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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FC 2023/03/21 (2022-2024) Committee on Finance th 6 Session West Hawai‘i Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i March 21, 2023 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Finance was called to order at 1:45 p.m., ORDER: in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Matt Kānealiʻi- Kleinfelder, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Matt Kānealiʻi- Kleinfelder, Chair Ms. Cindy Evans, Vice Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member (came in later) Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member (came in later) Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member (via videoconference from Hilo) Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (came in later) Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent & Excused: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, 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: Cory Harden: Bill 34 (Comm. 154), comment. (representing Sierra Club, Hawaiʻi Island Group) Toby Hazel: Bill 34 (Comm. 154), comment. CHR. KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Clerk, can we go to our first order of business? Before we do so, please acknowledge that Ms. Galimba and Ms. Kagiwada joined us. Thank you. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 12.6: REPORT OF FUND TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED: FEBRUARY 1 – 15, 2023 From Controller Kay Oshiro, dated February 22, 2023. FC-6 March 21, 2023 Vote on Comm. 12.6: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 12.6. (Filed) Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Lee Loy – 2. Excused: None. Comm. 13.6: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: FEBRUARY 1 – 15, 2023 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated February 17, 2023, transmitting the above report pursuant to Section 2-12.3 of the Hawai‘i County Code. Motion to Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 13.6. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, discussion? Ms. Kierkiewicz, let me know if you have anything to add. Thank you. Oh, let the record reflect Ms. Lee Loy is joining us, thank you. I do have a question. Deanna, are you in the chambers in Hilo? (Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. SAKO: Yes, I am. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Beautiful, thank you for being here. I have one question about Communication 13.6, is Job No. IFB (Information for Bid), No. 4151, it’s the third one down on the list, Heavy Equipment Rentals. I’m sorry, it’s the next one down 4205, Furnishing and Delivering Heavy Equipment for County of Hawaiʻi, was a $1.5 million original contract, and there’s a 73 percent decrease for Beacon-Universal. MS. SAKO: I believe that was the one that they could no longer provide the equipment. When they placed the order with the manufacturer, you know, it was early on, the lead time is great. They no longer make that model. It was a significant change, so we’re rebidding that out. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, okay. I think I had one more question, but it may not—no, that’s all my questions. Thank you, Ms. Sako, for being here today. MS. SAKO: Yeah. Page 2 FC-6 March 21, 2023 CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Ms. Kimball? No. Ms. Lee Loy, any questions? No, okay. With that, we have a motion on the floor to close file on Communication 13.6, all in favor, Council Members? Vote on Comm. 13.6: The motion to close file on Comm. 13.6.was carried by the (Filed) following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba – 1. Excused: None. Comm. 13.7: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: FEBRUARY 16 – 28, 2023 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 2, 2023, transmitting the above report pursuant to Section 2-12.3 of the Hawai‘i County Code. Vote on Comm. 13.7: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 13.7. (Filed) Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba – 1. Excused: None. Comm. 14.4: MONTHLY BUDGET STATUS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2022 From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 3, 2023, transmitting the above report pursuant to Section 6-6.3(h) of the Hawai‘i County Charter. Vote on Comm. 14.4: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 14.4. (Filed) Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba – 1. Excused: None. Page 3 FC-6 March 21, 2023 Comm. 139: SECOND QUARTER CLAIMS REPORT: OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2022 From Claims Investigator/Adjustor Clifford D. Victorine III, dated February 27, 2023, transmitting the above report pursuant to Section 2-9 of the Hawai‘i County Code. Motion to Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 139. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Any discussion, Council Members? MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair? CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Member Kierkiewicz, go ahead. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I have a couple of questions for Mr. Victorine, who is in Hilo Chambers. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, go ahead. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for always being here. We appreciate your presence on these quarterly reports. Couple of questions, the first, under Vehicle Self-Insured, first claimant for an M. Wood. This was from 2020, is there a reason why it took several years to resolve this particular claim? (Note: At this time, Claims Investigator/Auditor Clifford D. Victorine III came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. VICTORINE: Cliff Victorine, Corporation Counsel. Thank you for your comments as I got up here. Normally, insurance companies are a little faster than this, but this one took a while I guess for them to get to us, and when they finally did, they were kind of running short on time, but it was a delay on their side. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you. The second question I had is related to General Liability and the tree branch from 2021, just curious about how that investigation went forward and if we have maintenance records from—I’m assuming this is Parks and Recreation (P&R) because it was at Lili‘uokalani Park? MR. VICTORINE: Yes. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What those maintenance records look like? MR. VICTORINE: Well, we had a little issue getting some of the records regarding the tree trimming process from P&R. It kind of led to us, you know, not really going much further with trying to fight this. But we have been able to work with Moe (Maurice Messina) on this, and they’re looking into making sure that they have a better process of keeping records, the importance of it. I was there. Page 4 FC-6 March 21, 2023 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So Mr. Victorine, because this is from 2021? MR. VICTORINE: Yes. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What I’m understanding is it took a while because we were trying to understand maintenance logs and records for tree trimming. Because there is no real process within P&R? MR. VICTORINE: I’m not really sure if there’s a process or not. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MR. VICTORINE: Yeah, I don’t know if it’s properly being followed; but really, the length of time of this one itself was also the insurance company. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Got it. MR. VICTORINE: Yeah, so they went out, and I think a car went in for some repairs and then they found more damage. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah. MR. VICTORINE: Because I worked with them, and then that slowed their process. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MR. VICTORINE: But most of the time, even with proper records or even a delay on our side, I know the old line, “With government, takes forever.” I don’t like my records sitting for a long time, so I’ll try to push myself through as fast as possible. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, it just seems anytime that we’re having to deal with insurance companies, there is a significant lag in time to resolve the situation. MR. VICTORINE: Yeah. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. MR. VICTORINE: If I can come in real fast. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah, of course. MR. VICTORINE: I think one of the problems too, and it’s kind of what we’re having here, with our vehicles, is that a lot of the shops are really backlogged. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. Page 5 FC-6 March 21, 2023 MR. VICTORINE: There seems to be a lot of shops—so, that will slow the process of them getting the vehicles in to repair, and then they won’t file anything until their repairs are completed because they want to make sure that their bills are all in order. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I see. MR. VICTORINE: So, we’ll stay in communication sometimes with them. You know, really depending on them, “Hey, we’re waiting for you.” But it is, at that point, becomes their job to get it to us. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that’s helpful. And thanks for kind of illuminating a little bit what’s happening within P&R. MR. VICTORINE: Right. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: We know the folks are doing the work of maintenance, we just want to make sure that they’re provided with the tools that they need to be able to log that work so that we have that CYA (Cover Your Ass) in future events. MR. VICTORINE: Right. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Victorine, for being here. MR. VICTORINE: You’re welcome. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Okay, motion is on the floor for closing file on Communication 139, all in favor? Vote on Comm. 139: The motion to close file on Comm. 139 was (Filed) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba – 1. Excused: None. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Page 6 FC-6 March 21, 2023 Res. 75-23: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES The Department of Environmental Management seeks to provide financial assistance through the Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program by applying direct credits into eligible participants’ wastewater accounts. Reference: Comm. 152 Intr. by: Mr. Kāneali‘i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend adoption of Res. 75-23. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: I am looking for Robin or anyone from the department to help us with any questions if there are any. Wonderful to see you both. (Note: At this time, Environmental Management Business Manager Robin Bauman and Deputy Environmental Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. BAUMAN: Good afternoon, this is Robin Bauman, Department of Environmental Management Business Manager. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thanks for joining us. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Good afternoon, this is Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa- Moses. Thank you. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thanks for joining us today, Brenda. Good to see you both. Give us a little background on this. Looks like a neat program. MS. BAUMAN: Yeah, so this is a program for low-income family households, that they can get assistance through the Department of Human Services for water and sewer. With this program, I believe they would—the funds would come directly to the Department of Environmental Management for the approved applicants, and we would apply that to their sewer account to help them with their arrearages. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I like it. I should go to members of the Council. Questions? Council Member Kagiwada, go ahead. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. So, this sounds like a great program. What’s the application process, or something, for residents to apply for this? MS. BAUMAN: I believe it’s the Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) that is handling this program, so they would be contacting them for an Page 7 FC-6 March 21, 2023 application. They would review their request, and work with the Department of Environmental Management to get all the account information necessary to process. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, and if this passes full Council, do you have any idea when it will be instituted? MS. BAUMAN: As soon as it passes full Council, we’ll get the vendor agreements signed and back to DHS (Department of Human Services). I think they already have some applicants that are going to be approved, so I don’t think it will take very long once we get this resolution approved. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: I just wanted to make one comment on that too, is that with some of our delinquencies, we’re really trying to push to collect on those delinquencies, so we’ve been really proactive in sending out mailers with our delinquent accounts. We have one poor soul at our office that does collections. I’m working with her hand-in-hand to try to get some of those collections down, so she’s not overwhelmed. But, this program is amazing. You know, any help that we can to get these customers out of a hole. Sometimes we send them to Corporation Counsel when they get to a certain level, but I know that families that are going paycheck-to- paycheck, when you get to $1,000 that’s way too late to start to be aggressive and trying to make those big pre-payment plans. So, we’re looking forward to any other assistance we can get for our customers. But, this is a great opportunity. MS. KAGIWADA: That sounds terrific. Thank you. So one last question, how many people were—how much money do we expect for our County for this project? MS. BAUMAN: I believe it’s a maximum benefit, for eligible households of $1,000, so it will just depend on how many households reach out to them and meet the requirements. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, so there’s no—necessarily a cap on either number of families or dollar amount—total dollars that you know of? It’s just apply if they’re eligible? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Yeah, we’ve had multiple conversations, and sounds like there’s plenty of money out there. We only have a handful of customers that are eligible or are pursuing that, so definitely our customers will be taken care of. We’re trying to encourage more people—to make those applications process available because there is ample funding out there. MS. KAGIWADA: Great. Do you guys have some kind of information we can put out to our constituents about this project? MS. BAUMAN: We could probably get some information to you. Page 8 FC-6 March 21, 2023 MS. KAGIWADA: That would be helpful. Thank you so much. I yield, Chair. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Any further discussion? MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair, please. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Member Lee Loy, go ahead. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Thanks for being here. I know this is related to low-income. Do we have a definition of what low-income is? Are we at 60 AMI (Area Median Income), 80 AMI, or is it like a family-of at a particular cap? Do we have that information? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Since this isn’t our funding in our application process to qualify the applicant, we’ve been referring those directly to the source. But there is. The general income that is for all of the other different programs is consistent with this program. But we’ve been trying not to be the middle person, it’s just facilitating that conversation. So, we have them directly communicate with the agency that’s giving the money out. We could send a flyer that we send to our customers, with the website and link and what have you, so you guys could have access to that as well, because it would be good to have word-of-mouth besides just us. Sometimes people get as far as—they don’t even read them. They just toss them, I’m sure. MS. LEE LOY: Yeah. Thanks, Brenda, for that information. You know, you and I had our time on the Water Board, and I know there’s, right, no water, no lots of things, and so no water, no wastewater. And so how is the department kind of blending some of these arrears and/or delinquents to help kind of—? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: I’m glad you brought that up. MS. LEE LOY: Thanks. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Because we had COVID (Coronavirus Disease), right, so we backed off, but COVID has passed. Unfortunately, there’s no off-button for wastewater, it links to water. So if you are delinquent, seriously delinquent, we have some seriously delinquent wastewater accounts, we have to go through the Water Department to turn off your water service. We’re trying to, at all costs, avoid that, but we have applicants that are way passed, like years passed. So, we are making a push. I’m handling some of the bigger accounts because believe it or not there are some businesses and property owners that have multiple properties that are delinquent, seriously delinquent in wastewater. And when I talked to them, the first question I had was, “Have you paid your HELCO (Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company) bill; unfortunately, wastewater seems to be at the lower, at Page 9 FC-6 March 21, 2023 the end. Of course, they pay their HELCO bill. I know if I missed one cable bill, they’re calling me, right, “You’re turning off next week.” So it seems like the utilities are being paid, except for wastewater. I’m sure it’s because of a lack of enforcement. We’ve kind of backed off during COVID, of course. We have, like I said, one employee that goes after these accounts, and our Corporation Counsel as well. So, I’m involved in that. At this time, I’m making personal calls, which seems to be working better. We’re going about a different approach; we’re meeting with Corporation Counsel on a monthly basis on trying to get honed on those accounts. Last resort, we don’t want to turn off the water. It affects the Water Department, as well. But in order for us to make sure that these customers know that we’re serious, there’s going to have to be some shut-offs, I’m sure, for the chronic delinquencies, because there will be some accounts that will be chronically delinquent. So they get that notices that say they’re going to turn off your water, they’ll pay, and then it starts again. So, we are going to make a move toward getting those delinquent accounts paid. Talking with the Mayor’s office, making sure that we’re doing it as the last resort. But whatever way that we can get that to happen before it shuts off the water, we’re trying to make those efforts. MS. LEE LOY: Great. Thanks for filling out that conversation. And maybe just offline, for some of those real delinquent, I know there was a conversation when you and I served on the Water Board about placing liens on the property. You know, I don’t know if that’s another tool or another avenue or pathway for us to start looking at addressing these delinquencies, but definitely, willing to look at that. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Since I’ve been here, I think we’ve had a change in Corporation Counsel attorneys, probably four, maybe four or more, for collections. We have a really good one right now. I told her she can’t leave. Brit (Elizabeth Bailey aka E. Brit Bailey) is working with us right now. She’s very effective. They are doing that. We do have some accounts that have liens on them. Like I said, we don’t want to get to that point. So if we can, to me, is starting a conversation earlier, until they’re not so deep in that hole that they can’t climb out, like starting those conversations early, where they make a payment plan when they’re several months behind, instead of six, to eight, to a year. So yeah, I think we have a good team right now and Corporation Counsel has really been amazing, so hopefully we can keep that attorney for a while. MS. LEE LOY: Great. Thanks, Brenda. And then for Wastewater, do you guys bill monthly or bi-monthly? As I know the Water Department is every two months. Are you guys on the same billing cycle, or is it a monthly cycle? MS. BAUMAN: We are on the same billing cycle. We have some on a bi-monthly. But some larger accounts on a monthly cycle. Page 10 FC-6 March 21, 2023 MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, so they could miss two bills, but that technically is four months, right, and so they fall behind real quick. Got it. Great, thanks. Thank you guys for being here. Really appreciate. Chair, I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member Galimba, go ahead. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. I was just curious; if you could explain the funding stream on this. It’s a little bit interesting, and I can’t quite figure it out. So we’re getting the money from DHS (Department of Human Services), and it’s being paid by DHS to the applicants. But HCEOC is also involved and also your department as well, of course. Could you maybe walk me through that, how the money is flowing for this program? MS. BAUMAN: Yes. My understanding is the applicant would be putting in their application with HCEOC, which is funded through the Department of Human Services, and if the applicant is approved, the money would come to the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to be applied to their sewer account. