HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2022-09-07 2020-2022 Hawaii County Council
481h Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
September 7, 2022
INVOCATION: Senior Pastor Daniel De Luz Jr. of Glad Tidings Church gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Vice Chair
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
Absent& Excused: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks led the Council in
the Pledge of Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (Note: At this time, Mr. Chung, Ms. David, and Mr. Richards presented a
EXPRESSIONS OF Certificate of Merit to former Police Chief Paul Ferreira in recognition of his
CONDOLENCE: recent retirement after 40 years of service to Hawaii County.)
Recess: At 9:18 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:22 a.m.
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
No`eau Peralto: Res. 494-22, Draft 2 (Comm. 918.2), in support.
(representing Hui Malama
I Ke Ala `Ulili)
Peter Tui Silva: Res. 509-22 (Comm. 937), in support.
(representing Kumukahi
Health and Wellness)
Julie Mitchell: Res. 505-22 (Comm. 933);
(representing Zonta Club Res. 514-22 (Comm. 947); and
of Hilo Foundation) Res. 518-22 (Comm. 955), in support.
Joel Matsunaga: Res. 510-22 (Comm. 939); and
Res. 511-22 (Comm. 940), in support.
Denise Lindsey: Res. 515-22 (Comm. 948), in support.
(representing Special
Olympics West Hawaii)
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval Ms. Lee Loy moved to approve the Minutes of June 2,
of Minutes: June 15, and August 3, 2022. Seconded by Mr. Richards
(Approved) and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Before we move on the agenda, I'd like to take two things out of
order. We have the students here for Resolution 494. Can we do that first,
please?
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Res. 494-22: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO NEGOTIATE A LONG-
(Draft 2) TERM LEASE OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 ACRES OF COUNTY-OWNED,
AGRICULTURAL-ZONED LANDS, BEING TAX MAP KEYS: 4-2-005:001
AND 4-2-005:005, KOHOLALELE, HAMAKUA, HAWAII, WITH HUI
MALAMA I KE ALA `ULILI, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 19,
SECTIONS 2-114 AND 2-120, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED)
Allows for the lease of these parcels to Hui Malama I Ke Ala `Ulili for the purposes
of`aina stewardship, Native Hawaiian farming and gathering practices, regenerative
agroforestry, and diversified agro-ecological systems.
Reference: Comm. 918.2
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Approve: FC-186
(Note: Comm. 918.6, from Council Member Heather L. Kimball dated
September 6, 2022, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 494-22, Draft 2,
was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 494-22, Draft 2, and
Finance Committee Report No. 186. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. Before beginning a little bit of discussion on
this, I do have a couple of housekeeping items. First, I need to make a disclosure.
After we had the first hearing on this and it was published in the paper, my
husband said, "Oh, you know, Valerie, No`eau's mom, has been our accountant
for years," and I said, "Oh, yes, that's right." So, I do need to disclose a
relationship with the Peralto family. Even though they have the same last name, I
didn't get that he pulledI think he pulled from your dad's side. So, they are
relatives. So, I wanted to make that disclosure. It certainly doesn't affect my
ability to make a fair and balanced decision on this matter.
The second item is we have some minor amendments in Communication 918.6.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kimball moved to amend Res. 494-22, Draft 2, with
the contents of Comm. 918.6. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: These are relatively minor changes. The Finance Department
asked us, too, for transparency, to make sure the long-term lease was actually
defined as a 75-year lease. So, you'll see that amended in the title and in one of
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
the "WHEREAS" clauses. And then Council Member Inaba caught a small
clerical error which should have referred to Section 2-114(a) rather than (c). So,
those are the two minor corrections we're making at this time.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else, Council Members? Seeing none, all
those in favor of amending Resolution 494-22 with the contents of
Communication 918.6,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 494-22, Draft 2, with the
Amend: contents of Comm. 918.6 was carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to suspend Council Rule 24 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 494-22, Draft 2. Seconded by Ms. Kimball and
(Approved) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Again, we had a wonderful presentation in
Committee on this resolution. I am so thrilled to be supporting this project. I
think there are rarely times that we have an opportunity to put something forth
and vote on something that is not only going to affect us, but our grandchildren
and our great-grandchildren. I get chicken skin every time I look at you guys, and
I think about what's going to happen in this beautiful space. You've proven
yourself to be capable of this, and it's just a wonderful gift that we as a Council, I
think, are giving to the community today. So, I ask for everyone's continued
support moving this forward. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 494-22, Draft 2, as amended with
Communication 918.6,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 494-22: The motion to adopt Res. 494-22, Draft 2, as amended to
Draft 3 Draft 3, was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, everyone. Mr. Clerk, can we just jump to one more item
out of order; Bill 199, please?
Bill 199: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 17-24, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE
NO. 12-111, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 99-116, WHICH
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 96-159, WHICH AMENDED SECTION 25-8-33
(CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED)
(FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS SECTION 25-114, CITY OF HILO ZONE
MAP, ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 25, ZONING CODE), BY CHANGING THE
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL—
7,500 SQUARE FEET (CN-7.5) AT WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAII,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEYS: 2-2-044:031, 032, 035, AND 037
(Applicant: Hilo Senior Investments, LLC—formerly Island Heritage
Ventures, LLC) (Area: Approx. 7.402 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this request for a five-year time extension to Condition C (Time to Secure Final
Subdivision Approval). The applicant plans to develop an assisted living facility
and a commercial/retail building. The property is located on the southeast side of
the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kahaopea Street.
Reference: Comm. 922
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-75
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 199 on first reading
and adopt Planning Committee Report No. 75. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. We have the representative for the applicant
here in case my colleagues have questions, but we did have a robust discussion in
Committee and do support this measure. Thank you, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. After the meeting, I ran
through the document one more time and something caught my eye, and I just
wanted to bring it to everyone's attention. Maybe you can speak to this too. The
wastewater system, at the very bottom, it says, "A wastewater treatment unit will
be installed to handle the wastewater, which will include a secondary treatment
facility, pump station, treatment tanks and injection wells." My question for you
is, on the injection wells, is there any issue there given the Maui Supreme Court
ruling?
(Note: At this time, Jill Raznov, applicant's representative, came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. RAZNOV: Thank you, Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Thank you,
members of the County Council and Chair David, and of course
Member Kierkiewicz for introducing the bill. I'm Jill Raznov, by the way. I
represent the applicant Mr. John DeWald, who's also present on the screen.
