HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2024-03-06 2022-2024 Hawaii County Council
33`'d Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
March 6, 2024
INVOCATION: Pastor Mark Zier of Christ Lutheran Church gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:03 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. Jenn Kagiwada, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (came in later)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (via videoconference from Kona; came in later)
Absent& Excused: Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks led the Council in
the Pledge of Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (Note: At this time:
EXPRESSIONS OF 1) Mr. Inaba presented the March 2024 Haweo Award to Emergency Medical
CONDOLENCE: Services Specialist Ericksen Kohatsu of the Hawaii Fire Department; and
2) Ms. Kagiwada presented a Certificate of Condolence to the family of the late
Nelson Ho.)
(Note: A recess was called at the end of each presentation.)
Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Madeline Whitehill: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), in support.
Janet Marshall: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), comment; and
Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
Timothy Rowan: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
(representing Black Sands
Beach Property Owners
Association and Malama O Puna)
Carrie Kowalski: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
(representing Black Sands
Beach Property Owners
Association)
Janice Palma-Glennie: Comm. 719, comment; and
Bill 130 (Comm. 704), in opposition.
(See Comm. 704.1)
Deb Smith: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), comment.
(representing Vacationland
Hawaii Community Association)
Gilbert Hauanio: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
(representing Black Sands
Road Maintenance)
Stacy Welch: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
Robert Golden: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), comment.
(See Comm. 728.13)
Susie Osborne: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728);
Res. 448-24 (Comm. 753); and
Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
(See Comm. 728.18)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Eileen O'Hara: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728);
Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2); and
Bill 132 (Comm. 721), in support.
(See Comm. 728.17)
Jon Olson: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), in support.
Eric Cockcroft: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), comment.
Olivia Cockcroft: Res. 438-24 (Comm. 728), in support.
Floyd Eaglin: Bill 131, Draft 2 (Comm. 715.2), 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 January 10,
of Minutes: 2024. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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:
Bill 135: 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 American Job Center-One Stop Program Income account
($75,540); and appropriates the same to the American Job Center-One Stop
Program account. These additional funds would be used to pay for additional costs
incurred for rent and utilities generated by a recent office relocation.
Reference: Comm. 752
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 135 on first
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: This was waived to Council. Do you have anything to kick us
off, or should we go right to the Director?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Let's go right to the Director and then we'll
go from there.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Research and Development Director Douglass Adams
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. ADAMS: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member. Appreciate the
waiving directly into Council for this particular measure. We moved our
American Job Center from its location on Kilauea Avenue, where we were paying
around 5,000 a month, to its new space. It's a larger space. It's a better space in
Waiakea Plaza where we're paying around 12,000 a month. That process, in
addition as we are transitioning from Office of Housing and Community
Development to Department of Research and Development, our Workforce
Development missions, including American Job Center, the budget for the AJC
(American Job Center) was conducted by Office of Housing last year; didn't
include the funding difference. And as we have come into this particular calendar
year, the second part of the fiscal year, we've discovered that we have a shortfall,
and we need the shortfall to be fixed so that we can continue to pay the lease for
the American Job Center.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Director. Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Aloha, Director. Thanks for being here
and providing some context. Who currently oversees the American Job Center?
Is this a function out of the Workforce Development section of your office?
MR. ADAMS: Yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And who is in charge of that now?
MR. ADAMS: Right now, we have Sheri Ann Cacho who is our EDS III
(Economic Development Specialist III) and Clinton Maeda who is our EDS II.
Clinton is actually on-site at the American Job Center overseeing the partners.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What was Clinton's last name, sorry?
MR. ADAMS: Maeda.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Maeda. And are you able to approximate how many folks
are served by the American Job Center? How many come in? How many
actually get support and resources?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. ADAMS: I don't have that exact number. If you don't mind, I'll provide
that information to you
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: For second reading?
MR. ADAMS: I'll provide it to you this afternoon.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. That would be extremely helpful. And then I know
in the past when Office of Housing was managing this particular program,
Workforce Development, which included the job center, there was discussion
about how it could go beyond just Hilo because we have a whole island to serve.
Is there any discussion around how we might set up satellite one-stop shop
programs throughout the island?
MR. ADAMS: Yes. The initial way that that will happen actually is that we have
to—it's not an accreditation, that's not the right term, but this current one has to
have all of the elements associated with it being stood up. Once that has
occurred, then we'll be able to stand up other locations, the initial one being a
Kailua-Kona location. But then we will take a look at where some other locations
around the island that make sense. We have to make sure that we have all of the
partners that are required by statute here, and then make sure that we have the
locations in Kailua-Kona for that next AJC satellite.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So you mentioned having partners there. There are other
entities that are physically present within the job center?
MR. ADAMS: Yes. The way the one-stop works is the statute has requirements
for particular types of organizations to be a part of the American Job Center. And
so we have to make sure that we're all set up here on this one in Hilo. Once that's
all done, meaning all the documentation and all the accreditation is done, that
gives us, then, the authority to be able to set up satellite offices in other places on
the island.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. So if you could follow up with us on the
number of people that visit the center; how many are connected to resources
successfully, meaning they landed a job; and then what that criteria is to actually
set up the office. I'm very curious.
MR. ADAMS: Okay.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much. I'll be supporting this measure. I
yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council
Member Evans.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. EVANS: Good morning. My question has to do with reimbursement. The
way I read it is that this will be an outlay and then you will get reimbursed. So
how long does it take to get reimbursed?
MR. ADAMS: Typically, the reimbursement—the way this particular system
works is if the partners are part of the reimbursement process. So we get funded
from the partners. That's the way that works. Currently, we are operating
without what's called an IFA (Infrastructure Funding Agreement), which is a
facility agreement, because of the transition between our site in Kilauea and our
site here. The reason that that hasn't been executed yet is because we're waiting
on signatures from some of our partners. So we're trying to get those signatures
so that we can have the IFA in place so that we can get the reimbursements from
the partners.
MS. EVANS: So, in the end, does the County put in any skin in the game? Any
money?
MR. ADAMS: Yes.
MS. EVANS: Okay. So we get a reimbursed percentage? Eighty percent of the
cost gets reimbursed, or any sense?
MR. ADAMS: I feel uncomfortable giving a percentage necessarily. I'll need to
come back and let you know what we think that's going to be. Part of this is
actually dependent on the amount that the partners are going to be getting us
during this fiscal year.
MS. EVANS: Okay. We'll see you during budget hearings. So maybe we can
hear more about what we, as a County, is going to contribute.
MR. ADAMS: I look forward to it.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mr. Adams.
The department, R&D (Research and Development), runs the job center or OHCD
(Office of Housing and Community Development)? I can see there's a
combination of both on there.
MR. ADAMS: So the AJC is known as the one-stop and we RFP (request for
proposal) out for a one-stop operator. We have now been running an—we've run
three different RFPs for a one-stop operator and have not been successful in
acquiring one. So we have been using our own personnel to actually run the
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
American Job Center as a one-stop operator. This is based on program year
funding. So part of the reason it's been difficult is the Program Year '22, that
funding is nearly complete. So the amount that any particular operator would get,
they're not willing, necessarily, to sign up for it.
We will be sending out another RFP for Program Year '23 funding, which is a
two-year funding. And we anticipate that we will get a contractor to take over
responsibility at that point and remove the responsibility directly from the
department to staff that operation directly, because we'll have the funding from
the Program Year '23 funds.
The bottom line to your question is we're managing the oversight. Housing had
been doing it prior to us. We look forward to actually having a contractor in
position once we have the RFP go out. We're waiting on the budget to be signed
by the State for PY '23 (Program Year 2023). We've already done all the
signatures that we can do. Once that's done, then we can send out the request for
proposal for this particular one-stop operator program year.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then the space at the Waiakea
Plaza is R&D's space or OHCD's space?
MR. ADAMS: It's R&D's space.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: R&D's space. So OHCD doesn't have
the
MR. ADAMS: At the beginning of the fiscal year, it was OHCD's space.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I had this conversation. I was just
trying to figure it out because I had to look this over a little bit. Okay, so this is
R&D's space now at Waiakea Plaza.
MR. ADAMS: That's right, meaning that we're the ones that are paying off—it
belongs to the County, right. Where the funding is coming from is we took over
responsibility for that funding during the fiscal year.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then how much larger is it?
Years ago, I actually was in the one-stop job center trying to get a joba long
time ago.
MR. ADAMS: Right, and that was probably before it was actually in its Kilauea
location.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That was when it was by the post office I
think.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. ADAMS: Right. I'll have to get I did actually know that number, but it's
not present in the cabinet right now.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you. Thank you for that
clarification. I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Director, I'm curious. When the department
issues RFPs, how do folks in the community know? Is there a professional list
that they must be on? We don't get notifications as Council Members, but I just
wonder how we might be added to that list so that we could share the opportunity
out to our network.
MR. ADAMS: The RFPs that the department sends out, or RFPs that other
departments send out, they go through Purchasing. Public purchase is the process
by which that information gets out. So folks have to sign up for public purchase
to then be notified when request for proposals are being sent out by the County.
The one occasion that we have not followed that is when we have done our
innovation grants in the past, and we have sent those out separately under our own
departmental process. Everything else that we're doing contract-wise goes
through public purchase and procurement.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Got it. Thank you. And then I'm just trying to orient
myself. Waiakea Plaza, I remember this to be the old McDonalds. And then
upstairs there was a Fun Factory and movie theater way back in the day.
MR. ADAMS: So this is upstairs, a reasonably large facility. We'd be pleased to
actually invite you all to come out. They've done a nice job of setting it up.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Great. I'd love to check it out. And might I just suggest a
sign that says "Job Center"?
MR. ADAMS: Yeah, part of that has to do with the landlord and our ability to
actually put a sign up outside. So we're aware of that as well.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Well, we can write a letter humbly requesting. Thanks for
sharing that. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council
Member Lee Loy, did you no? Okay, great. All right, with that, we will
proceed with the vote. All of those in favor of approving Bill 135 at first reading,
please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on Bill 135: The motion to pass Bill 135 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
MR. ADAMS: Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you.
Bill 133: 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 —Civil Defense Emergency Management
Performance Grant account($118,750); and appropriates the same to Civil Defense
Emergency Management Performance Grant account, for a total appropriation of
$343,750. These additional funds would be used to update the Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan and purchase Adobe software licenses.
Reference: Comm. 730
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: February 21, 2024
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 133 on
second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Corporation Counsel Dakota Frenz came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I spoke briefly to
Director Magno earlier, and he was here for
CHR. KIMBALL: Cody's on the line.
MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Oh, okay. Thank you, Cody, or Ms. Frenz,
for being here.
MS. FRENZ: Good morning.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: He expressed he wanted to be here for the
meeting. He had another meeting that came up and so he had to go. I don't think
there were many questions, if any, at the previous reading. So I look forward to
everyone's support, and thank you for being on the line if we do have questions,
Ms. Frenz. I yield, Chair.
MS. FRENZ: That's correct. I'm covering for him if anybody has questions.
Thank you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, ma'am.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anybody have questions/comments on this item?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 133: The motion to pass Bill 133 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
Res. 433-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2024 OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICANS
MONTH AWARD LUNCHEON
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of Aging, Other Current Expenses
account.
Reference: Comm. 723
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Postponed: February 21, 2024
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Ms. Galimba, to adopt
Res. 433-24.)
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I have Horace Farr here from Office of Aging. We
postponed this because Horace was not feeling well the last time we heard this
matter. Horace, if you don't mind coming up, and I'm going to take a little lead
out of my colleague's earlier statement about we're in budget season. I wanted to
have you share a little bit about what Outstanding Older Americans Month is, and
make a pitch to some of my other colleagues that we need a little bit more k6kua
in this to help honor our kupuna.
