HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2023-03-22 2022-2024 Hawaii County Council
Stn Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
March 22, 2023
INVOCATION: Pastor Jason Meechan of Kona Faith Center 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, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Heather L. Kimball,
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Vice Chair
Ms. Cindy Evans, Member
Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo; came in
later)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, 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 (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
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:
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Renee Rivera: Res. 61-23 (Comm. 123), in support.
(representing He Ho`omaka (See Comm. 123.7)
Hou`ana `O Puna)
Brandee Menino: Res. 61-23 (Comm. 123), in support.
(representing HOPE Services (See Comm. 123.6)
Hawaii)
Toby Hazel: Res. 61-23 (Comm. 123);
Res. 70-23 (Comm. 132);
Res. 71-23 (Comm. 133);
Res. 79-23 (Comm. 159); and
Bill 26 (Comm. 106), comment.
Paul Normann: Res. 61-23 (Comm. 123), in support.
(representing Neighborhood Place
of Puna and Community Alliance
Partners)
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to approve the Minutes of
February 22, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you, Chair. Still being new and learning, I looked at the
meeting minutes and there's places where it's dash, dash, dash, which means
there was a lot more conversation that happened. And yet when you look at other
parts of the meeting minutes, it's like verbatim, like translating what people said.
I'm just curious, because of the fact that it's recorded now and it's virtual and I
believe people can call up and actually watch our meetings, what is the purpose of
the meeting minutes and what do we use them for, and should we take a look at
meeting minutes as a body? Are we required by Robert's Rules to have meeting
minutes? Because we now have, basically, verbatim; we can watch it now.
So it's just curious because when I saw all the dash, dash, dash, there's a lot more
conversation that went on that's not recorded in the meeting minutes right now.
So I'm just a little confused. If we're not going to—if we want it to be verbatim,
it should be but it's not. So it's just a point of information: What's the purpose of
the meeting minutes, and do we have to really have them? Question.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Mr. Clerk, did you want to weigh in
on behalf of Council Services at all?
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MR. HENRICKS: They are required by State the minutes are required by State
law. I can look at the portion of the minutes you're describing, and I can probably
help you understand why it appears that way. We don't choose to document part
of it verbatim and other parts not. So we can talk about that offline. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
MS. EVANS: Yeah, thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Since it still is verbatim and I was reading it, and actually it's
something you said and I think it's not what you wanted to say: It's on page 9.
Let's see. The last part of what you said. You say, "I think you are an amazing
woman, and I did not think that the last time." I don't think that's what you
wanted to say. Take out a"not"there or something.
CHR. KIMBALL: Yeah.
MS. GALIMBA: Minor.
CHR. KIMBALL: Yeah. Appreciate that. Council Member Evans, did you have
any further ?
MS. EVANS: No. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Seeing no further discussion, we'll move to the
vote. All of those in favor of approving the minutes, please say "aye."
Vote on Approval The motion to approve the Minutes of February 22, 2023,
of Minutes: was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: At this time, I'd like to request that we start with the reports.
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:
Page 3
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
GOEAC-21 NOMINATION OF CLINTON LEWE-SONG TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
(Comm. 114):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-21: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 21. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Clinton Lewe-Song is approved.
GOEAC-22 NOMINATION OF SARAH GIBBON TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS
(Comm. 115):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-22: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 22. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Sarah Gibbon to the Board of Ethics is
approved.
GOEAC-23 NOMINATION OF PAUL P. PAIVA TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS
(Comm. 116):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Page 4
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on GOEAC-23: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 23. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Paul Paiva is approved.
GOEAC-24 NOMINATION OF LAURA ACASIO TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
(Comm. 117): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-24: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 24. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Laura Acasio to the Environmental
Management Commission is approved.
GOEAC-25 NOMINATION OF DAWN RAYMOND TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL
(Comm. 118): ADJUDICATION BOARD
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on GOEAC-25: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Dawn Raymond to the Liquor Control
Adjudication Board is confirmed.
GOEAC-26 NOMINATION OF TRAVIS ING TO THE POLICE COMMISSION
(Comm. 119):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-26: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 26. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Travis Ing to the Police Commission is
confirmed.
GOEAC-27 NOMINATION OF JOSEPHINE PELAYO TO THE POLICE COMMISSION
(Comm. 120):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on GOEAC-27: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 27. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Josephine Pelayo to the Police
Commission is confirmed.
GOEAC-28 NOMINATION OF TERESA NAKAMA TO THE SALARY COMMISSION
(Comm. 121):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 31, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-28: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 28. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: The nomination of Teresa Nakama to the Salary Commission
is confirmed. I just want to mahalo all of our applicants and nominees that are
here today. So thank you for being present in the chambers. I appreciate it. Have
a great day. Thank you for your volunteerism. Mr. Clerk, if we could now go to
the top of the agenda,please.
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.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Res. 60-23: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO
(Draft 2) NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A CONSERVATION
EASEMENT OF TAX MAP KEYS: 2-1-018:006, 007, AND 010 SITUATED IN
THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH HILO, ALSO KNOWN AS KAUMAUI, UTILIZING
THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION FUND
The County seeks to acquire a conservation easement to preserve, restore, and
revitalize freshwater and anchialine ponds and to provide a learning space for
educational and cultural purposes. The acquisition of a conservation easement at
Kaumaui is listed as the number two priority in the 2021 Annual Report of the
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.
Reference: Comm. 122.3
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: LAAC-12
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 60-23, Draft 2, and
Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report
No. 12. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Just requesting again support from my
colleagues. This really is an exciting time for Hilo, specifically Keaukaha. It is
the first property that's being purchased with the open space fund that we know
has been part of our budget for a long time. Really excited to help community,
and also the stewardship piece that the applicants have in this. I think this is the
one time that we actually have the stewardship in front of the purchase. So,
really, my hat's off to community for doing the good work down in community
and elevating this property for the conservation easement. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any additional
discussion? Seeing none, all of those in favor of approving Resolution 60-23,
Draft 2, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 60-23: The motion to adopt Res. 60-23, Draft 2, and Legislative
Draft 2 Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 12 was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Page 8
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 60-23, Draft 2, is adopted.
Res. 61-23: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT TO AWARD FUNDS TO VARIOUS NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS FOR PROGRAMS ADDRESSING HOUSING AND
HOMELESSNESS
Proposes 16 grant awards to 13 different nonprofit organizations for a total of
$7,583,528.92 in funding that was derived from Tier Two property tax revenues.
Reference: Comm. 123
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R)
Approve: LAAC-13
(Note: Comm. 123.4, from Housing Administrator Susan Kunz dated March 20,
2023, transmitting project abstracts and proposed project budgets relating to
Res. 61-23, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 61-23 and Legislative
Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 13.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. Is Director Seiko in Hilo? Sako? Sorry.
MR. BROWN: She is not in the chamber at this time.