Mr. DeWald may be able to answer that better than I can. I'm not sure the
reference that you're making as far as the case. If you could perhaps tell me what
the issue is, perhaps I could address it more.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: There was a Supreme Court ruling regarding
the County of Maui and the use of injection wells. I don't know the whole
breakdown, but I know that injection wells have become
MS. RAZNOV: I do remember what you're talking about.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: A point of contention. It could be that their
proximity to the shoreline is the issue or just in general. Either way, it just caught
my attention.
MS. RAZNOV: I remember that case and I don't exactly remember what the
issue was in that case. I'm so sorry. I remember reading about it and then it went
off on appeal. I do not believe that any of those issues have been affected. Our
plans have been in the works for many years. Mr. DeWald's previous companies
and now this second or third iteration of those businesses that owned this property
have been developing this property since, I believe, 2017 or 2015.
We have received approvals from the various agencies that are overseeing this
project for the wastewater treatment plant: Department of Health, Environmental
Management. We have been working with Engineering Partners on all of the
infrastructure. We've been working with FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency) on receiving the CLOMR (Conditional Letter of Map
Revision). So, I don't believe that any of those issues are implicated here. We're
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
trying our best to make sure that we do everything correctly and properly,
receiving all the approvals. But I'd be happy to look into that a little bit further
and follow up with you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I would say yes because if you were
in motion for years and then the Supreme Court ruling happened in the middle of
your process, then it could be that it was overlooked to this point. I just want to
make sure that we are protecting our water resources, especially in the area.
MS. RAZNOV: And just to follow up on ocean resources, we're right across
from Baskin-Robbins on the highway.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, you're far from the shoreline. So, if
this is shoreline-specific, then it's not an issue. But if it's not, then I just want to
make sure that we address it now rather than later.
MS. RAZNOV: Yeah, totally. I appreciate that. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
would you prefer that I email you? How do I follow up with that?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'd like to see probably from the Department
of Health that this is an approved method of discharging waste. I think it would
be good for all the Council to have the information, not just me.
MS. RAZNOV: Okay. I will do that.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Ms. Kimball, go ahead.
MS. KIMBALL: If I can just elucidate on the Maui decision. So, basically what
the Maui decision determined is that if injection wells injected into groundwater,
that was a functional equivalent of injecting directly into streams and, therefore,
the ocean. So, the requirement would be that if the injection wells went into the
groundwater and it was functionally equivalent, you would need an NPDES
(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)permit. At this time, the
Department of Health has not issued rules with regard to the Maui decision as to
what the definition of"functionally equivalent" is, so there's still some
uncertainty there. But I think Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's direction
to have DOH (Department of Health) indicate that an NPDES permit is not
needed at this time would probably be sufficient. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Anyone else? Seeing none, all right,
all those in favor of approving Bill 199 at first reading, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Bill 199: The motion to pass Bill 199 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 75 was carried by the
following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Richards, and Chair David—5.
Noes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you for being here this morning.
MS. RAZNOV: Thank you very much.
MR. HENRICKS: For the record, it does pass first reading.
CHR. DAVID: Yes. Thank you. Can we go to "Order of Resolutions" at the top,
Mr. Clerk? Thank you.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 467-22: REQUESTS THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A
(Draft 2) PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENT ISSUANCE AND
UTILIZATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDITS THAT INCLUDES A
COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNTING OF ALL CREDITS ISSUED,
OUTSTANDING, TRANSFERRED, OR REDEEMED, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ENHANCE PROGRAM CONTROLS,
EFFICIENCY, AND EFFECTIVENESS
Reference: Comm. 886.3
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Approve: FC-183
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 467-22, Draft 2, and
Finance Committee Report No. 183. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. In his absence, Council Member Inaba
asked me to kind of shepherd through this next step here. We had good
discussion about this in Committee. He was receptive and amended the resolution
to comply with the concerns that Auditor Benner had about potential conflicts
with the FBI(Federal Bureau of Investigation) investigation. So, we've got a
draft, I think, that meets those needs. The Auditor is onboard. The Office of
Housing and Community Development is onboard. And I think we are all looking
forward to some clarity and transparency and accountability with respect to the
housing credits under the current circumstances. Auditor Benner is here today if
there are any additional questions for him before we proceed. Thank you, Chair.
I hope I will have continued support from the rest of my colleagues. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just want to restate this—I've said this a
few timesI just really appreciate Mr. Benner's approach. Thank you to the
Council and some of the members who found him and brought him in and for
being here. You're doing a great job. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 467-22, Draft 2, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 467-22: The motion to adopt Res. 467-22, Draft 2, and Finance
Draft 2 Committee Report No. 183 was carried by the following
(Adopted) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba– 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 477-22: AWARDS A PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE FUND STEWARDSHIP GRANT TO
NA MAKA HALOA O WAIPI`O
Approves a grant of$119,900 to Na Maka Haloa O Waipi`o, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit
organization, to protect,preserve, and restore the Pohoiki property (Tax Map
Key: 1-3-008-097), pursuant to Section 10-16(h) of the Hawaii County Charter.
Reference: Comm. 897
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Approve: FC-184
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 477-22 and Finance
Committee Report No. 184. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Just looking for everyone's continued support.
Just want to take the opportunity to mahalo Aunty Annamarie Kon for all of her
work to engage community and to create a program that is really going to elevate
cultural- and `aina-based experiences. This particular project dovetails really
nicely with all of the work that we are doing to revitalize the Pohoiki region. So
again,just asking everyone for their support. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 477-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 477-22: The motion to adopt Res. 477-22 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 184 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 478-22: AUTHORIZES THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE SOUTHERN
ROADWAY STUB-OUT OF KA`EKA STREET IN THE DISTRICT OF
NORTH KONA, COUNTY AND STATE OF HAWAII
The temporary closure would reduce loitering, littering, consumption of alcohol,
and other illegal activities in this area until such time as the Council, by resolution,
authorizes its reopening.
Reference: Comm. 899
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Approve: PWMTC-20
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 478-22 and Public
Works and Mass Transit Committee Report No. 20.
Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. We had a very comprehensive conversation on this
resolution when it was in Committee, with support from the Police Department
and DPW (Department of Public Works). I know that DPW is standing by should
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
anyone have any other questions, but it is a supported decision to improve the
health and safety of this area. So, I ask for my colleagues' support for
Mr. Inaba's resolution.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I was going to wait for Mr. Inaba, but as I
looked over the resolution, I mean, he's really touching on a stub-out of a street
that has become an access point to areas where people can go and do things
they're not supposed to be doing. I like what he's doing here. I'll be supporting
this today.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
MS. VILLEGAS: Mahalo.
CHR. DAVID: Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 478-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 478-22: The motion to adopt Res. 478-22 and Public Works and
(Adopted) Mass Transit Committee Report No. 20 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 484-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KAILUA VILLAGE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, INC., FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES FOR ITS 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 905
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Postponed: August 17, 2022
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Villegas, seconded by Mr. Inaba, to adopt
Res. 484-22.)
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
CHR. DAVID: Ms. Villegas, go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: I believe that all the steps have been taken to rectify this
situation. If Judge Strance wouldn't mind coming forward and just explaining
where we've come to as far as an understanding of the utilization of contingency
relief funds and the term "reimbursement"when an event has already occurred.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. STRANCE: Good morning, Council. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation
Counsel. At my request at the last meeting, you folks postponed consideration of
this resolution based upon a concern raised by the Department of Finance that the
use of contingency relief funds to reimburse for events that have already taken
place may be improper under the Hawaii County Code. Following that meeting,
I did research this matter and concluded that it would violate the Hawaii County
Code.
The reimbursement is a repayment for monies spent. As a result, the resolution
seeks payment for expenses that have already been paid and for an event that has
already taken place. As a result, the requested funds will not be used for this
year's Fourth of July Parade and fireworks. The funds will be used for some
other purpose not disclosed in the resolution. As a result, neither the Council nor
the Finance Department can necessarily assess whether the funds will be used for
purposes authorized by the Code.
Even if the funds were sought for unpaid expenses related to this year's Fourth of
July Parade and fireworks, they're not properly awarded under the Hawaii
County Code Section 2-137. The eligibility in Subsection 3 states that it is for
services or activities to be provided by the nonprofit organization and funded by
the County, and then provides a list of the permitted uses. The use of the words
"to be provided"requires funds be used for services or activities in the future, and
that determination is just based upon a simple reading of several definitions in
several different dictionaries. Based on those reasons, I concluded that it would
not be a proper use of the fund.
I went on to do some additional inquiries with the Department of Finance because
there had been a statement made that this has been done in the past. And without
any specific examples, I wasn't able to verify that. But my understanding is that
there have been grants awarded that would provide for reimbursement, but they're
still for an event that will take place sometime in the future. And so then, the
organization would be submitting receipts and those sort of things to the
supervising or sponsoring agency. That's the result of the research.
I know that there is at least one other resolution on your agenda today that would
fall into that category. I think all of us who are new come to our positions with
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
new eyes, and maybe things that are taken for granted or not looked at in the past
get looked at with a different set of eyes. And I think that that's what has
happened here.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Judge Strance. I appreciate your attention to
detail, and taking the time to so specifically and with great care present this in a
way that makes it more understandable. It's kind of one of those odd ones,
especially because the event was in July and the funds were from potentially a
prior year and whatnot. I just want to thank you personally and professionally for
helping to guide us through this. So, I believe my best step forward is to
withdraw this resolution at this time.
CHR. DAVID: Thay had their lights on. So, before you withdraw it, I'd like to
see what Council Members have to weigh in on this one. Is that okay?
MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. No problem.
CHR. DAVID: All right. Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Actually, thank you for this because I actually have
some other questions around this subject. So, thank you for not withdrawing
quite yet so we can keep the door open for this conversation. Thank you for that
explanation, Judge Strance. So, my question is funds would need to be authorized
prior to the event, right. So, what if that event occurs in the next fiscal year? So,
I guess where's that line of demarcation that we're in March of next year and
people are coming to us for an event in October of the next fiscal year. Are we
able to grant funds?
MS. STRANCE: Yes. You do have a process and it's been done a number of
times by this Council just to authorize the expenditure of funds in a different
fiscal year. I suppose there's an issue for contingency funds if a Council Member
is terming out. It's possible to approve funds for an event that's going to take
place in the future for expenses that will be paid before then. So, I'm not sure if
there's a requirement necessarily, and I haven't looked into that. I talked to
Council Member Villegas about the Fourth of July with the timing of our fiscal
year, but I suspect a lot of expenses for a Fourth of July celebration are paid for
well in advance of the Fourth of July.
MS. LEE LOY: If you could provide us a bright line of understanding on things
that occur in the next fiscal year. I'm getting it. If they're purchasing prior to the
end of the fiscal for an event that happens after the fiscal, I guess that's what I'm
looking for is that real bright line on when they expend the funds and how it
works with our fiscal calendar. Thanks, Judge Strance.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Vice Chair Chung, go ahead.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. CHUNG: My concerns are along those same lines. You really did give a
thoughtful explanation, but quite frankly, notwithstanding all of that, I'm prepared
to vote "yes" on this thing and then let Ms. Villegas work it out with the
Department of Finance to try to see what can be done. I know you're the last line
of defense, so it's going to be tough for them but something can beI mean, you
guys can come up with something. Because, this is really tough; Fourth of July, it
happened this fiscal year. The same issues come up with DAE(District
Allowance Expense), right: When can we use those monies; what if you have
travel coming up in July but you want to use the previous year? And it's been
allowed. I mean, I don't know what Ms. Villegas wants to do, but I'm prepared to
vote "yes" and let them work it out somehow, in my opinion—only 500 bucks,
right?
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Vice Chair Chung. Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. Chung and Ms. Lee Loy, for your comments
on that. I appreciate the support. It seems that there may be a couple of other
things that I overlooked in regards to this, and so I am going to go ahead and
withdraw it at this time. But I'm grateful, even at my own demise or toe-
stubbing, that we had the opportunity to have this conversation because it
provides me, and I hope my colleagues, with a better understanding of working
with Finance and moving forward as we manage our contingency relief funds
even though this is just a minute amount of money in comparison. We do have
significant resources as Council Members during this fiscal year, and I want to
make sure that they're all being managed with the utmost of integrity and due
process. So, thank you for that, Judge Strance, and I will be withdrawing it at this
time.
