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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOREDC 2022/10/05 2020-2022 Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development 33`'d Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai i October 5, 2022 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, ORDER: and Economic Development was called to order at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (came in later) Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent& Excused: Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Lucille V. Chung: Res. 559-22 (Comm. 1007), in support. Vianne Reis: Res. 559-22 (Comm. 1007), in support. Cheryl R. Reis: Res. 559-22 (Comm. 1007), in support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you to the testifiers that joined us in the room today, and you're welcome to stay in case my colleagues do have any questions for you. Mr. Clerk, can we go to the top of the agenda, please? GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, Order RESOLUTIONS: of Resolutions. Res. 559-22: SUPPORTS THE RELOCATION OF THE HAWAII COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER TO AN AREA WHICH WILL PROVIDE MORE SPACE FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROPER EXPANSION OF THE FACILTY AND TO BETTER SUPPPORT THE NEEDS OF ITS INMATE POPULATION AND EMPLOYEES Reference: Comm. 1007 Intr. by: Mr. Chung Motion to Approve: Mr. Chung moved to recommend adoption of Res. 559-22. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Chung. MR. CHUNG: Where to begin? Well, first of all, you know, I want to thank the people who came to speak this morning. Everyone knows Lucille Chung, right? No relation, incidentally, but well-respected kupuna. Needs no introduction, right? And Cheryl Reis and her daughter, Vianne. But Cheryl, for those who don't know, was at one time, Major with the Hawaii County Police Department. Highest ranking woman police officer in the State of Hawaii. You know, so talking about breaking ceilings, right, she was definitely there. So, aside from being, you know, the neighbor from this facility. You know, of course, you heard some really impassioned remarks by the neighbors, the Reis's. But you know, as you can tell from this resolution, I knew there were some strong feelings that some of the neighbors had about the location, but I really tried to focus more on just generally the impacts on the neighborhood, but more specifically with regard to the unsafe situations for the inmates and the people who work at the facility. But, you know, when you really talk about the location, I think maybe what's being experienced by the Reis's and others, might just be a function of, you know, a lot of the stressors that are going on within the facility and its close proximity. You know, when people are packed in,just all kinds of bad dynamics happen. So, I'm guessing that, you know, it's like an outfall for something like that, because there's really no excuse for what you guys have been going through. I also wanted to share this one, kind of funny story, but not so funny at the time. I think I stated it before. You know, my boy was going, I think he was going to, I think, it was at Hilo Intermediate or Hilo High at that time. But he was walking Page 2 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 home from school, and then later on we found out that an inmate had escaped from the facility. And that's when he told us, "Oh, I was wondering why that person in the orange suit was up on the roof" And you know, I did find out later on that that's what they wear, the orange jumpsuits, and that was the way that the guy escaped. So it was funny, relieving, but pretty unnerving too. And that's the kind of stuff that goes on whenever there's an incident at the facility. So I'm just talking about the impacts to the neighboring area. Hilo High School and Hilo Intermediate are probably less than 500 feet away from the facility. And really, what's contained in this resolution speaks for itself. This thing started as a, what was it, what did I say? An 11-bed facility. The Hawaii County Jail. And describe by saying, you know, referencing the old Andy Griffith Show. You know, this is where you put Otis the drunk over there to sleep it off and then go back into the community. Since that time, far different now. You know, hundreds of beds and we're still above capacity of what it should be, with no end in sight. I really share the consternation of, you know, too bad Kiki Rycraft wasn't here, because she's really been a vocal opponent or spokesperson for this community. But,the way that the State went about approving the construction of the 48 beds is very questionable. I personally think that they didn't follow their processes and procedures as Vianne mentioned. They did a community outreach, but the community outreach didn't involve the neighboring community. It's kind of funny, not too funny, you know. But they went out to the outlying areas like Pana`ewa and Keaukaha. And you know, that has some racial overtones in and of itself already, right? But I just think, you know, realistically speaking I was quoted in the paper as saying, you know, my guess is this new facility is going to cost over a $100 million. And where we're going to find the money? I mean where is the State going to find the money? I don't know, I really don't know, but this thing has been going on for a long time. I don't want you guys to think, oh yeah, Aaron's just doing this because he's leaving. It's probably true, because I am leaving pretty soon, and so I've got to do it sooner than later, right? But, as Cheryl and Kiki and others know, you know, they've been voicing their concerns to me for many, many years. So this is not something new. It's not a knee-jerk reaction. It's something built up over many years, and our local newspaper has actually covered the over-crowding situation at that facility at least two times over the last three years. But what prompted me to propose this resolution was what I considered the smoking gun. Because on September 2nd, the Hawaii Correctional System Page 3 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 Oversight Commission came up with their thoughts and recommendations, and it really was concerning. It's all contained in the resolution. You guys can look it over. As I said, it speaks for itself. I don't really think there's, you know, much that needs to be said on this thing, but I just wanted to see if my colleagues were willing to put their stamp of approval on some kind of affirmative statement by the County or the County Council that it's time to look for someplace else already for this facility. Now the question is, okay, do we build an additional facility and keep what we've got there, or just move the whole facility and then use this for, you know, some other more community-driven types of uses? I don't know. That's not for me to say already. Whether this thing can happen or not, I don't know. It might be cost-prohibitive. But at least our legislative contingent and the State Legislature as a whole hopefully will have something in hand if and when they decide to visit the issue. And that's all I'm asking for, you know. I don't have the solutions, but it's time for, I think, the County to step up and make a statement. And that's all. