HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 096 2023/12/19 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: December 19, 2023
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:52 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 643/Res. No. 385-23
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 385-23, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 385-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako via Communication
No. 643, dated December 1, 2023, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State
of Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
This resolution seeks to form the Hawaii Statewide Economic Development District to enhance
regional collaboration and access to federal funding.
Director of Research and Development Douglass S. Adams, who was present in the Hilo
Chambers, provided information regarding the background and purpose of the resolution.
Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz inquired as to whether specific opportunities for collaboration
that would be potentially facilited by this resolution have been identified. Director Adams
provided general comments on the ongoing prioritization process. Ms. Kierkiewicz desired to
have Director Adams return to the Council with more details once the resolution and agreement
had been finalized.
Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if there was an actual agreement ready to be entered
into upon adoption of the resolution, to which Director Adams clarified that the agreement
authorized by the resolution was still being edited and not yet ready for signature. Mr. Kaneali `i-
Kleinfelder then asked if the agreement was linked to the Statewide Economic Development
Strategy. Director Adams responded that the agreement would reference the strategy, but the two
were separate documents. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder emphasized his support for small businesses
and his desire to see small businesses included in this initiative.
GOEAC Report No. 96
GOEAC-96 Page 2 December 19, 2023
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 385-23, and recommends its adoption.
1
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
CINDY EV , CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 96
ADOPTED: JAN 1 0 2024