(Note: At this time, Executive on Aging William Farr III came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. FARR: Good morning. Horace Farr, Director of Hawaii County Office of
Aging. I know everybody has a busy schedule. We just wanted to make sure that
we give everybody an opportunity if you wanted to participate in the function.
We've been doing this now for 56 years. May is nationally recognized across the
nation as Older Americans Month. So across the nation there are many different
activities that are going on. In the State of Hawaii, the four counties all
participate their own Older Americans Month luncheon. And at the conclusion of
that, the nominees who are selected, the male and female from every county, then
the first Friday in June we take them all to Oahu, and the Governor then
recognizes them at a luncheon and stuff.
So, No. 1, we thank you folks for your support. Number 2, we're here to give you
an opportunity if you want to support your kupuna and be there. But more
importantly, I think, is if your calendar allows for it, I would encourage each and
every one of you if you haven't been to an Older Americans Month luncheon, to
come and experience the energy. Because, we are prohibited by the Older
Americans Act of providing direct service. So we're not the ones that they see
doing the meals, cleaning the homes and everything, but it's the work that we do
behind. So, even for our office, it is the pinnacle of our year's work because it is
there that we get to truly see us meeting our mission and objective, and that is to
keep them at home, keep them independent, give them dignity, and keeping them
engaged in their communities.
And the only way to really explain this is to be there and to experience the
knowledge, the energy. That's why they're called our treasures. We treasure
them as our kupuna, and it is our responsibility to gather from them all the
knowledge that they have stored or that they have experienced. And so you get
that feel. You see that happening there. Because once they are not able to attend,
then they move to a different level of care.
And so, again,just want to encourage you. If you'd like to support the function,
you can call our office and we can let you know how you can. But more
importantly above anything else, I would just encourage you if your calendar
allows it for you to be there on Friday, May 10, at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort, or
Village. I would encourage you to attend and feel the energy that permeates
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
through the luncheon, and to see the excitement that the seniors have. Because if
you hear some of the stories, and I'll share one real quick one: Last year, after we
came out of pandemic, one individual came up to us and said he's lived here all
his life. He's passed the hotels in Waikoloa; never thought that he would ever get
an opportunity to attend the luncheon or to attend to see the Hilton Waikoloa.
And so they get all dressed up. We try to keep it as high and dignified for them
because for many of them, this is a one-shot experience for them. So we try our
best. So again we thank you. And again, if you can make it, come. If you'd like
to participate, call our office and we'll be happy to help you participate. Thank
you, folks, very much. Appreciate all your support.
MS. LEE LOY: Thanks, Horace. Please, Council Members. Let's maybe
challenge you guys to either meet or match my donation or my k6kua from my
contingency fund. And you guys don't have to worry because I already drafted
the resolution. You guys just got to change it out for yourself. Asking for
everyone's support. Thanks, Horace. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Anyone else? Seeing
noneoh, Council Member Evans, go ahead.
MS. EVANS: Hi, Horace. Horace, one second. So I've attended many of those
luncheons over the years, and there was an effort to have certificates to be able to
pass out. But that's only if—it's very time-sensitive because you choose names
of people that, are they an outstanding awardee? And so, at that time, you
announce it. Is that correct?
MR. FARR: Yeah, so what happens is we don't—our office doesn't—well, as
long as I'm there all these years. But we have three judges. We try to get them
from around the island. We block out all the names, and then three judges are
separated. They don't see each other until the day of the luncheon. So we allow
them to go through and score, and then we compile all their scores, right. Part of
the reason why we don't let those names out is because we try to keep the
suspense for the seniors. Because once they know that"I never get selected,"
pardon my English, or whatever, then it's like, "Oh, no sense we go,"right. And
then they miss out on the socialization and the other aspects of what it is we want
them to do so that they get that socialization, they get that opportunity. So, once
the names are out, we then let others know.
We thank the Council for last year. You don't know what an impact it was for
them to come here to the Council chambers. For some of them, this was the first
time they ever came here, those that were selected, especially those that lived out
in the country. So, again, we try to hold it up at a point. But once we can release
the names, then we try to make arrangements where, like again, we thank the
Council for allowing us to come because then it gives you the opportunity to
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
present their certificates. We don't even let the State know. The State doesn't
know until after Friday, then we release everything to the State so that they can do
their stuff.
After doing it, this will be my 34h year of participating in the luncheons. And so
we find that that is the best that works, is that—so that we can get them there.
And one of our main things is to keep them from being isolated—socialization.
And they get to see their partners that are from all over the island. Sometimes,
they don't see them for a whole year, or very rarely do they get to travel from
Na`alehu and then see those that they know in Kohala.
So it's a bigger picture but we try to find every opportunity for you folks and even
the State legislators. They kind of get on us, too, because they'd like to but we
don't want to have anything go out ahead of time. Sue wrestled with me last year.
Right? So she said she was going to up do me one and wouldn't tell me what she
was going to do, right, because we just want to keep it at that point where
everybody has a fair opportunity, and especially we want to get them there so that
they can get that socialization.
MS. EVANS: Just a quick follow-up. You have "x" amount of nominees that
come from each district. So it's men and women. So you end up with eight—
what's
ightwhat's kind of that—?
MR. FARR: Well, we try to shoot for around 12, right, and we leave it to the
districts or the clubs or whoever that's nominating. We like to get an even
balance, but for some reason throughout the years the women seem to always
overpower the men, right. And as much as possible, we don't want to be directly
involved with it. I mean, we'll guide it and everything, but we want it to be so
that nobody can say Office of Aging has already made a selection and all that. So
we try to
MS. EVANS: So you may have 13 or 14.
MR. FARR: We may have 13. The reason why we kind of—because a lot of
them aren't as young as they used to be, and we'd like to get them to the stage so
that they can be in the front, give them that opportunity. So that we can make
sure that they're safe. We don't want anybody falling.
And so we found that about 12 to maybe 14 we can handle easily. If we get much
more than that, then the waiting for them to take the group picture and some of
these other things becomes long. And so that's why we
MS. EVANS: Okay. So if you're open to it, because I know the Legislature did
this, but if you're open to it, if we knew who the nominations were and then
people, their accolades are in their nomination application and whatever,just
giving each one of those people a certificate for acknowledging their
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
communities acknowledge them as being outstanding. I think it's possible we
could do a certificate to all of them that show up without knowing who's going to
be the winner, right. So something to consider (inaudible).
MR. FARR: We're happy to discuss it if you want to call our office or anything,
but again, we're going to hold the line of making sure that the names don't get out
and so
MS. EVANS: Yeah, we won't say the name of who won. So when they get
nominated, usually the stories are phenomenal, who gets nominated, what they do
for their community. They're usually these over-the-top volunteers and what they
do is pretty incredible.
MR. FARR: So we will recognize them at the luncheon with all of that because
their bios have come in. So, again, thank you. Thank you very much. If you
have any other questions, please feel free to call our office.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Older Americans recognition. What's the
cutoff, and then can we bring people to you who may or may not be included in
the nominations?
MR. FARR: The function is open to the public, okay. To nominate, your
nominee must be 65, and then they look at all the things that they've done. And
we try to concentrate on what they've done after 65, after they've retired. Not
during their working years and all that, but what have they done after they retired.
Have they started something new? Have they spent a lot of volunteerism time?
That's what we focus on. And you'd be surprised that some of them-30 years
ago, I wasn't in the group but today I actually qualify. I'm in that level, right. If
you want an application, let our office know. We can send an application down.
If you want to nominate somebody, like I said it's open to the public.
We encourage caregivers, those who are caregiving. We want the caregivers to
be in there also because it's very important for them to get this interaction so that
they get respite. It's kind of like a respite thing for them also. So please call our
office if you have any questions. We will be happy to discuss it with you and
provide you with whatever information you want.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I just want to share. The reason I got hooked on this
is when I was a student at the university, I had a job here at the County and was
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
able to attend an Older American luncheon. I was 25 or 26 at that time. A lot of
them were volunteering after a long 25- or 30-year professional career for another
25 or 30 years. And it really struck me, when I was 25 and 26, that they had a
very long professional career and still volunteered longer than I was even alive.
And so that's what really hooked me on this program, is how much these people
give to our community and how much we stand on their shoulders. And so I've
got the resolution, guys. Just find some money in your contingency to help
k6kua.
And as Horace mentioned, he does—it's super secretive. Like I didn't know the
name at the luncheon. But I offered. The awardee, we took them on the radio
before coming here for the Council to honor them, which again was just a
wonderful experience. As Horace said, they've never been on radio or
experienced what a radio station was. So,please, continue to ask for support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. All right, with that, we
will proceed with the vote. All those in favor of approving Resolution 433-24,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 433-24: The motion to adopt Res. 433-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba– 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 437-24: CREATES THIRTY-THREE NEW TEMPORARY POLICE OFFICER I
POSITIONS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Establishes additional positions for the Police Department's Recruit Training Pool
to allow for the transition and rotation of inbound and existing Police Officer I
recruits.
Reference: Comm. 727
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-143
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 437-24 and
Finance Committee Report No. 143. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
(Note: At this time, Police Major Sherry Bird came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I wasn't present at the
last meeting. I'll be supporting this today; we need more positions.
My question for you, hopefully you can answer, I was recently asked—when I
first came into office in 2018, we created 55 new positions for the Police
Department because we needed more officers. There's a lot of different things in
play in that number of people coming in, people going out, retiring. There was a
lot of play as far as making sure we have enough officers in the field. But the
question was posed to me, once the positions are created specifically for each
district, can they be reallocated to different districts as needed by the Chief?
MS. BIRD: That is an answer I do not know. I apologize for that.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, no. Okay. Well, I'll be supporting it
regardless. I'll follow up with the Chief, and let's see if I can get an answer.
Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone
else on this matter? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 437-24: The motion to adopt Res. 437-24 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 143 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba– 1.
Excused: None.
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:
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Res. 441-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN ADMINISTRATIVE
ORDER ON CONSENT AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PROCEEDING UNDER
SECTION 309(a) OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT, 33 U.S.C. §1319(a)
The agreement would establish a binding order on the County to remediate
deficiencies in the condition and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities in
Hilo, Kula`imano, Papa`ikou, and Kealakehe. The Administrative Order on Consent
outlines issues of concern and proposed remedial activities the County would be
required to undertake and complete prior to 2035.
Reference: Comm. 732
Intr. by: Ms. Evans (B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-111
(Note: Comms. 732.3 and 732.4, from Environmental Management Director
Ramzi Mansour dated March 4 and 6, 2024, respectively, transmitting proposed
amendments to Res. 441-24, were circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 441-24 and Governmental
Operations and External Affairs Committee Report
No. 111. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. We had a lot of discussion on it in Committee. We
have the Administrator here with us from Environmental Management. Did you
want to offer some comments, or we'll just open it up?
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director Ramzi Mansour
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. MANSOUR: Good morning, Council Members. We were
CHR. KIMBALL: You could just introduce yourself.
MR. MANSOUR: Yes, I'm sorry. Ramzi Mansour, Director for Department of
Environmental Management. We were before the Committee pertaining to this
AOC (Administrative Order on Consent). I just want to bring to your attention
that, since our earlier presentation, there were two changes to the amendment.
We worked with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to adjust or modify
two items.
I think Council Member Evans had brought one of them to our attention where
we have our Environmental Planner Kelly Hartman to follow up with it about the
public engagement. That is Appendix 1, Planning Section 2, Planning and
Reporting, Item No. D, about the public comment. That was deleted. There was
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
no need for it in the AOC because the CIPS (Capital Improvement Projects) are
technical projects that recommendation was done by professional consultants.
So that was agreed on by EPA and the department to delete that requirement.
CHR. KIMBALL: Director, was that presented to us in the form of an
amendment? We don't have it in front of us.
