HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2024-09-17 2022-2024 Hawaii County Council
481h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
September 17, 2024
INVOCATION: Senior Pastor Sunny Ahn of Kona Methodist Church gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:02 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba,
Acting Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair(via videoconference from Hilo)
Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Vice Chair
Ms. Cindy Evans, Member
Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (came in later)
Absent& Excused: Mr. Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
PLEDGE OF The Acting 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 Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MEMORIALS, Petitions, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Acting 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 Acting Chair:
Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Chuck Flaherty: Bill 123, Draft 5 (Comm. 677.32), comment.
Tawn Keeney: Bill 123, Draft 5 (Comm. 677.32), comment.
(See Comm. 677.48)
Nancy Carr Smith: Res. 618-24 (Comm. 1026), in support.
(representing Waimea (See Comm. 1026.3)
Community Association)
Janice Palma-Glennie: Bill 123, Draft 5 (Comm. 677.32), comment; and
Bill 127, Draft 4 (Comm. 694.13), in support.
APPROVAL The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes.
Acting Chair Inaba announced that the Minutes of July 10,
2024, were approved.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
Res. 591-24: AMENDS THE RULES OF PROCEDURE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII BY AMENDING RULE NO. 26,
RELATING TO TRANSFER OF COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT
CONTINGENCY RELIEF FUNDS
Reference: Comm. 990
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Approve: GOEAC-153
Vote on Res. 591-24: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 591-24 and
(Adopted) Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 153. Seconded by Ms. Evans and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Res. 592-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement to share
confidential tax return information relating to the administration of the State and
County of Hawai`i's Transient Accommodations Tax.
Reference: Comm. 992
Intr. by: Ms. Evans (B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-154
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 592-24 and Governmental
Operations and External Affairs Committee Report
No. 154. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Any discussion?
MS. EVANS: We had good discussion in Committee. No comment. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 592-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 592-24: The motion to adopt Res. 592-24 and Governmental
(Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 154
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 593-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Allows for the receipt of$925,000 of federally-derived funds to support opioid
remediation activities.
Reference: Comm. 993
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-192
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Res. 593-24: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 593-24 and Finance
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 192. Seconded by Ms. Evans and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 616-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOLUALOA VILLAGE
OHANA TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS 25TH ANNUAL COFFEE
AND ART STROLL
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 1024
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 616-24. Seconded by
Ms. Evans.
ACTING CHR. INABA: This is a resolution from my office. Just wanted to
invite the public to the 25h Annual Coffee and Art Stroll in H6lualoa Village.
This would be on November 2nd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Is there any other
discussion? If not, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 616-24: The motion to adopt Res. 616-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Res. 617-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO PATH—PEOPLE FOR
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION HAWAII TO PURCHASE PET WASTE BAGS
FOR THE DISPENSERS AT THE OLD WALUA TRAIL
Transfers $1,600 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1025
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Vote on Res. 617-24: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 617-24. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Evans and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 618-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO WAIMEA COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PURCHASE AND SHIPMENT OF FOUR
OUTDOOR BENCHES FOR THE WAIMEA COMMUNITY
Transfers $3,784 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Public Works, Administration
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1026
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 618-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. We had some testimony with respect to this
project. Just ask for my colleagues' support in getting this project completed for
Waimea. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you very much. Any further discussion? All
those in favor of approving Resolution 618-24,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Res. 618-24: The motion to adopt Res. 618-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 619-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE FRIENDS OF FIRST
RESPONDERS FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE ROBUST
CONFERENCE 2024 FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Transfers $2,700 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Police Department, Training account.
Reference: Comm. 1027
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 619-24. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just looking for your support on this. It's
to support the robust conference for the first responders and their families. Thank
you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 619-24,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 619-24: The motion to adopt Res. 619-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Res. 620-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE BIG ISLAND
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO ASSIST
WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 2024 HAWAII ISLAND VETERANS
DAY PARADE
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 1028
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 620-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just looking to support the veterans parade,
which is an annual event, and hopefully everybody can attend. Thank you so
much. I look for your support.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 620-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 620-24: The motion to adopt Res. 620-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 621-24: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND
OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE FOR A
MULTIFUNCTION, COLOR PRINTER FOR THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY
CLERK, SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate
monthly cost of$2,000.
