HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2023-10-04 2022-2024 Hawaii County Council
23`'d Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
October 4, 2023
INVOCATION: Pastor Ron Brav of Calvary Chapel Hilo gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:02 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, 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
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona; came in later)
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 individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Eileen O'Hara: Res. 240-23 (Comm. 426); and
Res. 241-23 (Comm. 427), in support.
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval Ms. Lee Loy moved to approve the Minutes of
of Minutes: September 6, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried
(Approved) 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: All right, moving on, we're going to start with our reports,
please.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
GOEAC-74 NOMINATION OF EILEEN LACERTE TO THE POLICE COMMISSION
(Comm. 440):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: October 13, 2023 (Section 134(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
(Note: Comm. 440.1, from Mayor Mitchell D. Roth dated September 27, 2023,
providing the correct date that Ms. Lacerte's term would end, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
External Affairs Committee Report No. 74. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, if I could just note for the record we received
correspondence from the Mayor's office providing a term-ending date of
December 31", 2026, via Communication 440.1 as a correction from the initial
letter that was submitted.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Any further discussion on the
nomination? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on GOEAC-74: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 74 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: The nomination of Eileen Lacerte to the Police Commission is
confirmed. Next item,please.
GOEAC-75 NOMINATION OF GONZALO GARCIA TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
(Comm. 441): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: October 13, 2023 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
(Note: Comm. 441.1, from Mayor Mitchell D. Roth dated October 4, 2023,
providing the correct date that Mr. Garcia's term would end, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
External Affairs Committee Report No. 75. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? Council Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: I did bring this up at the last meeting. Have we received
correspondence for a correction on the date of this nomination? No?
MR. HENRICKS: Not that I'm aware of.
MR. INABA: Okay. Ms. Bartolome, please?
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i
Bartolome came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. INABA: In reviewing the existing members on the Environmental
Management Commission, I see that they all end at the end of the year,
December 31st. This letter shows the term ending May 31st. Can you explain the
change?
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. BARTOLOME: Aloha. My name is Pomaika`i Bartolome, Executive
Assistant to Mayor Roth. Yes. I did mention that in the last meeting and, Council
Member Inaba, I apologize that the correction hasn't been made yet. We did
make the correction on the other communication, but this one I did not do yet. So
I will make sure that that gets corrected as soon as I leave the Council chamber
today. So thank you so much for bringing that up.
MR. INABA: Are we allowed—we don't have Corporation Counsel here.
CHR. KIMBALL: Judge Strance is available over in the Kona chambers.
MR. INABA: Corporation Counsel, are we allowed to take action on a letter that
we know is incorrect? Is Corporation Counsel on Zoom?
(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. I
haven't run across this particular issue before, but the matter before the Council is
the confirmation. And so I believe if you make the record clear that the vacancy
is being filled and that there's some question about the end date of the term, then
the record is clear. And the Mayor's office can follow up with a subsequent
communication to clarify that for the record.
MR. INABA: Okay. So do we know what the official correct date is for
December? Ms. Bartolome, what's the end date?
MS. BARTOLOME: It's December 31st. The year is correct. It's just the month.
And to be totally transparent, it was copied and pasted. So all we have to do is
change the May to December.
MR. INABA: And I don't believe the year is correct either, which I brought up. I
don't feel comfortable voting on this because I brought this up at Committee
meeting and it's still wrong. So, totally in support of this nomination, but I think
the only thing right here is the day of the month. The month and the year are
incorrect. So I'll be voting "no." I would also recommend that we maybe table
this to the end of today's agenda or until we can get a correction on these
communications because this is unacceptable.
MS. BARTOLOME: Okay. I will look into it with aloha. Thank you.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, based on my colleague's indication, if we could table
Communication 441 to the end of the agenda.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Motion to Table: Ms. Lee Loy moved to table Governmental Operations and
External Affairs Committee Report No. 75 to the end of the
agenda. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
MS. VILLEGAS: May I ask a quick question, Chair?
CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: We have the nominee here in chambers here in Kona. Out of
respect for his time, do you think it would be appropriate for us to—it doesn't
seem like there are any questions about his viability and approval for his
nomination. This is more just a housekeeping thing. But in honor of his time and
not needing him to stay here until we bring this back to the table, do you think it
would be appropriate to let him know that he's not required to stay?
CHR. KIMBALL: I do think that that would be appropriate. I was thinking the
same thing. This is kind of out of procedure; a little head nod from everybody
that it's okay to let the nominee go. Yes, all right. So thank you, Mr. Garcia, for
your patience. We just have this procedural issue to deal with, but you're not
required to stay for the rest of the meeting. Okay, a vote on the tabling. All those
in favor?
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Chair, I yield.
Vote on Motion to The motion to table Governmental Operations and External
Table: Affairs Committee Report No. 75 to the end of the agenda
(Approved) 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: We will table this till later in the agenda. All right, the
nomination of Anna Liu.
GOEAC-76 NOMINATION OF ANNA LIU TO THE BANYAN DRIVE HAWAII
(Comm. 442): REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
(Note: Comm. 442.1, from Mayor Mitchell D. Roth dated October 4, 2023,
providing the correct date that Ms. Liu's term would end, was circulated.)
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
External Affairs Committee Report No. 76. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i
Bartolome and nominee Anna Liu came forward to address the members
of the Council.)
(Council Members spoke in support of the appointment. In response to inquiries
by Council Member Kagiwada, Ms. Bartolome informed the Council that the
Mayor's office is looking to replace commission members whose terms have
ended, and she would inform the commission secretary to update the
commission's fact sheet.)
MR. INABA: Is Mr. Gaddis still on the board?
MS. BARTOLOME: As far as I understand, yes.
MR. INABA: Okay. First and foremost, thank you. I'll be supporting your
confirmation. More procedural things here. I'm wondering if—in reviewing our
last communication from Mr. McCully, I see that his term date was incorrect,
which we took action on. So I'm wondering what we can do, and I believe the
letter before us today from Ms. Liu is also incorrect.
So, Corporation Counsel or the Clerk, what would be the fix? Because, I believe
Mr. McCully either needs to expire—his term expires either at the end of May 25
or May 26. His letter was May 2027. Corporation Counsel, can you chime in on
that, 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. It
sounds like our office needs to sit down with the Mayor's office and go over
reconfirm that the dates that are in important documents are correct; and if
incorrect, come back before the Council or submit some sort of communication to
the Council that clarifies the terms of the various board and commission
members.
MR. INABA: Okay. And then I guess, for Ms. Liu right now, I would also
request tabling this till we can get the communication correct before we take
action on it today, because it can't be 2028 based on the record of who's been on
this board. It has to be May 31st, 2025 or 2026. So I'm going to make that
motion so that we can get and take action on a communication that's correct. But
thank you again, Ms. Liu, and I'll be in full support of your confirmation.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to table Governmental Operations and
Table: External Affairs Committee Report No. 76 to the end of the
(Approved) agenda. 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: We will table this until later in the meeting. You're welcome
to go. I think we already deliberated about your actual nomination so this is
procedural, and our apologies for the holdup over here. But you're welcome to
MS. LIU: No worries. Thank you. You guys have a good day.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you.
MS. BARTOLOME: Chair, may I?
MR. HENRICKS: Chair, if you can announce the result of the motion to table?
CHR. KIMBALL: I'm sorry. You have nine in favor, Mr. Clerk.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you.
MS. BARTOLOME: Sorry, am Ican I just share something real quick?
CHR. KIMBALL: Go ahead.
MS. BARTOLOME: Okay. Thank you for being here. And I just wanted to
share for the record, Council Member Inaba, I felt very disrespected the way that
you shared what you shared. So, before I leave here today, I just wanted to say
that, that sometimes our approach and the way that we say things, I'm not a child.
And so I just wanted to share that.
CHR. KIMBALL: Okay, we're (inaudible).
MS. BARTOLOME: Yeah, thank you very much, for the record, but I wanted to
share that because it's important.