MS. EVANS: Okay. So I have a question about the criteria for determining the
amount.
CHR. KIMBALL: Specialist Sharon Hirota is here. She might be able to answer
your questions. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Housing and Community Development Specialist
Sharon Hirota came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. EVANS: So the amount and the choosing of the organization. So all the
ones that are on this list, is that all hundred percent of people applying, or were
there disqualifications? Was there because these are large dollar amounts.
MS. HIROTA: Good morning. Sharon Hirota, County of Hawaii Office of
Housing. I'm sorry, I walked in in the midst of your question.
MS. EVANS: Sorry. Okay.
MS. HIROTA: Would you mind repeating?
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I was just curious because, you know, how many
applications you got, how many were disqualified, and the dollar amount is quite
huge for many of them. Did they get what they asked for? How did you discern
the final decision on the list I'm reading?
MS. HIROTA: At the close of the RFP (Request for Proposals), we received
31 responses, of which 30 met the RFP review qualifications, meaning they
submitted a complete application. Of the 30—we had five committee members
who rank and rate. Based on the ranking and the rating of these RFPs, we
awarded starting with who ranked the highest and all the way till we ran out of
funding to support. There were three applications that the committee felt we
could that we were going to adjust the amount of the award so that we could go
further down the list. The end result is what was presented to you.
MS. EVANS: Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council
Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for being here today, Sharon. I have some
questions about Habitat for Humanity and the construction capacity building. I
suppose I'm very confused. I understand the broad spectrum of homelessness and
houselessness, but the work of Habitat for Humanity is focused on getting people
into owning their own homes. And there is a far distance from the person on the
streets in Kailua-Kona in our village from somebody owning a home.
So the allocation of funding to pay a construction manager to support Habitat for
Humanity's work, which is amazing work which I firmly appreciate, but I would
see funding of a project or that kind of a role being way more relevant to the
$5 million that was set aside directly for increasing housing, as opposed to what's
being allocated here. I don't see alignment in the purpose of what I understood
division of this $9.5 million to be. So I have concerns about that being
authentically about homelessness. People don't move into their own homes in
Habitat for Humanity builds necessarily straight from the street.
I also have concerns about lending and allocating almost a million dollars in the
journey from being on the street to buying a home is a long one. And, once again,
it was my understanding that our approval of$9.5 million to be allocated to the
houseless crisis that we have on-island, this is a far cry way up the chain from
getting people directly off the streets,providing them funding to be able to buy a
home. Those are people that already are more likely renting someplace and have
a roof over their head.
I have concerns over the allocation of funding being predominantly on the east
side of the island. It's no secret that I have a lot of concerns about the quality and
equity of services being provided on the west side in Kona through HOPE
Page 10
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Services. I have received a number of phone calls and Facebook messages and a
number of different people who work within this sector encouraging me to
continue to harp on this, for lack of a better way to say it, which isn't a fun place
to be for myself, personally. This is not fun.
I also was very concerned finding out, after our last meeting, that you
communicated that this $7.583 million has been allocated to these organizations.
But of the 2 million that was held back by Housing, that 1.6 that was given to
three housing locations, services locations were also HOPE Services locations.
So we're looking at closer to 40 percent of this $9.5 million going to an
organization that my community continues to express frustrations and concerns. I
have an appreciation for the documentation and the paperwork and
Brandee Menino's reports, but I also know the fallibility of reports.
I have questions about the ranking-and-rating system that was utilized by the five
individuals to put together these allocations. We've already had conversations
about the one organization that was denied and the circumstances around that and
the confusion around that, and some questions about how that was managed and
handled. So I just—it's gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching for me that I am now
going to go into meetings with community policing and other community
members and organizations, and the things that I really had said: "Hey, we've got
this money coming and we've got this process in action, and we have the
opportunities to provide resources to the organization"—and there is
predominantly, like, three that I know of that are really being effective in my
community—and that coming out of that, there is no funding for that. So I just
have to express my personal and professional concerns where this is related. With
that, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Ms. Hirota, I don't know if you
wanted to respond to any of that. Up to you. Okay, thank you. Any additional
discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair? Here in Hilo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Yeah, Council Member Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I appreciate all the members of the nonprofit
community that showed up today to just speak very candidly. Paul,
Neighborhood Place of Puna,just the frustration that you as on-the-ground folks
are experiencing and trying to solve for this ever-evolving and what seems to be
growing issue. So I completely empathize and just appreciate your willingness
every day to just get up and keep trying in the face of so much struggle and
adversity. And so I want to lend my support for this resolution.
I think of Sharon Hirota's leadership in this particular program, and I don't
question at all what she and her team did to pull this together in the amount of
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
time that they did. When our County was allocated $80 million in CARES
(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security), that woman and a handful of
people got that money out the door and helped community providers spend that
down so quick. We created innovative programs. We led the way across the
State, and we survived the Federal audits. I do not question how she's developed
this program.
There have been numerous opportunities for community partners that are actually
doing the work to solve housing, to solve homelessness, to be part of the
conversation and generate solutions and say, "These are the things that we need
funding." There had been numerous reports to the Council every step of the way.
Opportunities for every single one of us to share mana`o and insights. And so I
applaud Sharon and her team. I see Dennis and Michael and I don't know where
Keiko is, but I know that you all have played a really integral role in making this
happen. And Paul mentioned earlier this is just the first step.
And I understand that HOPE Services is getting a lion's share of the funding here.
But to hear that they're working with folks like Renee, our tita, right, who was
homeless but was provided the support from these folks that we are funding so
that she can be a success story, that's huge for me,that HOPE Services is willing
to partner with up-and-coming nonprofits and build their capacity. So I'll be
supporting it. And I hope that we get more reports from Housing and our
nonprofit partners so that we can further identify how we as the County can be
better supporting you who are doing the hard work on the ground. Thank you,
Sharon, for your presence today and for your team for being here. Thank you,
Madam Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else over
there in Hilo?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, please, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Absolutely in support of this resolution. Earlier, we
had a testifier—Toby—and there was some cowboy logic in what she expressed
about housing and the frustration. And if we listened carefully, she is actually
echoing the exact same sentiments that so many of our nonprofit partners who are
taking on this work is expressing. But what I heard loud and clear is we've got to
do better, and that's what this funding does. It gives us an opportunity to do
better.
I'm incredibly impressed with how this program got stood up in a year
something absolutely unheard of in government. We have Parks department and
Aging and all these other divisions, but this is one program that got stood up in a
year to basically tackle the hard situation around homeless and housing. At the
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
end of the day, tackling homeless leads to housing them, and that's what I see in
this list of nonprofits. They're tackling mental health issues, people on the streets,
but also providing options for people who could, in an unforeseen situation, end
up homeless because they're living paycheck to paycheck. And this is the type of
spectrum nonprofit partners we need to take a real big bite out of the problem.
