HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 159 2024/04/30 2022-2024 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: April 30, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 840/Bill No. 155
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 155, reports as follows:
Bill No. 155, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, via Communication No. 840 dated
April 12, 2024, amends Ordinance No. 23-51, as amended, relating to public improvements and
financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
This bill appropriates fuel tax revenues expected to be collected from 2024-2026 by establishing the
following fuel tax program appropriations to the Capital Budget: Roadway Projects (Engineering)
($2,825,755); Bridge Inspection, Repair and Replacement Program (Engineering) ($1,883,836); and
Local Road Improvements (Highways) ($4,709,591), for a total appropriation of$9,419,182.
Business Manager Kelsey Kalua-Lewis provided background on this measure. Committee Member
Holeka Goro Inaba asked for an explanation of the funds distribution process and how the department
determines which roads would be funded. Finance Deputy Aaron Brown stated that from his research
into this matter, the process is described in the original resolution. Mr. Inaba asked Mr. Brown if he
would discuss this with him offline. Committee Member Cindy Evans also commented on her recent
curiosity about this process. She also shared some of her research with the committee and thanked
Mr. Inaba for his line of questions. Mr. Brown added that the department prioritizes roads based on
needs and has specific criteria to be met before they approve repairs.
Committee Member Susan L. K. Lee Loy asked if there was a timeline for this. Ms. Lee Loy suggested
that if there was no urgency, then this measure could remain in this committee for a more
comprehensive conversation. Ms. Kalua-Lewis stated that there was no deadline.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder said he would recommend moving this measure forward so
that the committee could discuss it further at its upcoming Council meeting. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
asked Ms. Kalua-Lewis why the report is done in two-year increments, to which she replied that it's the
timeline they've always followed. Mr. Brown added that he believes the County follows the same
guidelines as the State.
FC Report No. 159
FC-159 Page 2 April30,2024
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 155, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
lkh
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA x COMMITTEE 0 INANCE
INABA X
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ x MATT KANE `I- EINFELDER,
KIMBALL X CHAIR
LEE LOY X FC REPORT NO.: 159
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 1 5 2024