CHR. KIMBALL: Understood.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. BARTOLOME: I'm here recruiting volunteers, and if this is how we're
going to conduct ourselves
Point of Order: MR. INABA: Chair,point of order.
MS. BARTOLOME: That's inappropriate. So thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: We'll move on. Thank you. With that, Mr. Clerk, we have
tabled two items. At this point, I would like to take up Bill 61, please.
Bill 61: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-19 (NORTH HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—TWENTY ACRES (A-20a) TO
AGRICULTURAL—FIVE ACRES (A-5a) AT `O`OKALA, NORTH HILO,
HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 3-9-001:024
(Applicant: Dennis Schmitz) (Area: 20.027 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone request, which would allow the applicant to request the
subdivision of the property into four lots, each approximately five acres in size.
The property is located north(makai) of Old Mamalahoa Highway approximately
270 feet east of its intersection with Milo Street.
Reference: Comm. 388
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R)
Postponed: September 6, 2023
First Reading: September 20, 2023
Vote on Bill 61: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 61 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kierkiewicz— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 61 is adopted. Thank you, Mr. Arai. Let's see. I believe
we have OHCD (Office of Housing and Community Development) here for
Bill 64.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Bill 64: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in Fund Balance From Previous Year account($8,903,560.97);
and appropriates the same to the Housing Production account to fund successful
proposals for affordable housing production.
Reference: Comm. 417
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: September 20, 2023
Vote on Bill 64: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 64 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 64 is adopted at second and final reading. If we may go
to Resolution 280. Do you have another one? Okay, got it. Thank you for
bringing that to our attention. All right, Mr. Clerk, I apologize for jumping
around here, but can we do 70 and then 71, please?
Bill 70: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in the Home Program —Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
Fraud Recovery Income account($5,000); and appropriates the same to the Tenant-
Based Rental Assistance Fraud Recovery Income account to allow for the receipt of
funds recovered from tenants who have committed fraud.
Reference: Comm. 448
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-78
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 70 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 78.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: No discussion, Chair. We had good
discussion in Committees.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion on this item? Seeing
none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 70: The motion to pass Bill 70 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 78 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 70 is approved at first reading. Bill 71, please.
Bill 71: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in the Block Grant Program Income account($150,000); and
appropriates the same to the West Hawaii Emergency Shelter and Facility Energy
Efficiency Improvements account, bringing the total appropriation to $300,000.
These additional funds will be used to renovate the facility in accordance with the
Fiscal Year 2023 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan.
Reference: Comm. 449
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-79
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 71 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 79.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Chair, please?
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. What I like about this is that it's
going towards energy efficiency, and specifically installing a photovoltaic system
to decrease the overhead cost for the structure. I very much like this. Thank you
for doing this, you folks. I appreciate it. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else on this item?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 71: The motion to pass Bill 71 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 79 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 71 is approved at first reading. Thank you again for being
here. I appreciate it. Okay, let's pop back up to Resolution 280-23, please.
Res. 280-23: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF THREE PIERCE
FIRE ENGINES FROM THE HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT
The donation from Honolulu Fire Department, with an estimated value of$135,000,
would be utilized in the Hawaii Fire Department's reserve fleet of engines.
Reference: Comm. 478
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 280-23.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. This was
waived to Council to expedite the donation. We do have our Fire Department
joining us today. Do you want to add anything, sir? I always appreciate
donations to the County. There is always a concern of cost or upkeep, but the cost
of new equipment is incredibly expensive and takes forever to get here these days.
So give us some background on this.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Fire Chief Eric Moller came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. MOLLER: Eric Moller, Deputy Fire Chief. Thank you very much for the
opportunity to speak to this. This is a very gracious gift coming down from
Honolulu. The 135,000 is kind of a lowball figure. If we were to replace these
engines today, we're talking about 750,000 in value.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
We are really short on equipment, as you've probably heard many times; my boss
talks about the budget and our need for maintenance. Right now, we're at that
point where it's like repairing a plane while you're flying. It's aanything we
take out of service to repair to do upkeep on it is going to take something—it's
going to leave us a puka. We actually just recently had to pull some of our
volunteer engines to support the career side in the actual response. So these three
engines are going to be a great additional asset to us to be able to move around
and actually bring vehicles that need routine maintenance and need specialized
maintenance, and bring them into the shop and try to take care of them and extend
their life.
As we all know, we don't have an unlimited budget. And we do have plans in the
future of replacing a lot of these engines, but it's going to be a long time to get
there. Right now, the turnaround time is about two years from the time that we
enter into a contract for a vehicle till when we get it. So, best-case scenario,
we're looking at two to three years before we start getting an influx of engines to
replace some of our aged fleet. So this is a huge benefit for us, and it makes it a
safer and a better operation for response.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much. This is going to be
for island wide ability, then, yes?
MR. MOLLER: Yes. The intent with these vehicles is to replace frontline
apparatus so we can get those frontline apparatus in to get maintained, and we'll
rotate these vehicles around where they're needed; also if we have breakdowns
because we do, once again, have an aged fleet. These vehicles will be able to do
those preventive measures to make sure that we can extend them until we can get
an influx of new vehicles.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I looked at the resolution. I like
that a letter of appreciation and copy of the resolution will be sent to Fire Chief
Sheldon K. Hao in the Honolulu Fire Department. I really appreciate that being
done as a`BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED" clause in the resolution. Thank you.
MR. MOLLER: Thank you. I think it's also worth mentioning real quick that
Maui, before the disaster, was also trying to support us with two vehicles. And
unfortunately, because of their losses, they've had to kind of pull that back. But
it's a testament to the aloha throughout the islands as far as the fire service and
helping each other out.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mahalo for that. Thank you. I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Council
Member Kierkiewicz.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Hi, Chief. Great to see you. Thanks
for helping to coordinate this donation. When can we expect these apparatus to
arrive to our island?
MR. MOLLER: They're on the island already.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: They're on the island already.
MR. MOLLER: We're getting equipment put in as far as radios, and we're
expecting within the next couple of weeks to have them in service and helping
out.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, wonderful. And I love that they'll be rotating
island wide to support our various stations. They're from 1997 and 1999. So just
making sure that we have all of the parts and everything needed to maintain these
apparatus. How long do you think the lifespan of these vehicles will be here on
our island?
MR. MOLLER: These were very well-maintained apparatus out of Oahu.
Chief Samala, who's their deputy, was very good making sure that what he sent
down to us needed very minimal repairs. Talking with our mechanics, they went
up and did a full evaluation of these vehicles before we accepted them. Being a
Pierce fire truck, which we have several in our own fleet, we don't believe that
there's any equipment issues as far as maintenance. I believe we can probably
squeeze another five to six years easily out of these vehicles, and it's replacing
and helping us with vehicles that are of equal age, if not more, within our
department.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's great. I mean, it's really troubling when you
say our career folks have to borrow from volunteer stations. So I'm glad that we
finally have this part of our rotation.
MR. MOLLER: Yeah, thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chief.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else? All
right, seeing none, I'll just express my gratitude to the Honolulu Fire Department
for these donations. And thank you for working collaboratively with the other
counties to ensure that we have the best response available. So, appreciate your
time today. All those in favor of adopting Resolution 280-23, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 280-23: The motion to adopt Res. 280-23 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 280-23 is adopted.
MR. MOLLER: Thank you very much.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Deputy. All right, at this time we'll just go to the
to of the agenda. I'm going to hold off on Resolution 240 for the moment, but
we'll start with 241.
Res. 241-23: AWARDS A PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE FUND STEWARDSHIP GRANT TO
MALAMA O PUNA
Approves a grant of$53,200 to Malama O Puna, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization
to provide land stewardship and cultural education for the Wai`ele, Puna property,
(Tax Map Keys: 1-4-003:003 and 037), pursuant to Section 10-16(h) of the
Hawaii County Charter.