And so it is an honor to support this resolution. But now that we know better, we
can do better. And I think the work that these nonprofit partners are going to do
by collecting the data to make sure that we can get the work done, we'll see that
happen in year two. And we can start judging the efficacy of this money. I'm
really excited about where this is going to take us. For those reasons, I will be
wholeheartedly supporting this resolution and look forward to the good work of
our nonprofit partners. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair?
CHR. KIMBALL: Go ahead, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much. Sharon, thank you
for being here this morning, as well as your team. Good to see you all. I have a
question regarding Hawaii Island Home for Recovery. I'm looking through
Communication 123.4, which you provided based on our last meeting's request.
I'm just looking through them, and I'm just wondering about the funding sources.
I guess the question would be being more programmatic personnel revolving or
—
I mean, in this case, some of these funds are being used to remove excess trees
and foliage. My question really is I can see some of this tying in to providing
services, but in this case, there's a pretty substantial amount of funding going to
architectural and building work. I'm looking for some insight from your
department on that.
MS. HIROTA: Just for clarification, are you looking at the document
Proposal 13?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I am looking at Communication 123.4,
which was provided in regards to Resolution 61-23, which gives a detail of the
different projects that were coming before you folks that have been the different
proposals, the project abstracts. Proposal Nos. 13 and then 14 are standing out to
me.
MS. HIROTA: At the request of Council from our previous meeting, we were
asked to submit copies of all of the project abstracts for all applicants that were
submitted and considered. Proposal No. 13 is not one of those projects that we
funded.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. Yeah, that actually makes
me feel better because I really wanted this funding to go towards programs and
some real solid ways of tackling homelessness in our community. And I can see
the tie-in to fixing up a building and creating more rooms for folks, but I also feel
like some that this wasn't sitting right with me. So I am glad to hear that. That
was 13 and 14, or just 13?
MS. HIROTA: Proposal 13. Proposal 14.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Were not funded?
MS. HIROTA: Were not.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. That makes me feel better.
Beautiful. Well, again thank you, Sharon, for what you folks have done. I really
do appreciate it. This is new to all of us, and I really do feel like you folks did a
good job. This is your first round, and I look forward to seeing what you do on
the next round as well. And I really do look forward to seeing what our different
service providers are able to do with these funds and what dent we make in
homelessness in our community. Thank you. I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Council
Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. Just a quick question, sort of following on
Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's questioning. I just wanted to know what
their reporting is going to be. Do they have a mid-term report as well as a final?
That was one question. Then do either or both of those come to us to see what the
effect will be of this funding?
MS. HIROTA: In regards to our next steps, we are working on finalizing the
contract with a data manager. They currently manage the homeless information
system for the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. And instead of recreating
the wheel, because there's years of data points in there, we're requiring our
responders to enter the data that they're collecting in regards to the individuals
that they're helping into the same database where we'll be able to pull County-
funded data reports. And then we will be presenting that to the Council. I think
in Resolution 442-22 we have a year to do it. So we are hoping that once we get
standup, we can come in and present what this data looks like and the results, and
then periodically.
MS. GALIMBA: Okay. So part of this is these organizations that are getting
these grant fundings will be merging the data that they gather into a larger
database is what you're saying, which should help us get a bigger picture.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. HIROTA: Yes. One reporting mechanism collecting all of the same data
points, as applicable, and then going into one data system so we can track not
only what outcomes you are achieving through County-only funds, but also when
you layer it on with the Federal and State funds for the entire island.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. All right, great. With
no further discussion, I'll call for the vote. All of those in favor of approving
Resolution 61-23actually, we may need to do a roll call on this. Mr. Clerk, let
me ask you to do that.
Vote on Res. 61-23: The motion to adopt Res. 61-23 and Legislative Approvals
(Adopted) and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 13 was carried by
the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, and Chair Kimball —8.
Noes: Council Member Villegas — 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: The measure is adopted.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
Res. 62-23: AUTHORIZES GRANT OF A 65-YEAR TERM EASEMENT FOR UTILITY
PURPOSES TO HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC., AND
HAWAIIAN TELCOM, INC., OVER TAX MAP KEYS: 3-9-001:034 (POR.)
AND 3-9-001:042 (POR.) LOCATED AT O`OKALA, DISTRICT OF
NORTH HILO, COUNTY AND STATE OF HAWAII
Provides Revocable Right of Entry to Easement U-2 at a cost of$1,700 and
Easement U-3 at a cost of$5,000 for the continued maintenance and operation of
infrastructure required to provide electrical and telecommunication services to the
community.
Reference: Comm. 124
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R)
Approve: LAAC-14
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 62-23 and Legislative
Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 14.
Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. EVANS: Question.
CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: I don't know who the question would go to, but when the electric
company approaches us and say they want a right-of-entry permit, is there a cost
for them? Do they apply for it? Is there a cost to us processing that request?
Because, I'm looking at the value of this easement and I understand it's a 65-year
term easement, and we're going to get, for that, $1,700. So I'm just curious, do
we get anything in addition to the 1,700? Is there actually a fee for processing
this request above and beyond the 1,700? I don't know who would answer that.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. I'm not sure if we have
anybody from the Administration that can respond to that question. I think that's
probably either a PlanningI'm looking at DPW (Department of Public Works).
I don't think it's you guys. No, they don't have the answer. Director Sako
perhaps.
MS. EVANS: It must be the real property division of Finance, possibly.
CHR. KIMBALL: Hamana, yeah.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: I'm sorry. I missed the question.
MS. EVANS: My question is, I was looking at—it's a 65-year easement and,
based on our evaluation, we're asking for $1,700. My question was, when they
come and approach us and they ask us to process this request, are we charging
them a fee? An application fee for processing?
MS. SAKO: Not usually like a processing fee but the rent or, for lack of a better
word, like that easement cost is calculated based on some kind of appraisal,
whether it's our real property tax appraisal or an independent appraisal. I don't
have those two in front of me, so I'm not sure which ones we used. But, yes, we
did some sort of calculation to come up with that amount.
MS. EVANS: Correct. But we're not charging the applicant any fee for us
paying for an appraisal or processing it internally? They're not being charged for
that?
MS. SAKO: No, I don't believe so.
MS. EVANS: Basically, we just come up with the $1,700 for 65 years? Is that
correct?
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. SAKO: Correct.
MS. EVANS: Yeah, we don't charge them anything for processing.
MS. SAKO: Yeah, not that I'm aware of.
MS. EVANS: Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 62-23, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 62-23: The motion to adopt Res. 62-23 and Legislative Approvals
(Adopted) and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 14 was carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Lee Loy — 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 63-23: AUTHORIZES GRANT OF A 65-YEAR TERM EASEMENT FOR UTILITY
PURPOSES TO HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC., OVER TAX
MAP KEY: 3-9-001:034 (POR.) LOCATED AT O`OKALA, DISTRICT OF
NORTH HILO, COUNTY AND STATE OF HAWAII
Provides Revocable Right of Entry to Easement U-1 at a cost of$21,000 for the
continued maintenance and operation of infrastructure required to provide electrical
service to the community of O`okala in North Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 125
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R)
Approve: LAAC-15
Vote on Res. 63-23: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 63-23 and Legislative
(Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 15.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Lee Loy — 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 63-23 is adopted.
