HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 133 2022/04/05 2020-2022 Hawaii County Council-38 May 4,2022
INVOCATION Father Jarek Skrzypek of St. Michael's Catholic Church
CALL TO ORDER 9:02 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, CERTIFICATES OF MERIT, AND EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
(NOTE. COUNCIL MAY TAKE A LUNCH BREAK CLOSE TO THE NOON DOUR)
ORDER OF RESOLUTIONS
Res. 363-22: AUTHORIZES A DECREASE IN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FUEL TAX
Reduces the County of Hawaii fuel tax for diesel on-highway and gasoline on-
highway fuels from 23 cents per gallon to 13 cents per gallon.
Reference: Comm. 708
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Negative: FC-133 (Due to a vote of 3-ayes, 5-noes,
1-absent)
Public Hearing: April 19, 2022
Postponed: April 20, 2022
(Note: There is a motion by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, seconded by Mr. Inaba, to
adopt Res. 363-22.)
AMENDED TO DRAFT 2 AND FAILED:
Ayes: Council Members Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Villegas,
and Chair David—4.
Noes: Council Members Chung, Kimball, Lee Loy, and Richards —4.
Absent: Council Member Kierkiewicz— 1.
Excused: None.
; and
Comm. 708.5: From Council Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy, dated April 26, 2022, transmitting
informational material relating to Res. 363-22.
Page 2
FC-133 Page 2 April 5,2022
Mr. Rodenhurst emphasized the inevitable rise in asphalt paving as oil is an ingredient in asphalt. He
stated further that Public Works would like to increase its amount of miles paved per year,but a
decrease in fuel tax will hamper that ability.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed that other municipalities have been passing similar
legislation. Ms. Villegas emphasized the resolution's short-term nature and the abilityfor the Council
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to pass another resolution reverting the tax rate. Ms. Villegas then stated that she is willing to support
the resolution in order to hear input from the public.
Per Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba's request, Ms. Sako provided an average fund balance of
$5-8 million annually with just under $20 million in the Highway Fund last year. Mr. Rodenhurst
then provided for Mr. Inaba a list of areas where Public Works could increase efficiency in
operations. Mr. Inaba then stated that he would like to get a better understanding of the concerned
funds, but sees the room for review and the importance of a public hearing.
Mr. Richards asked Mr. Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder why he did not include a sunset date on the resolution.
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder stated that after discussions, it was his understanding that fuel tax
resolutions are temporary in nature and can be easily changed. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder also added
that the County does not know when recovery will end. County Clerk Jon Henricks then clarified that
he will need to look further into whether a reversion date can be added to the resolution.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball stated that she cannot support the measure unless there is a
specified end date. Ms. Kimball then asked Mr. Henricks whether an additional public hearing would
be required should the resolution be amended. Mr. Henricks stated that it might be wise to hold
another hearing. Ms. Kimball then expressed that there are better areas and mechanisms to provide
relief for residents, such as property tax and credits.
Corporation Counsel Elizabeth A. Strance stated that it is not uncommon to not put an effective date
to allow more time to work out specifics. Ms. Strance then cautioned members on a limitation
prohibiting the reintroduction of a same measure once it has previously failed.
For informational purposes, Committee Member Inaba voted"kanalua"then"aye."
Pursuant to Section 243-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Council is authorized to determine the
amount of the County fuel tax by resolution.
Your Committee on Finance is not in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 363-22,
and forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation.
arc
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
INABA X •
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x MATT KANEALI`P K ,EINFELDER, CHAIR
LEE LOY X
RICHARDS X FC REPORT133
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 0 4 2022