Reference: Comm. 427
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Approve: LAAC-32
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 241-23 and
Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report
No. 32. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just want to take a moment to
appreciate Malama O Puna and some of the lineal descendants as well as cultural
practitioners that are coming together to pull together a stewardship grant,
document a lot of the historical features that are there and really work to preserve
this precious `aina and elevate the mo`olelo of that place. So, looking for
everyone's continued support on this resolution. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 241-23: The motion to adopt Res. 241-23 and Legislative
(Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 32 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 241-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 246-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE
67TH ANNUAL HAWAII STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Police Department, Police Administration
Division-Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 432
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Postponed: September 20, 2023
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Galimba, seconded by Ms. Villegas, to adopt
Res. 246-23.)
(Note: Comm. 432.1, from Council Member Jenn Kagiwada dated October 2,
2023, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 246-23, was circulated.)
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kagiwada moved to amend Res. 246-23 with the
contents of Comm. 432.1. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Sorry I wasn't here when this
discussion happened, but it was a good catch by Corp. (Corporation) Counsel.
We reached back out to HPD (Hawai`i Police Department), and we found some
things that they really need support on for this event. We are going to be funding
their speaker fees and refreshments, which have been cleared by Corporation
Counsel. And just a note that we have had to change this to reimburse the Police
Department because the event has already occurred. So, looking for your support.
Thank you.
Page 15
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I want to thank Ms. Kagiwada for this contingency relief money.
I had the opportunity to go to the program. And, first of all, thanking all my
colleagues for signing all of the certificates. This was a large program for them
because they didn't have the program from 2020. So they actually honored all of
our law enforcement officers. So not only our Police Department, but FBI
(Federal Bureau of Investigation), DOFAW (Division of Forestry and Wildlife),
you name it. They all received awards. But one thing I also wanted to share,
because she's such a good friend to us here, is Pastor Renee Godoy was honored
by HSLEOA (Hawai`i State Law Enforcement Officials Association) with their
Lokahi award for her work with the first responders program. And so I just
wanted to share that with you because the circle of impact that we have with these
contingency relief monies really does go a long way where other programs are
also recognizing the good work of all this money. So thank you. Thank you to
everyone for their support. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Anyone else? Thank
you for being there and representing our Council. We appreciate that. All right,
all those in favor of adopting—we're still on the amendment. I don't think we did
the vote on that. All those in favor of amending Resolution 246-23, say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 246-23 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 432.1 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.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kagiwada moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 246-23. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
(Approved) 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 16
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: We're back to the main resolution, as amended. Any further
discussion on the resolution? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting
Resolution 246-23, as amended, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 246-23: The motion to adopt Res. 246-23, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 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: Resolution 246-23 is adopted, as amended. Next item, please.
Res. 253-23: CHANGES TIME ELEMENT OF A HALF-TIME ASSISTANT COUNTY
PHYSICIAN TO FULL-TIME
Requests adjustment to full-time to address an increase in employee examinations
in West Hawaii.
Reference: Comm. 443
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-72
Vote on Res. 253-23: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 253-23 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 72. 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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 253-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Page 17
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 255-23: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES
SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII COUNTY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Allows for the receipt of$100,000 in federally-derived funds to assist in the
development and implementation of a plan to achieve equitable internet access for
all Hawaii residents.
Reference: Comm. 445
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-73
Vote on Res. 255-23: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 255-23 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 73. 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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 255-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 256-23: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED
STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII COUNTY
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Allows for the receipt of$175,000 in federally-derived funds to provide services
and financial assistance for internet subscription fees for qualified households on
Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 446
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-74
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 256-23: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 256-23 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 74. 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: Resolution 256-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 264-23: 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 KELI`I WILLIAM IOANE
LEGACY FOUNDATION FOR THE 2023 MAKAHIKI COMMUNITY
CELEBRATION
Transfers $2,900 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 462
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
(Note: Comm. 462.1, from Council Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy dated
October 4, 2023, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 264-23, was
circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 264-23. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Res. 264-23 with the
contents of Comm. 462.1. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: This was at the suggestion of Corporation Counsel. That one
"WHEREAS" clause made it look like we were giving money for prizes when
really it's for materials and supplies for the Makahiki games. So that's what that
edit is for. Ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any other discussion
on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Page 19
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 264-23 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 462.1 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: Bill [sic] 264-23 is amended. Now, go ahead, Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 264-23. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
(Approved) 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: Our rules are suspended. On the main motion.
MS. LEE LOY: On the main motion, yes. Thank you to my colleagues for their
support. We had a wonderful presentation by Ainaaloha Ioane. This is for a lot
of that cultural protocols that will be coming up during the Lono Makahiki
session. And so it is a little more than it was last year, but we do anticipate more
people taking an interest. So, looking forward to my colleagues' support. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any further discussion
on this? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting 264-23, as amended, please
say "aye."
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 264-23: The motion to adopt Res. 264-23, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 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: Resolution 264-23, as amended, is adopted. Next item,
please.
Res. 265-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KEAUKAHA ONE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS
ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Transfers $3,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 463
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 265-23. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 265-23: The motion to adopt Res. 265-23 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 265-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Page 21
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 266-23: 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 FRIENDS OF THE
PANA`EWA ZOO TO PURCHASE KEIKI CUDDLE CARTS FOR USE AT THE
PANA`EWA RAINFOREST ZOO AND GARDENS
Transfers $4,747 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 464
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 266-23. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I hear my colleagues asking what's a cuddle cart. It really is like
a stroller for kids. But one thing about this particular cuddle cart, it's actually
universally designed for even our kids with special needs. So we're actually
taking two really big bites out of the apple with this funding where we're
providing for our tittles but also those who are a little more challenged in getting
around at the zoo that we have. So I ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any further discussion
on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 266-23: The motion to adopt Res. 266-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 266-23 is adopted.
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 267-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO REIMBURSE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR
EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 67TH ANNUAL HAWAII STATE LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Police Department, Police Administration
Division-Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 465
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 267-23. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MS. LEE LOY: No,just ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any other discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 267-23: The motion to adopt Res. 267-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 267-23 is adopted. We'll move to 268.
Res. 268-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAII JAPANESE
CENTER FOR THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF HAWAI`I'S
2023 BUNKA NO HI PROGRAM
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 466
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 268-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Excited about this celebration of
Japanese culture. It's going to be happening on November 18, 2023.
Everybody's invited of course. They're going to have a parade and many other
activities, and I'm really happy to support this important event in our community.
So, looking for your support. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? All right, all
those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 268-23: The motion to adopt Res. 268-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 268-23 is adopted.
Res. 269-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO VIBRANT HAWAII TO
ASSIST WITH THE BANYAN DRIVE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT AT THE
FORMER UNCLE BILLY'S HILO BAY HOTEL
Transfers $1,872 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 467
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 269-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Actually, Council Member Lee Loy
came to me with this, I think, very good idea to get our local artists involved with
Page 24
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
helping get information out to the public using the Banyan Drive redevelopment
that's going on, and she wants to add a little more. But just looking for all your
support on this. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Ms. Kagiwada. We've seen a lot of conversation
right here in the chambers about Banyan Drive; a lot of moving pieces. So thank
you, Ms. Kagiwada. This money is actually to start a collaboration and cocreation
workshop that will plan to convene diverse stakeholders that share an affinity to
Banyan Drive—kind of stuck between some Hawaiian language stuff—but to
create a community mural. And so this is kind of Step 1. And we did get the
blessings from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, along with our chair,
Dawn Chang. It's really an opportunity to engage community. So thank you
again, and thank you for this funding, Ms. Kagiwada. Ask for my colleagues'
support. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 269-23: The motion to adopt Res. 269-23 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 269-23 is adopted. We will just take a second
here. I'm going to give us a little five-minute recess. All right, we'll come back
at 10:05.
Recess: At 10:00 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:05 a.m.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right, we are on Resolution 270-23.
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 270-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HE HO`OMAKA HOU ANA
O` PUNA TO SUPPORT THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S `AUAMO
KULEANA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUMMIT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 468
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 270-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Happy to support this organization and this event happening.
We're going to have a domestic violence summit in coordination with Hawaii
Community College. It's going to be on October 13 at the Hawaii Community
College, and the funding's going to be used for supplies/materials for the event,
things like that. So, very happy to support this event. Hope that other people
might be able to attend. Looking for your support. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Anyone else?
Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: This month is actually domestic violence month. And so, in
addition to the summit, there'll be sign waving on October 5h. So, if anyone's
interested, come on down. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. I do believe that October 5h is tomorrow. All
right. Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. Yeah, it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month. So,
yeah, really appreciate the support of what they're doing. I've just—personally,
I've been told that a lot of young people go to college and they've never really
dated, or had an intimate partner relationship. And sometimes behaviors they
think are normal are not, and this type of literature and this type of awareness
opens up their eyes that"I'm not being treated with respect,"but they don't know
that. And so I've been told by young people that have said it changed their lives,
just learning that this behavior is not appropriate. So I'm really supportive and
really appreciate you bringing it forward. Thank you, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 270-23: The motion to adopt Res. 270-23 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball —7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 270-23 is adopted. Next item.
Res. 271-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE
PANA`EWA ZOO TO PURCHASE KEIKI CUDDLE CARTS FOR THE
PANA`EWA RAINFOREST ZOO AND GARDENS
Transfers $2,500 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. 469
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 271-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. This is also for the cuddle carts at the zoo,
and looking for your support. And I just want to do a shout-out to my legislative
assistant, Shannon Matson, who has you know what, you can see I have five
CRFs (Contingency Relief Funds) on here, and she did quite a lot of work,
especially going back and forth with the amendment for the HPD one. So just
appreciating her and all her work here. So thank you. Looking for your support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just want to recognize Mr. Henricks' very
good pronunciation of the Hawaiian language. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, although I
will note that he said "Keaukaha One" instead of"Keaukaha One (oh-nay)." I
was going to call you out at the time.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you, Matt. I appreciate the compliment. Let's never do
that again.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. In all seriousness, all those in favor of adopting
Resolution 271-23, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 271-23: The motion to adopt Res. 271-23 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 271-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 272-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY-
WAIKOLOA REGION TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS
BABY'S FIRST BOOK PROJECT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 470
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 272-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I ask for your favorable support. These books are
given to all newborn babies, and they're delivered at the hospitals. It's been a
very great program that's gone on for many years. Another organization, I think,
started it maybe 15 years ago, and then it has been picked up by Friends of the
Library and it's very well received. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion?
All those in favor please say "aye."
Page 28
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 272-23: The motion to adopt Res. 272-23 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 272-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 273-23: 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 KAMUELA
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA SOCIETY TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
RELATING TO ITS MUSIC APPRECIATION CONCERT
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 471
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 273-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I ask members for their support. I think it's self-
explanatory. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 273-23: The motion to adopt Res. 273-23 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 273-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Page 29
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 274-23: 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 FRIENDS OF FIRST
RESPONDERS TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS
UPCOMING TRAINING PROGRAMS
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Fire Operations
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 472
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 274-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I ask for your support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is actually something I was looking to
do as well, but the G.R.LN. Crisis Intervention Training was canceled. I fully
support it. But, Ms. Strance, if you could?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Betsy. So a portion of this
resolution was canceled in the "WHEREAS" clause—one, two, three, four
down—for the G.R.LN. crisis intervention training, but listed is a number of other
trainings and programs. My question's fairly simple. If we were to amend our
resolution to imitate this language, would we be able to move forward with our
resolution for the same contingency relief fund request give?
MS. STRANCE: Good morning. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. The
answer is "yes"with a caveat: so long as the funds that are being allocated can be
absorbed into those other areas.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you very much. I fully support
the resolution. Thank you, Ms. Strance.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Any
additional discussion? Council Member Evans.
Page 30
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. EVANS: I had conversations with the person who requested it and said that I
liked the work that they were doing. I wanted to support the work they were
doing. I wasn't fixated on one particular event, though, and I told them that.
Because, like you said, events can change over time, and I didn't realize they
canceled it. So, anyway, it's good to know. I think the way we wrote it
"including but not limited to"these types of sessions I think it should be good.
Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 274-23: The motion to adopt Res. 274-23 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 274-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 275-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO REIMBURSE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR
EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 67TH ANNUAL HAWAII STATE LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Police Department, Police Administration
Division-Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 473
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 275-23. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Just joining my colleagues in
supporting the law enforcement officials conference, and also a quick shout-out to
my legislative aide. I think all of our LAs (legislative assistants) work really hard
with all of the process and bureaucracy and paperwork to get this funding out the
door. So, huge mahalo to you, Ku`uhiapo. Appreciate you. Thank you, Chair.
Page 31
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 275-23: The motion to adopt Res. 275-23 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 275-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 276-23: 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 PAHOA LAVA ZONE
MUSEUM TO SUPPORT PLACEMAKING INITIATIVES IN PAHOA
VILLAGE
Transfers $15,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 474
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 276-23. Seconded
by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I just want to recognize and mahalo
Amedeo Markoff and Kevin Kushel who are strong partners in helping to
implement a lot of these placemaking projects in the Pahoa area. Funding is
going to be used to pay local artists to do murals in Downtown Pahoa as part of a
long-standing beautification effort. We also hosted a crime prevention summit
and do plan to host other events to have a more localized community-driven
collaborative approach to dealing with crime in the area. And so some of this
money will be used to implement the actions, the recommendations coming out of
those summits. And then also supporting the annual Christmas parade that
happens in Downtown Pahoa. So, looking for my colleagues' support so that we
can support community and their efforts to really create a sense of community and
give back. Thank you. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 276-23: The motion to adopt Res. 276-23 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 276-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 277-23: 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 WEST HAWAII
VETERANS CEMETERY DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION ASSOCIATION
TO CONSTRUCT A WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 475
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 277-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: I ask for my colleagues' support. There's continued development
of different memorials within the veterans cemetery in Kona, and this is the next
memorial that is being planned and constructed. Mahalo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor please say "aye."
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Res. 277-23: The motion to adopt Res. 277-23 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 277-23 is adopted. Next item, please.
Res. 278-23: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAMAKUA HEALTH
CENTER, INC., FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT, A BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS EVENT IN HONOKA`A
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 476
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
(Note: Comm. 476.1, from Council Chair Heather L. Kimball dated October 3,
2023, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 278-23, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 278-23. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Inaba moved to amend Res. 278-23 with the contents
of Comm. 476.1. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: I'll just quickly note Corp. Counsel has been on fire catching
little minor errors here. So we can't specifically fund entertainment, so we are
expressly funding musician fees for this event. That's the purpose of the
amendment. Any further discussion on the amendment? All those in favor of
amending Resolution 278-23 with the contents of Communication 476.1,please
say "aye."
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 278-23 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 476.1 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: Resolution 278-23 is amended.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 278-23.
Rules: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy 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: Back to the main motion, 278-23 as amended. Just ask for my
colleagues' support for this important awareness event in my district. Any further
discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 278-23: The motion to adopt Res. 278-23, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 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: Resolution 278-23, as amended, is adopted. Next item,
please.
Page 35
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Res. 279-23: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF LABOR AND
MATERIALS FOR A HOMERUN FENCE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
AND RECREATION
The donation from West Side Hawaii Little League, with an estimated value of
$14,700, would be used to install a homerun fence at William Charles Lunalilo
Playground in Kailua-Kona.
Reference: Comm. 477
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 279-23.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. This was
waived to Council to expedite the donation and the acceptance of labor and
materials for Parks and Recreation. I look forward to everyone's support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Rebecca, this is your district?
Council Member Villegas, I don't know if you have anything to add to this
conversation.
MS. VILLEGAS: Nope. Just grateful.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none,
all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 279-23: The motion to adopt Res. 279-23 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 279-23 is adopted. This time we'll move on to
bills for first reading.
Page 36
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
STATEMENTS The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
FROM THE the Chair:
PUBLIC ON
BILL 66 Marco Mangelsdorf: In support.
(DRAFT 2) (representing ProVision Solar)
(COMM. 435.2):
Bill 66: AMENDS CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 5-4-3, OF THE HAWAII
(Draft 2) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Amends Subsection (f)by requiring a professional electrical engineer licensed in
the State of Hawaii to prepare, design, and stamp electrical design drawings and
specifications for residential photovoltaic systems if the system exceeds
10 kilowatts.