Res. 70-23: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR HOUSING
ASSISTANCE PAYMENT CONTRACT WITH KALOKO HEIGHTS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING LLLP, OWNER OF KALOKO HEIGHTS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE SECTION 8 PROJECT-BASED
VOUCHER PROGRAM AS OFFERED THROUGH A PUBLIC NOTICE DATED
DECEMBER 5, 12, AND 19, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 18 AND 19, 2019
Reference: Comm. 132
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-26
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 70-23 and
Finance Committee Report No. 26. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. I believe we have Mr. Yee in Hilo chambers.
Mr. Yee, at Committee hearing, there was some discussion regarding the period
of time for these resolutions before us today. And there's some concern and
discussion with Corporation Counsel regarding a lack of a clear amount of time in
these resolutions. So can you try and refresh us so that we can make sure that
we're all good on our end to approve these resolutions, please.
(Note: At this time, Housing and Community Development Specialist
Michael Yee came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. YEE: Michael Yee, Office of Housing and Community Development.
Multi-year agreements for project-based vouchers. This is an agreement with
HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) that when
we assign a certain number of project-based units, that there's an approval for the
number of units and that vouchers/monies could be used for those project-based
units, versus a mobile voucher, okay.
So the agreement is part of, I guess, in the end, a really important financing piece
for developers. Their project could be made up of knowing that they're going to
receive project-based subsidies. They're going to bundle together all the
financing pieces for it. There's typically a limit of how much they can use
project-based, the number of units in the project. So it's not going to be a
hundred percent. There are some exceptions to that. But for the most part, it's
only one piece of the financing tool for them.
I think it's real important to understand that within the financing scheme of
things, that often people, other financers, want to know that the project-based
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
vouchers are going to come into a project. So, often we're asked to be able to
provide the commitment to the project-base. So an AHAP (Agreement for
Housing Assistance Program)provides that. It's an early agreement to say—an
agreement to enter in a housing assistance payment that the developer knows
down the road when they build their units they're going to get an official housing
assistance payment contract with us down the road after the project is built.
Okay. So it's basically a commitment to the number of units and to the subsidies.
All the subsidies are flowing from HUD to us for the project. No County funds
are part of that financing for project-based vouchers.
In terms of what the term will be, like the next resolution after the Kaloko
resolution on the agenda today is for a slew of projects that we awarded project-
based vouchers, most of that is unknown. We wouldn't know will they come in
for a 15-year or 20-year; we're not quite sure yet today. But we do know we need
permission to be able to enter an agreement. Generally, I can tell you it's going to
be 15 to 20 years is the bulk of most of the agreements. I hope I've answered
some of your questions.
And so in the case of Kaloko, which is coming in very late, yes, we do know it's a
20-year term. But typically when we come in front of you for these multi-year
agreements, we won't know exactly what the term is that they're going to be
asking for down the road. Okay. So, generally, we would never apply a term to
the resolution. Thank you.
MR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Yee. I guess I would ask Corporation Counsel.
It's just because we've had discussions regarding these resolutions. If we know
it's 20oh, I think it just comes down to we've gotten ourselves into trouble as a
County previously with contracts that are not specific. And when this resolution
is authorizing essentially a contract that is not specific as to the length of time, it's
just cause for concern. So I just want to make sure. I don't have a problem at all
with these resolutions and what the intention is here, but trying to make sure that
we're airtight in doing what we do here. So, Corporation Counsel, if you could
please weigh in here,please.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. STRANCE: Good morning. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. Let
me just preface my comment. I'm not altogether familiar with this type of
contract. And it's not clear to me from Mr. Yee whether we're talking about right
now a contract with HUD or whether we should be putting out in the future
authorization to enter into other contracts for which we don't know the length of
the contract or the price of the contract.
Normally, there's certain elements that need to be in an agreement. The
consideration of the price of the contract is usually one of them. And the practice
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
of this body where there's multi-year contracts is to know the period of time over
which the County will have some obligation. And so it's not clear to me, in
listening to Mr. Yee, whether this is a current intention to enter into contracts or
whether there's some other purpose for funding that's required that may need to
get explained to you or clarified through an amendment in that resolution.
MR. INABA: Okay. So, Mr. Yee, if we're going to be—what's the difference
between these two? You're saying one is almost like a second round, but I don't
see a specific time for those either. Am I misunderstanding something?
MR. YEE: Not sure what your question is, sorry.
MR. INABA: You were mentioning that the second resolution we have before us
today from your office is almost like the second step that those are—or are these
the same type of resolution?
MR. YEE: It's the same resolution. We separated these two resolutions because
Kaloko, there was an award much earlier. So it was cleaner to keep it as a
separate reso (resolution). But, yes, it's not the second tier in the process. It's all
within the first tier of trying to get the multi-year agreement approval from you.
And so I was using the second resolution as an example of there's no way for me
to tell you what those terms are at this point in time because this is all part of how
a developer needs to package their financing. So they may find out a 15-year
term may be better than the 20-year term. We're generally flexible on this
because this is generally a pass-through from HUD funds to us for vouchers to
them as a subsidy on project-based units.
I think maybe that could be some of the difference here in wanting to wrangle.
It's not as if it's a contract where we're taking County funds to enter in a contract
when we're giving them the money. It's a pass-through of voucher subsidies
from HUD, but specifically saying these are for project-based units and not just an
open-ended voucher that we issue thousands of during the year.
MR. INABA: So, essentially, we're using these resolutions as a commitment so
they can secure their funding. Is that what I'm hearing? If we don't approve
this
MR. YEE: Correct.
MR. INABA: They can't go through with their project. We don't know the terms
of it, how long the terms are, but this is just a guarantee on the County's end that
we're going to give them these vouchers and we're going to pass these Federal
funds through to them.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MR. YEE: Yes. And let's say, in tax credits, you're given extra points within
their application when you've secured project-based financing. So, often we are
in the earlier part of trying to get commitments from us for project-based.
MR. INABA: All right. Well, Corporation Counsel, is there any concern with us
passingI feel that moving forward when we get something like this, even if we
don't know the specific terms, there should be a limit to a certain number of years
specified in here. So if we know it's typically 10-15, we can put a cap in of up to
20 years, but it puts in some type of parameter for these agreements. I don't know
if there's any concern with passing these today, though.
MS. STRANCE: I can't say one way or another. I know for like the PONC
(Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission)
matters, there's a two-step Council-approval process. One is authorizing the
County to negotiate. And then once the terms are set, then they come back in for
specific authorization for the contract, and it will have the term of the contract and
the cost of it.