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: I think maybe for people that aren’t familiar with the County procurement and what have you, we have to have that business as a business that can do business with our department with the County. So that’s kind of just the formality that we’re doing right now, is to make sure that business is one that can do business with the County of Hawaiʻi. So, it’s just a formality that we’re going through right now. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you for that explanation. I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Okay, seeing no further discussion. My only question too, is do we have an existing agreement regarding American Rescue Plan funds that we could use, or do we have to enter in a new agreement with DHS? MS. BAUMAN: My understanding is DHS is requiring this agreement to participate in this specific program. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Yep, that’s it. Okay, beautiful. Thank you both for being here. Appreciate it. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Thank you. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: I do look forward to seeing some kind of an output from you folks so that we can help share and get the word out there because we need to get this out to the community. Yeah, that would be really wonderful. Thank you, Ms. Kagiwada, for saying that. Page 11 FC-6 March 21, 2023 Okay, we’re done with that. We have a motion on the floor to forward Resolution 75-23 to Council with a favorable recommendation, Council Members, all in favor? Vote on Res. 75-23: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 75-23 (Approved) was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba – 1. Excused: None. BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances. Bill 33: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-63, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 Appropriates revenues in the State Grants – Senior Activities account ($100,000) and the State Grants – Senior Activities Program Income account ($15,000); and appropriates the same to the Senior Activities account ($100,000) and the Senior Activities Program Income account ($15,000). Reference: Comm. 153 Intr. by: Mr. Kāneali‘i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to recommend passage of Bill 33 on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, discussion? Council Member Evans, go ahead. MS. EVANS: So the Office of Aging, would you please come up? I have a question. So explain to me—I’ve often wondered, what is the connection between the Office of Aging and the Parks and Rec., which is elderly. So you’re really two separate entities, right? (Note: At this time, Office of Aging Director Horace Farr came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. FARR: Horace Farr, Office of Aging, Executive on Aging. Really why I’m here today is because the Elderly Activities Division, we’re all tied up in interviews today, so I was happy to come today, and the reason why is because it is my contract with them that caused their appropriations to go, to go up. So, I Page 12 FC-6 March 21, 2023 wanted to be here to answer any questions from the Council, if they had any questions about the—it’s actually my contract with them is $100,000, and they’re estimating that they would be bringing in $15,000 of program income. But yes, Office of Aging is the designated area agency for Hawaiʻi County, and we are attached to the Mayor’s Office. Parks and Recreation is one of our largest contractors. The Nutrition Program, Transportation for Coordinated Services, and all those; they are one of our largest providers, and we contract with them. So, that’s why we are involved together. MS. EVANS: Yeah, the reason I’m asking is I’m just wondering, do we have to contract with the Parks and Rec.? Do you have the option to contract with whoever you want? Because you’re getting money—I take it, you’re getting money from the federal government; potentially in the state government, you’re getting some grants. So you’re turning around and using, potentially, grant money, and then you’re contracting out. So, are you obligated to use Parks and Rec.? MR. FARR: We’re not obligated to use Parks and Recreation, but it depends upon the nature of the service. For certain services, there’s no private provider that can compete with the County. Because the County is island-wide, it would be very hard for some of our other providers to be able to deliver that service. So we are not obligated, but in this—so we look at what is going to be best for our seniors, how to get the service out most efficiently, most cost-effectively. For this contract, the stipulations are for senior centers and senior clubs, and the senior centers and senior clubs for our County happen to be all under Parks and Recreation. So this is—I was fortunate enough to secure State funding in this area, but it is designated for this purpose. So being that all the senior clubs and senior centers happen to be in the Elderly Recreation side, that made the best sense to—well, they’re the only ones technically to contract with, for this specific grant that’s coming down from the State. MS. EVANS: Yeah, just the conversation we had earlier today was about grants and expenditure of grant funding and money, and skill ability and stuff like that. So this particular grant, is it going to pay for staff, or is it going to pay for equipment, or travel? MR. FARR: So the grant comes to the Office of Aging, right? So any federal monies that come under the Old Americans Act, and any State funding that the State Legislature puts in through Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging for elderly, they would automatically come to the area agency when it’s distributed through the State, and when it comes through the area agency, by law we cannot provide the direct service ourselves, so that why we are contracting out our services because we just cannot, by law, provide direct service. So, that’s why we contract out. Page 13 FC-6 March 21, 2023 We don’t only contract out with the County. You know, County does one of our areas, especially the large island-wide; but our case management and home and community services like personal care, homemaker chore, that ones are contracted out privately. So where we can contract out privately, we want to do that as much as possible. My philosophy is to try to get as much of the money into the communities. But for certain services, our providers can’t manage that. Especially now with the worker shortage, our private providers are struggling to have workers. I can be ordering services, but if my providers don’t have workers, I can’t get the service out into the community. So, it depends on how the money is coming down and the stipulations that are—the requirements that are governing the distribution of those funds. MS. EVANS: You know, it just brings up just an interesting thought of how this—and then it goes into the General Fund, $100,000. If it’s really not for staffing or whatever, it may actually increase the amount of staff we have in Parks and Rec., because you’re asking for more services. MR. FARR: We don’t anticipate any increase in staffing. So really, we are performance-based, which means our contract is for $100,000, but it’s when they serve, we pay, right? So I’m not giving them $100,000 that they’re going to put into their budget, it’s as they provide the service, then they invoice us for the service. So, you