HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCHSW 001 2023/01/05 (2022-2024) I
I
REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE N HEALTH, I
SAFETY,AND WELL-BEING
DATE: January 5, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 1085I13ill No. 239
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai'i
TIME: 10:52 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 239,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 239,transmitted by Director of Parks and Recreation Maurice C. Messina via
Communication No. 1085, dated October 10, 2022, amends Chapter 15, Article I and Article 2,
Division 1 and Division 2, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended),
Relating to the Operation of Parks and Recreational Areas.
This measure would set hours of operation for all parks, beach parks, cemeteries, and recreation
facilities, and amends provisions for prohibited activities in park areas.
Director Messina and Deputy Director Michelle Hiraishi were available in the Hilo Chambers for
questions. Hawai'i Police Department Officer Matt Lewis was also in attendance and answered
questions from Committee Member Sue Lee Loy regarding the trespassing issues that occur at
our parks after hours with confusion about timing of when beach parks close. Council Chair
Heather Kimball wanted clarification on the language of removal or gathering of any small rocks
and seashells for personal use.
Director Messina agreed that further clarification was needed and stated that an amendment
would be submitted before the next reading. He said this amendment clarifies and establishes
perimeters for hours at beach parks to make consistent, set hours of closure across all beach
parks to help with safety and enforcement of trespassing laws. He also mentioned that these
hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,have already been in effect for the last two years due to
COVID restrictions.
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill 239, and recommends its passage on first reading.
i
sm
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA x POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
INABA x SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x AM KXGINKDA, CHAIR
LEE LOV X PCHSW REPORT NO.: 1
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JAN 2 5 2023