This seems like, and again I preface it with not being familiar with the financing
process, this seems like it is bundling up those two pieces because certain terms of
the contract aren't yet known. And I'm not sure that the parties to the contract are
not described in the resolution. So this is really authorization to do both of those
things as best as I can understand from the resolution and what Mr. Yee is saying.
MR. INABA: Okay. Well, if there's not a concern that we can't pass it, then I'll
be supporting today. Mr. Yee, if we do have others like this come forth and we
do know what the average or typical term is, I'm wondering if we might include
something to that extent so there's some, again, type of parameters in the
resolutions we're approving.
MR. YEE: Concur.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Any further discussion?
Folks in Hilo? All right, seeing none, all those in favor of adopting
Resolution 70-23, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on Res. 70-23: The motion to adopt Res. 70-23 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 26 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 70-23 is adopted.
Res. 71-23: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR HOUSING
ASSISTANCE PAYMENT CONTRACT WITH THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF
THE PROJECTS SELECTED FOR THE SECTION 8 PROJECT-BASED
VOUCHER PROGRAM AS OFFERED THROUGH A PUBLIC NOTICE DATED
JULY 12, 19, AND 26, 2021
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a multi-year agreement for the following
proposed voucher projects: E Komo Mai Apartments, Hale Ola O Mohouli,
Hualalai Court, Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing, and Kuakini Heights.
Reference: Comm. 133
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-27
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 71-23 and
Finance Committee Report No. 27. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Hi, Mr. Yee. I just wanted to ask about the internal controls
around this particular sort of process just because we've been discussing that. We
discussed it yesterday, and the department had talked about how they have
instituted internal controls. And I wondered if there was a process around this
particular kind of contract. (Inaudible)people that would be working on the
contract, you know, two different signatories, that kind of thing.
(Note: At this time, Housing and Community Development Specialist
Michael Yee came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. YEE: Michael Yee again from Office of Housing and Community
Development. The contracts go up for Mayor's signature. So I think it's not even
our Housing Administrator that just signs the contracts. There are environmental
clearances that must happen because the project-based subsidies are going to be
used from the Federal Government. So there's environmental clearance, certain
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
forms that have to get filled out, certain publications that have to come out
regarding project-based use, voucher use. So I think there isI'm not sure if you
file that under internal control, but there's a lot of process to be able to get
information out to the community. The final signatures don't sit within just
OHCD (Office of Housing and Community Development).
And then as, let's say, tomorrow, we have the auditor coming in. And so our
whole voucher program goes under an audit. Again, they can choose to look at
some of the project-based, or they can look at other parts of the voucher program.
But we do get audited on a regular basis, too, for all our procedures. There is a
lengthy two-to three-inch binder of rules that we must follow that is HUD-
approved. So there are a lot of things that we have to follow. Auditors are
checking on that.
I think some of your questions around making sure, like, are we following
15 years, 20 years; are we following all the rules and making the payments and
the transfer of the funds are happening properly? We have a finance division.
There's monthly reporting functions with HUD on all this money. So I think
there's many layers when it comes to the HUD funds for vouchers that is
(inaudible) some internal control you may be looking toward. Don't know if that
answered your question.
MS. GALIMBA: It did. Thank you very much. I think that helps to have some
color on the process that goes on behind this program. So thank you very much
and I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Any other questions
or comments? All right, seeing none, all those in favor of adopting
Resolution 71-23, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 71-23: The motion to adopt Res. 71-23 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 27 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 71-23 is adopted. Thank you, Mr. Yee, for being
here and being available for our questions today. I appreciate it.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Res. 76-23: APPROVES THE HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES'
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SLATE OF OFFICERS
Ratifies the slate of officers approved by the Hawaii State Association of Counties
Executive Committee on February 13, 2023, as follows: Kauai County Council
Members Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., President(Bill DeCosta, Alternate); Maui
County Council Members Tamara Paltin, Vice President(Shane M. Sinenci,
Alternate); Honolulu City Council Members Tommy Waters, Secretary (Tyler Dos
Santos-Tam, Alternate); and Hawaii County Council Members Heather L.
Kimball, Treasurer(Jennifer Kagiwada, Alternate).
Reference: Comm. 156
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Waived: GOEAC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 76-23. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Just, yeah, looking for everybody's support. It's pretty
straightforward and I appreciate your support. Thanks.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 76-23: The motion to adopt Res. 76-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 76-23 is adopted.
Res. 77-23: CREATES ONE NEW INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST IV POSITION
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Establishes an Information Systems Analyst IV SR-22 position to provide support
to the Building Division and for the Electronic Processing and Information Center
permitting system.
Reference: Comm. 157
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 77-23.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director Stephen Pause came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
CHR. KIMBALL: We have, Council Members, the division director from DPW
here if there are any questions for them. I think this did move through—waived
out of Committee. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and discussion from you?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes,please. I just want to mention, yeah,
this was waived to Council on request by the department. So I would like to hear
why the push and then what this position will do to shore up our EPIC (Electronic
Processing and Information Center) system, our permitting or, as stated in the
B-52, technical assistance and technology support. How is it going to make it
better, Julann?
MR. PAUSE: I guess I don't need to be here. Director
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Or Steve. Sorry. Steve.
MR. PAUSE: No worries. Steve Pause, Director of Public Works. And with me
in the room is Building Chief Julann Sonomura. I think our challenges with EPIC
are well-documented. We've been working since the rollout back in July of'21
with a program manager who is pretty much the provides all of the support for
the EPIC application for both internally working with other departments, as well
as the support needed for the community.
So this position, we presently have the program manager in the Building Division,
and like I said, that person is stressed to the max. There's a lot going on with the
application, with just keeping the day-to-day things running, helping our own
internal folks get through issues and challenges, as well as looking at a number of
the areas that we are looking to identify metrics and statistics and things like that.
First and foremost, that's the one position we've had, and that's what we've had
all along. We have an ISA IV(Information Systems Analyst IV) for the
Department of Public Works, which has been vacant. It's only recently been
filled. But that position is all-encompassing for our entire department, not just
specific to Building. We've got challenges with keeping our website up to date
and with enough information to be able to communicate with the public. That's
what that ISA IV's job is, along with just general IT (Information Technology)
support for our department.
So this is a new position. It's also an ISA IV. It will, if nothing else, provide us
redundancy with giving us some support to that one person who's been carrying
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
the load here from the beginning. As you know, it's not really good business
practice to be completely dependent on one person. So having some redundancy I
think is really key.
I think the other part of it is just being able to take and remove some of the
burden, the support staff helping with issues that come up. We have inspectors in
the field with iPads. And every once in a while, there's a glitch and somebody
has to sit down and help an inspector get through whatever their software or
connectivity problems are. That's just another sort of day-to-day thing that takes
up time as well as support for issues encountered by the public.