Reference: Comm. 435.2
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Approve: PCPLUD-4
(Note: Comm. 435.3, from Council Member Cindy Evans dated October 2, 2023,
transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 66, Draft 2,
on first reading and adopt Policy Committee on Planning,
Land Use, and Development Report No. 4. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. Good
discussion at the Committee level. I reviewed the video and the transcripts from
the last meeting, with the vote and the way that it was, and with the confirmation
from the department that this meets that they can uphold on their end. I look for
everyone's support on this. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Any further discussion?
MS. EVANS: I have a proposed amendment.
CHR. KIMBALL: Go ahead and make the motion.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Evans moved to amend Bill 66, Draft 2, with the
contents of Comm. 435.3. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
Page 37
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I'm asking for support to move it from 10 kilowatts to
20 kilowatts. And if you'll bear with me, I did a lot of homework on this. I
looked at what Honolulu's doing, what Maui is doing, and realize that Honolulu
has over 58,000 residential solar photovoltaic system permits that they've
processed. And their current code is saying if demand load of the proposed
installation is less than 30 kilowatt amps, the approval of an engineer or architect
shall be required only if the building officials so directs. So that was
discretionary on their part.
But when you go to Maui, what Maui is saying, again, putting up photovoltaic
systems is the norm—has become so normal. This was passed in the year 2009.
And it says, "Applications for electrical permits must include a letter and related
forms from an architect or structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii
verifying that the roof assembly is structurally adequate to support the
photovoltaic system to be installed, including the module mounting system.
Schematic diagram showing the photovoltaic system connections, equipment
locations, and configuration ratings are also required to be submitted with the
electrical permit application. Schematic diagrams for systems rated 30 kilowatts
or more are required to be prepared, stamped, and signed by a State of Hawaii
licensed electrical engineer." That's the important piece.
Because I do think, looking at our Code, I think our Code is real good at—and I'd
like to have Public Works come up----because I think our Code does require a lot
of things when people submit for photovoltaic systems. The only thing that this
amendment is addressing is the stamp signed prepared, stamped, and signed by
an engineer.
Maui does not require if it's rated 30 kilowatts or more. However, they do require
everything else. So I wanted to ask if I can. May I have the leisure of asking
Public Works Director to come up?
CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, of course.
MS. EVANS: I believe the discussion we had in Council last time was about
ensuring the safety of the public. When we talked about it, I felt the conversation
was so focused on this part of it that we didn't have the context of the rest of it,
and that is you have to be, I assume, based on some of the stuff I read, you have to
be a licensed electrical contractor to be able to do some design and installation
work. That's not what this is about. This ismy amendment is about when do
you need that stamped engineer. So are we confident that we have a lot of stuff
already in place in Code? So can you tell us what we have in Code?
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director Stephen Pause came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
Page 38
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. PAUSE: Steve Pause, Director of Public Works. So there's a couple things
there to kind of just try to unravel. I believe that this bill is specific around
electrical engineering stamp. So, in other words, if a system is going to be
installed and it's less than 10 kilowatts rated, it no longer will need an electrical
engineer to stamp the drawings, the schematics, etcetera. And we had a lot of
discussion within our department—Gary's here, Wayne Saiki from Kona side, our
electrical inspectors, supervisors—about the complexity of those systems
specifically from an electrical standpoint.
As the gentleman from ProVision said, he's a licensed electrical contractor and he
uses licensed electricians to do the work. So, from an electrical standpoint, I
believe again we're only talking about whether presently we require an electrical
engineer's stamp for everything we're going to—this bill would propose to
change that if the system is ten or less, which is pretty much the standard
residential system, which I think last time we talked about probably 85 percent of
the applications we get fall within that category.
With respect to other portions of that, the structural side of attaching panels to a
roof versus the structural side of putting in stand-alone field panels either on a
grade beam or on piers. That is covered as part of the building permit.
I think what we've done from a building permit standpoint is we've said that the
attachments that are used for roof mounts are pretty standard, and I think we've
incorporated that into that whole review process for when somebody is submitting
for a permit. But where we want to have extra measure is we would like drawings
to be stamped if it's a ground mount because of the specificity about wind loads
and seismic and all of those sorts of things.
So I think the Code, as it stands now, pretty much covers the structuralness, that
portion of it. And I think really what our focus is today is do I really need an
electrical engineer's stamp for a system that's 10 kilowatts or less, which again I
think we've covered is sort of like a routine residential type of application.
MS. EVANS: Do you know the other counties for years have gone "the
30 kilowatt is the threshold." And thousands and thousands of these. So it's
become the norm. So I'm not going all the way to 30 kilowatts. I'm suggesting
we change it from 10 to 20.
The other thing that's really happened is we're going to electrical vehicles. And
the programs that have been put forth by the Federal government and the State
government are still trying to get people to move towards photovoltaic, and we
don't want barriers. These additional costs, is it really—what are we really
balancing here? Because, again, when I did my research and I saw that the other
counties and thousands of people, I don't understand why we can't move it from
10 to 20. I don't understand what the difference would be.
Page 39
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. PAUSE: So I'm going to ask Gary to come up and help me. Thank you.
Our discussion at the last reading for this bill was the feeling that, from our
inspectors, that the difference between a common 10-kilowatt residential system,
once you start going above that—and I think at the time we were talking about
what does a 30-kilowatt system look like. A lot more complex. A lot more
what I've heard from the inspectors is a lot more work, a lot more things for them
to do when they're doing inspections because of the complexity. I'll stop there
for a second and ask Gary to maybe make some additional comments.
(Note: At this time, Supervising Electrical Inspector Gary
Kaho`ohanohano, Public Works Department, came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: Gary, Building, Public Works. As Steve said, as
the system grows, it becomes more complex. As said before also, 85 percent of
the intake applications, and most of them are under 10 kW (kilowatts). So I don't
see why we should be moving up to 20 when most of them are at under 10 kW.
So my strong feelings and the strong feelings of my fellow inspectors are they're
very comfortable with 10 kW. It's a standard across the industry. They know
what to look for, which really doesn't require EE (electrical engineer) stamped
drawings. So, pretty uniform. That's all I've really got to add.
MR. PAUSE: So,just to add to that, and I think Gary said it at our last reading on
this, was that this seems like a good place to start. It's not to say that we don't
come back in a year and say, "You know what, 20 is a better number" or"30 is a
better number." But I think where we are today and based on what we're seeing
in terms of applications, what impact it has on our workload, I think we as a
department feel comfortable at 10 today.
MS. EVANS: Okay. I guess my question when you said, "across industry
standards,"your fellow county equivalents have gone with 30 or less. And you
made the statement that it's kind of the standard. Well, the standard for the State
now is it looks more like 30, not 10. So I'm a little confused.
MR. PAUSE: I'll speak for Gary and then let him speak for himself. I think what
he meant was the standard is most residential is 10 or less. I think that that was
what he was referring to, sorry.
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: That's correct.
MS. EVANS: What I'm reading is that—and having said that, ProVision, would
you mind coming up?
(Note: At this time, Marco Mangelsdorf, representing ProVision Solar,
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
Page 40
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. EVANS: I wanted to ask—with the changes with people doing electrical
vehicles and more and more people, more and more tax credits, more and more
moving towards photovoltaic, I'm under the impression that there are residential
homes that will be above 10. And you're required—here's the other part to it:
You're required to have an electrical contractor, and the design and installation is
on you to make sure it's correct. And you have to be licensed with the State. So
you kind of have to warrant it, right. So I'm kind of thinking protections are
there, and I'm also thinking why would the other counties agree to this if they
didn't feel the protections were there. So can you ?