know, performance-based. For this contract, it is to get the seniors—so this contract is designed to get the seniors to an activity, and we’re concentrating especially on the rural areas of the island, to get them to an activity that they may not be able to get to. So for this one here, we’re trying to get our rural people to be able to participate and to enjoy as much of the same services for those that live in the urban area are. So, the focus or the target group of this grant is really in the rural communities to get them in. So, that’s what we’re contracting them for. MS. EVANS: Yeah, I appreciate it. Is it on the federal fiscal year? Will it th expire? Do they have to spend it by September 30? MR. FARR: This grant runs on the State fiscal year. MS. EVANS: Okay. MR. FARR: But we are working to make sure that I don’t lose any money. So, whether it’s federal or state, my job, I have challenges to make sure that, that money is in hand and doesn’t lapse and go back to the state or the feds. MS. EVANS: Well, I really appreciate this money coming in and going out. I was just told by the seniors that they cut them from having one activity a month, that they’d be driven to; that they only get two a year now, so it went from twelve to two. So I’m hoping that this will help get it back up, where they can have activities, more activities. Thank you, Chair. Appreciate it. Page 14 FC-6 March 21, 2023 CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Evans. (Note: At this time, Toby Hazel came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. HAZEL: I want to say something about this. These rural areas are not getting the funding, They are not getting the support that they need, they are not getting it, and this is nonsense to say that he’s helping them get it. Point of Order: MS. KIMBALL: Chair, point of order, the time for testimony has already been passed. MS. HAZEL: It is not true. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Please, thank you, Ms. Hazel. Council Members, further discussion? Okay, hearing none. Mr. Farr, good to see you. Ms. Evans had an interesting point. Is this funding specific to—pass through to a government agency, or could you contract it out privately? MR. FARR: I beg your pardon, could you repeat the question? CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Sorry, could these funds be contracted out to private organizations versus being contracted through Parks and Rec.? MR. FARR: If we had senior clubs or senior centers in a private organization or out there that’s part of our network, then yes they would qualify, but we don’t have any. One of the things I hope to work with is—we’re also part of the aging and disability resources, so I would like to see on our disability side, those that meet that age level, also have some kind of activity for them also, that’s specific for them, but right now there is none. So, our only senior center and senior clubs are within the Parks and Recreation. The grant that’s come down to us is specific that it has to be for senior centers and senior clubs. For the services, I’ve been working with Parks and Recreation. So, some of that money I have allotted to try to get some new hot-shops for meal deliveries. We’re trying to see whatever activities that go on within the senior clubs and senior centers that we can supplement, so I’m hoping, and that’s my philosophy, is that they will use my money first instead of County money. I’m hoping—my whole goal is to come in and try to supplement as much as possible with state or federal money and not having them have to use County money, that’s my philosophy. That’s what we’re trying to work on, to get these services out. So, that’s why it’s basically with Parks and Recreation because I don’t have any place else to contract for senior centers or senior clubs outside of the County. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: That’s concerning to hear that we don’t have anyone else that we can go to. That’s concerning. It’s concerning that we Page 15 FC-6 March 21, 2023 don’t have anyone else to go to for our seniors, and that’s where we lack in services for our seniors, and I’m sorry to hear that, or at least community centers. MR. FARR: Yeah, and I guess because it’s island-wide. Again, the County has facilities island-wide, right? That’s where these clubs come and that’s where they associate with. They’re part of the recreation part and they’re also part of the meals side, so they kind of just naturally gather there, versus our private entities are not so much into doing that element of that type of service. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much for being here today. Appreciate it. You did this grant, this was you? MR. FARR: I beg your pardon? CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: You went after the grant funding? MR. FARR: Yep. Already the contract came back. The contract is in place. We’re in the process of implementing it now. So we hope to be getting our seniors, especially in the rural districts, into more programs and stuff. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Well done, well done. Good job. MR. FARR: Thank you. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay. With that, Council Members— sorry, were there any more questions? One. Ms. Galimba, go ahead. MS. GALIMBA: Hi there, thanks. My grandmother used the club out in Nāālehu quite a bit, so I’m glad to have services. I was ʻwondering—probably during COVID these shelters shut down, would that be fair to say, or did they keep going? MR. FARR: The congregate sites closed and so we concentrated more on home delivery, especially for the meals section. During the COVID time, it was very difficult; number one, people didn’t want providers coming into their homes, for like our home- and community-based services, and then very difficult to have workers who are willing to go out, right? Now that has passed, we’re trying to bring things back up, but we didn’t anticipate that we would have a worker shortage capacity. So especially for the Kaū district, very hard for us to get services out there ʻ because of the distance. If the provider is in Hilo and they’re sending staff out there, the staff is spending time on the road, and that’s very hard for our provider to cover that. So our ideal situation is to find workers within the district, and even that has been very difficult. So we’re hoping that as we move further and further away from the pandemic situation, that people will want to come back to work, Page 16 FC-6 March 21, 2023 and that we’ll have a bigger pool of workers for our providers to choose from or to hire. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I guess overall, island-wide, would you say that there’s increasing popularity or usage of your centers, or what is the trend on that? MR. FARR: Well, right after COVID, all of our services took a 40 percent hit, went down in services. After COVID, we had anticipated that we would come up 20 percent. I explained this to Council last year also, that hopefully by 2024 we would come back up to 40 percent. But not anticipating that we would have a worker shortage, so we’re anticipating, hopefully in 2025, we can come back closer to getting to where we were before. So right now for us, I know, I’m just going to say it’s not quite a funding issue for us, whereas more it’s a worker issue, and that’s what we’re trying to let the Legislature know that without workers we can’t get our services out. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Any further discussion? Okay, hearing none. Thank you for being here today. Appreciate it. MR. FARR: Thank you for accepting my money. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Of course. Okay, Mr. Clerk, we do have the motion on the floor to forward Bill 33 to Council with a favorable recommendation. Council Members, all in favor? Vote on Bill 33: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 33 on (Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Kierkiewicz – 2. Excused: None. MR. HENRICKS: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Gloria, can we have your testifier for Bill 34, please? STATEMENTS The Chair called Jon Olson, who registered to comment on Bill 34 (Comm. 154), FROM THE and came forward when called by the Chair. PUBLIC ON BILL 34: Page 17 FC-6 March 21, 2023 Bill 34: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-125, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR A STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR WASTEWATER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF $17,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING QUALIFIED WASTEWATER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I Separates the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project into two phases. Reference: Comm. 154 Intr. by: Mr. Kāneali‘i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to recommend passage of Bill 34 on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, discussion? I’m hoping we have someone from the department to handle questions, as they do arise. Thank you, Brenda. Council Member Kimball. (Note: At this time, Deputy Environmental Management Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses and Project Coordinator Mark Grant came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, thank you, Chair. I just want to give Deputy Iokepa- Moses, and I’m not who is there joining her, if there’s any feedback on some of the testimony we got regarding the EA (Environmental Assessment) and all of that moving forward with this project. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Yes. Thank you, this is Brenda Iokepa-Moses, the Deputy Director. Ramzi unfortunately could not be with us today. He’s traveling, but he will be back in the office soon. Yeah, this is a catch-22, right, we inherited a bunch of stuff, and we have to deal with it. As you’ve seen in Oʻahu, there is no off-button for wastewater. If there’s a spill, it’s going to go into the ocean. We have to get on these improvements, and that’s why we’ve been very aggressive and asking for lots of money to address these. We’re not pushing this down the road anymore. There are some false rumors out there with the sewage going into the ocean. During this construction, we have it planned out in Phases 1 and 2, so there’s no redundancy at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment plant. So, we have to make sure that we strategically do it while we’re working on the system, so there’s no break in service for our customers. That has all been thought out and planned out. We don’t have the luxury of time. If something goes wrong with this sewage treatment plant, you’re talking about time to get people on the ground to fix, you’re talking about delays, possibly in getting equipment and supplies to our site, Page 18 FC-6 March 21, 2023 so we have to do it and we have to do it now. It’s a rehab at this facility. We have a great contractor. We have Ramzi that’s leading the charge. We have Mark Grant here. He’s our project coordinator, and he’s learning under the wings of Ramzi. He’s doing an amazing job for us. So, there is no luxury of time in this scenario. There is no redundancy, and there is no off-button. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you so much, deputy. I can certainly appreciate what you’re saying, having taken a couple of tours of the facility now since I’ve took office, it is pretty unnerving. The over-redundancy piece is what’s really concerning, is that we have several potential points of failure and no redundancy. I certainly understand the urgency. I’ll just say hi to Mr. Grant. I can’t see you very well, and then I said, “Oh, I know who that is.” Nice to see you, Mark. Let me just ask, for something like this where we’re building on—you know, we’re developing on the same location as the original project. It’s a similar function. You know, am I misunderstanding, so isn’t it typical that we would just be under the umbrella of the previous Environmental Assessment that would exist for that site, that usage on that site to some level? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Yeah, so this is a wastewater essential task for our community. It is and it does fall under that exemption because the improvements have already been done to that site. We’re not coming in here to do something new or different. It’s a rehab of the facility, and therefore we can move forward. MS. KIMBALL: Great, thank you so much for that. I yield, Chair. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Yes, thank you. Can you just explain why the need to make this into two phases now? Because I didn’t see the explanation, sorry. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Because there is no redundancy in this system, we have to break it up into phases. So we can tackle one part of it and get that up and running, and then tackle the second part of it. So therefore, we’re going to split up the funding, that way we take out only as much money as we need for the first phase and then move on to the second phase. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, thanks. Is there a full scope of work for Phase 2 already? MR. GRANT: Yeah, so that’s currently under development. So the current work under the Phase 2 scope is rehabilitation of the primary sedimentation tank, expansion of our solids contact channel; trickling filter rehabilitation, such as media replacement, and the wet well improvements for the bio tower trickling Page 19 FC-6 March 21, 2023 filter. And then, we’ll also be doing a new solids handling building with plant wide electrical improvements, and underground utilities, as well as a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) implementation for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant site. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. So just so I understand, neither of these phases includes dealing with the existing aging connections or expanding to new homes in Hilo, is that correct? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: By the improvements that we’re going to do—we’re not at full capacity at Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant, we could double the capacity. We just fear doing that at this point with the infrastructure in the condition that it’s in. So once we have this infrastructure rehabbed, yeah, we’ll be able to get all of the connections. It currently is not being fully maximized, but at the point of— we fear that adding connections without the rehab would be seriously scary for us. So, we’re going to get these rehabs done and then we’ll be able to connect a lot of homes. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, and that includes rehabbing some of the existing pipe connections, or no, that’s for future work? MR. GRANT: Yeah, so under the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation replacement Phase 1, Phase 2 is strictly within the Wastewater Treatment Plant site. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: We have a different CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) that deals with the sewage treatment plant pumps and rehabbing lines as well, that’s separate from this, the main thing is we need to get the facility working and be able to have capacity. In a perfect world, we would do all of it at the same time, but due to finances, and resources, and employees, and staff, and what have you, we’re doing—getting the foundation taken care of, and so we can work on the others; and of course, we’re trying to find earmark monies and all of those other resources that could help us do other projects, as well. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you so much. I think I understand the clearer picture now. I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Just briefly, Mr. Grant, could you state your name for the record, and your title? MR. GRANT: Yeah, Mark Grant, Project Coordinator for Wastewater Division. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much. Okay, going back to discussion, Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Just wanted to—just a quick question on timeline, or estimated timelines as far as just this part, the design part of it that you’re Page 20 FC-6 March 21, 2023 getting the funding for—adjusting the funding for. How long do you think this part of it is going to take? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: We’re out to bid right now for contractors. So, the first part of the design is good to go. We expect the contract in May, Mark? MR. GRANT: Yeah, so currently for the Phase 1 we’re underbid. We’re going to target the bid opening of April 27, 2023, and then the Notice to Proceed, we’re targeting, hopefully, June 2023. The construction duration for the Phase 1 work is estimated to be around three years. MS. GALIMBA: And then, so the Phase 2 part of this would happen after everything, or there will be a certain amount of overlap between the Phase 1 and Phase 2? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Yeah, definitely an overlap. We’re going to be starting the design construction for Phase 2. So like I said, there is no other options, so we—this project needs to run very smoothly, contiguously, and so thankfully I don’t think we’ve ever had a contract that went this far, in this size, and it’s because Ramzi has the expertise, and he’s meeting—every meeting, he’s meeting with the contractors and making those decisions. So yeah, they will be lateral. There’s some, definitely, overlap. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Hilo? MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Member Lee Loy, go ahead. MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Just for comment, you know, I really appreciate the department kind of making this a priority. As one of our testifiers mentioned, this is something that’s been a problem for many, many years. I just want to continue to encourage my colleagues to make this a priority, not only here with this particular bill, but as we move through the budget cycle. You know, this is a problem that needs a lot of addressing but a lot of resources and funding, so I really do appreciate the ability to braid all the money. You know, this is in the district that I represent, and it’s been a problem for a while now. So, thank you. I yield. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Thank you, Sue. I just wanted to say that funding has been brought up a lot, and Wastewater, we’re in a different scenario than any other department as far as funding. We have to be shovel-ready when it comes to Page 21 FC-6 March 21, 2023 funding. Earmark monies, I’ve been trying for those. But again, we’re so far away from being shovel-ready, but now we’re getting to the part where we are. So, we are attempting. We have been attempting funding for—since the day I walked in the door, we met with Kai Kahele and his Build Back Better staff before they even knew what the rules and regulations were going to be. So, I just want to let you know, I know that’s been brought up several times in County Council. We have never stopped looking at funding. We just need to make sure that we’re shovel-ready. It’s not about ordering a piece of equipment. It’s about: is an EA done, is all of this design and planning done? Is that all ready to go? So, it’s never out of our sight. We’re always looking for that. But I thank you—and anytime you can share that story—that’s why we kind of work transparent with all the flaws that are happening because we want people to see what we need, so maybe there are options out there for us for funding, as well. Thank you. MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and thank you, Brenda, for that. You know, this is a big problem, but complex, so thank you for constantly trying to crack the nut on this one. Again, really, this is a priority for the district. But I hope my colleagues also see the importance of this. Thanks, Brenda. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Okay, I don’t see anymore— Council Member Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah, I just want to concur with Council Member Lee Loy’s comments. I believe it was our last Council meeting, a gentleman, that testifier came and spoke about this history, an unfortunate legacy of the waste, transferring it to Keaukaha. In and of itself, it’s a definition of environmental racism. My heart goes out to the people in that area. You know, we have a lot of people on the west side that have struggles and concerns about the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment facility and the waters being pumped into a ditch. But in comparison to some of the travesties and the sewage spills that have happened historically in Keaukaha and what that community has endured, I am so grateful that we have this DEM (Department of Environmental Management) Department right now that is recognizing that there is no time to wait, and we must move forward and we must make these changes, and we must invest in this infrastructure because people’s lives and livelihoods, and the ecosystem there have been jeopardized for far too long. So, thank you for all the initiative you are taking to push this forward and do whatever it takes. Ideally, we’d love to upgrade to the highest U.S. technology and move us in those kinds of directions. But because of the state of that facility, and what we need to do now to put a stopgap to other catastrophes. I understand the difficulty in making those decisions; but what you’ve chosen in this capacity, and DEM. And, the speed with which you’ve accomplished this is to be commended, and I am deeply grateful. So, mahalo. With that, I yield. Page 22 FC-6 March 21, 2023 CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Council Member. Seeing no further discussion. I have one question for both of you, and Ms. Kimball touched on it, I just want to hear it one more time. So nothing that we are doing in this process will force us to go to an EA, or a new revised EA for this project? MR. GRANT: So under the Phase 1 improvements, a consultant had made the determination that it is a—qualifies for the EA exemption. We’re doing everything within the existing use as the intended use within the designated area. Under the Phase 2 work, we are going to be pursuing the EA exemption—oh sorry, EA formally for the Phase 2. So that one, we are currently in the works right now, and we are targeting a June 2023 submittal of the draft EA. So, on that one. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: And what—sorry, just real briefly, Phase 1, Phase 2, what is the difference? MR. GRANT: So Phase 1, it’s the construction of the new headworks building, that would be adjacent to the primary sedimentation tank; and the two new digester units, that would be constructed within the intended area under the original design. So we are going to be constructing it as intended, under the original design back in the early 1990’s. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and then Phase 2? MR. GRANT: So Phase 2 is the rehabilitation of the primary sedimentation tank, solids contact expansion. And then we’re going to be doing rehabilitation work with the trickling filter, such as media replacement and wet well improvements; a new solids handling building; as well as plant wide electrical improvements, as well as SCADA implementation. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And that Phase 2 will require an EA? MR. GRANT: Yes, that’s what we’re currently pursuing under the Phase 2. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And they’ve been—I’m thinking ahead, I’m trying to think ahead, are there going to be ramifications from Phase 2 that will affect what was done in Phase 1? Are they completely independent of each other and there will be no feedback from one system to another that would force changes to Phase 1 construction? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: No, because like I said they qualify for exemption because it was in the scope of the original work, so there are no major changes there. Page 23 FC-6 March 21, 2023 CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and nothing in Phase 2 would require changes to the Phase 1 being pursued now? MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: Correct. And doing this Phase 1 is very critical to avoid any mishaps with that plant, so we’ve stayed true to what the scope was originally so we could get that rehab right away. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I understand that. That was in response to the testimony we’ve gotten, and Ms. Harden is very solid on her information and her background. So, I just want to make sure I had those questions asked appropriately. Okay, thank you very much for being here today. Good questions and good work. I look forward to seeing this move forward. MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: I want to thank Mark Grant for really stepping up. He’s been learning a lot from our director, and he’s really shining at this project and what he’s doing for our department. So, I want to thank him a lot. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Thank you, Brenda. Okay, thank you so much. That does bring us to the end of our discussion for Bill 34. We have the motion on the floor to forward this measure to Council with a favorable recommendation. Council Members, all in favor? Vote on Bill 34: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 34 on (Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder – 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Kierkiewicz – 2. Excused: None. Bill 35: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-63, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 Increases revenues in the State Grants – Beverage Container Deposit Program account ($22,709); and appropriates the same to the Beverage Container Deposit Program account, bringing the total appropriation to $597,099. These additional funds will be used to cover increased costs required to operate Certified Redemption Centers at designated Solid Waste transfer stations. Reference: Comm. 155 Intr. by: Mr. Kāneali‘i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Page 24 FC-6 March 21, 2023 Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend passage of Bill 35 on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Council Members, discussion on the measure? Council Member Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: From looking through this, this looks very straightforward, is that it’s costing a little more money as everything seems to this year. So allocating this funding would enable the transfer stations at a couple of other sites, including Hawi, Honoka‘a, and Puakō, to continue to have the Beverage Container Deposit program, which I think is very important. So, I’ll be supporting this today. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Ms. Villegas. Further discussion? Hearing none. Is anyone from the department in Hilo Chambers or online? All right thank you, Brenda. Sorry, I can’t see the audience in Hilo. I can only see Ms. Lee Loy. (Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director Brenda Iokepa- Moses came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. IOKEPA-MOSES: So, Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Deputy Director for DEM, and we have Robin Bauman as well, our Business Manager. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Perfect. One question for you both, what is the cost to run the Beverage Container Deposit program? MS. BAUMAN: Hi, this is Robin Bauman. So with this additional appropriation, the total cost for the current Fiscal Year 2023 is just under $600,000. This will bring it to $597,099. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Sorry, that’s what we’re getting to run the program. What was the cost of the program? MS. BAUMAN: This is a reimbursement basis. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: So this is a straight reimbursement from the State to cover our cost? MS. BAUMAN: Yes. CHR. KĀNEALIʻI-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Okay, thank you. Appreciate it. That’s all I have for you. Okay, no further discussion. Council Members, we have the motion on the floor to forward Bill 35 to the Council with a favorable recommendation. All in favor? Page 25 FC-6 March 21,2023 Vote on Bill 35: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 35 on (Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder—7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Kierkiewicz—2. Excused: None. CHR. KANEALN-KLEINFELDER: That does bring us to the end of our agenda today. ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 2:53 p.m., Ms. Kagiwada moved to adjourn MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Kimball and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair laneali`i-Kleinfelder— 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Inaba and Kierkiewicz—2. Excused: None. CHR. KANEALN-KLEINFELDER: It is 2:53 p.m. We are adjourned. Mahalo. Approved: dia Mr. Matt Kanea •`i-Kleinfeld: , Chair (Date) Finance Committ- MIC/na Page 26