MR. MANSOUR: I think the only one was submitted and for an amendment to
Section 7. That was sent to you but it did not include that deletion.
CHR. KIMBALL: This other amendment that he's talking about with respect to
the public comment, there isn't an amendment to (inaudible) ?
MR. MANSOUR: No, it was not included. I just noticed it was not included.
That's why I'm here to bring it to your attention as well.
CHR. KIMBALL: Okay. So before we proceed, then, is that in the amendment
the department needs to make to the resolution before we proceed with it?
MR. MANSOUR: We already made it with EPA. We revised the draft to reflect
EPA and the department's correction or modification. Now, I believe Peter had
sent you the revised draft of the AOC.
CHR. KIMBALL: My question is I don't believe we've gotten the revised draft.
My question is, does there need to be an amendment made to the resolution to
reflect this amendment to the agreement?
MR. MANSOUR: I'll leave that up to Betsy or Diana.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Corporation Counsel Section Chief Diana
Mellon-Lacey came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Good morning. Deputy Corporation Counsel Diana
Mellon-Lacey. These amendments, both the date that you the date changes that
you received the memo (memorandum) on and the deletion of the public
comment were made by EPA to the Appendage 1 section of the AOC. We don't
have the authority to change the document. The document has to be changed by
the EPA. I mean, the resolution is informative that the change was made, and
unfortunately, by oversight, the deletion of the public comment was not included
in the resolution.
CHR. KIMBALL: Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Okay. So the exhibit, as it stands in the resolution, is incorrect. Is
that what you're saying?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes. It doesn't incorporate those two changes.
MR. INABA: Okay, so we do have an amendment for Section 7. And if we're
amending Appendix 1 with this, then we should also be taking up, via separate
communication, the deletion, right?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: To be formally correct, yes.
MR. INABA: Okay. Is that something that the department can prepare, and
maybe we table this resolution so that we have the resolution exactly in line with
what the real Appendix 1 is?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes. The department can prepare it. There is urgency
on the part of EPA wanting us to move this document forward. Is that something
we could provide this afternoon and come back?
MR. INABA: Yes. We would table it and then take it up hopefully as soon as
you folks get the communication to us, because we have another communication
with an amendment but we need the deletion. And I don't know that I'm
speaking for everybody, but I'm assuming if we're going to amend part of the
appendix, we should amend everything that needs to be amended, and we have it
correct.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes. I would agree that's the correct way to proceed.
MR. INABA: All right.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: And we do have the document with the changes from
EPA to provide with that amendment.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Mr. Clerk?
MR. HENRICKS: I had spoken to Corporation Counsel before the meeting
briefly. I just have some procedural concerns about the Council's ability to
revise this attachment. It's not our document. I understand there's corrections
and updates, but what if the Council wanted to change other portions of it just
out of preference? I don't think that would be advisable and would probably
make it an invalid document. I just have some concerns moving forward about
the Council correcting, updating, or revising this document in the normal fashion
it does as it would amend other things in that procedural manner.
And if that is going to be requested by the Corporation Counsel and supported by
Corporation Counsel that it's valid, I think you should be clear on the record that
it's limited to these types of changes that have already been approved by the
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
authority that created this document. I just have some concerns moving forward
because we don't I can't recall altering documents that we do not create in the
past.
MR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Corporation Counsel, would you like to
weigh in?
CHR. KIMBALL: If I may make a suggestion and get the Clerk's interpretation.
Would it be better for the body to amend the resolution and refer to an alternate
attachment that was provided by the department?
MR. HENRICKS: I don't have an answer on the fly. I didn't see this coming.
So, in most instances, I would prefer time to think.
MR. INABA: Corporation Counsel.
MR. MANSOUR: Just to make a comment, the changes were done by EPA
staff, and they sent, via email, the revised document. They were not made by our
staff. It's the EPA,just to clarify.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. STRANCE: Thank you. Good morning. Elizabeth Strance. Chair Kimball,
I would agree with your approach, that we should be coming forward with some
sort of revision to the document and provide you either with a Ramseyer or some
other tracking to show what changes were made from the prior version of the
document to this one. And I think that would clean up some of the concern that
Jon has about this body amending the exhibit itself. So, while you folks move on,
I will talk with the department about what would need to be done to accomplish
that, and whether it can be done today.
MR. INABA: Thank you.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to table Res. 441-24. Seconded by
Table: Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Bill 132: AMENDS THE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY SCHEDULE,
CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 15-68.1 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY RENAMING KAHAKAI
PARK, THE"WAIAKAHIULA BEACH PARK" IN RECOGNITION OF ITS
ORIGINAL PLACE NAME
Reference: Comm. 721
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Approve: PCHSW-10
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 132 on first reading
and adopt Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-
Being Committee Report No. 10. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I know that not all of my colleagues
were present for Committee when we first heard this measure, but our office was
contacted by a couple of Puna residents: No`eau Woo-O'Brien and Leah Gouker.
They had found a Puna reconnaissance survey through Bishop Museum that
identified significant cultural and historical features at a park in Hawaiian
Beaches known as Kahakai. And we wanted to rename the park "Waiakahi`ula"
in honor of its identity, it's mo`olelo, and the ahupua`a that it exists in.
Some of the significant features that are there include a hale wa`a, a platform for a
historical house site, and some ancient agricultural sites. And these require proper
preservation because it is a public park. These conversations that we've had with
community have also included our Department of Parks and Recreation. We also
have a former SHPD (State Historic Preservation Division) employee,
Theresa Donham, who is an archeologist and former member of the Cultural
Resource Commission with the County, as part of this hui because the whole idea
is to create a community-driven stewardship plan where residents of that`aina can
be involved in the ongoing preservation and stewardship of this park.
In my conversations with Sean Naleimaile, with SHPD, he did confirm that there
is a need for an AIS, and that stands for an Archeological Inventory Survey. So
we will be working with the department to make that happen.
There was a request for the Department of Parks and Recreation to be present at
Council. So, Mo, if you could come forward.
(Note: At this time, Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you to your staff, especially James Komata, for
meeting with our office and community and for supporting our efforts to support
our community in this request.
MR. MESSINA: Good morning. Maurice Messina, Director of Parks and
Recreation. Ms. Kierkiewicz basically said it all. I mean, this is the historic name
of the village that was there, and we cannot find the reason why it was actually
named Kahakai Park, other than that means "beach" or "ocean." So our
department 100 percent stands behind the renaming of this park and the changing
of the park schedule.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I really appreciate that. Just a couple other
things I wanted to note. Council Member Inaba did bring to my attention some
historical documents where Waiakahi`ula does not contain an `okina. So we will
likely be making a change to the place name at second and final reading. We've
got one final chance to make sure this is right because those diacritical markings
do change the meaning of names. So we just want to make sure that everything is
buttoned up and ready to go. But just wanted to let you know that that is
something that we're going to be putting forward because I know it's important to
have signs at our park with the place names. And then one of the testifiers, I think
it was Eileen O'Hara, mentioned some signage that talks about the history,
mo`olelo, of this place. So we will absolutely coordinate getting that information
to you so it can be displayed. And anybody that is visiting that park will be able
to read and appreciate the stories of that place.
MR. MESSINA: That's great. We can do it. I kind of like the displays that we
have at Waipi`o Valley Lookout—something like that.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Absolutely. Thank you for being such a great partner in
this. I appreciate it. Looking to my colleagues for their continued support.
Mahalo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: In support. I apologize; I was absent at the last meeting. In
support of, and just building off of the signage: Suggesting Hawaii Tourism
Authority and Hawaii Visitors Bureau has funding to help with signage, to help
create kind of a continuity between County parks signs. But they're really big on
QR (Quick Response) codes, too, now. So a lot of that information and that
historical knowledge that my colleague is speaking on is a perfect place to start on
that QR code. So, in support. Look forward to this happening. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Anyone else? Seeing
none, all those in favor of adopting Bill 132 at first reading,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on Bill 132: The motion to pass Bill 132 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-Being
Committee Report No. 10 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 447-24: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND
OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE FOR
ONE COPY MACHINE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate
monthly cost of$169, to be used by the department's Nutrition Division.
Reference: Comm. 751
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 447-24.
Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just for everyone's information, I waived
these to Council to expedite the funding. This is for a copy machine. It's a five-
year lease, and I do not feel these need to be heard in Committee. So, with that
said, that's why we're here and that's why it was waived. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else on this matter?
All right, seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 447-24: The motion to adopt Res. 447-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Res. 446-24: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF ORCHIDS TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The donation from Quintal Farms, with an estimated value of$30,000, would be
planted around the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden by the Orchid Society.
Reference: Comm. 750
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 446-24.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I was happy to bring this forward because
these folks are in my district and they're amazing. They have a beautiful farm, so
mahalo for the donation. And I believe somewhere down the line my aunty in
Kawaihae, Diane Kaneali`i, knows the Quintals very closely, and I spoke with
them before. So just really appreciate this. Thank you very much and thanks for
having this done, Mr. Messina. Thank you. I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Okay, I'll just
mention that Geraldine Quintal is actually a paddling sister of mine. We go way
back and they're awesome people, and it's great that they've made this donation
to us. So, appreciate their support of the County. All right, all those in favor
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 446-24: The motion to adopt Res. 446-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-109 NOMINATION OF ROGER KAIWI TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 719): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 16, 2024 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
(Note: Comm. 719.2, from Mayor Mitchell D. Roth dated February 28, 2024,
providing the updated name of the nominee, was circulated.)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
External Affairs Committee Report No. 109. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Pomaika`i
Bartolome and Roger Kaiwi-Machen, nominee, came forward to address
the members of the Council.)
CHR. KIMBALL: We have Ms. Bartolome here on behalf of the Mayor's office,
and the nominee. Any discussion on this matter? Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Mr. Kaiwi, how do we pronounce the second part of
your name?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: It's Kaiwi-Machen.
MR. INABA: Kaiwi-Machen. And for the record, we did receive communication
from the Mayor's office, Communication 719.2, reflecting your full legal last
name. At our Committee hearing, we talked a little bit about the General Plan and
CDPs (Community Development Plans), testimony from community. Just wanted
to see if you had anything further to add regarding utilizing all of those resources
in making decisions at the Leeward Planning Commission.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Basically, what I would really like to add is that I'm
eager to serve. I feel very attached to my community. I think I have a pretty good
pulse for my community and my area and would be happy to do this if you'll have
me.
MR. INABA: Okay, and then I did ask this yesterday of a different commission
nominee. Could you share a little bit about your background and knowledge in
Hawaiian culture and traditions, as it relates specifically to land use and decisions
that the Leeward Planning Commission might be acting on.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Again, I'm a Kaiwi. The reason for my hyphenated last
name is I am the last producing Kaiwi male. Hawaiian culture is very deep-
rooted and very important to me. My children were never given the option. The
boys played music and my daughter still dances for Chrissy Henriques. The
culture is extremely important to us. Farming in that culture is extremely
important to us. My grandfather farmed. I always wanted to be like my papa.
And again, I'm very happy to be a part of that and part of the Hawaiian culture.
MR. INABA: Okay. And then as it relates specifically to taking testimony,
sometimes you make decisions on the Leeward Planning Commission that relates
to properties that have significant archeological sites, maybe some that are not
considered significant according to certain agencies. So how would you plan to
address making those balanced decisions there?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Anything that relates to our culture is significant, No. 1.
One of my properties borders the Hawaiian trail. I didn't have to, but I
voluntarily cleared 50 feet by hand along six acres to make sure there was nothing
significant that I disturbed before I started to plant my coffee and build my own
home. So there is no such thing as insignificant lands in that manner to me. I
think everything needs to be addressed. Everything needs to be discussed, and a
proper decision needs to be made on that.