MR. MANGELSDORF: Well, Ms. Evans, you're speaking to the choir, to me,
certainly because I want to see it easier rather than more difficult to see more PV
(photovoltaic). And larger systemsI mean, the trend over the years has clearly
been larger systems for reasons such as EV (electric vehicle) adoption. My
preference would be, if I had my druthers, that I would support your amendment
to the 20. And it's clear that, well, to me, that we want to make it easier to
transform this island and the State to greater energy independence rather than
more challenges. So, yes, as an electrical contractor, I'm regulated by the State
and the DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), and I need to
stand behind my work, which I have and my company has for decades. So I
believe there's an adequate level of protection and safety and design
professionalism with systems, let's say, in this case, 20 kilowatts or less.
MS. EVANS: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion
on the amendment? Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: On the amendment. I seconded for the conversation. I'm not
going to be supporting it, but I think what happened is you absolutely
demonstrated why I think there's still a big loophole in the current legislation
where someone can get a 10 without the wet stamp, get another 10 without the
wet stamp and slowly dial up to a 20 or a 30 system.
I wanted to ask maybe Gary. Sorry to put you on the spot. Because, this is for
residential and having worked with our Codes across the State, Hawaii County is
a little different than Maui County and how they kind of talk about residential and
nonresidential. And in our Code, it's specific to residential. How big would a
house be at 20 kV(kilovolt)?
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: It would depend on the calculated load that they're
using; would determine the size of the photovoltaic system. Twenty for
residential? It's not uncommon for the high-end.
MS. LEE LOY: High-end homes? Like stuff at Kukio and Manini`owali?
Page 41
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: Yeah. Hualalai.
MS. LEE LOY: Thirty would be Hualalai.
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: Exactly, yeah. It's the high-end homes, the
custom homes.
MS. LEE LOY: So, normally,just understanding some of their CC&Rs
(Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), some of the building footprints are at
3,000 or even higher as far as square footage, right; where a local family would
probably be at a thousand square foot home.
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: 1,500.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, 1,500. So, 1056 packages, we see them all the time.
MR. KAHO`OHANOHANO: Right. It's common.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah. Thanks, Gary. I really want to help local residents. I
think 10 is a nice place to land if that's what we're talking about; local housing
for local families. Some of these numbers that we go up to with 20 kV and
30 kV, those are our million dollar homes if not higher. I understand the goal of
getting more renewable energy for some of the other renewable goals, but I've
heard loud and clear from the department 10 is a nice place to land. I'm not going
to be supporting this amendment, but thank you for letting us have the
conversation again. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. On the amendment,
Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I'm not going to lie; I
like the amendment. I started at 30 and then, in speaking with the department,
they were more comfortable at 10. I'm not going to support the amendment today
because this bill makes sense for our community. I'd like to see it move forward.
And we had support at 10 kW from both the department and with eight votes on
the Council.
Not that I'm against it, but what I did hear from the department at our last
meeting, and I spoke with Steve briefly about this as well as Gary, they're
comfortable with starting at 10, and we can see how this rolls. And if it rolls out
well and the department feels comfortable and the inspection staff feels
comfortable and the review staff feels comfortable within the Building
Department and the actual department, then we can look at amending up to 20,
maybe 30, maybe higher, depending on how they feel and we see this happening
within our County in a year or so. So that is enough for me to say we can all
agree this doesn't deter from public safety requirements in our Code. It does get
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
us where we need to be in supporting sustainability and renewable energy, and
getting our homeowners a lesser cost for their system but doesn't take away from
the department's want to kind of start slowly and walking the door a little bit.
I love the amendment. I won't support it today because I believe we're in a good
place with the 10 kW at this point. So thank you. I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone
else on the amendment? Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. I wasn't here for the last discussion, but on the
amendment I feel similarly. It sounds like the department is really comfortable
with the 10 right now, so I'll be not supporting this amendment at this time. But I
really hope that in a year we check back and see if we can maybe bump that
number up. So thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Anyone else? Back
to you, Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: So this is procedural. If we vote it down, can we bring it back up?
CHR. KIMBALL: Not in this term.
MR. HENRICKS: Well, in the context of this bill, not in the session. If this bill
passes or doesn't, you could introduce your own bill that would say 20.
MS. EVANS: Okay, good. Thank you.
MR. HENRICKS: But in the context of this proposed amendment, if it's voted
down, you could not bring it back in the same form for this particular Bill 66.
MS. EVANS: Okay, thank you. Thank you for that.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right, any further discussion on the amendment? All right,
Mr. Clerk, I'll request a roll call on this one,please.
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 66, Draft 2, with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 435.3 failed by the following roll call vote:
Failed
Ayes: Council Members Evans
and Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Noes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball —7.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. HENRICKS: The motion fails.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Back to the main motion. Any
discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Again, looking forward to everyone's
support on this. Good discussion at Committee level last time. I had a chance in
Kauai to speak with the Ulupono Cooperative, and they actually went out of their
way to actually approach me and say, "We support the bill," and they submitted
testimony as well, which was nice to hear from them and that people on Oahu are
watching, and what we're doing. So I really do appreciate the department's
ability to work with me on this and to get us one step towards being more easily
sustainable and moving towards more renewable energy for our community.
Thank you all for your help. And then to the Council as well, thank you for your
support on this measure to date. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. As the sole person saying "no" last time, I did have
time to reflect and lean in on some of the industry standards. And I understand
there's been a number of advancements within EV as far as cutoff switch and
other things that help ensure the safety of a system. That being said, absolutely
support the industry. I have to vote on a policy with words on paper, and
currently, as written, I still think, and I've heard from the department, that we
leave a very large loophole wide open for people to pull a 10 with no wet stamp
and then later come back and pull a 10 with no wet stamp and then add that to the
existing system.
I'm going to trust that the department will be able to inspect those and understand,
and maybe through this process when we see so many come through under the
10 k [sic] and then what that looks like for people upgrading and where we might
land. We might land back at 20; I don't know. But for right now, I see a loophole
in this piece of policy and will not be supporting it. But like I said the last time,
look forward for everybody meeting our energy goals with this piece of
legislation. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any other discussion
on the bill before us?
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, I have a question. I think Ms. Kierkiewicz brought it up
about disclosure, if there was any disclosure. I didn't see anything.
CHR. KIMBALL: I made the determination in conversation with Judge Strance
that this particular situation does not warrant a written disclosure. Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder did make a verbal disclosure at the end of the
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
discussion last time. If there's anyone on the floor that has an objection to that
decision, you're certainly welcome to take that to the Ethics Board as the
appropriate avenue.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, if I could ask if Judge Strance could provide that in
writing where that bright line of disclosure lands. A few of my colleagues have
ended up in front of the Ethics Board with false allegations of failure to disclose.
And at the Board of Ethics, we were told, "disclose and write." It's way better
and safer rather than walk that fine line.
CHR. KIMBALL: Understood. Looks like Judge Strance is there in Kona
chambers. Judge Strance, do you have a response?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. STRANCE: Yes. Good morning. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel.
I'm not going to get in the middle of ethics accusations amongst and between
Council Members. The appropriate place to have those aired is at the Board of
Ethics. If a Council Member comes to me with questions, I'll do my best to
answer that Council Member's questions. But I am not going to be put in a place
of having conflicts amongst Council Members on an issue that's eventually and
ultimately decided by the Board of Ethics.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Judge Strance. Do you have more questions for
Judge Strance? I am happy to work with Judge Strance in sort of a general memo
in terms of interpretation with respect to disclosure. And if there's further
explanation needed beyond our rules, I would further suggest that if the rules are
insufficiently clear and whatnot, we should probably continue to refine those. But
I'll work with Judge Strance. I do understand your request being a more broad
interpretation. So I can do that. Anyone else. All right, we'll move forward with
the vote. Let's also take a roll call for this,please, Mr. Clerk.
Vote on Bill 66: The motion to pass Bill 66, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and
(Approved) Development Report No. 4 was carried by the following
roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba,
Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: Council Member Lee Loy — 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: The motion carries.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Bill 66, Draft 2, is approved at first
reading. On to Bill 67, please.
Bill 67: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Broadband Equity Access and
Deployment Planning Funds-Federal account($100,000); and appropriates the same
to the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Planning Funds-Federal account
($100,000). Funds would be used to assist in the development and implementation
of a plan to achieve equitable internet access for all Hawaii residents.
