HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 140 2022/04/19 2020-2022 Si
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PORT OF THE
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COMMITTEE ON FINANCE {
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DATE: April 19, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 7221 Bill No. 153
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 153, reports as follows:
Bill No. 153, transmitted by Council Members Hbleka Goro Inaba and Heather Kimball via
Communication No. 722 dated March 30, 2022, initiates an amendment to Article X of the Hawaii
County Charter (2020 edition), relating to the County Housing Revolving Fund.
This bill proposes the addition of a new section to incorporate the revolving fund established in
Section 2-74 of the Hawaii County Code into the Hawaii County Charter and dedicate on an annual
basis a minimum of one percent of real property tax revenues into the County Housing Program
Revolving Fund.
Mr. Inaba provided the background and intent of the measure.
Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy expressed concern with the ambiguity surrounding the
"highest and best use"wording within the measure.
Per Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz's request, Finance Director Deanna S. Sako
elaborated on the fiscal background of the measure, noting the difference between charter and code
amendments.
Housing and Community Development Administrator Susan Kunz then explained for Ms.
Kierkiewicz that the key discussion within the department currently surrounds stability and the
staffing capacity to support this fund. Ms. Kunz emphasized that a fluctuating fund and a lack of
staffing would be a challenge. Ms. Kierkiewicz then expressed reservations, stating that this is not an
issue to be placed on the voters to decide.
Committee Member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III expressed that while he likes the direct funding,
he is hesitant with amending the charter and does not like that there is no cap on the fund.
Committee Member Aaron S.Y. Chung stated that he has concerns with excluding residents with
moderate income and that he would prefer for the measure to stay in committee for refinement.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball stated that the intent of the measure is to provide sustainable
funding rather than to exclude the middle income bracket.
FC Report No.: 140
FC-140 Page 2 April 19,2022
Committee Member Maile Medeiros David provided comments in support of the measure, stating
that while she has some reservations, she prefers for Bill No. 152 and Bill No. 153 to advance at the
same time. Ms. David also stated that she looks forward to seeing amendments during future
readings.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked County Clerk Jon Henricks to clarify the
deadlines for charter amendments to make it on the 2022 ballot. Mr. Henricks stated that the ballot
language for any amendment approved by ordinance must be submitted to the State Office of
Elections by 4:30 p.m. on August 25, 2022. Mr. Henricks then stated that the measure requires three
readings with an additional resolution enabling the ballot language submission.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 153, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON FINA CE
INABA X _f1
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X MATT KANEAL FELDER, CHAIR
LEE LOY X
RICHARDS X FC ' `ORT NO.: 140
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 0 4 2022