MR. INABA: Okay. And then there are some bills heading for the Leeward
Planning Commission right now. A few related to transient accommodation
rentals, short-term vacation rentals. What are your thoughts on that industry and
that type of use across our island and across different types of properties, different
types of zoning?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Well, I think as the world changes, we need to change
as well. We need to look at the areas, the use, and the help we can provide for
any and all people, especially our veterans.
MR. INABA: So, for transient accommodation rentals, are you in support of
growing that industry, growing that use across the island? Where do you stand
there?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I'm looking to take a deeper dive into that to really read
into that to find out a little bit more information, because I am lacking a little
information on that. So, at this particular point in time, I'm not refusing to
answer; I'm just saying that I don't have enough information to answer that
question.
MR. INABA: Okay. And then another bill that is heading for the planning
commissions relates to placing time frames on all change of zone ordinances,
which the Leeward Planning Commission makes recommendations to this body
for. What are your thoughts on that? So, essentially, making sure that all
conditions of a rezone application are completed within a certain time frame.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I'm open to it. However, once again, I need to dive
deeper into that once this is confirmed, or not, to make an educated decision for
that. I don't oppose time conditions. However, I want to do a little bit more
research before I make a final decision.
MR. INABA: Okay, thank you. It's unfortunate we didn't have a chance to talk
since the previous Committee meeting. I did want to have that conversation. But
those are the questions I have for now. Still having difficulty, especially after the
last Leeward Planning Commission last week and seeing, like I said yesterday,
what seems to be a rubber-stamp approach. And there isn't enough of an
`ike Hawaii perspective there on that board right now. So that is my area of
concern.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
There was also discussion yesterday about Hawaiians being on the boards. But it
doesn't take a Hawaiian by blood to be able to represent a certain perspective, and
that's kind of the perspective that I was hoping to get more from you had we had
a conversation. We didn't have that opportunity, and that's where I still remain
concerned, that that perspective is lacking from the Leeward Planning
Commission at this time. So, happy to hear from more of my colleagues on your
nomination. Thank you.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: If I may? Regardless of whether I'm confirmed or not,
I'd be happy to share numbers with you and have these conversations. And I
would be proud to be the Hawaiian on the board.
MR. INABA: Mahalo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further comments from my colleagues on
this matter? Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Have you thought—what do you foresee is the vision in the next,
let's say, five years of what is going to happen on our island, given that there's
been so much push to develop affordable housing and waive a lot of the
requirements that we have put on people up to date to try to protect possibly
cultural resources, open space, all these things, but there's a lot of waivers?
There's been emergency proclamations. Like, how do we get land again in terms
of where in the world are we really going? Do you have a sense of a vision of
where we're going?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: That's a really difficult question as a Hawaiian trying to
get OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs) lands, as applying for that, waiting for
essentially decades for nothing to happen. The last decade has moved so quickly
and so expedientially. At this particular time, and today I couldn't answer that,
I'm not opposed to trying to help people who are here, who have been here, who
have roots here. I am opposed for making it easier for those to come and buy up
all of our property. So I have mixed emotions on that; however, at the end of the
day, I need to look at the information at hand and try to make the best decision
possible.
MS. EVANS: Because, I do think there's so much responsibility and power that
you're going to have that is going to potentially set in motion certain things that
will impact individual communities. Because if you were just representing one
community, it's one thing. But it's just this huge area of the island, and it's by
community, by community, by community, and how it all comes together. I
know that I'm a believer in mixed-use development, but in also taking areas that
are already urban and seeing how we can create better density and more density in
urban by doing it the right way. I'm just curious how you feel about that.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I'm going to refer back to my past. Working for
Captain Cook Coffee for 12 years and another 18 years with Hawaii Coffee
Company, I had coffee farmers that made $30,000 a year, and I had coffee
farmers that were worth $300 million. I've seen both sides of the perspective. I
see how this world really truly works. I'm open to both sides, and I've got to find
some common and middle ground in there somewhere. But, at the end of the day,
I want to do what's right for my community.
As you address the power and the responsibility, the responsibility I accept. The
power I don't want. Power? I want to help. This community's been good to me,
and I'm here to give back. This is a volunteer position. I want to do what's right
for our community.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. I think I saw Council
Member Villegas' light on, and then I'll come back here to Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Go ahead with Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and
then I'll go after.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Go ahead, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for being here today. Nice shirt.
You're welcome. Good taste. Captain Cook Coffee Company. So is this
closed. And then it said 30 years with one of the companies.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Hawaii Coffee Company. I worked directly and
indirectly for 30 years for Hawaii Coffee Company. Hawaii Coffee Company is
Royal Kona and Lions the kua label I bought for them.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And you no longer
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I have retired. I've had enough of going back and forth
to Honolulu.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, it makes sense. And then you
currently reside in?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Napo`opo`o.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Napo`opo`o. And then, from this part to
(inaudible), I was thinking, I mean, District 6 and Kohala kind of land in the north
and the south of the island. So he would be representing the Leeward Planning
Commission. Correct?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. BARTOLOME: The Leeward Planning Commission, yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. The reason I'm asking, District 6
comes all the way to Volcano. So it's an interesting breakup. So your decision-
making would be leeward, but your district that you represent also comes to
Volcano.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I think it's one of the bigger districts,
District 6. It's humongous.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: It's huge.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm saying that because your responsibility
lies to your district—
MR.
istrictMR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Understood.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: But you reside more, I would say,
South Kona.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: We do have—so my Uncle Jerry (inaudible), I've been
helping him for the last 30 years with cattle. He's got 3,500 head out Ka`u side?
I'm very familiar with all those; all the roping community, high school rodeo. So
I've dealt a lot with that side and those folks and enjoy them quite well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I wasn't here for the previous
hearing, and I wish Michelle Galimba was here. Did she support your
nomination?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: She did?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. My last question: What do you think
about the Punalu`u discussion that's happening right now? What are your
thoughts? I'm not going to lie, that's a loaded question, but in reality that's the
district—
MR.
istrictMR. KAIWI-MACHEN: First and foremost are taxpayers. They belong to the
same community. They're part of this thing, and we need to find a solution.
What the solution is today, not being read into that, I don't have a direct answer.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
For some of those with the medical things, I think rather than making the road
easier to get to Hilo hospital, we need to put maybe a better care center in the
Puna district for those folks so they don't have to travel so far.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh, no, sorry. Punalu`u.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Oh, Punalu`u. I'm sorry.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah. I was going, what are you talking
about.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I thought we were talking about—no, so the Punalu`u
district, and forgive me
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I mean, I like the hospital discussion. It's
good but—okay.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Forgive me. I don't I need more information before I
can answer that question as well. It's just too vast. It's too big and I need to
get a ten-minute conversation doesn't make me a professional on that and I need
more time.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: But you do understand what's being
proposed
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Yes, I do.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And the community concerns.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: I do.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Yeah, at this time, I really—and forgive me, I just don't
have an answer for that.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I like the honesty. I am concerned
because these are the kinds of questions that would come up.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Sure.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And these are the decisions that you'll have
to make a decision on.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Understood.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And it is hard to have an answer, yes, no,
and I'm not expecting that today. But you will be required to give a yes, no vote
on that—
MR.
hatMR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Absolutely.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Leeward Planning Commission and listen to
the community and to the people who want to proceed with different projects.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: And I can promise you, if today I am confirmed, all of
these issues are going to be top of mind that are going to be top of my plate.
They're going to be the first things I deal with, especially for my own district.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you for your honesty. I
appreciate it.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: You're welcome.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone
else? Going to Council Member Villegas in Kona.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Aloha, Roger. I wasn't able to attend the
Committee meetings where you first were introduced to the Council. Thank you
for being here today.
I have some questions and some deep concerns. My first question is, in looking at
your application, I don't really see a connection or correlation or any direct
experience reflected there that would align you with serving on one of our most
impactful commissions in the County. So I suppose I wonder who recommended
that you apply for this particular commission?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Yes, I was contacted by Rochelle Onaka with some
concerns about some of the decisions that were being made. And she thought,
with my experience and my decision-making, that this would be a good fit.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. I'm disappointed with your answers for these questions.
I guess I just—short-term vacation rentals is such a hot topic. It's been in the
news. It's been all over the place. So I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't
have some kind of an opinion, even if you're not savvy and very familiar with the
current legislation that's being presented.
I represent Kona. Kona coffee. And there have been efforts made since I first—
well,
irstwell, it's been happening for decades to acquire authentic labeling so that the
value of the resource produced in Kona actually aligns with its value, that there's
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
a truth in labeling. Sorry. In my understanding and exposure and learning
curve to what happens in the coffee industry, Hawaii Coffee Company is the
corporate entity that has fought and lobbied so hard at the State level and is
actually the cause of the issues and why authentic truth in labeling has not moved
forward. I have big concerns about your working for that company and now
coming to represent potentially on our Leeward Planning Commission.
In this role, who you turn to for advice and the value systems you utilize to make
these decisions are imperative to the future of our island. And a 30-year career
for a company that I'm told by many small coffee farmers have been the cause of
much of the demise to that industry and its authentic product, not to mention the
importation of green coffee beans, which brought the coffee bearer borer because
not required to roast imported beans just a litany of issues. I have serious
questions and serious concerns about that.
I also have watched for decades. And my predecessors, it was kind of the
common belief that, okay, projects get vetted at the Planning Department, and
they're going to get vetted thoroughly. And then they're going to go to the
Leeward Planning Commission, and they're going to go through everything with
a fine-toothed comb and make sure that everything is in alignment. And then it
comes to the Council. So, if it's passed both of those and there hasn't been any
issues, then it's pretty safe to say that the Council could feel confident in this
authentically being the best decision. Tragically, that's not happening right now,
and it's deeply concerning to me.
The constituents in my district are on red alert for what's happening. And the
placement of anyone on this commission who doesn't have the experience and
who doesn't have the value systems to recognize the priorities and the need for
infrastructure before there's any more expansion, it's really concerning to me.
And I've had a number of people reach out. And I have to be ferocious on this
because we then become the last stopgap. And that is a really tough position to be
in because it's easier to play nice and say yes and not make waves, but we don't
have that luxury anymore.
And I encourage you—it sounds like you have a passion for our culture and a
passion for agriculture and what you're doing now. And I would encourage you
to then serve on the cultural commission and find another commission to get your
feet wet and get to know County government and prove yourself in those arenas,
and then come back and potentially apply to serve on the Leeward Planning
Commission. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Would you like to
respond to her comments?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Thank you for your comments. Thank you for your
honesty. Rather than debate some of those things, I will just say I'm eager to
serve and I'm happy to serve if you folks will have me.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I'm also feeling a little bit disappointed
with the answers that you're giving,just because I felt like last time I voted for
you to come here with the understanding that you might do a little bit of
homework, and I don't know that you've done that. If you have, I'd love to give
you the opportunity to share what you have done between the last time, because it
seems like your answers then were also "I just really want to serve," "I'm very
dedicated to my community,"which I totally appreciate, but that you didn't know
very much about kind of what the leeward planning council responsibilities were
and what exactly some of the issues coming before you might be. And my
understanding was you were going to do a little bit of dive into that, and I'd love
to hear if you have had a chance between the last couple weeks to research some
of that or to figure—do some reading, talk to people. I'd love to give you a
chance to show that, but I haven't heard it in your answers here today. So,please,
if you would like to elaborate on that.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Yes, I would love to. So, first and foremost, I've had
approximately two weeks to prep for all of this stuff. I have 30 acres of coffee. I
have some projects that I'm working on. I have a daytime job. So the first order
of business for me is to get my own house clean before I get my feet into this
stuff. Secondly, I've done a fair amount of research, but I almost feel as though
I'm being pulled in several different directions to see which direction I'm going to
lean. I almost feel as though I'm a pawn. I just want to be part of this thing.