Another area where we could really use some support with an additional person
here is reporting. We're constantly asked how are we doing, how do we measure
our performance, what sorts of metrics are we using. It's a challenge. The data
exists in the system, but it's a challenge taking the time with only one person
who's trying to keep the thing working day to day, and giving them an
opportunity to do some data-mining and answer questions like how many permits
are in our backlog or how many have been returned and how many have been
resubmitted, and just general sorts of things that come up day to day.
Another big area is testing. We have a major upgrade going on that's scheduled
for late April. And in order to do an upgrade on our software, we have to do
testing in a testing environment and we have to work with our own staff and get
them some time to do that. If we're working on this mandatory upgrade, it takes
time away from, once again, the day-to-day operations as well as the fixes and
things that come up along the way.
Another area where this person can assist us with is just training. We've got, I
think, three clerks starting here. We've got some new inspectors. So there's a
process for just being able to sit people down and give them the information and
the tools that they need in order to be good EPIC users when they're out
performing their jobs.
And I guess the last thing, too, is we have a number of enhancements. I think the
number right now is somewhere around 80 enhancements we're looking at doing.
Without getting the technical details of what EPIC is and how do you do
enhancements, it's simple things where we you've heard me talk in the past
about updating processes or streamlining processes. When we do those sorts of
things, we actually have to go into the software and make some adjustments. One
that comes to mind is we've been working on the decision engine, is what we call
it, something that will allow the public to go in and just go through table, table,
table so that they can fill out applications and kind of streamline things. That
takes time and that's our resources that would be doing that. All in all, there's a
lot of activity. There's a lot of things that this additional position can help us
with.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Director. I'll be
supporting this today. If, from what you said, we gain a person potentially who
can help us process and work over some of the more information-based aspects of
EPIC, then I think it's much-needed. I can underscore that. So thank you. Thank
you for the explanation. I'll be supporting this today.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair Kimball?
CHR. KIMBALL: Go ahead, Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Director Pause, for being
here and your explanation. I, too, will be supporting this. I just have a few
questions based on what you shared. You mentioned that the department
currently has an ISA IV position but it's not filled?
MR. PAUSE: It's only recently been filled, I'd say, within the last month or
month and a half. It was vacant for about six months. But as I tried to explain,
that's an alI-encompassing for the entire department. It's not specific to Building,
nor specific to EPIC.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Sure. But, still, a lot of kuleana involved in this particular
position. Are you able to share the requirements one needs to be able to fill in
order to apply for this position? What kind of skills, degrees that they must
possess?
MR. PAUSE: I don't have that information. We do have a position description
for an ISA IV. I don't have that information right in front of me. It's certainly
something we can provide, but it would be part of the application process. The
position description would include all of the prerequisites and degrees.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Great. Can you send it to the Council when you're able
to? And then are you able to share with us the range of pay that an ISA IV would
be making?
MR. PAUSE: Again, Council Member, I don't have that information, but yes, by
all means we can share that. I will make sure that that's included in the position
description when we forward it.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. I think we all better want to understand the return
on investment that we're making for this position. I know it's needed to improve
the flow and functionality of the permitting process, but just want to make sure
that we have all the information we need to make an informed decision.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
You mentioned Tyler Group and here in the B-52 it's mentioned that they're not
readily available to assist our department at any given moment. Will this ISA IV
be trained up by Tyler so that they can be troubleshooting if there are issues
within the system?
MR. PAUSE: Yes. Part of their training will include spending time with Tyler to
get the nuts and the bolts of the actual software and the applications and the
objects that are associated with the application and the software. So the answer is
yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And we're still paying Tyler on a monthly basis to support
the County?
MR. PAUSE: We're working on that contract. We haven't paid them in a while,
but yes, we are still paying them. It's an annual maintenance contract for the
software application, and it does include a certain amount of time for doing
troubleshooting and addressing tickets and issues like that. So, yes, they're still
being paid.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Do you recall what we've paid them in the past?
MR. PAUSE: I recall that the annual fee is somewhere around 300,000.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Is that the premium package? I don't know if
we're getting premium support from them that's why.
MR. PAUSE: I don't remember if it actually had a designation like that, Council
Member.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Got it. Okay. Well, I'll be supporting this and let us know
what we can do to help promote that this position is open and looking to be filled.
I think this is one of the biggest issues that our County is facing, is just getting
permits reviewed in a timely manner and issued so that folks can get to building.
Thank you, Director.
MR. PAUSE: Thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Any further
discussion? Council Member
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, I have a question.
CHR. KIMBALL: Let me recognize Chair Kagiwada and then I'll come back to
you there in Hilo, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member Kagiwada.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Director, I have absolutely no doubt that
you need this position and I'll be supporting, but I do have one question, kind of
following up on what Council Member Kierkiewicz was getting at. I'll also be
looking forward to helping get the word out.
As we continue to approve new positions, I'm just wondering what's your
confidence level on actually finding and hiring somebody for this position in a
fairly timely manner? Because, I know it's an issue all around the County as well
as specifically within County-hiring. Do you have a sense of if you have some
possible qualified applicants out there?
MR. PAUSE: Yes. I think in the past I've come here and we'veobviously, it's
well-documented, the challenges that we've had across our Building Division
between inspectors, plan examiners, and clerks. I've gotten extremely optimistic
here as the year turned into 2023. We've had good responses for interviewing
and filling a number of clerk jobs. We've had some inspector interviews. I
would tell you that the last ISA IV position that we interviewed for, the one that's
specific for the department, we had a number of candidates. So I'm hopeful and
actually pretty confident that we'll be able to get some folks to apply for this job
and some good candidates. Thank you.
MS. KAGIWADA: That's fantastic news. And like I said, I'll be supporting.
Thanks.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Back to you,
Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. I had a question for the Director. A couple
months back, this body heard a report done related to the building permit process
and some improvements that were recommended. I'm just curious if this
particular position was identified as one of those areas to address.
MR. PAUSE: Thank you for that question. There were a number of areas,
Council Member Lee Loy. I don't remember if it specifically called out
additional support to form an ISA IV, but there was a recognition that staffing
was a challenge for us. And being able to keep up with and maintain the software
application was certainly pointed out. So I'd have to say generally it was inferred
that, yes, you need more support in the area of being able to keep up with changes
and making improvements to the software.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Director, I think you might have covered it, but
really this position helps customize EnerGov and that process. Correct?