Withdraw Res. 484-22: Ms. Villegas announced the withdrawal of Res. 484-22.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Clerk Henricks, Resolution 484-22 has
been withdrawn by Ms. Villegas.
Res. 491-22: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF UP TO EIGHT
BUSES FROM THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Accepts up to eight 2000 and 2002 40-foot Gillig Phantom buses, with an
approximate value of$1,000 each for the Mass Transit Agency's transportation
fleet.
Reference: Comm. 915
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-185
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 491-22: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 491-22 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 185. Seconded by
Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 504-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO VIBRANT HAWAII TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS MAKAHIKI EVENTS IN HILO, PUNA,
KAT, KONA, AND KOHALA
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 932
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 504-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Just asking for my colleagues' support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Just a little latitude here. I just want to
disclose that I'm a volunteer board member for Vibrant Hawaii. I co-lead a
couple of their streamed resilience hubs and economy. This particular CRF
(Contingency Relief Fund)would be supporting the makahiki events of resilience
hubs in Council Member Lee Loy's district. There are over 40 hubs around the
island; multiple hubs in all of our districts. So, I just really want to thank my
colleagues for all of their support.
What makahiki means is the hubs in the various communities are going to be
working together. I would call it like an Obon dance coming together of
community, and they'll be presenting their plans of resilience. So,just really
excited about all of the work that community members have been doing to build
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
resilience from the ground up in their various communities. So, with that, wanted
to disclose that but I'm also going to be recusing myself from the vote because I
am a member of the board. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 504-22,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 504-22: The motion to adopt Res. 504-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: Council Member Kierkiewicz— 1.
Res. 505-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HILO
FOUNDATION FOR ITS SERVICE PROJECTS THAT ARE DEDICATED TO
EMPOWERING AND INSPIRING YOUNG GIRLS
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 933
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 505-22. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Just looking for everyone's support and
really want to thank my colleagues who have given so generously to the Zonta
Club of Hilo. I've been involved in service projects driven by this club for over a
decade, and they really do make an impact in terms of helping women and girls in
our community. So,just mahalo nui everyone in advance. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 505-22,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 505-22: The motion to adopt Res. 505-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 506-22: COMMITS TO FUNDING THE COST ITEMS AWARDED BY ARBITRATION
TO SHOPO BARGAINING UNIT 12 AND EMPLOYEES EXCLUDED FROM
BARGAINING UNIT 12 FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD JULY 1, 2021,
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025
The estimated costs over the four years of the new contract resulting from one-time
lump sum payments, across-the-board increases, step movements, and within-range
progressions, would be $31,699,929.
Reference: Comm. 934
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 506-22.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Leopoldino, can you
come up to the front? Thank you for being here today.
(Note: At this time, Human Resources Director Waylen Leopoldino came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Introduce yourself, please.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Good morning, Chair David and members of Council.
Waylen Leopoldino, Director of Human Resources with the County of Hawaii.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, sir. I'll be supporting this today,
but I just wanted some background information. So, Bargaining Unit 12, which
members of the SHOPO (State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers)
contract does that include?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Bargaining Unit 12 are all of our police officers up until
when we get to police captains. Police captains and above are considered
excluded managerial positions.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, this is all of our patrol. This is
all of our lieutenants, everybody.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. This is big as far as an increase to
government cost; that's why I wanted to ask you a few questions. I mean, the
total for the next four years is a $30 million increase. Correct?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes, correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. Bargaining Unit 92, who
is that?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Bargaining Unit 92 would be considered our excluded
managerial bargaining unit.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, the captains and above.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: They would be more of not assigned to a salary account.
The captains and above are actually Bargaining Unit 36, I believe.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, that's next.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, 92 is?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: (Bargaining Unit) 92 is more like contract employees, not
assigned to any bargaining unit. I don't know if we have anyone in Bargaining
Unit 92. The bargaining units are used statewide, so another jurisdiction may
have use for Bargaining Unit 92.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Part of my question is this increase is
very low, so I was just trying to gauge which units are what.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Unit 36 is captain and above then.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Correct. All our excluded managerial.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. This is going to be a cost of
$1.4 million over the next three years.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Correct.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I just wanted to just kind of sum me
up of what's in here just for the general public. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, mahalo for being here, Mr. Leopoldino.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: All those in favor of approving Resolution 506-22, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 506-22: The motion to adopt Res. 506-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
Res. 507-22: COMMITS TO FUNDING THE COST ITEMS AWARDED BY ARBITRATION
TO HAWAII GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION UNIT 15 AND
EMPLOYEES EXCLUDED FROM THAT UNIT FOR THE CONTRACT
PERIOD JULY 1, 2021, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025
The estimated costs over the four years of the new contract resulting from lump
sum payments, across-the-board increases, and step movements would be $914,437.
Reference: Comm. 935
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 507-22.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. This one was waived to
Council as well, as was the last. Go ahead, Director. Please introduce yourself.
(Note: At this time, Human Resources Director Waylen Leopoldino came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Good morning again. Waylen Leopoldino, Director of
Human Resources with the County of Hawaii.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for being here. Bargaining
Unit 15, who does that comprise of?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Bargaining Unit 15 is a brand new bargaining unit.
Recently, the Bargaining Unit 14 employees—water safety officers—moved over
to this bargaining unit. Now, they're the exclusive members of this bargaining
unit.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. This increase is fairly small.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yes, that's correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Compared against some of the others, yeah,
but a total of 877,000 for the next three years. Correct?
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then Bargaining Unit 75
settlement costs.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Bargaining Unit 75 would be considered the excluded
bargaining unit. So, any of the excluded positions would fall under Bargaining
Unit 75. Again, that bargaining unit is also used statewide around all
jurisdictions.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, similar to the other, like, contracted
employees, that kind of thing.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Correct. Well, Bargaining Unit 75 would be for the officer
positions in the water safety officer classes, which is a very small amount.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, this one is fairly small, too; actually,
very small. Okay. Thank you very much, Chair. I appreciate it.
MR. LEOPOLDINO: Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 507-22, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 507-22: The motion to adopt Res. 507-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
Res. 508-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE BIG ISLAND
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR A
REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES RELATED TO THE 36TH ANNUAL
BIG ISLAND PRO-AM SURFING TRIALS
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 936
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 508-22.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No discussion.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: In light of what Judge Strance has stated, are we allowed to do
this?