I do understand how important it is. I understand the magnitude. I'm a father.
I'm a grandfather. I'm not going anywhere, so I understand the significance of all
this. So I am—once again, I am happy to help, eager to serve, ready to jump in,
but there is a lot more research that I need to be doing before I can come out and
make a true stance on a lot of the stuff.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. Thank you for your response. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. I'll go to Council
Member Kierkiewicz, and then come back to those who have spoken already.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Aloha, Mr. Kaiwi. It's great to see
you. I've been watching you really intently during Committee and at this Council
hearing, and I appreciate your very even demeanor. What I'm getting from your
responses—and I do wish there was a little bit more that you were giving us here,
but I get the sincerity. I get that you're a very reasonable person and really that's
all I can ask. I think you understand the magnitude of the kuleana of serving on
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
this commission. Like you said, you're not going anywhere. You're invested in
this place. Any decisions that are made, they're on your conscience. You're
setting up the future for your mo`opuna, right.
And so one thing that really resonated with me when you were speaking was this
idea of you're trying to strike the right balance. I also know because you're a
farmer, that you understand resource constraints and carrying capacity. So, all of
those experiences, that thinking is going to come into play when you make land
use decisions. So I'm going to go out on a limb here. I'm going to support your
nomination. Council Member Galimba knows you and supports you, and that
means a lot to me and I take that into consideration when reviewing candidates.
So thank you for being here. And should you be confirmed,please make sure that
you dedicate the time. I know you said you have a lot on your plate
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Understood.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: But got to dedicate your time to going through the
materials.
There's a lot that's actually been backing up for Leeward Planning Commission
because they haven't been able to meet. And I know it's hard to have a very
specific answer to some of the questions that are being asked of you today, but I
think you're smart to say, "I want the full picture." There's a lot that's been
reported in the media, on social media, what aunty said down the street. There's a
lot there that may or may not be the facts and what's being presented to the
commissions. So I want to give you that opportunity because you sound like
somebody that is going to really deliberate on matters that are before them, and
make the best decision for community because you live here.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Agreed. And thank you very much for the vote of
confidence. It's a tremendous responsibility, and it needs not only my full
attention, but I've really got to look at this deeper than just me. I've got to look
into my mo`opuna, and I've got to think forward on this stuff. And I need to
make the proper decision as a husband, a farmer, a father, and a grandfather.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And I'll just say that I appreciate that you're not overly
verbose, like you just get to the point because there's business to take care of. So
thank you. I yield.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Bless you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, a quick correction to the statement and then I'll go to you,
Vice Chair Inaba.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I was thinking about this, and then
Mr. Henricks actually corrected me. So leeward/windward, not Council district
specific; that was my misinterpretation. So we have judicial districts. So you are
actually leeward being that you're in South Kona, and Volcano/Ka`u being
windward. That's helpful for me. And I apologize if I misinformed anyone. But
I'm always learning, so I just wanted to correct my statement. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Going
toactually, Council Member Lee Loy has not spoken. So I'll go to you first and
then back to Vice Chair Inaba.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Mr. Kaiwi, thanks for being here. I get the feeling
my support of you, because I absolutely support you, may fall short today. I
wanted you to take the opportunity to talk a little bit about some of the criticisms
we heard earlier by other Council Members, which I feel is being misplaced.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Agreed.
MS. LEE LOY: How's that feeling?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Actually, it's an attack on my self-being and everything
I've built. However, rather than throw rocks back, I would rather just smile and
promise to do the right thing.
MS. LEE LOY: That in and of itself is why I will stand up next to you and
support your nomination. I was taught by a few people, and one person who
comes to mind right now and who I think about when I listen to you talk is
Rockne Freitas. And Uncle Rockne, superstar football player, would always ask
me the question: "Sue, in football, you ask yourself`Will you line up with them?'
Because, that's the person who going protect your blind side, who going help you
out, who's going to protect you." And I share that because I'm going to line up
with you, Mr. Kaiwi, because we need more of you. You no need be perfect.
You no need have all the data. You just have to have an open mind to listen, take
that criticism, not throw rocks back, and move forward with the business at hand.
I'm here in strong support of you. I think we need more people like you. And
I'm glad at every single answer you provided, because there's a lot of people on
this dais who had no experience whatsoever on land use, and they sit here and
they throw rocks. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Bless you.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right, thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Vice
Chair Inaba.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. INABA: Again,just going back to what the current composition is, I cannot
support today. And naming the people that you know, we know a lot of those
people. Those are close family friends of ours too, and unfortunately,just finding
that out today, not being able to talk story with you, with them, I have to make a
decision from my na`au based on what I think is best for our community. And I
hope that we get to know each other outside of this space, and hopefully, one day,
I would be able to support.
And again, I go back to the Administration in that I know folks who brought a
Hawaiian perspective that I really knew could advocate and articulate that
perspective at the planning commission, for the specific seat you're being
nominated for, who were not advanced to the Council in light of what I believe is
a lack of that perspective on the commission. So I want to mahalo you for being
willing and for coming here and having to endure this process, but I, in good faith
to my `ohana, to my community, and to myself, cannot support today. Thank
you.
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I have a different question. So it sounds like you've
worked for a lot of people. And so I'd just like to hear from you about when
I'm listening to this and I'm kind of hoping that it's not like a"go along to get
along" mentality, but more like your ability to say no to the—so you're going to
have community people come and talk to you. You're going to have the
Administration come to talk to you. Maybe the Mayor will knock on your door. I
don't know. But, at some point in time, you're just going to say, "No, because I
feel this is what is the best in the community." Can you give me an example
where you feel like you can just really rise to that instead of just getting along?
MR. KAIWI-MACHEN: Absolutely. We dealt with each other, again at the
State level. Back in those times, we had carte blanche. We could have ran away
with anything, but we always did the right thing. It wasn't always the most
popular thing, but it was the best thing for the industry. And I want to do the
same thing here. I want to keep that in mind. And no matter what, because I'm
not going to get into a rock-throwing contest today, that doesn't mean I won't
stand up to somebody and tell them no. So, please.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right. With that, I think we'll proceed with a roll call vote,
Mr. Clerk.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-109: External Affairs Committee Report No. 109 failed by the
Failed following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Kierkiewicz,
and Lee Loy —3.
Noes: Council Members Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball —5.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you for your time. We appreciate it. Thank you.
GOEAC-110 NOMINATION OF CECI DAVENPORT TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL
(Comm. 720): ADJUDICATION BOARD
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 16, 2024 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-110: External Affairs Committee Report No. 110. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
and Chair Kimball —7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
RES. 438-24 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
(COMM. 728): the Chair:
Sue Champeny: In support.
(See Comm. 728.12)
Jennifer Perry: In support.
(See Comm. 728.11)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Res. 438-24: AUTHORIZES THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO AWARD FUNDS TO
VARIOUS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THE KILAUEA
RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM
Provides $3,293,400 in grant funds to various nonprofit organizations to provide
relief, recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience for disaster damages, losses,
and suffering caused by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Reference: Comm. 728
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-144
(Note: Comm. 728.10, from Disaster Recovery Officer Douglas Le dated
February 27, 2024, providing a list of projects recommended for funding through
Resolution 438-24, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 438-24 and Finance
Committee Report No. 144. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
(Note: At this time, Disaster Recovery Officer Douglas Le, Planning
Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
CHR. KIMBALL: To start off the discussion, we have Planning here. Go ahead,
Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Thank you for being here, Mr. Le. I just wanted
to know. One of the testifiers talked about there being $200,000 left on the table.
Can you maybe just explain that for the public? That'd be great.
MR. LE: Good morning, Chair, members of the Council. Douglas Le with the
Planning Department. To answer your question, Council Member Kagiwada,
when we were before the Council to amend the ordinance back in the summer of
2023, our team, the Administration, kind of met to look at the resources that are
available for recovery. And we put out a target of$3.5 million to be awarded in
this round of grants for which applications opened back in October.
I touched upon this briefly when I was before Committee for this resolution a
couple of weeks ago. But based on this target of$3.5 million of funding, we went
through our panel reviews for all of the applicants; 35 applications totaling over
$10 million of requests. And, as we got to the kind of top-ranked proposals, those
proposals were also about$6 million if we were to fund the full asks. And so our
staff, as a panel, kind of went through application by application among that top
tier: line item by line item, scope item by scope item and their associated costs.
And, from there, we got to a place of kind of what could we get funded from each
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
project. The total ended up being less than the target of$3.5 million. But that is
how we got to the amount that is before you across these applications as part of
this resolution.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. So what happens to the remaining $200,000?
MR. LE: Sure. The grants being recommended for award on the resolution
today, the prior round of Kilauea Recovery Grant Programs from three years ago
and also investments in the Puna Strong Grant Program, all these grant programs
are being directly funded by a $20 million grant from the State Legislature for
lava recovery. Funds that we do not expend or encumber through these grant
programs remain available for other recovery efforts. Very specifically,just kind
of timing-wise with the decisions that will roll out of this program, there is some
really sharp focus on the funds that we will need or have available to us to restore
these major infrastructure investments from Pohoiki Road, Highway 137, the
waterlines associated with them.
And so, in targeting the $3.5 million and with the just over $200,000 within that
budget envelope that are included in this resolution, that is at least the first place
that it would go once we have a clear sense of the total cost of the restoration of
this infrastructure, and if the cost itself is on top of any of the awarded FEMA
(Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds for the same purpose.
MS. KAGIWADA: Great. Last question. Do you anticipate another round of
grant funding going out to the community?
MR. LE: Right now, we are working to get this round of awards going. I went in
some detail about what is coming in terms of the infrastructure cost. What those
realities look like to have the full funding to commit to these projects will be a
large factor of whether we can do another round of Kilauea Recovery Grant
Program funds.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, great. I'll be supporting. Thank you.
MR. LE: Thank you for your support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thanks. Thanks, Mr. Le, for being here. I'm going to start with
more money, more problems. And I really—it even happens with us in the
Waiwai Grant Program, right. You can't award everybody. And there was some
testimony around some of the applications that were asking for funds for
infrastructure cost. I know we have a recovery program and then we also have the
ordinance that kind of outlines where these funds can go. Can you share with us
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
and maybe just clear the air for us, that while we are trying to fund everything, we
have to stand within the guide of the law, specifically some infrastructure costs
for roads in a private area.
MR. LE: I'm a long-time fan of Biggie Smalls so I appreciate the reference. Yes.
Resources/infrastructure needs I think are very central to a lot of what makes our
work within the Kilauea Recovery Team very challenging. But I don't think it's a
misstatement to say that those same issues are what make a lot of all of our lives
on this island very challenging, the heavy decisions the folks within our local
government, you all as elective leaders, also need to grapple with. A lot of
themes here. And I really kind of try to ground that in terms of some of the
challenges that we're facing.
What's unique about our program and the work that we do every day is that we're
working with individuals and families and entire communities whose lives were
complete upended by a natural event. And so what is maybe an inconvenience in
certain communities or a challenge in other communities is so much heavier with
the communities that we work with. So I don't mean to make light of that at all.
I think to maybe answer your question more directly, I think it's important to
acknowledge that our the last Administration, in partnership with this Council,
worked very hard to create something very unique through this program and
through the ordinance that enables it. But for some recent changes that the
Council has led, it was always a very black line around public funds going
towards private infrastructure. And in light of the available resources, the
Legislature brought it to the County in light of the really kind of heavy needs the
community had. Working with Council Member Kierkiewicz, this broader
Council, we created an ordinance that established a public purpose to invest what
are public dollars onto private property. And so that is kind of the foundation that
we work from.