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Chung. Let the record reflect that Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder has joined us. Anybody want to take it away? Chair David. MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair Kimball. Vice Chair Chung, I really want to say, thank you for bringing this into the public view. I just remember way back when I was a kid many decades ago, coming to Hilo once a year for Christmas with my parents to visit family and asking my dad, "What is that?" As we go up Waianuenue. And he said, "That's the jail." I'm going, "What, why is the jail next to the school?" And he goes, "I don't know." And it always made me wonder, and then I figured as I grew older, maybe, and the school got bigger, population grew. I said, well, they're going to have to move it now, right? They haven't. So what Vice Chair Chung is talking about, you know, I totally support this resolution. I'm just really sad that we haven't as government done something about it sooner. And it's really disheartening to think that things that are serious as this gets put down on the priority list for whatever reason, and I feel that this is public safety and protecting our citizens. In my opinion, this should be at the top of the list, especially because of its location and the things that are going on expressed by the testifiers. And thank you so much for your personal insight, because other than that, I would not know the depth of theI don't know if it's challenged, it's not even a challenge. It's terrifying to be living this close to a facility such as this. Page 4 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 So, Vice Chair Chung, I support this wholeheartedly, and I really thank you for bringing it out in the open just to bring some awareness, and hopefully, we can get some action from the State. And that's all I have to say, and thank you again for coming before us this morning. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair David. I don't know which one of you was first. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Kimball. Chair, if I could—someone wanted to testify on behalf of the resolution but missed their opportunity, but they're in the Zoom room. And I was wondering if the Council be willing to listen to her comment. She lives directly across from the jail as well. CHR. KIMBALL: Yeah, given the time, I'll allow it. Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the of Business: following item was taken out of order Statements Catherine Windgate registered to comment on Res. 559-22 and came forward from the when called. Public on Res. 559-22: Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business. of Business: CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, anything else to add? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So as part of my time, I just want to mahalo Ms. Windgate for jumping on and providing testimony. This is something she and I have talked about for years and has just been really a pain in her side. And there's other components too. I mean when food is delivered at 4:00 o'clock in the morning, 5:00 o'clock in the morning, the truck that reverses makes this beeping sound. And it's a safety precaution for the truck, but that beeping sound drives her absolutely insane. Amongst everything, you know,that's a pretty small point compared to what was brought up today by other testifiers. But I just appreciate you bringing this forward, Aaron, because the community around this really just not have a positive view on a prison being located within this area. And like the testifier said, next to a school, next to churches in a residential area. It's not fitting, and what better direction than to have this possibly moved to a new location. So I'll be supporting this today. Thank you, Mr. Chung. Page 5 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, I concur with the statements of my colleagues. And mahalo you, Mr. Chung for bringing this forward, continuing to shed light on this issue that it's finding its way into the news. Thankful for that. I feel that this is a sad reflection of the insufficient infrastructure, not only in our County, but in some of our State facilities. It's poor placement of what historically, as Aaron you mentioned, was your small town community jail. And it has outgrown that purpose and it needs to be moved. Throwing good money after bad;perpetuating the trauma to this community and to the inmates themselves. You know,there are those that find themselves incarcerated with true intentions of rehabilitation and of healing, and making restitution; and inflicting upon them circumstances, as what's come forth in these reports does not help in that capacity. Nor, does perpetuating the trauma on the residents who live in this area and exposing our keiki to potential harm reflect wisdom in our leadership. And so, my hope is that through our Council hopefully today supporting this resolution and passing it, that it goes to the ears and the hearts of those in the State, who have the capacity and the resources to allocate to finding a solution and moving this facility out of what is otherwise predominantly a residential area. It's not an appropriate place for something like this for anyone. So I am very grateful that this has been brought forward. My heart goes out to each and every one of you who are consistently impacted by something that really is a travesty and it's not acceptable. So thank you for this conversation and stepping forward. And I hope that we can re-earn your trust as community leaders in advocating for the movement of this facility and the funding of a more appropriate placement where both inmates can receive the services and rehabilitation programs, and the community can return to a peaceful, safe space where community can be community. So, with that I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Anyone else? Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair,just really quick. I just want to appreciate the testifiers for coming out today and sharing your personal stories. I can't help but feel frustrated and upset by what you're having to go through on a daily basis. But more than that,just feeling a huge sense of outrage. The State has failed our community. Their lack of prioritization. Their lack of action has really lead to major negative impacts on communities. So, I'll be supporting this resolution wholeheartedly. Page 6 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 And do appreciate the, you know, the `Be It Resolved" clause here, where Council Member Chung is calling for relocation of this facility. It's just not conducive to how the Hilo community has developed. So, I think the relocation is the most appropriate solution. And so, I'll do everything I can with my colleagues to be calling on our State Legislators this session to really make it a priority. Thank you, Vice Chair Chung for bringing this forward. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member Lee Loy. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, and like my colleagues, I think they've said it all. It really is a call to action. And thank you, Vice Chair Chung, for advancing this, because it's really going to take a full-court press effort from all of us here reaching out to our colleagues up at the State Legislature. But I also do want to recognize Cheryl Reis. Vice Chair Chung touched upon it. But she did, she served our community as a police officer. She gave and gave and gave. And now she's here asking for our help. And what struck me in her testimony was the point she made of having arrested someone; having them in a facility right across the street from her to look at her every day. And thank you. Thank you for having that strength of character to serve our community the way you did for so many years. And as Aaron said, the highest ranking woman police officer in the State for many, many, many years. Thank you for that. And I think it's time that us as a legislative body and as our State Senators and Representatives, do what you did for many, many years is get this done and return back to you all those years of good service that you provided to us. Thank you, Chair Chung for advancing this resolution. I stand in full support. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, real quick. Just couldn't agree with my colleagues more and look forward to supporting this. And thank you to all four of you today for providing insight as to what it's like. Totally not sensible to have this facility stay where it is with community. I don't think any of us would want a prison in any of our residential communities anywhere on this island. So, mahalo Mr. Chung, I'll be supporting. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Council Member Chung. MR. CHUNG: And really, you know, on behalf of the neighboring community as well as the greater Hilo community, I really appreciate all the words of support that you guys have given towards them. I just wanted to make one comment, though. I think all of you know that I'm not one that just quickly jumps on, "Not In My Back Yard" kind of movements, okay. And I don't want you guys to think Page 7 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 that I'm getting soft in my old age, because this is not a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) kind of situation. That's why I illustrated in the resolution that this is something that just kept on growing and growing and growing. And I guess the tipping point for the community really was that 48-bedI mean, you know, it was an untenable situation at best before. But when they built the new wing, it became apparent, I think to the community that they're going to have to play catchup, and by doing that, they're just going to continue building out the situation, and that I think, became a very rough thought for everyone. But that's all I wanted to say. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Chung. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I just want to recognize the testifier earlier was Catherine Windgate, and she has actually reached out to Aaron's office, and he has done everything that he can to make sure that her issues were addressed. And I just wanted to commend him for that and his office for taking care of that. She, beyond being a friend of mine, she's a concerned citizen who lives directly across the street. And this is just—it drives her crazy. And so, Aaron, thank you for taking care of the people in our community and doing what you do. Thank you, Chair. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? Alright, I'll just make a brief comment that I'll also be supporting this resolution. Thank you, Council Member Chung for introducing it. As a parent who has put four students now through Hilo Inter and Hilo High right next to the facility, I've had similar experiences to yours, Council Member Chung, where my children notified me there were, locked down for the day because somebody had escaped, or something like that. Every time I drove by to pick them up, I'm like, what is this doing here right next to these two educational facilities? So, thank you for bringing it forward, you know. I think we do have an advantage to the other counties in that we are the Big Island. We do have a lot of State-owned land. There's really no excuse that another location couldn't be considered, number one. And then also, you know, you drew attention to the report that was the assessment on the conditions within the facility, and that's completely untenable as well. And so, you know, both addressing that the situation with regard to the impact on the neighborhood surrounding the facility, as well as the condition for the inmates inside. I think the State can do better and must do better. And I'm happy to support this resolution encouraging them to do so. With that, we'll take the vote. All of those in favor? Page 8 GOREDC-33 October 5,2022 Vote on Res. 559-22: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 559-22, (Approved) was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards— 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL. Can I get a motion to adjourn? ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 10:05 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Richards— 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: We are adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Thank you. Approved: /eV/e(A M . Heather L. Ki ball, Chair (Date) Government Opera ions, Relations, and Economic Development Committee HK/dt Page 9