CHR. DAVID: I believe Judge Strance was on her way up. You can continue,
Judge Strance.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. STRANCE: Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. This resolution would
also fall within that category I described earlier. In light of the discussion, I have
a couple of ideas that I would want to bounce off of the Department of Finance
that may provide a pathway forward on some of these, or may make a
recommendation to the Council on creating some of its own rules on how it
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
intends—what are permitted uses of contingency funds, or whether the Hawaii
County Code should be amended. I would like the opportunity to vet this a little
bit more with the Department of Finance.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Richards, you can continue.
MR. RICHARDS: I think, given what Judge Strance has said, I might suggest
that we table this or postpone this until a little bit later and get the details worked
out. I have to believe, like Councilman Chung, there's a way forward, but given
the conversation, I don't know what else to do.
CHR. DAVID: Understood. Thank you.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, so I yield.
CHR. DAVID: All right. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, you want to weigh in?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Question, Chair; actually, Ms. Strance. So,
in the event that a resolution was passed, I mean, how tight is this deadline and
how tight is the wording here? Because if we have an event that occurs and a
resolution was passed, but it happened post-meeting but between the
reconsideration hold, would the CRF still stand as being a reimbursement at that
point because it's being approved after the fact of the event itself, or is it the date
it passes Council? There's a lot of little minutiae here that I would like to see
addressed. We had a good discussion about this, but it raises a lot of questions as
far as, and to Ms. Lee Loy's point, what a bright line is going to look like.
MS. STRANCE: The Council, for some reason, when it passed the Code
provision, inserted the words "to be" instead of"for." There's other language that
could have been used that would not have prevented a looking back, but it used
the words "to be." One of the concerns about awarding funds after an event has
happened is that County money will be spent for something other than what's in
the resolution, right. There are uses of funds which are prohibited by law. So,
there are restrictions for which County funds can be used.
With the idea of a reimbursement for something that's already happened that
wasn't approved, it's essentially an unrestricted grant to an organization because
you can't necessarily account for it. So, if there are accounting procedures that
allow for a retroactive readjusting, and there's a time process by which that can be
done, then perhaps the County can account for its money. Typically, what I've
seen—and the Department of Finance may have more experience—what I've seen
for reimbursements is a receipt goes to the Department of Finance. They look at
the grant, budget, and the purposes for which the grant is supposed to be used, and
determine whether or not the receipt is for the stated purpose of the grant. And if
so, then the reimbursement is allowed.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
In Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's resolution, there is a list of specific
items and then other expenses. So, that becomes a little bit more difficult to
account for. I think that when you're talking about reimbursements, there's
usually a pretty close nexus between what you're approving and what it's used
for, and it really is how we're going to use the funds. So, County funds cannot be
used for a purchase of alcohol, for example.
So, if grant money goes into the General Fund, are they able—an unrestricted
fund, is the organization able to account for the money that the County granted in
the contingency fund? If there is some other way for them to account and some
other way for the County to audit for the use of the funds, then that might be
permitted. But I think there needs to be a little bit more clarity.
The plain language of the Code provision is what it is, and it says, "to be" and not
"for." That was the primary reason for the conclusion that the secondary purpose
is how does the County account for money? How does a Council Member
account for money that she or he granted to an organization? I had some concerns
about that too. That's more on the accounting side and something that I think we
can work out with the Department of Finance. As I mentioned earlier, there might
be some—if the Council wants more flexibility in the use of contingency funds
than other grant-in-aid funds, then you may want to revise the County Code to
provide for those broader purposes, but it's a clarity issue.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For this resolution particularly, do you think
there's a way forward?
MS. STRANCE: Possibly. I'll be candid. There have been other resolutions that
have come before this Council where you have effective by a certain date that I
think it was some of these provisions, but I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with
recommending that without some discussion with the Department of Finance
because that might get around the "to be"but it doesn't get around the accounting.
So, I think it needs a broader discussion.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I will be, unless there's further
discussion—okay, I'll yield for now.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Since we have Director Sako here, I'd actually like to ask that
she come forward and weigh in on this. Certainly appreciate, Judge Strance, your
efforts to make sure we're following our own rules and the law, but I also
appreciate that—I've got a particular instance right now where we have an event
coming up. We've been trying and trying to get all the paperwork right, but the
actual nonprofit is having issues. So, we're going to be right up against but the
chairman asked for an extension now, under the circumstances.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
With other CRFs, there is a report and the requirement to submit receipts from the
nonprofit. So, there is that trail. Director Sako, if you can weigh in on your
thoughts at this time,just to give us a little guidance. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: It makes it challenging for any department to have to go back
outside the grant period because we're assuming the grant is starting when it's
approved and entered into with the nonprofit. So,now we're saying, "Okay,
that's outside of the grant period,"unless we're going to backdate these
agreements or agree to the period of performance, which in some cases that might
be. So, current-year funds are supposed to be used for current-year expenditures,
and we just need to make sure everything is happening in the right fiscal year.
I think this one, the event was in the current fiscal year, so we probably can try to
work something out. But I think the "to be" is what's been hanging up, and the
way the County Code is written. So, if that was perhaps changed, we wouldn't
have to be having these conversations.
MS. KIMBALL: That's a very clear suggestion. Thank you. In your mind,just a
simple amendment as well as some amendments to our own rules would be
sufficient and workable for you in this regard.
MS. SAKO: It would make it a lot easier, yes.
MS. KIMBALL: Okay. So, we'll work on that.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: All right. Anyone else? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, you're up.
MS. VILLEGAS: I think I
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh, yeah, go ahead.
CHR. DAVID: I didn't see your light. Sorry.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sorry, I was just getting to it. One more quick question.
Something that was happening, unfortunately, in the beginning part of the year is
the request for being you have to go through a department, right, and my staff
goes to a department to start the communication on making a request.
Unfortunately, one of the departments, things were hung up for months and
months. I'd love to say that I'm always on, but kind of one of those things; you
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
send it out and you're doing a million other things, and then coming back to, like,
"Oh, where was that?" Then, the events, you're chasing tail in that direction. So,
that's been one of the challenges as well, which puts things later and then we end
up with all these deadlines.