And the other kind of facet in terms of process and a lot of the outcomes that
we've been discussing kind of in this chamber, including a lot of the concerns and
dreams and wishes of folks who testified as well, is once we establish a program,
establish kind of the bounds of it, it has to be a competitive process among those
who put their projects forward. These decisions were not easy ones. From folks
in our program, Patti Pinto who is the lifeblood of this project and but I also
know that I can say that in terms of what it means to administer this program.
The impacts of the decisions are also not easy for anyone either; those that are
awarded funds and those that were not awarded funds.
I just want to kind of respect that and put that out there, but that's kind of where
we started and how we got to these certain outcomes in terms of the
recommended awards that are before the Council in this resolution.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MS. LEE LOY: Thanks, Douglas, for that response because I think people see
this as an opportunity, right, but then they don't understand the parameters. And
so they put a lot of effort into applying to only realize that their project actually
fundamentally wasn't in alignment with our ordinance for the recovery program.
Do we send letters kind of notifying them as to why their program or project
wasn't selected and how they, maybe in the future, could strengthen their
application? Does that happen?
MR. LE: Sure. So, of the 38 applications we received in this round, all met the
basic eligibility requirements, right. All were meeting the needs of the ordinance
in those respects. So that's something our team reviewed for before we began
reviewing. What I will say I think is that, in the application process, some
projects were more clearly articulated. We know we look at questions of
feasibility, how the scope kind of speaks to the budget, and how does the budget
speak to kind of the practical realities of getting the projects done.
Impacts. I think impacts are important because obviously our communities are
very complex. But sometimes access to 22 properties could mean access to
hundreds of acres, right, and that math works its way out in different ways, given
the different conditions in our communities, right.
After our staff team completed our process, we did notify all 38 applicants of kind
of their standing, also knowing that these are recommended awards. We would
have to spend some time to work with you all to get to authorization of these
awards before we can get the contracts going. And that's something everyone's
really anxious to get started.
What we have offered is for applicants, those that are kind of not-for-profit fiscal
sponsors supporting projects that aren't their own and also direct applicants, if
they've asked for their scoring sheets, we have provided them. I've had several
meetings and one-on-one conversations with applicants as well who've requested
kind of the feedback on the time. And we have, I think with every conversation,
tried to be fair and honest and helpful around kind of future approaches should
any of our applicants, whether they're formal nonprofits or just a hui of farmers
trying to get access back in. If there are other sources of funding available, I hope
that some of the conversations we've had at least help a little bit in terms of their
next chance to be able to access funds that were made possible through this round
of funding.
MS. LEE LOY: Thanks, Douglas. And I don't want to overshadow what a
wonderful offering this resolution provides to so many people, but just for
transparency purposes, we've got to take the good with the bad. Thank you for
the opportunity to kind of clear the air and really bring a lot more context and
truth around some of the decision-making that happened. And happy to support
this.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
And I just have to say I really love when we award programs that provide a longer
runway for success. We have a program that's just basically a year, but by the
time awarding and contracting happens, it's just nine months. And so, looking for
programs with longer runways so that they can actually build capacity and have
true success is what I'm really excited about for this program. Thank you, Chair,
I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council
Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: In support. And, Douglas,just wanted to thank you for the
communication and so clearly laying out how things are meeting what section of
the Code. I was telling Council Member Kierkiewicz, like, example of how easy
information can be. So thank you.
MR. LE: Appreciate it. Patti deserves all the credit. We have a good team. They
can produce great work.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Good morning. Yeah, please, it's a lot of work and I really want to
thank you. What I noticed is it's predominantly going to agricultural, which is
fabulous. You're doing roads. You're doing infrastructure. You're buying land.
You're doing a lot of stuff, and it seems to be a lot around employment, getting
people back employed, supporting health and wellness of people, I mean mental
health. So I love how this is, I think, going to hopefully really inspire the
community and get things going.
But the thing that I, for one,just hate to see that there's $200,000 left on the table
and not being appropriated. There was a comment by one of the testifiers earlier
today that maybe there was some applicants that really didn't ask for a lot of
money. Maybe you had people that were coming in at 30,000, 40,000, or much
less, but they had a specific thing they wanted to accomplish. And I was curious
because I'm looking at the dollar amounts and they seem to be pretty big dollar
amounts. So was there any consideration of giving smaller amounts?
MR. LE: There were, right. We did not approach the review from any kind of
perspective of certain scales of projects are more fundable than others. We
looked at each project application through our review process, right, kind of the
same set of questions. I think on the specific case that was brought up by the
testifier, which I want to acknowledge deserves a more formal response, it was
really more so. That second stage where we had to look at every single
application around down to the scope item, down to the budget item, does the
application's narrative speak to the scope, speak to the impact of their like really
reflecting? It wasn't as much that we had a $3.5 million bucket to fill per se.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
We also looked at kind of the level of kind of public investment in every single
piece of the project that we were investing in. And by looking at it with that lens
and with that level of review, we got to $3.293 million. And so I understand the
feeling and I've had many conversations with a lot of folks in our community
about what it means to leave money on the table, especially in light of kind of
how challenging it was to make sure that we were kind of spreading the resources
to make projects whole as much as possible.
But I will say that when we applied that lens of kind of each and every item and
each and every application kind of making sense in terms of that level of
investment among those top-ranked, following the panel review that was the
outcome and that's where we landed as a committee. What I will say is that,
again as we mentioned earlier, if the many demands on these limited funds kind
of come to light in such a way that we could do another round, it is something our
team could explore. We would probably figure that out much sooner than the
time between the first round of funding and this round mainly because a big part
of the time between Round 1 and Round 2, which we find ourselves in, were
really getting the Code amendments right. We know to learn from Phase 1 and to
get Phase 2 right. And so I think we're in a good place with the ordinance. I
don't anticipate needing to revisit it and if we were to find ourselves to open up a
third round of funding.
MS. EVANS: I just know that sometimes the work on a $40,000 grant is as much
work as a $500,000 grant. And I know you have limited you have to process all
this. It's just I'm kind of hoping that we see some smaller grants too. Anyway,
thank you. I yield.
MR. LE: Point taken. Thank you, Council Member Evans.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Checking in with Kona
real quick.
MS. VILLEGAS: Yes,please.
CHR. KIMBALL: Go ahead, Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Aloha, Doug. Thanks, Douglas. Thanks for being
here. I just had a quick question. I was curious as to where this $3.5 million
originally came from.
MR. LE: That's a great question. Of the $20 million that we are using as a
source for these grant funds, you know, between two rounds of Kilauea Recovery
Grant Program, we're looking to move forward with three rounds of Puna Strong
Grant Program. When you add them all up, it looks like just around $9.1 million
of investments over the past four years, either expended or encumbered, should
we be able to move forward with the resolution before us.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
And so, without specific clarity right now about the total cost for the roads and
waterline infrastructure replacement, kind of reserving half of the $20 million felt
like a safe bucket, not only because 10 is half of 20, but also when we look at
some of the actual costs for the roads, the percentages of escalation that we're
seeing across a lot of construction projects—as a helpful reminder, the County
anticipates $82 million in grant agreement for the roads and roughly $6 million
for the waterline projects associated with the roads. And so part of that was also
hedging a bit of what percentage of escalation we might be able to anticipate
without really knowing until we get the bids back.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. Thank you. I'm grateful. I knew you'd have a great
answer there, and it confirms what I kind of thought it would be. I just, yeah,
needed that answer. So thank you for that. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Anyone else? Going
to Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. And thanks to my colleagues for their
continued support, the really great questions and dialogue. Thank you to my
community for still showing up. I hadn't seen Eric Cockcroft in a while, and so,
glad he's back. But I can also understand, not as intimately as he and his `ohana,
but just the frustration of it being five, going on six, years since the eruption and
being displaced, not being able to go back to home. But I also think that there's
this radical like acceptance around what you knew as home is now lost and there's
no bringing it back. And so I empathize with all of the hurt and the hardship that
our community has faced, but we have a strong community and we're rebuilding.
But the road is long. It's much longer than I think we all anticipate and it's
expensive—very expensive.
And one of the things that Douglas and I and the larger recovery team felt really
passionate about was making sure that some of that funding we received from the
State could be unlocked, so that community could design and implement solutions
to aid in its recovery and long-term resilience. And so I see this grant program as
not just a financial allocation, but it's a way that we can show our continued
commitment to community.
I think this program, in conjunction with Puna Strong, which has helped
individuals achieve nonprofit status through this grant program, as Council
Member Evans mentioned, a wide variety of programs that were once an idea but
now the community was supported with funding to demonstrate it and make it a
success. And now they're able to apply for more funding during the second
round.
I think what hurts a lot is not everybody is able to receive funding:
38 applications, more than $10 million in asks. And even those that got an award,
not everybody got a hundred percent of the award and that hurts. It sucks. I wish
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
that I could make everybody whole. I think we all wish that in the recovery team
but we can't. But I still think that there are opportunities to still help all the folks
in our community that have been impacted by the eruption. I think about the great
opportunity with the economic recovery fellow that we now have dedicated to
economic development in Puna. I also think about how some of this money could
be used to deploy training and technical assistance so that we can help some of
our nonprofit partners write business plans, secure other funding. There are other
ways that the County can help beyond just writing checks.
I think, in closing, I just want to encourage my colleagues to continue to support
this measure, because behind the names of the organizations and the projects that
we see here in the ordinance are people. They are people from the Puna
community who are worth supporting because they are on the frontlines in
providing relief, I think restoring hope, and helping our community heal from this
eruption. Thank you, Chair. And thank you, Douglas and Patti and your team,
for being in the arena and supporting our community always. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just want to second that. Mahalo for what
you guys are doing. To Ms. Pinto and to Mr. Le, thank you for your efforts. I
know you have a team behind you but good job.
Following up on some lengthy discussion we've had, and as I looked over these
nonprofit grants, something that you and I discussed in the very beginning of all
this, maybe two years ago, three years ago, can these funds be applied towards
private roadways. I believe we kind of—we danced around it a little bit. I think,
ultimately, I was told"no." But, in looking at these, something changed.
MR. LE: Right. From my understanding of it when we first came before Council
I think, I have to track which year, but probably at least three years ago to create
the ordinance, that amended kind of the core law on the books around how to
administer kind of the County grants. The ordinance that was passed basically
allowed for the purpose of recovery and rebuilding long-term resilience, the
ability to spend public dollars on private infrastructure and private property.
I think a nuance that I believe we've also kind of covered, and I apologize if kind
of things weren't as clear before, is also kind of understanding just through this
application process, as an example, kind of what is the tie back of the potential
investment in private infrastructure or private property to eruption event. I think
for programmings, right, where programming can assist folks who are directly
displaced—members of our community in general, extended families that were
impacted that often doesn't become kind of a hard lens that we have to always
apply, right, because people is a little different than capital investment, property,
roads.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
But it's been my understanding, in our ability to administer this program, is these
funds can kind of work to the benefit of improving private property, including
private roads, so long as there's that tie back to the disaster event. The original
ordinance does reference the 2018 Kilauea Eruption, but I also remember a kind
of dialogue with Council and I think discussions with Corporation Counsel at the
time is, knock on wood, we'd be put in a similar position, a similar scale of
impacts that we'd have to recover from, that,just changing that tie back event
from Kilauea eruption to another event, could be something that could be worked
through the ordinance so we could apply this tool again. So I hope that helps to
clarify things, but it's been—it's like a"yes and" in terms of possible and also
kind of the kinds of purposes that, or where the funds on private property would
be going.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for that. Yeah, listening to the
testimony today, there is a need and we are six years in. So we're overdue and
it's good to see us providing funding to organizations that can get the work done,
and work/dance around with County to get access back to some of these places
that have been landlocked. Thank you.
MR. LE: I appreciate the question and support. I know there's a lot more work to
do, not just for this program but across everything that we are working on with
community.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you.
