implement,
once it's been created. And our hope is that we can come forward and present the
tool, the draft tool, and get comments from this entire body. And that it is
something that we can be unified, in supporting that the administration adopt and
utilize in developing the next CIP budget. I hope that answers your questions.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, that's helpful. That is helpful. I do
have to say the reason for this seems to stem from the Council as a whole
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frustration of watching our CIP process, for which we still have not received the
list of projects that will be funded this year, as we've requested many times. And
just watching this whole process, as far as our CIPs be a floating discussion, but
not so much anything solid. That doesn't bother me.
Well, thank you. Thank you for clarifying that, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Council
Members, any further discussion on Resolution 142? Okay, seeing none. So we
have the motion on the floor to forward Resolution 142 to Council with a
favorable recommendation.
MR. HENRICKS : Chair, the motion on the floor is
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh, sorry. This is for the amendment,
yeah?
MR. HENRICKS: Is to amend with 280.1.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So the motion on the floor is to
amend Resolution 142 with the contents of 280.1. No further discussion being
seen, all in favor of the motion?
Vote on Motion The motion to amend Res. 142-21 with the contents
to Amend: of Comm. 280.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Kierkiewicz,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder — 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Richards — 2.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Which brings us back to our main motion.
Is there any discussion on the main motion, Council Members?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair, as amended.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. And I just want to thank my colleagues for
kind of taking this leap of faith. This is really something very different. And
ultimately, I think we're all after the same thing. I know when I first started I was
very confused during the budget cycle process. Council Member Richards tried
to do an ad hoc around doing the budget different, then along came
Ms. Kierkiewicz, she tried to also do a similar ad hoc, and we kept hearing from
the administration that we were kind of getting outside of our lane when it came
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July 20, 2021
to developing the budget. And then this budget cycle, we were all very hungry
for this information as to how these CIPs were developed.
And so, I really appreciate everyone's support on this. It is a very small step.
We're in our lane, but I think we're about to get to something that everybody can
use. So. I really appreciate everyone's support on this. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. DAVID: Chair?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair David, go ahead.
MS. DAVID: I just wanted to say thank you to Council Members Kierkiewicz
and Lee Loy, because I think what you have just clarified for us, changing it to a
condition assessment, to me, is inclusive of this entire County and this entire
island, no matter whose district it is, right? Because the condition of certain
roads, or whatever, or assets, includes everybody, so we're not really picking one
district as far as condition. We're all in a bad condition, and that we can all agree
on, right, as far as our roads are concerned. And so what makes me happy is the
fact that we have really established a definitive line about our jurisdictions and
our authority, so I'm really glad about that.
So thank you for working with Corporation Counsel. Corporation Counsel,
mahalo for your direction in this. And I really will support this. Thank you,
ladies. I yield, thank you.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Council Chair David. Any further
discussion in Kona? Okay, seeing none. So we have the motion on the floor to
forward Resolution 142 to Council with a favorable recommendation, all in favor?
Vote on Res. 142-21:
The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 142-21,
Draft 2
as amended to Draft 2, was carried by the following
(Approved)
by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That takes us to next order of business. Sir,
Resolution 163.
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July 20, 2021
Res. 163-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE COPY MACHINE FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate monthly cost of $189.71, and would be used by the department's
Disaster Recovery team.
Reference: Comm. 321
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
; and
Comm. 321.1: From Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, dated July 12, 2021, transmitting
proposed amendments to Res. 163-21.
Vote on Motion: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Res. 163-21 with the
to Amend: contents of Comm. 321.1. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and
(Approved) carried by following voice vote:
Vote on Res. 163-21:
Draft 2
(Approved)
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
Committee Member Richards — 1.
Excused:
None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then back to the main motion.
Council Members, any discussion on Resolution 163? Okay, I have no questions
either. So with that, we have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 163-21
to Council with a favorable recommendation, as amended with the contents of
321.1, all in favor?
The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 163-21,
as amended to Draft 2, was carried by the following
by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, Resolution 165-21, please.
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July 20, 2021
Res. 165-21: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE MULTIFUNCTION COLOR PRINTER FOR THE OFFICE OF
THE COUNTY CLERK, KONA COUNCIL DISTRICT OFFICE
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate monthly cost of $295.
Reference: Comm. 325
Intr. by: Mr. Kdneali`i- Kleinfelder (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend adoption of Res. 165-21.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is there any discussion?
MS. VILLEGAS: Just really quick, Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder?
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to thank both the Department of Finance and the
Clerk's office and staff for approving this. Our copy machine has been lack luster
to say the least, and sometimes just the quality. I also really appreciate, I
believe his name is Rex, who has done his best to keep that beast going as long as
possible. But really grateful for the opportunity to have some updated County
equipment in our office. So mahalo.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Ms. Villegas. Anyone else from
Kona? Mr. Brown, did you want to say something?
(Note: At this time, Deputy County Clerk Aaron Brown came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. BROWN: I just wanted to put some context to kind of what Council
Member Villegas is talking about, that our multi -function copier is over ten years
old. There was initially a five-year lease, and so the lease has been expired for
over five years, so I definitely think that our Kona office got it's monies worth
from that machine. We're looking forward to getting them something new.
Based on cost estimates, we're actually even hoping to save about $600 a year
with a new lease on a new machine for them. Thank you.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Brown. And I appreciate the
efficiency and the length of use on our prior copy machine. Thank you for really
dragging that out for us the best that we can, and I'm also very appreciative of
having a new one for our Kona office.
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Further discussion from the Council? Okay, hearing none. We have the motion
on the floor to forward Resolution 165-21 to Council with a favorable
recommendation, all in favor?
Vote on Res. 165-21: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 165-21 was
(Approved) carried by the following by the following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and
Chair Kdneali`i- Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
Committee Member Richards — 1.
Excused:
None.
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo, Mr. Clerk. That's eight members
in favor, and Mr. Richards being absent from the room, and which does bring us
to the end of our agenda for today
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances..
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: May I have a motion please?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 5:06 p.m., Mr. Inaba moved to adjourn
MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and
Chair Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
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Approved:
July 20, 2021
CHR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That does bring us to the end of
everything, and with that, mahalo and have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Matt Kdneali `i- Klei
Finance Committee
MK/na
(Date)
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