But it sounds like we have a clear step forward in creating an amendment to the
Code to change the "to be"to a"for." Am I getting that correctly? And would
myself and my office work with the both of you on that amendment? Or,
Judge Strance, is that something you could guide us through? I just want to figure
out the path forward to get the amendment processed to help Deanna's already
amazingly complex world so we can eliminate some of this.
MS. SAKO: It's probably something we would both work on, or at least review
so that we can assure there's no accounting issues.
MS. VILLEGAS: Of course.
MS. SAKO: Because, we do want it to be clear it's something happening in the
current fiscal year, or the expenditure needs to be made in the current fiscal year
to prepare for an event. So,just to pick on, like, Fourth of July because that is the
first week of the new fiscal year. Normally, the fireworks or supplies or different
things are actually ordered ahead of time and paid for. So, that might actually be
the previous fiscal year's expense. But it may be a portable toilet that they need
that wouldn't be incurred until July 4h. So, in that case, we would prefer that
whatever fiscal year July 4h was in, that those funds be used. But the budget is
MS. VILLEGAS: Then that's a reimbursement.
MS. SAKO: Typically approved by then. Once the budget is approved and
signed into law, then you guys can be doing your recommendations or whatever.
So, it would be a reimbursement, but at least if the wording was changed, we'd
have it in the right fiscal year.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, great. Well, I'll look forward to moving forward with
you, Judge Strance and Deanna, and working with my staff to ideally smooth this
out for all of us, reduce any risk of illegal misperceived activities. So, thank you
for this. I appreciate it.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Again, thank you to the author for allowing this
conversation. Appreciate it. Reminiscent of our nonprofit grant-in-aid contracts,
so I get it and I'm glad that's why it's coming up. My concern now is it's for an
event to happen; they're looking for funding, right. And oftentimes, it's just a
broad budget, right, which is why a lot of our contingency funds have nice round
dollars. So, I'm trying to understand how we balance that. And maybe it is the
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
wording in our resolution to be more flexible with that language, right, rather than
earmarking it or directing it for a specific use like security or sound system or
tents, right. Does that help?
I truly believe in the checks and balances of all of this that's going on right now,
and so I want to do better on our side of the counter. I agree with Ms. Villegas
that the departments often have to just do their work, and then to shepherd a
contingency resolution on top of all of the other work tends to fall a little further
down on the wayside. And we're trying to meet aproject in the community. So, I
guess if we do better on our side, one, the assurance is that we'll get support from
within the departments that become the pass-through. Because, I often have a
budget sheet that goes to the nonprofit for them to list; if you're asking for
$5,000, what is it for? So, I have a good understanding of what they're asking
for. I just want to help you help us help community. Deanna?
MS. SAKO: I was going to say we can't control the departments right now. All
of them are extremely short-staffed. Filling positions has been challenging for
everyone, so no offense if the contingency goes, like, way down. Sorry. But, yes,
if there's a budget and the wording is worded right, I think Corp. (Corporation)
Counsel and our department have agreed to try to work together to make things
clearer, but that may take some Code changes because we still want them to
follow the rules.
MS. STRANCE: Just a couple of additional thoughts. The contingency fund
grants are normally smaller than the grant-in-aid, but the rules for both are the
same. So, it might be helpful to separate those out a little bit. The other piece,
though, is, like the grant-in-aid, there's a deadline by which everybody has to
submit. And you could adopt rules that a request has to be made at least 90 days
before an event, and then that would put the community on notice that there are
timing issues, to take into account the administrative process to set up one of
these. We want to try to do it quick because some things happen. But most
departments are able to manage things within a reasonable period of time, and if
they're given that, then there's not as much of a problem. But I think it really
depends on what this body wants to do.
MS. LEE LOY: One follow-up question, Deanna. Nice round numbers: They
ask for 5,000 but they submit receipts for the 3,200. The rest goes back into Fund
Balance? Or into the department that the pass-through occurred?
MS. SAKO: Into the department that the pass-through occurred, but they can
only spend it for a like purpose. And because there wouldn't have been another
contingency fund approved, it would lapse at the end of the fiscal year.
MS. LEE LOY: Okay. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Mr. Richards, go ahead.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. RICHARDS: Just wanted to make a statement that this isn't a conversation
about how to figure out how not to fund things. This is a conversation, for the
people listening, that this is trying to make sure we do it right. I don't want
people to think that we're trying not to fund stuff. That's all, Chair. Thanks.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Chung, go ahead.
MR. CHUNG: Sorry, I was outside when all of this started. What's going on
here? Is this the same issue like Ms. Villegas's after the fact? Well, you guys do
what you guys got to do; I'll just vote "yes." Whether you guys sayI mean, you
guys got to either approve or disapprove, right. But from our side, we do what
we've got to do, and I'm prepared to vote "yes"today.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Hopefully you guys can figure it out.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Vice Chair Chung. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I don't want to belabor
this. The fund request went to Parks and Rec. (Recreation) July 14. It was
approved and signed July 20. Was referred to Council August 10 and lands on the
meeting today, given our process. So, I think in all of that, we can go back and
forth on the date. I know the approval, now, is being approved by the Council,
but I think it's just good to see that timeline to understand the timeline of when it
started, when it got in, when it was approved by the department, when it got to
Council and was finally referred over. Is that considered in part of the "to be"
funded? This actually was departmentally approved and began its process before
we even got to the event. If not—I'm not looking for a huge answer here but
just to give some reference to the timeline that occurred before we see it today.
MS. STRANCE: The approval date is the approval date of the Council. If the
Council would like to work in other soft dates, then that would be something that
would either need to be built into the resolution or built into the County Code.
I'm more comfortable with a County Code because it's clearer. It doesn't sound
like you're fudging.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I'm going to go ahead and call for
the vote.
CHR. DAVID: All right. Before we call for the vote, thank you, Corp. Counsel
and Director, for your explanation. I think it's worth waiting—my opinion—it's
worth waiting till we get some sort of an idea from Corp. Counsel. Mr. Clerk, roll
call.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 508-22: The motion to adopt Res. 508-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, and Villegas —5.