Reference: Comm. 445
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-75
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 67 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 75.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. I did run into
Douglass Adams, Director of the Department of Research and Development, I
believe at HSAC (Hawai`i State Association of Counties) again and theI'm
reviewing the minutes. I do appreciate Ms. Shola showing up, sick and all, and
presenting and doing a very well done job of presenting all the information to the
Council on that day. So just wanted to give her a mahalo for being there and
providing the information. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Any
further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 67: The motion to pass Bill 67 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 75 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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 67 is approved at first reading. Bill 68, please.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Bill 68: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Affordable Connectivity Outreach
Grant Program account($175,000); and appropriates the same to the Affordable
Connectivity Outreach Grant Program account. Funds would be used to provide
services and financial assistance for internet subscription fees for qualified
households on Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 446
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-76
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 68 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 76.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: There was no discussion at first reading at
Committee level. Look forward to everyone's support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Bill 68: The motion to pass Bill 68 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 76 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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Bill 68 is approved at first reading.
Page 47
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Bill 69: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —National Criminal History Improvement
Program account($580,000); and appropriates the same to the National Criminal
History Improvement Program account. These additional funds would be used by
the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for a new case management system, increased
internet bandwidth, licensing, and replacement of computers to improve the quality,
timeliness, and accessibility of criminal history records.
Reference: Comm. 447
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-77
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 69 on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 77.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Again, no discussion on this measure at
Committee level. Look forward to everyone's support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 69: The motion to pass Bill 69 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 77 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 69 is approved at first reading. Let's go down to Bill 49,
please.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Bill 49: INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3-4 OF THE
(Draft 4) HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER(2022 EDITION), RELATING TO VACANCY
IN OFFICE
Adds an exception to the process of filling vacancies on the County Council by
providing that a vacant County Council district seat shall be filled by the person
elected to serve the upcoming Council term, if that vacancy occurs or exists after
the incoming Council Member was elected.
Reference: Comm. 305.21
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Postponed: September 6, 2023
First Reading: September 20, 2023
2/3 Vote: Second of three required readings,
Section 15-1(a), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to pass Bill 49, Draft 4, on second
reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: I want to again thank everyone for their patience as we debated
this and came to this place, and ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any additional discussion? All right, seeing none, I'll just
quickly make the comment I maintain my position that I'm happy to move this on
to the third reading, but then when we get to the third reading, I'd like to suggest
that we postpone it and hold it there until we see which other Charter amendments
might be coming forth. So, at this time, I will be voting "aye"to move it forward,
but then will be proposing that at that third reading. Any further discussion? All
those in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 49: The motion to pass Bill 49, Draft 4, on second reading was
Draft 4 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: Bill 49, Draft 4, is approved at second reading. At this time,
let's go back up to Resolution 240-23.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Kimball relinquished the chair to Acting
Chair Inaba.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Return to Order The Acting Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 240-23: APPROVES THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
AND PRIORITIES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2024
HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
Includes proposals relating to the regulation of tobacco and regulating traffic on
hazardous roads and in sensitive areas, and six policy priorities relating to:
(1) dangerous dogs; (2)the lawful sale or distribution of wild-caught ungulate
meat; (3)pathways for midwifery licensure; (4) extended producer responsibility
to address solid waste; (5) increasing access to mental health providers for youth
in rural counties; and (6) financing of residential cesspool conversions.
Reference: Comm. 426
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Approve: GOEAC-77
(Note: Comm. 426.2, from Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated
October 2, 2023, and Comm. 426.3, from Council Chair Heather L. Kimball dated
October 4, 2023, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 240-23, were
circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 240-23 and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 77. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. There's a couple of amendments here. I'll defer to
Council Member Kierkiewicz to make her amendment first, which was discussed
in the Committee hearing. But just to again give everybody the frame: This is the
first step in creating the package for HSAC. It needs to be approved here at the
Council level and then we will discuss this at our meeting at the end of October.
So we do need to get this passed through today. I yield, Chair.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend Res. 240-23 with the
contents of Comm. 426.2. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
Page 50
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. At our Committee meeting, I had
elevated a couple of issues that our Hawaii Island residents specifically in Lava
Zones 1 and 2 are experiencing in relation to insurance coverage and rates. And
in light of the recent events that have occurred on Maui, I think it's really
important for us to consider what insurance could look like going forward in the
event of any disastera fire, a hurricane, or flooding. And so have added to the
list of priorities: support by HSAC on legislation related to insurance coverage
for those two items, and then also recognizing just the proliferation of invasive
species and how they are impacting our ecosystems, agriculture, and public
health.
Do want HSAC to be monitoring and supporting legislation that provides tools,
funding, resources to counties and nonprofits to effectively mitigate and manage
invasives. So, again, there's no specific legislation that's tied to these priority
areas. These are just themes that we are authorizing HSAC to weigh in on should
there be bills that are presented next session. So, looking for everyone's support
on these additions to what I think are going to be a really great package. And I
just appreciate the ability for HSAC to be advocating for County concerns
because I really think there is strength in a unified voice from all the counties.
Thank you, Chair, I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion on the amendment?
If not, all those in favor of amending Resolution 240-23 with the contents of
Communication 426.2,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 240-23 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 426.2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
MS. KIMBALL: Motion to suspend our rules.
ACTING CHR. INABA: A motion to suspend our
MR. HENRICKS: Do you anticipate further amendments?
MS. KIMBALL: Yes.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MR. HENRICKS: Okay, the rules just call for a holdover for final action. So
perhaps you can proceed with further amendments before making that motion.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kimball moved to amend Res. 240-23 with the
contents of Comm. 426.3. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I'd like to just first start off by thanking Dot in my
office as well as the fabulous staff in LRB (Legislative Research Branch) that
were able to turn this around in a matter of an hour this morning. The reason for
bringing this forward at the last minute is I mentioned before that items have to be
approved at the Council level to be sent up to HSAC for consideration in the
package. Maui really wanted to have this bill put forward, but they had already
approved their resolution. Since this is relevant to us as well, I said, "You know
what, we'll add it to our package; elevate it to the HSAC Executive Committee
through that mechanism." So I hope I have everyone's support.
This is adding some foreclosure provisions in the event of disaster. I think we can
all say, under the current circumstances in Maui and past circumstances here and
the potential for future circumstances, this is something we can get behind. So I
ask for my colleagues' support on this amendment.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any discussion? Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. In support. While we were on Kauai for
HSAC, I had the opportunity to sit in on the Executive Committee. And both our
Maui Council Members really urged us to figure out a way. So absolutely in
support of that ever-evolving situation that they have on Maui and how they're
going to have to navigate so many things. Look forward to supporting our
families on Maui also. I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: All right. Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I'm so glad you're doing this. Lessons to be learned
and more, but if this piece of legislation could get introduced and get into
Committees, it will morph over time. So what's great is that it's in there. Thank
you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. There's a motion on the floor to amend
Resolution 240-23 with the contents of Communication 426.3. All those in favor?
Page 52
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 240-23 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 426.3 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 240-23. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. INABA: We're back to Resolution 240-23, as amended. Any
further discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: Vice Chair, I just want to note, for the record, that you did
note some erroneous diacritical marks in the original draft. So those would be
corrected as part of creating this Draft 2 prior to its certification.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. All right, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 240-23, as amended, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 240-23: The motion to adopt Res. 240-23, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 77 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Resolution 240-23 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to
Chair Kimball.
CHR. KIMBALL: We'll go to "Referrals for Executive Session,"please. We
still have the reports on the table. We have not received anything yet from the
Mayor's office, so we will go to our—yes they are aware.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
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): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
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.)
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
EXECUTIVE for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Comm. 396.1: JONATHAN D. ROWE, ET AL. V. COUNTY OF HAWAII; 3CCV-22-0000393
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Justin C. Lee, dated September 6, 2023,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-entitled matter, including settlement discussion.
Motion to Close Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 396.1.