MR. PAUSE: Yes. It will help us make the adjustments that we've identified to
overall improve the permitting process as well as the software application that
goes with it. Yes.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. LEE LOY: Great. Thank you. I'll be supporting. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council
Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Aloha. Thank you. Hopefully,we will be the beneficiary of
the massive layoffs in the tech sector. We'll have tons of very qualified people
applying. But I just wanted to this is unsolicited advice, so take it for what
that's worth. I had been on the board of a private company who probably has had
very similar issues with taking on a software program to handle customers and
always having troubles, not getting the support from the software company. At
some point, they hired a CIO (Chief Information Officer)who was a person who
was very aware of their talent in this sector but did amazing things as far as
getting the package to work and also hiring folks. He left because he was very
talented. But I wondered if—this is probably the least, but I was wondering if
potentially bringing in someone temporarily as a CIO type of a person could help
the big picture work on the workflow software interface, which I know we kind of
talked about slightly when we met. So just a thought and I'm wondering if you
would consider that.
MR. PAUSE: I would consider taking all the help that we could get. We do have
support and obviously Planning, DIT (Department of Information Technology),
and Public Works are pretty much in lockstep with managing and dealing with the
day-to-day challenges with the software. So we do get support from our own DIT
department.
It was mentioned, I think when we went through the study that Council
Member Lee Loy referenced, that getting some outside support on a temporary
basis was certainly recommended. I don't know that we've necessarily been able
to pursue that. But one of the areas you touched on was also specifically
mentioned in the Tinner report, which is, he called it, it's a process mapping
exercise, a lean process. I have experience with that in my past and it's an
excellent idea. It hasn't risen up to the level of highest priority yet. We're still
kind of in a bit of a triage state, and certainly this position is going to help us get
over some hills. But the concept of looking at our process mapping and
understanding this is what we do, why do we do it; and the answer of"Well, it's
the way we've always done it"necessarily isn't a good answer.
So definitely something that's under consideration. I certainly would be back
here, hopefully six months from now, telling you, yeah, we've got a plan to do
that. But we're still trying to do the walk every day, and we're not quite training
for that marathon yet but we will get there.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Any other questions?
I had just one quick question for you, Director. When I was reading about City
and County of Honolulu having initiated a process where there's some artificial
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
intelligence reviewing applications as they come in for, like, the top three
common errors in submissions, is that something that our County is at all
pursuing? Your Division Director is shaking her head. So, yes, that's something
that we're looking at? Okay, great.
MR. PAUSE: Yes. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Excellent. Cool. All right, any further discussion? Seeing
none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 77-23, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 77-23: The motion to adopt Res. 77-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 77-23 is adopted. Thank you for being here,
Director and Division Director.
MR. PAUSE: Thank you so much for your support.
Res. 78-23: 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 HALE MUA CULTURAL
GROUP TO PURCHASE YEARBOOKS FOR EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS AT
KEALAKEHE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 158
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 78-23. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Based on discussions that you folks had in
Committees yesterday, I'm going to ask for a postponement on this matter to
make sure that it is in line with proper use of public funds.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to postpone Res. 78-23 to April 5, 2023.
Postpone: Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 78-23 will be postponed to the April 5h Council
meeting.
Res. 79-23: 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 HILO EDUCATION
ARTS REPERTORY THEATRE TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR ITS
YOUTH SUMMER THEATER CAMP AND PRODUCTIONS
Transfers $8,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 159
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 79-23. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Looking for your support here. This is an
arts organization that will be providing a summer camp program for children in
my district and nearby districts. The main thing is this is kind of an investment
because the equipment that they are looking to buy can be used many years to
come. One of the key things about this program, it's going to be low or no cost.
If anybody applies and gets in and cannot pay, it will be no cost to that family.
So, like I said, looking for your support. Thanks.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Any other discussion,
comments? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 79-23, please
say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on Res. 79-23: The motion to adopt Res. 79-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 79-23 is adopted.
Res. 80-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE PA`AUILO COMMUNITY EASTER EVENT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 160
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 80-23. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. KIMBALL: I would like leeway of my colleagues to just—this is the first
kind of event that they're having at this facility after its reopening since the ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990)upgrade. So we're just happy to
support this community-building event in this upgraded facility. So I ask for your
support. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting
Resolution 80-23, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 80-23: The motion to adopt Res. 80-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 80-23 is adopted.
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 28: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 19-53 AND ARTICLE 10,
(Draft 2) SECTION 19-71, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXES
Safeguards certain agriculturally productive properties which are also used as an
owner's primary residence or as an affordable rental from rising assessment values.
Reference: Comm. 113.2
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Approve: FC-28
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 28, Draft 2, on first reading
and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 28. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: We did have discussion in Committee about postponing this to the
April 5h meeting. But before doing that today, I just wanted to see if anyone had
further questions regarding this measure that we might be able—if there are any
suggestions or questions we can take up today, I'm happy to hear that. If not, we
can move on with the postponement. All right. Are we still okay with April 5h?.
CHR. KIMBALL: If I may interject, we are not—LRB (Legislative Research
Branch) was a little backed up. We were not able to meet the deadline for the
April 5h agenda. We will not get those ag dedication bills until the second
meeting in April. Up to you what you want to do. But that's when you can
expect that, although it will probably be available on Laserfiche prior to the
hearing so at least you'll know what the contents will be.
MR. INABA: Yeah. Well, in light of our conversation then, we'll just keep it in
line when we can discuss it after we've had the chance to review those bills.
Motion to Postpone: Mr. Inaba moved to postpone Bill 28, Draft 2, to April 19,
2023. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion on postponement?
MS. EVANS: Chair?
CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, Council Member Evans.
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. EVANS: I'm supportive of the postponement and just wanted to relay that I
did have someone in my district that said that the Real Property Tax Division was
interpreting a different chapter, a different section, than what's referred here, and
how they applied it to the idea of how they interpret exclusively primary
residence and what that really means when they look at other uses that might
appear on ag land. So I think this is a really important—I'm really glad you're
taking this up, and I really think we need to do this. I think there's maybe some
other nuances going on out there, and I just wanted to let you know I was kind of
surprised when I heard about how they're interpreting another section of the Code
that I'm not seeing here. So just a heads up. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion
on the postponement at this time? Seeing none, all of those in favor of postponing
Bill 28, Draft 2, to the April 19'h Council meeting,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Bill 28, Draft 2, to April 19, 2023,
Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball –8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder– 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 29: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-64, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2023
Adds the Mass Transit Agency –Hub and Spokes Construction–State project
($400,000)to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from
State Grants Receivable account, and would be used for a site analysis and
environmental assessment for a new transit hub in Kailua-Kona.
Reference: Comm. 134
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-29
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend,pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 29 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 29.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I believe we've had fairly good discussion
about this measure. I look forward to everyone's support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? We do have Mass Transit
Administrator John Andoh here on Zoom.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair? Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Administrator Andoh, great to see you.
In light of recent news of your departure from Hawaii County, which I'm so
bummed about because you've done so much to transform and improve our
Hele-On Bus system, restoring trust and transparency and integrity, and we love
seeing those new buses and appreciate all the Federal monies that you've been
able to secure. I'm just now concerned about all of these projects that you have
catalyzed and then getting over the finish line. So what is the continuity of
operations plans in light of your departure? And making sure that these projects
and programs that we are directing your agency to do by releasing funds and
allowing you to enter into agreements, how are we going to make sure they get
done?