Noes: Council Members Lee Loy, Richards,
and Chair David—3.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: Motion carries.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
Res. 509-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAII ISLAND HIV/AIDS
FOUNDATION FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO TESTING, HEALTH
EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN KAILUA-KONA
Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 937
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 509-22. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to thank Peter from Kumukahi Health and Wellness
for being here today and sharing in even more detail the services and important
work that Kumukahi does in our community. I, myself, am extremely grateful
that there is an office in Kona. I have been there and seen the work that they do
and their staff, their commitment, their unconditionally open arms and willingness
to provide support to people in all different kinds of circumstances. I just ask for
the Council's support on this resolution brought forth by Council Member Inaba.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 509-22, please say "aye."
Page 28
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 509-22: The motion to adopt Res. 509-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 510-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE FUTURE
FOR THE HEALTH AND FITNESS FIELD DAY EVENTS AT HONAUNAU
AND HO`OKENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 939
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 510-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. I just want to thank the testifier this
morning and ask for your support. Seeing none, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 510-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 510-22: The motion to adopt Res. 510-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 29
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Res. 511-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE FUTURE
TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE HEALTH AND FITNESS
FIELD DAY EVENTS IN WEST HAWAII
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 940
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 511-22. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Just ask for my colleagues' support in moving this forward for
Mr. Inaba, and for this great work being done at these elementary schools. I
yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 511-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 511-22: The motion to adopt Res. 511-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 512-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE GRASSROOTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO
THE 2022 HAWAII ISLAND ALL NATIONS POWWOW
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 941
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 512-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Just asking for my colleagues' support and joining
some of my other colleagues. I believe Mr. Richards was one who put forth
funding for this event that will be happening on September 17 and 18 in the
future. Sorry, I had to. Anyway, thanks for your support in supporting this
important event. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: I'll just put a plug in for the powwow. I called them to talk
story a little bit about it, and it's going to be in Kea`au, if I recall right. They
actually have people coming from the Mainland. There's a little bit of trouble
with crossing the border from Canada. I know they're having trouble, but it's
actually going to they're retooling it after being shut down for a couple of years.
Anyway,just putting a plug in for them and, yes, I will be supporting it.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those
in favor of approving Resolution 512-22,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 512-22: The motion to adopt Res. 512-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 513-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE DANIEL R. SAYRE
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION TO PURCHASE WATER SAFETY EQUIPMENT
FOR THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT'S OCEAN SAFETY DIVISION
Transfers $4,250 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Ocean Safety
Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 943
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Page 31
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 513-22. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: This is for a watercraft purchase, and I think all of us are
supporting this. I just ask for your continued support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 513-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 513-22: The motion to adopt Res. 513-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 514-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HILO
FOUNDATION TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS
"AMELIA EARHART GIRLS IN ENGINEERING DAY" EVENT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 947
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 514-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Just asking for my colleagues' support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 514-22, please say "aye."
Page 32
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 514-22: The motion to adopt Res. 514-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 515-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS
HAWAII INC. FOR ITS AWARDS RECOGNITION AND SPORTS SIGN-UP
EVENT IN WEST HAWAII
Transfers $1,250 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 948
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 515-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. I just ask for your support for this
future event as well. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 515-22: The motion to adopt Res. 515-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Res. 516-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE KEAUKAHA SCHOOL
FOUNDATION FOR KEAUKAHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S PRESCHOOL
ACTIVITIES IN THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
Transfers $2,710 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 951
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 516-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: This is fun, actually. I wanted to talk about it a little bit. This is
for our preschool kids to do a bunch of excursions: the zoo, `Imiloa, fire stations.
It's always just really fun to watch the little kids kind of explore community, and
this funding provides them all of the transportation. I ask for my colleagues'
support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 516-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 516-22: The motion to adopt Res. 516-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 517-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO VIBRANT HAWAII FOR ITS
MAKAHIKI EVENT IN COUNCIL DISTRICT 9
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 954
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 517-22. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: We've already had a brief discussion on this. Just asking for
my colleagues' support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Again, disclosing I'm a volunteer board
member for Vibrant Hawaii and will be recusing myself from the vote. Thank
you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: For my colleagues, this is done with Vibrant. But what I really
enjoy about this one program is oftentimes makahiki is looked at as a celebration
when traditionally it was actually used as a time to plan for the next season. This
actually really is the cornerstone of community strategic planning. I really love
this part of this native intelligence that actually was grounded in customary and
traditional practices that we have somewhat lost sight of a little bit. So, I'm really
excited how this and the hubs throughout our entire island are actually going to be
utilizing this to teach community about makahiki, but more from a perspective of
strategic planning for community. So, thank you, Mr. Richards and
Ms. Kierkiewicz, for all of the work that goes into this. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: When is this event? Okay, all right.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Vice Chair Chung. Okay, seeing no other comments,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 517-22,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 517-22: The motion to adopt Res. 517-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: Council Member Kierkiewicz— 1.
Page 35
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Res. 518-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HILO
FOUNDATION TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS YOUTH-
ORIENTED PROJECTS
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 955
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Motion to Approve: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 518-22. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: I just ask for your support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 518-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 518-22: The motion to adopt Res. 518-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 525-22: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF ONE MICROSOFT
SURFACE PRO 6 WITH ACCESSORIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
FINANCE
The donation from Steven Hunt, with an estimated value of$400, would be used by
the Internal Control and Transient Accommodations Tax Division.
Reference: Comm. 962
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 525-22.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
Page 36
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Just a mahalo to Mr. Steven Hunt. That's
all I've got. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Seeing no other comments, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 525-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 525-22: The motion to adopt Res. 525-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 526-22: CREATES THREE NEW FIRE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER III
(TEMPORARY) POSITIONS FOR THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
Existing personnel would be temporarily assigned to these new positions to train
new Fire Communications Officer I hires and conduct on-the-job training on fire
and emergency medical services communications methods and procedures.
Reference: Comm. 963
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 526-22.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: This was waived by the Fire Department to
Council to expediate the process, but I don't see anybody here from the Fire
Department. So, if the Council has questions, I will have them down in a jiffy. If
not, we can move it ahead. It's fairly self-explanatory. I yield for discussion.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Any other questions?
Seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 526-22, please say "aye."
Page 37
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Res. 526-22: The motion to adopt Res. 526-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
Res. 527-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE DANIEL R. SAYRE
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR THE
HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT'S OCEAN SAFETY DIVISION
Transfers $4,250 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Ocean Safety
Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 965
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 527-22. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: This is the last of the Sayre Foundation funds so they can
purchase some, I think it was, watercrafts they were going to do with this one. I
ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 527-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 527-22: The motion to adopt Res. 527-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Inaba—2.