File: Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
MS. LEE LOY: For my colleagues, I'll just look for guidance. If you guys want
to go in or not, I'll get us there. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Opening it up to the body, the feeling on the need
for Executive Session. I, for one, would personally like to go into Executive
Session on this one.
MS. LEE LOY: Sure.
Page 54
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to enter into Executive Session in
Enter into order to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding
Executive Session: Communication 396.1, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4)
(Approved) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. 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.
CHR. KIMBALL: Mr. Clerk, you have nine "ayes"to enter into Executive
Session. So we will do so at this time. Thank you.
Recess: At 11:09 a.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the
room.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:49 a.m.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. We are back out of Executive Session. I will pass it
over to Council Member Lee Loy.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 396.1. Seconded
(Approved) 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.
Vote on The motion to close file on Comm. 396.1 was carried by
Comm. 396.1: the following voice vote:
Filed
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 55
Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Comm. 492: HAWAII ISLAND EARLY LEARNING DEVELOPMENT LLC V. COUNTY
OF HAWAII, ET AL.; CIVIL NO. 3CCV-22-0000158
From Deputy Corporation Counsel E. Britt Bailey, dated September 15, 2023,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-entitled matter, including a lawsuit filed by the Law Offices of
Yeh and Kim on behalf of its client Hawaii Island Early Learning Development
LLC.
Motion to Close Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 492. Seconded
File: by Ms. Galimba.
Motion to Concur: Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 492. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: I don't think the recommendation is a part of the
communication.
MS. LEE LOY: I'm sorry.
CHR. KIMBALL: There is a recommendation contained in the communication.
MR. HENRICKS: I think it's contained in the confidentials, which is not part of
the communication.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you for the clarification.
MS. LEE LOY: Maybe I could cite the case number.
CHR. KIMBALL: Okay.
MS. LEE LOY: Okay. Chair, if I could make that motion again. Motion to
accept the recommendation related to Case 3CCV-22-0000158.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 492. Seconded by
(Approved) 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.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Corporation Counsel, for your patience in waiting
for us. All right, back to the main motion on closing file. All those in favor,
please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 492: The motion to close file on Comm. 492 was carried by the
Filed 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: Vice Chair Inaba, you had some things on the table.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to remove Governmental Operations and
Remove from Table: External Affairs Committee Report No. 75 from the table.
(Approved) 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: Back to Communication 441.
MR. INABA: Thank you. We have pinkies delivered to us.
Communication 441.1 corrects the term ending date from December 31st, 2028, to
December 31", 2027, for Mr. Garcia's nomination to the Environmental
Management Commission. I don't know if anybody from the Mayor's office is
here, but in reviewing the documents, I do believe this is the correct date.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Any other discussion on
Communication 441? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Vote on GOEAC-75: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 75 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: Mr. Clerk, the nomination of Gonzalo Garcia is confirmed
with nine votes in favor.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to remove Governmental Operations and
Remove from Table: External Affairs Committee Report No. 76 from the table.
(Approved) 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: We are back to discussing Communication 442.
MR. INABA: Yes, and we also have Communication 442.1, which corrects the
term ending date from May 31st, 2028, to the correct date of May 31st, 2026. And
I believe this is the correct date as well. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Any further discussion?
Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I appreciate that we're doing this and doing it on the
same day so we get it corrected, and don't find later on that we have our dates
wrong. So I think it's good that we get this done today. Appreciate it. Thank
you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Anyone else? Back to
Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Yeah,just asking for Corporation Counsel's guidance
to the Office of the Mayor to correct the other appointment to the Banyan Drive
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
Hawaii Redevelopment Agency that we passed a few months ago for
Mr. McCully. Are you able to provide that clear guidance right now so we all
know what the next steps will be for that? Is Corporation Counsel in Kona?
(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. Could
you repeat your question, Council Member?
MR. INABA: Yes. For Mr. McCully's appointment to the Banyan Drive Hawaii
Redevelopment Agency, there was an incorrect date that we took action on. So
I'm wondering how that will be corrected.
MS. STRANCE: It will be corrected via an amended communication to the
Council, although it is after the fact. The action that was being requested really is
that confirmation, and this is more of a scrivener's error type of situation that just
needs to get cleared up for your records.
MR. INABA: Okay, great. Thank you. If you could just please work with them
so that we get that correction. And I would recommend that moving forward, as
we make updates to our fact sheets, that we do leave the expiration dates on the
fact sheets even if there's a vacancy so we don't come to see this problem again.
Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I actually had a question for Judge Strance. With the
Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency, that was stood up a little differently. And
although it is a commission or a board here on Hawaii Island, because it is
grounded in an HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes), I'm still not clear how to follow
the expiration dates, whereas our boards and commissions here have terms
expiring every four or five years; whereas at the State level, they basically stay
seated until there is a replacement. I think, in all of it, I never really got a clear
indication how this particular board works and what the term limits are, if they
start at the appointment time or if they're just slotted into the five-year increments
regardless of what year they're stepping into that incremental term. Did I ask that
correctly?
MS. STRANCE: I understand your question. So the statute establishing the
agency provides for a single five-year term, and that the commission members
will remain in office until a successor is appointed. So you raise an interesting
question about let's say it's three years into a term or three years after a term is
expired that a new commission member is selected. And, candidly, I don't know
the answer to that question. My initial response would be that the HRS and
Section 13.4 of the Charter are not necessarily inconsistent with each other,
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
except for the term of appointment and the holdover provisions. And so we
would follow whatever procedure we have established in the County. But that,
too, is not expressly stated in the Charter.
And so I think it's something that is worth taking a look at, especially if holdovers
are for extended periods of time. But regardless, I think both you and Council
Member Inaba have raised good questions for us to really look at in terms of
making sure that terms are clear and what the expectations are around
reappointment. That is something that we'll take up in our office and advise the
Mayor's office and you as well, given the fact that it's been raised here.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Judge Strance. And just really understanding the
nuances of a board or commission that's formed by our Charter, or an agency like
Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency whose genesis started with an
HRS provision. And again just looking for some guidance. So I do appreciate
you taking that up and providing an answer for us.
MS. STRANCE: It's a unique body in terms of its separateness as well. And so I
think we need to provide you folks with some guidance, and make sure that our
understanding is correct as well.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Judge Strance. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I appreciate Mr. Inaba's
in-depth look at the information required and being presented to the Council.
This morning was interesting, to say the least, but I do appreciate being correct in
the information that we provide both to the public and put on record and is
brought before us to review. So thank you very much for reviewing the
information and getting us the correct information, and requiring the changes be
made, Mr. Inaba. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Just going back to Council Member Lee Loy's point
in HRS 53-2, Subsection (a). The last sentence says that each vacancy shall be
filled by the appointing power for the remainder of the unexpired term, which is
essentially in line with what our Charter does. They don't get to start a new five-
year term at their appointment. They fulfill the remainder of the term. So I just
wanted to put that out there on the record. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. And absolutely, right. I think again though this one
was generated by a resolution from the Council. So there's more nuances, also,
even with the dormancy of that agency at that time. So I think Judge Strance will
find us a clear understanding on where to land. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. All right. We're going to move on on this and
just go back to the main communication and the nomination. All those in favor of
closing file on Communication 442 and affirming the nomination of Anna Liu to
the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency, please say "aye."
Vote on GOEAC-76: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 76 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: That nomination of Anna Liu is confirmed.
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.
CHR. KIMBALL: We have a quick announcement from Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: I wanted to announce this publicly. The U.S. (United States)
Government Small Business Administration, when they had the Lahaina fires,
they came to Hawaii and set up some disaster relief for small businesses, and
they included Hawaii Island. And so they have stood up offices at the Kona
Civic Center and I believe here for small businesses to get some relief, because
they probably were impacted financially even on our own island. And so I
encourage you to at least go and explore it if you're a small business and see if
you can get some disaster relief. So I wanted to make sure it was a public record
and out there. So thank you very much.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you for bringing that to everyone's attention, Council
Member Evans.
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Hawaii County Council-23 October 4,2023
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:05 p.m., Mr. Inaba moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. 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: We are adjourned at 12:05. Thank you.
Council Approval: NOV 0 1 2023
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