(Note: At this time, Mass Transit Administrator John Andoh came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. ANDOH: I'm actually working on a transition plan that I'll be meeting with
the Managing Director next week on. Basically, it's going to list down all of the
grants that we have received, when they expire, how much is available, all the
projects that we have going on, and where they lie. A lot of the projects that we
have going on, we've done turnkey professional services contracts to where the
consultant is really the lead in managing and helping get those completed. That is
SSFM (SSFM International, Inc.), as it relates to the Kailua-Kona Base Yard, the
Kailua-Kona Transit Hub, the Pahoa Transit Hub, for instance, as well as our
ADA bus stop construction project.
I'm also working with Human Resources to actively fill the positions that your
Council has adopted this current budget season, which includes an assistant mass
transit administrator, transit fleet and facilities manager, an additional transit
program manager, an accountant,program support technician, a secretary to the
mass transit administrator, and a transit store keeper, which will all provide the
necessary technical capacity to ensure that the continuity of all the things we have
going on at the agency does continue. I understand that the Managing Director is
working on the process for my replacement, hopefully with some suggested
modifications to the position to ensure that you attract a high-caliber person to
keep these many things going.
Page 36
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I don't know if we're ever going to be able to fill your
shoes, but thank you for that high-level overview of what's being done to ensure
that these projects get off the ground. It's reassuring to know that SSFM will still
be involved in a lot of this work. They did write the award-winning mass transit
master plan that we, thanks to your leadership, have been able to implement. So
thank you again for all of your service to our County. Public transportation is
something that I know is very near and dear to your heart, knowing that it's your
story and inspiration about why you got involved. It was so heartwarming for all
of us. We're sad to see you go, but it's such a critical service to our communities'
most vulnerable. So thank you for improving and increasing services. Chair, I
appreciate the latitude. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Of course. Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Any
other comments? Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. Hi, Director Andoh. Good to see you and thank you
for what you've done for us. Mine's a technical question on the way this bill was
written. It says that the funds for the project will come from State Grants
Receivable. I've never heard of"State Grants Receivable." So the bigger
question for me is, does that mean we in the County have a fund called "State
Grants Receivable," and you were able to get that money out of that? Or did you
go to the State, and did they have a State program where you applied for a grant
and you got that through them? So was it with the State you worked with to get
the money, or was it the County because they already had the money? Because I
can't tell.
MR. ANDOH: It was with the State, through the Office of Planning and
Sustainable Development. We're doing a similar grant with the Pahoa Transit
Hub as well.
MS. EVANS: Okay. And their grant program "State Grants Receivable"? It's
just an odd name. I just want to make sure technically we're not—we've got to
have the name correct in the ordinance.
MR. ANDOH: Yeah, so the funds are coming from them and then it's going to be
placed in an account within the County, related to the State funds that are being
received. Because a lot of the funds we receive are generally Federal and not
necessarily State.
MS. EVANS: Okay. It's just I'm wrapping my head around the language. Funds
for the project shall be provided from State Grants Receivable. So it is going to
come from the State Office of Planning and Sustainability, and their grant
program is called "State Grants Receivable"?
MR. ANDOH: No. No, it's going to come from them, but then it's going to be
placed within the State Grants Receivable account here at the County when the
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
revenues come. And then when we draw down the funds through the CIP
(Capital Improvement Project)project, we'll be drawing down from that account
because that's where the fund will be placed.
MS. EVANS: Okay. All right. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: You're clear on that, Council Member Evans? I'm not sure if
Director Sako is still available in Hilo chambers. She might be able to clarify if
you need any additional clarification. You good? All right, thank you, Council
Member Evans. Anyone else? All right, seeing none, I also want to ask for a
little leeway from my colleagues and just speak on, I feel like on behalf of the
whole Council here, to say that we are really sad to see you go. I will say, for
myself, personally, every time I see one of those beautiful buses or vans go by
with that beautiful lehua wrap on it, I'm going to be thinking of you. I think
you've not just transformed the way that the buses actually look physically on the
ground, but you've transformed our entire approach to mass transit.
I also really want to mahalo you because I feel you've been really thoughtful
about setting the stage for whomever comes in next to continue the success that
you have generated. Not everybody does that when they're leaving a position. So
just really want to say how grateful we are that I know you're putting us and
Mass Transit and the community of Hawaii County first, even under these
circumstances, to make sure that our mass transit system just continues to
improve. So thank you for your leadership, and thank you for everything that
you've done to just really take us to the next level as far as mass transit. We will
miss you both professionally and personally. So mahalo, Mr. Andoh. With that,
we will move forward with the vote. All of those in favor of adopting Bill 29 on
first reading?
Vote on Bill 29: The motion to pass Bill 29 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 29 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 29 is adopted at first reading.
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):
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Bill 24: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
(Draft 2) CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—THREE ACRES (A-3a) TO
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 15,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-15) AT HILO,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-003:035
(Applicant: Matthew C. Wung and Eric J. Wung) (Area: 3.1285 Acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone request, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the
property into five lots ranging in size from 20,080 to 45,363 square feet. The
property is located at 862 West Kawailani Street, approximately 1,000 feet west of
its intersection with Komohana Street, Waiakea, South Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 97.4
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R)
First Reading: March 8, 2023
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 24, Draft 2, on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MR. INABA: I just ask for my colleagues' further support. We had amendments
last time from Council Member Lee Loy to kind of put in line that property with a
previous rezoning in the area. So I ask for your support in the final step today.
Mahalo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Any additional
discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Bill 24, Draft 2, please
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 24: The motion to pass Bill 24, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 24, Draft 2, is adopted at second and final reading.
Page 39
Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Bill 25: 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 —Volkswagen Settlement—Hawai`i Zero
Emission Bus account($1,765,000); and appropriates the same to the Volkswagen
Settlement—Hawai`i Zero Emission Bus account for the purchase of battery
electric buses.
Reference: Comm. 105
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: March 8, 2023
Vote on Bill 25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 25 on second
(Adopted) and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried
by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 25 is adopted.
Bill 26: 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 State Grants —Kua Bay account($100,000) and the
West Hawaii Ocean Safety account($76,402); and appropriates the same to
the Kua Bay —State Equipment account($100,000), bringing the total appropriation
to $580,000; and the Hapuna Beach—State Equipment account($76,402), bringing
the total appropriation to $995,505.
Reference: Comm. 106
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: March 8, 2023
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Hawaii County Council-8 March 22,2023
Vote on Bill 26: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 26 on second
(Adopted) and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried
by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 26 is adopted at second and final reading.
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
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.
(There were none.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 11:07 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawai`i County Council-8 March 22,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: We are adjourned at 11:07 a.m. Thank you.
Council Approval: APR 1 9 2023
COUN
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