HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 187 2024/08/21 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: August 21, 2024
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:02 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 967/Bill No. 188
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 188, reports as follows:
Bill No. 188, transmitted by Committee Members Heather Kimball and Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via
Communication No. 967, dated July 29, 2024, amends Chapter 19, Article 7, Section 19-57, of the
Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the nondedicated agricultural use
assessment program.
This bill seeks to change the sunset date of the nondedicated agricultural use assessment program from
January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2029, extends the time for property owners in the program to reapply for
alternative programs from September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2026, and sets a September 1, 2028,
deadline for the director to review all reapplications.
Managing Director Deanna Sako was available in the Hilo Council Chambers for questions.
Committee Member Heather Kimball stated that the Finance Director held a meeting on July 18, 2024,
to discuss the short-term and long-term dedicated ag program and the community food sustainability
program. Ms. Kimball said that during this meeting, a lot of incorrect information was shared from
various sources, which caused a lot of concern within the community. She realized there were some
concerns they could address to provide comfort to the community. Ms. Kimball gave an overview of
this measure and the application pamphlet that was created.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder apologized to the community and acknowledged that
this was mishandled and stated that sometimes the Council's decisions are not broadcast to the
community, which can cause people to panic when there is no information or misinformation, as
occurred in this situation. However, he believes that this will help.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada asked Ms. Kimball to explain the process for individuals not
currently in the program, specifically those who will enter farming over the next year. Ms. Kimball
responded that those individuals could apply for the short-term (3-year), long-term (I 0-year), or food
community sustainability programs.
Committee Members Michelle Galimba and Rebecca Villegas commented in support of this measure.
Ms. Villegas said she appreciated the pamphlets and the addition of another year, however, she felt
that if she was not familiar with plans, taxes, and designations, this could also confuse her and
expressed the importance of supporting and guiding individuals through the process.
FC Report No. 187
FC-187 Page 2 August 21, 2024
Committee Acting Chair Cindy Evans asked if there was a way to avoid the misinformation and
community panic in the future and wondered if a community forum would help. Ms. Sako replied that
there are ways to work together on this and said the forum should have been held when the council
discussed this item. Ms. Sako encouraged community members to call the Real Property Tax office for
questions.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 188, and recommends
its passage on first reading.
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
x
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEW ICZ
X
K[MBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAs
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MATT EALI`I- LEINFELDER,
CHAIR
FC REPORT NO.: 187
ADOPTED: SEP 0 4 20A