MR. LE: Thank you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I yield, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. Douglas, if you wouldn't mind sending over the
applications and the specifics because we have the Waiwai Grant coming up. We
just want to make sure that we are not double awarding for same programs. That
would just be helpful ahead of time. Thank you.
MR. LE: Okay. Happy to share that. And I think, also, once any authority is
provided to award grants, we'll be updating our website as well with the folks, the
funds, the purpose. Happy to share what we have.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you very much. All right, anyone else? Seeing none,
all those in favor of adopting Resolution 438-24, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on Res. 438-24: The motion to adopt Res. 438-24 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 144 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you very much for being here. It's a quarter after noon
right now. Do folks need a break for lunch or we want to keep going? Okay, let's
take a ten-minute break for snacks and whatnot, and then we'll come back at
exactly 12:25. Okay, clearly I need a break as well. All right, we are recessed
until 12:25.
Recess: At 12:14 p.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:26 p.m.
Res. 439-24: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND
OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE FOR
ONE MULTI-FUNCTION DIGITAL IMAGING DEVICE FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate
monthly cost of$300, to be used by the department's Hilo Office.
Reference: Comm. 729
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-145
Vote on Res. 439-24: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 439-24 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 145. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Evans and Galimba—2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Res. 444-24: AUTHORIZES THE ISLAND OF HAWAII YMCA TO USE CONTINGENCY
RELIEF FUNDS FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 3, PREVIOUSLY AWARDED
BY RESOLUTION NO. 411-24, FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO A MURAL
PROJECT FOR ITS NEW HORIZONS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Funds would be used to cover artist consultation fees and to purchase art materials.
Reference: Comm. 748
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 444-24. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I'm going to start with what a great number, 444-24! If I could
just explain. This money was awarded under a previous resolution.
Unfortunately, the contracting and the timing didn't align. The money's all still
there. We're just stretching out the time line so all of this paperwork can get in
place, and everybody can get the artwork. I ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 444-24: The motion to adopt Res. 444-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 445-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ROOT AND RISE HAWAII
FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS NATURE AND ART AS THERAPY
WORKSHOPS
Transfers $6,400 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 749
Intr. by: Ms. Galimba
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 445-24. Seconded by
Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Just advancing this for our colleague.
CHR. KIMBALL: Great. Thank you. Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to offer some comments.
I actually know Aliza McKeigue with Root and Rise Hawaii. If you go to their
Facebook or Instagram page, you will see all of the really amazing, you know,
horticulture art-related therapeutic workshops that they do in our community.
And so it's a phenomenal program. I love that Council Member Galimba
continues to support this because it's rising in popularity and really helping
people to heal using art. Yeah, we can all use more art in our lives. So, would
love everybody to support this for Council Member Galimba. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 445-24: The motion to adopt Res. 445-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 448-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HO`OULU LAHUI FOR
EXPENSES RELATING TO THE PUNA FOOD SUMMIT, A COMMUNITY
ACTIVATION EVENT OF REVITALIZE PUNA
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 753
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 448-24. Seconded
by Mr. Inaba.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This week Saturday, March 9, at the
Billy Kenoi District Park Gym in Pahoa, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we are
coordinating our tenth Revitalize Puna community activation. It's so crazy to
think that we've been doing this for like three years now but we have. And this
particular event is also going to include a food summit so that we can bring
together Puna farmers and ranchers, and people that are interested in just
strengthening the food systems within the Puna region. This funding is going to
support ensuring that we can do plants and starter giveaways for residents that
show up.
I encourage you to register your attendance at revitalizepunal0.eventbrite.com.
We have more than 450 people signed up so far, which is like more than double
than what we've seen in prior activations. And I really think it's because folks are
just so excited about coming together to talk about all things food. So, looking
for everyone's support so that we can bless up our community and support them
in their ability to become more food secure and resilient. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Anyone else?
Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 448-24: The motion to adopt Res. 448-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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.)
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Bill 109: INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 13-8 OF THE
(Draft 4) HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER(2022 EDITION), RELATING TO TERM OF
OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT HEADS
Proposes to revise the County Charter to require the Mayor to appoint department
heads within 30 days of taking office and within 60 days of any vacancy occurring
during the Mayor's term of office.
Reference: Comm. 627.23
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba and Ms. Villegas
First Reading: January 10, 2024
Second Reading: January 24, 2024
Postponed: February 7, 2024
Held Over Pursuant to
Council Rule 23(1)(d): February 21, 2024
2/3 Vote: Third of three required readings,
Section 15-1(a), Hawai`i
County Charter
(Note: There is a motion by Mr. Inaba, seconded by Ms. Villegas, to pass
Bill 109, Draft 3, as amended to Draft 4, on third and final reading.)
MR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Lots of readings on this bill, and happy we
got to hold it over. Asking for my colleagues' continued support in this matter.
And again, thank everyone for the good conversation and the retooling of this bill
to ensure that future councils do have a say in who is serving as head of the
different agencies in the Administration. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Council
Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to mahalo you for working so hard to address
concerns that were raised by the body, but also to provide much-needed clarity in
this section of the Charter. So you have my wholehearted endorsement, and I
encourage our community to vote for it during election season. Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council
Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Me too, to the makers. Absolutely. I think this provides a lot of
clarity and takes out the ambiguity of where we go. But it's also serving as a
reminder that there is still lots of work to do around policy just to get them kind of
in alignment with what the practice is. So, Mr. Inaba, really do appreciate you
kind of just diving into all those areas of our policy work. Happy to support and
look forward to what kind of numbers you get on the ballot, because I think
myself and Council Member Kierkiewicz have the highest turnout when it comes
to ballot initiatives. So put the challenge out there. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Sounds like the gauntlet has been thrown here.
Anyone else? All right, all those in favor of adopting Bill 109, Draft 4, at third
and final reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 109: The motion to pass Bill 109, Draft 4, on third and final
Draft 4 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 128: AMENDS CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 11-15, OF THE HAWAII
(Draft 2) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
TRANSFER OF EXCESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDITS
Requires developers of affordable housing projects to obtain approval from the
Housing Administrator prior to initiating the transfer of excess affordable housing
credits and that the Housing Administrator validate any such transfer upon its
completion.
Reference: Comm. 695.2
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba and Ms. Kimball
First Reading: February 21, 2024
Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 128, Draft 2, on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion?
MR. INABA: I just ask for my colleagues' continued support in this matter.
Mahalo.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: In support. I did ask the question about our DHHL (Department
of Hawaiian Home Lands) credits and how those are accounted for, but also how
they're going to be utilized. And, speaking with Corporation Counsel, we're
going to take a little bit of a deeper dive into that section. This bill actually serves
as a perfect vehicle to at least start to account for it. And then we'll maybe either
look at future legislation and/or retooling on the spend down. I don't even know
if that's the correct term of the credits, but there might be future legislation. So
thank you very much for putting this together. It's a great space for us to continue
to work from. In support, Chair. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council
Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Also in support. Just happy to see us moving
forward on something that really has been a black eye on our County. So, really
happy that you were able to take this on and get us going forward in the right
direction to keep track of these very important assets that are out there. So thank
you, both. I'll be supporting.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council
Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: I'm sorry but I do have a question for Corporation Counsel,just on
the last sentence.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. EVANS: I love the fact that we're addressing this. I think it's been an issue
that's needed to be addressed, but I have some concerns in its application and if it
makes the County vulnerable to a lawsuit.
The last sentence says, "Excess credits that are transferred in violation of this
section are voidable at the discretion of the County." So that means maybe
sometimes an administrator says, "I'm not going to basically do this," and other
times somebody will say, "Yeah, I'm going to." So does this force the
department into doing administrative rules so people can see how it's going to be
applied? I don't know. I'm just thinking of down the road if you treat one person
different from another.
MS. STRANCE: Thank you. Elizabeth Strance, Corporation Counsel. The
reason for the word "voidable" is that it would allow the department to determine
whether the credit was earned. And so, if they received something that's not
earned, they could void it. But if it's a matter of somebody not having dotted
their "I's" and crossed their "T's" and they determine that it's a valid credit, then
the credit would be recorded. It was just a way to not require the additional
process where not lay out an additional process where it would be a matter of
the party going back and providing more information for the department to
account for the credit.
And then also have the authority where if it—for example, if the credit wasn't
earned because the seller had built the affordable housing to earn the credit,
something submitted to the department of housing would be void or it could be
voided by the department. But if it was done but sufficient evidence hadn't been
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
submitted to the department at the time the paperwork was filed, it's just a matter
of having somebody go back and get the paperwork. That it was really trying to
avoid a really intensive process just to get clarity.
MS. EVANS: Right. No, I hear you. I just want to be sure because it says it's at
the discretion just to make sure that people can't say you're doing one thing
over another, and maybe not. Maybe the sentence covers it all and that's
MS. STRANCE: I hear your concern.
MS. EVANS: And maybe the way it's written is just fine. But sometimes when
we throw in words like "discretion," sometimes that automatically kicks in
administrative rules or more rulemaking where you give guidance. I don't know
if this would rise to that level or not, but I just wanted to point it out because I saw
that.
MS. STRANCE: Yeah, I suppose you could take out the word"voidable" and put
in "shall not be recognized" or something like that. We could strike that out if
you have concerns.
MS. EVANS: Well, I'm just asking you just to make sure that our wording
doesn't get misinterpreted, because there's a lot of people in the legal world that
will take one word and really play with it. So I was just curious because I saw
that"discretion," and I went"Oh, so you're giving discretion. And so what
would be the guidance in terms of how it's applied then?"
MS. STRANCE: Yeah, my training is that you should craft in plain English. And
if you're interpreting this as a legalese word that could be misconstrued by people
or over construed by others, we could probably wordsmith it a little differently
and avoid that concern.
MS. EVANS: I'm bringing it up. I'll let the body—what would your
recommendation be?
MS. STRANCE: The recommendation is if you don't like the word, there are
other words we can choose, and we're happy to do that if that would be the
preference of this body.
MS. EVANS: I will defer to the maker on that. Thank you, I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. I just want to clarify. The Housing Administrator has
to grant approval for the transfer to occur. This part where it's talking about
discretion on voiding the credits gives that to the County, as an entity, and that is
to allow for others besides the administrator of Housing—for example,
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Corporation Counsel to make that decision. And it leaves that opportunity
technically, those credits, if they weren't real, were never real anyway. But this
sentence is really to encourager folks to follow the process, and that allows our
accounting of excess affordable housing credits to be accurate moving forward
because we finally did get that accounting.
So I would ask that we support the language as it is because, ultimately, it's
mostly for encouragement of following this section. However, it gives the County
that power to void, if it needs to, any credits that aren't actually real to begin with.
And with that, I would be remiss not to acknowledge and thank again our County
Auditor Tyler Benner for his work in supporting this bill. Having gone through
the audit with the Office of Housing and Community Development, it was the
auditor who kind of found this language and showing this loophole where our
record could be out of date surely if we don't include language like this. So
mahalo to our Auditor.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right, thank you. Anyone else on this matter? Seeing
none, all those in favor of adopting Bill 128, Draft 2, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 128: The motion to pass Bill 128, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 129: 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 State Grants —Transit-Oriented Development Capital
Improvement Projects for Kukuiola Village 9 account($400,000); and appropriates
the same to Transit-Oriented Development Capital Improvement Projects for
Kukuiola Village 9 account. Funds would be used to support the assessment,
design, and feasibility of low-income affordable housing in a portion of Kukuiola
Village 9 in North Kona.
Reference: Comm. 703
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: February 21, 2024
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Vote on Bill 129: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 129 on
(Adopted) second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 130: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, SECTION 24-279,
SCHEDULE 27 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO PARKING ON PAVEMENT PROHIBITED AT
ALL TIMES
Adds parking restrictions for two segments of Kilohana Street that intersect with
Ailina Street and Sunset Drive.
