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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 142 2024/02/06 2022-2024 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: February 6, 2024 Re: Comm.No. 715/Bill No. 131 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 2:01 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance,to which was referred Bill No. 131,reports as follows: Bill No. 131,transmitted by Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz via Communication No. 715 dated January 30, 2024, amends Ordinance No. 23-51, as amended, relating to public improvements and financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. This bill adds the Public Works Puna Alternate Routes Study—County Project($1,000,000); and the Puna Alternate Routes Study—State Project($1,000,000)to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or other Sources,to identify alternate routes to relieve traffic congestion and increase evacuation capacity, if needed. Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz thanked everyone who took the time to attend and testify and asked that they not compare this bill to Bill 107. Ms. Kierkiewicz provided background on this matter and moved to amend Bill No. 131 with the contents of Communication No. 715.1. The contents of Communication No. 715.1 would add a new section and amend the bill by renumbering SECTION 3 to SECTION 4. Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy spoke in support of the amendment,while Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada had reservations. She stated that Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance advised against this type of amendment in a previous discussion. Ms. Kagiwada asked Ms. Strance to explain the difference,to which Ms. Strance stated that it isn't different. Although she would not advise this type of amendment, it is not illegal. Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder researched previous studies and presented that there had been funds allocated to this study before, and it appeared that nothing was done. Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder stated that he would submit this research as additional information in the form of a communication. He also said that he would support this bill and his Puna colleague. Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba called for the vote on the amendment, which resulted in eight "aye"votes,with Ms. Galimba being absent. Public Works Director Steve Pause was available in the Hilo Chambers to answer any questions. FC Report No. 142 FC-142 Page 2 February 6,2024 Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 131, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading. Ikh AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, EVANS X _ GALIMBA x COMMITTEE ON INANCE INABA X KAGIWADA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ x MATT KAN LI`I- EINFELDER, KIMBALL X CHAIR LEE LOY X FC REPORT NO.: 142 VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: FEB .2 1 2024. .