Excused: None.
Page 38
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Res. 528-22: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE FOOD BASKET, INC.,
FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 966
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 528-22. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. Going through this whole pandemic, we've
always talked about trying to get food in front of people. We know we've had a
lot of food insecurity. Talking to Kristin Frost Albrecht concerning this, there is a
food supply-chain problem. And the prices, we've all seen the prices go up. It's
tough. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) does not have the
food that they've been distributing like they did previously. So, costs are going
up and all of the groups that are trying to feed people are struggling. So, I just ask
for my colleagues' support. And if you have a few extra contingency funds,
consider working with some of the groups that are feeding people. Thank you,
Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 528-22, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 528-22: The motion to adopt Res. 528-22 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Page 39
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Bill 196: REPEALS ORDINANCE NO. 17-7, WHICH AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33
(CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE)
OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED),
BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL– 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL– 10,000 SQUARE FEET (CN-10) AT WAIAKEA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-040:004
(Planning Director Initiated) (Area: Approx. 1.000 acre)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation to
revert the zoning from Neighborhood Commercial to its original designation of
Single-Family Residential at the request of the landowner. The property is located
along the east(makai) side of Kilauea Avenue, approximately 180 feet north of its
intersection with East Kahaopea Street.
Reference: Comm. 913
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-73
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 196 on first reading
and adopt Planning Committee Report No. 73. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This particular bill was done at the
request of the property owner, which is why it's "Planning Director Initiated."
They had some commercial development plans for that particular property that
they're not going to be moving forward with, and so they're reverting back to the
original zoning designation. I can get Planning Department on Zoom if folks
have questions but it's pretty straightforward. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Seeing none—and I
believe, yes, in Planning we had a discussion on this one as well. So, thank you.
All those in favor of approving Bill 196 at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 196: The motion to pass Bill 196 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 73 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba– 1.
Excused: None.
Page 40
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Bill 197: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-63, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2023
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —Housing Choice Voucher-Housing
Project account($180,000); and appropriates the same to the Housing Ulu Wini
Other Current Expenses account, bringing the total appropriation to $1,355,312.
Funds would be used to subsidize operating costs required to run the Ulu Wini
Housing project.
Reference: Comm. 914
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-187
Vote on Bill 197: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 197 on first
(Approved) reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 187.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 198: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-32 (SOUTH HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—3 ACRES (A-3a) TO SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 15,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-15) AT AINAOLA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-039:025
(Applicant: RJL, LLC) (Area: Approx. 13.838 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to apply for a subdivision of
33 lots to be sold on the open market. The property is located at the southwest
corner of the Haihai Street and Ainaola Drive intersection.
Reference: Comm. 919
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-74
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 198 on first reading
and adopt Planning Committee Report No. 74. Seconded
by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Pretty straightforward request; change of zone
to accommodate subdividing the lots to be sold on the open market. If there are
questions for this particular bill, I would ask that we postpone this measure to the
next meeting, as the representative for the applicant is at a Land Use Commission
meeting. We've been in communication all morning about this, but we had a
robust discussion in Committee and he will be here for the next reading. Thank
you, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Bill 198 at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 198: The motion to pass Bill 198 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 74 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
Bill 120: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 8, AND CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 1
(Draft 2) AND ARTICLE 4, DIVISION 5, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PROVIDING,
MAINTAINING, AND DEDICATING PARKING SPACES AND CHARGING
STATIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Requires all newly constructed "places of public accommodation"with at least
50 parking spaces to install electric vehicle chargers and dedicated parking spaces
under a tiered schedule that increases the required amount of electric vehicle
chargers and parking spaces every two years through 2029, and allows an
additional two years for existing "places of public accommodation"that seek plan
approval to meet similar requirements.
Reference: Comm. 608.49
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
First Reading: August 17, 2022
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 120, Draft 2, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
CHR. DAVID: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. We had excellent discussions about this in
Committee and in both the planning commissions. I just want to take this
opportunity one more time to mahalo the many hands that were involved in
crafting this piece of legislation, from Big Island Electric Vehicle Association,
Think B.I.G. (Big Island Green), the planning commissions, the Planning
Department, particular Christian Kay in the Planning Department. I really
appreciate all the help and just ask for the continued support as we get this over
the finish line. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Seeing no other discussion, all those in favor of
approving Bill 120, Draft 2, at second and final reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 120: The motion to pass Bill 120, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 192: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-63, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2023
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Career Criminal Program account
($324,512); and appropriates the same to the Career Criminal Prosecution Program
account. Funds would be used by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the
Career Criminal Prosecution Program.
Reference: Comm. 889
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: August 17, 2022
Vote on Bill 192: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 192 on
(Adopted) second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Bill 193: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-63, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2023
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Victim/Witness Assistance account
($93,371); and appropriates the same to the Aid to Victims account. Funds would
be used by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the Victim-Witness
Assistance Program.
Reference: Comm. 890
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: August 17, 2022
Vote on Bill 193: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 193 on
(Adopted) second and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
EXECUTIVE for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Comm. 949: ROSALINDA LARKIN AS GUARDIAN/GUARDIAN AD LITEM OF
CHARLES EDWARD LARKIN, JR., AND ROSALINDA LARKIN VS.
DEREK KENISON, ET AL.; CIVIL NO. 18-00360 JAO-KJM
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Lerisa L. Heroldt, dated August 15, 2022,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-referenced lawsuit filed by John R. Remis, Jr., Esquire, and
Robert D. Eheler, Jr., Esquire, on behalf of their client Rosalinda Larkin.
Motion to Close File: Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 949. Seconded
by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
Page 44
Hawaii County Council-48 September 7,2022
Vote on Motion Ms. Lee Loy moved to enter into Executive Session in
to Enter into order to hold attorney-client privileged discussion
Executive Session: regarding Comm. 949, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4)
(Approved) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded by
Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Recess: At 11:10 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:35 a.m.
Vote on Motion Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
to Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 949. Seconded by
(Approved) Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on The motion to close file on Comm. 949 was carried by the
Comm. 949: following voice vote:
Filed
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
Page 45
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Hawai`i County Council-48 September 7,2022
(There were none.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 11:36 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: We are adjourned at 11:36. Mahalo, everyone.
Council Approval: OCQ 2Q2
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