Reference: Comm. 704
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
First Reading: February 21, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 130 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy? All right. Seeing no comments
oh, Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: There was some testimony regarding this bill, and I just wanted to
point out there have been bills introduced, by request, limiting parking on certain
streets and roads in the County. But I want to thank DPW (Department of Public
Works) for providing good maps, and the body is reviewing and checking street
imagery. In certain cases like this, there really is no parking to be had anyway.
We'd be blocking the right-of-way. So, wanting to just recognize that and that
we're not trying to restrict any parking, especially near walking paths or parks.
Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Anyone else? Seeing none, all
those in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on Bill 130: The motion to pass Bill 130 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 131: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-51, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
(Draft 2) IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2024
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
($1,000,000) and State Grants Receivable ($1,000,000), to identify alternate routes
to relieve traffic congestion and increase evacuation capacity, if needed.
Reference: Comm. 715.2
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
First Reading: February 21, 2024
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend,pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 131, Draft 2, on
second and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Our community has spoken. They
spoke through Bill 107. They spoke through Bill 131. "Help us. We're looking
for help." And a professional study is something that this community needs.
There are a lot of different maps and lines on paper that say where roads could go,
but a professional study will really help us to identify what is actually feasible.
I think through this process we really want to understand where are Puna residents
going. Not just to Hilo, but they might be going to West Hawaii. And when we
understand where traffic is flowing, that will help Public Works better plan for
where these alternate routes should be placed and the landowners that they need
to be connecting with to ensure that this is something we could move forward
with.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Puna has faced a number of challenges because of how those subdivisions were
originally set up. And the fact of the matter is that it's really lacking in
transportation infrastructure. This study would provide that comprehensive
examination to identify viable options. We addressed concerns that were raised
by the homestead community through Resolution 416-24, and we have heard
numerous times, on record, various meetings that Public Works leadership
recognizes and acknowledges and would adhere to homestead communities being
off the table for any type of Puna alternate route connectivity.
Please support this reso (resolution). Please support our community. It would not
just improve connectivity, but just really do everything possible to ensure that we
have enhanced quality of life for our Puna residents. This study would also
provide us the opportunity to potentially tee up more funding that's available at
the State and the Federal levels. So please support this.
And, in closing, I just want to mahalo nui Representative Chris Todd, House
Transportation Committee, Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen for
working with our office to make sure that this is going to work. And thank you so
much to Deputy Kekai who is here, as well as Director Pause, for all of the
support that Public Works had provided through this process. Thank you, Chair, I
yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I'll be supporting this.
This is great. I like how you've opened up the scope because that was one of my
original frustrations, and addressed and done. So thank you.
I had a moment Friday night. I woke up at 3:45 in the morning, and I couldn't fall
asleep because all I could think about were three things, one of which was
alternate routes. And I had this moment of recognizing that our Fire Department
and our Police Department have to be entangled into this conversation. And long
story short, I wrote an email about 4:15 that morning to the two chiefs. I said,
"You guys have got to be ready to have input," and that really goes for any
department, but the reason being is whatever we do, whatever the study finds, we
have to focus on, like you said, Ms. Kierkiewicz, where are people moving, where
they're going.
But even more so, without, as Mr. Eaglin keeps saying, a hospital in Puna, we
need to be able to get our folks in our district, which for me is Kalapana to Kea`au
to Volcano, to and from services, hospital. And I just couldn't express that
enough, quickly, at 4:15 in the morning to our two chiefs: You guys have got to
think. When people are having an emergency, how do we get them back to a
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hospital in the quickest amount of time to save lives? That really—it just was
absolutely apparent. Only one piece of the pie, but it just was a weird revelation I
had at 3:15 in the morning.
So, with that said, the study is beautiful because it allows for the conversation. It
allows for community to get involved: If they don't like where it's being planned,
if they love where it's being planned, why they think it's important. And that's
the beauty in this. So, very well done. Thank you for kind of saving that funding
source from disappearing. I know Mr. Ilagan was upset with some of the
decisions that were made, but ultimately, here we are moving forward in the same
motion. And I cannot stress it enough: 20 years of funding that had been applied
and applied and applied, and we don't have an alternate route yet. So the
potential of this is huge for our district. So I'll very much be supporting this.
Thank you for working with us, to our Public Works staff and our administrators.
And thank you to Ms. Kierkiewicz for bringing this forward and getting this done.
I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Do we
want to know what the other two things are that you were thinking about at 3:45
in the morning? I just needed to know, but no.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: It wasn't anything bad, let's just say that. It
was good things, all County-related.
CHR. KIMBALL: Good. Okay. Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you and thank you to Ms. Kierkiewicz. My community,
the homestead community, really came out in force about this funding. And
oftentimes throughout the conversation, it just had to be reduced down to what it's
about. And now that the dust has settled and this is available to us and we're
looking at opportunities, not only just makai but all the reasons that you
articulated as far as health care and other goods and services that I have strongly
supported for a very long time, that needs to happen in Puna. And our kupuna in
the homestead says Puna needs to stop being a bedroom community and become a
standalone community.
I want to share that so many people from the homestead have come to me and
said, "Sue, the study, we need it." And I wanted to convey that to you,
Ms. Kierkiewicz, because I think, as we were going through it, there's just all this
energy that comes out, and we miss what this really was about. And so thank you
for just continuing to persevere to make sure that this money happens because our
Native Hawaiian community will benefit, too, from the study, not only because of
the family and the family connections that we have all the way down into
Maku`u, but other economic opportunities that so many people can take
advantage of through the study. So thank you. In strong support. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Anyone else? All
right. With that, all those in favor of adopting Bill 131, Draft 2, at second and
final reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 131: The motion to pass Bill 131, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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. 747: BLAKE DAY V. COUNTY OF HAWAII; CV 23-00576 LEK-RT
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Steven K. Idemoto, dated February 15, 2024,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-entitled matter, including settlement discussion.
Motion to Close Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 747. Seconded by
File: Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. KIMBALL: Vice Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. In reading through the confidential packet, I, myself,
don't feel the need to go into Executive Session and am ready to vote in support.
Thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else on the need to go
into Executive Session? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I concur with Mr. Inaba. I do not feel the
need to go into Executive Session.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? All right, can I get a motion to
accept the recommendation from Corporation Counsel?
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 747. Seconded by
(Approved) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Comm. 747: The motion to close file on Comm. 747 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to remove Res. 441-24 from the table.
Remove from Table: Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Lee Loy moved to amend Res. 441-24 with the
contents of Comm. 732.4. Seconded by Mr. Inaba.
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and maybe we could have Corporation Counsel come
forward. What I really like about this amendment and why I will be supporting, it
really not only does the track changes, but it clearly provides transparency. So
when anybody comes back and takes a look at how we executed the resolution
and then the consent, they're going to see the resolution. They're going to see
this communication. They're going to see the track changes. But also there's a
clear delineation of it going from Attachment A to Attachment A-1, and I'll let
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
Corporation Counsel kind of express how that works so that we're not actually
changing anything, right. We're just taking what the government is giving us and
putting it all together. But that's where I stand on this. I yield.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council
Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. We had been coordinating with
Environmental Management, and I think there might have been a little bit of
miscommunication here. I'm obviously going to be supportive of this. One of the
things that we had brought up during the Committee session was that there are so
many different reporting requirements to the EPA over potentially more than like
a decade.
And so we won't be here. New administration. But want to make sure that what
is being authorized here today isn't forgotten by future councils. And so we were
requesting that subsequent reports be shared with the council that is seated at the
time and that they be filed concurrently with what is being submitted to the EPA.
There's language here that we had originally proposed but then was refined by
LRB (Legislative Research Branch). Sorry if you guys thought that you were
going to be filing that, but our office was taking care of it. I'm fine with the
language that's here. It's clear to me. But LRB offered something that was a lot
more clear, and so again, I'm fine either way. Happy to move this forward, but
we already had filed something that I think Corp. (Corporation) Counsel Strance
and Ramzi Mansour had signed off on. So just want to put it out there. Fully
support this but also we had filed something. I think, Diana, you were copied on
that email. Thank you. Okay.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Did you want to
add anything before we had any further discussion?
(Note: At this time, Deputy Corporation Counsel Section Chief Diana
Mellon-Lacey came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Diana Mellon-Lacey, Deputy Corporation Counsel.
Only to clarify any questions because EPA did provide the documents that are
attached now to what you've received.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further comments?
MR. INABA: Chair?
CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, go ahead, Council Member.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
MR. INABA: Just wanting to make sure. It looks like this document has tracked
change, which is not in the format we usually get it in. For(Subsection) d, for
example, the part that was stricken regarding public comment—sorry, we just got
it so I didn't have a lot of time to read through it. We're getting rid of—we're
amending the resolution with respect to Attachment A-1, Appendix 1.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes.
MR. INABA: So we already have, in the current resolution, an Attachment A,
and we also have an Attachment 1, right?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Correct. The Attachment 1 was, I believe, the
Appendix. Correct? I'm sorry, I don't have your packet.
MR. INABA: Okay, so Attachment A becomes Attachment A-1, and then
Appendix 1 is contained within Attachment A-1. Is that right?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes, that's my understanding.
MR. INABA: Okay. Mr. Clerk,just in terms of how things are provided for the
Ramseyer format?
MR. HENRICKS: So there actually is no Ramseyer format. What I'm looking at
here, it seems complete to me. The communication makes it clear that there will
be no more Attachment A on the Draft 2. It will be labeled "Attachment A-1"to
delineate it from the first attachment, which I think is very good. And then all
interior references to Attachment A will be converted to A-1 so that those align.
Then there's the recitation that Ms. Kierkiewicz provided that's unrelated.
And then when you're looking at the attached pages, I think that is just to show
the Council and anybody in the future what the changes are. And then what we
have after those is the clean version of the resolution, how it would appear if
amended, and then also the "clean version" of Attachment A-1 with those
revisions applied without any indications, which is better because you want that
A-1 moving forward to be a clean document.
So, essentially, what this does is it provides the version of the order and consent
that the EPA has agreed to and would prefer. And as far as the process to amend
this resolution to accomplish that, it looks good to me.
MR. INABA: Okay. I'll read a little bit more. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair. Anyone else? Go ahead, Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for taking care of these changes
and coming back to us today.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Sorry that they had to be made.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Nope, that's how it works. Thank you.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: You're welcome.
CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. All right, we will proceed with the vote, then, on
the motion to amend Resolution 441-24 with the contents of
Communication 732.4. All those in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 441-24 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 732.4 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball —7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Lee Loy —2.
Excused: None.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Excuse me, Chair Kimball, but I believe that you have
to suspend the rules to consider an amendment.
CHR. KIMBALL: No, actually, the rules would require us to suspend the rules if
we wanted to continue the conversation around the adoption of the resolution
itself because it has now been amended. Our rules would require us to hold it
over.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 441-24.
Rules: Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball —7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Lee Loy —2.
Excused: None.
CHR. KIMBALL: We are back to the main motion.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair, I have a question.
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Hawaii County Council-33 March 6,2024
CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I believe there's a request by
the department to waive the five-day hold, but I believe we also have a Council
rule that—
CHR.
hatCHR. KIMBALL: That's correct. If the vote is unanimous in support, there is no
five-day hold.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is that correct? Am I right about that or is it
a different resolution?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: That's my understanding.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you.
CHR. KIMBALL: All right, we are back to the main resolution, as amended. All
those in favor?
Vote on Res. 441-24: The motion to adopt Res. 441-24, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 111 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas,
and Chair Kimball –7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Lee Loy –2.
Excused: None.
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
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Hawai`i County Council-33 March 6,2024
ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Kimball adjourned the meeting at 1:09 p.m.
MENT:
Council Approval: MAY o 1 2024
COuC ,\
JH/dg
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