Reference: Comm. 1029
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 621-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: This item was waived out of Committee, so if we could
please have someone from the Finance
MR. HENRICKS: That would be me, I think.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Oh, sorry. Office of the County Clerk. Mr. Clerk, if
you would.
MR. HENRICKS: Sure. This is not additional equipment. This is to replace
equipment we already have that we'll need to continue providing services that
Support Services currently provides. We got a reasonable contract. So I just ask
for the Council's support so that Support Services can continue to provide
services to the multitude of County agencies that it does provide color printing
for. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor of adopting Resolution 621-24,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 621-24: The motion to adopt Res. 621-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 622-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ISLAND OF HAWAII
YMCA FOR ITS FAMILY VISITATION CENTER PROGRAM
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1035
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 622-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just asking for my colleagues' support in supporting the CRF
(Contingency Relief Fund) for this really important program. Happy to support it
every year, and it's one of the really great contributions YMCA (Young Men's
Christian Association) makes to our community. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 622-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 622-24: The motion to adopt Res. 622-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 623-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE NORTH HAWAII
HERITAGE FOUNDATION FOR THE 2024 HAMAKUA SUGAR DAYS
FESTIVAL
Transfers $7,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1036
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 623-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: I'm really excited to announce this event. It'll be taking place
from October 5h through 20'h up in Honoka`a. It is an acknowledgement of the
closing of the plantation 30 years ago. It's the anniversary. And at that time,
there was really no recognition of the workers. So this is an opportunity. We
have people coming back from all across the world to be here for this event.
There'll be a County fair, other activities just celebrating the history and
agriculture in the Honoka`a region. So I ask for my colleagues' support and
encourage you to join us for some of the events during this festival. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. With that, any further discussion? Seeing
none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 623-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 623-24: The motion to adopt Res. 623-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 624-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE PAPA`ALOA ALL HALLOW'S EVE
COMMUNITY EVENT
Transfers $1,400 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1037
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 624-24. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Whereas, the last event was a first time ever, this is
an event that's been going on for years and years and years. It was, of course,
stopped when we had to demolish the gym in Papa`aloa, but last year was the first
year back and it was a resounding success. So, asking for my colleagues to
support to fund this really great program for the Papa`aloa community. Thank
you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 624-24, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Res. 624-24: The motion to adopt Res. 624-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 625-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE WREATHS FOR THE WEST HAWAII
VETERANS CEMETERY-PU'U HO`OMAHA O NA POB KOA O HAWAII
KOMOHANA FOR THE NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1038
Intr. by: Ms. Galimba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 625-24. Seconded by
Ms. Evans.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. Just asking for my colleagues' support.
ACTING CHR. INABA: All right. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 625-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 625-24: The motion to adopt Res. 625-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Res. 626-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MALAMA O PUNA TO
ASSIST KEA`AU MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH BUS TRANSPORTATION FOR
ITS YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Transfers $1,760 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 1039
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 626-24. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I ask for my colleagues' support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor?
Vote on Res. 626-24: The motion to adopt Res. 626-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 627-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GOING HOME HAWAII FOR
ITS HAWAII COUNTY SEQUENTIAL INTERCEPT MODEL REPORT
Transfers $3,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 1040
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 627-24. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I ask for my colleagues' support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Resolution 627-24, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 627-24: The motion to adopt Res. 627-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 628-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOLUALOA FOUNDATION
FOR ARTS AND CULTURE TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR THE"COOL
FUSION: FESTIVAL OF 1,000 BOWLS" EVENT AT THE DONKEY MILL
ART CENTER
Transfers $7,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Destination Management account.
Reference: Comm. 1041
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 628-24. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for your support.
ACTING CHR. INABA: All right. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those
in favor of adopting Resolution 628-24, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Res. 628-24: The motion to adopt Res. 628-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 629-24: APPROVES THE NOMINATION OF MEMBERS TO THE NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (NACo) BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE
WESTERN INTERSTATE REGION (WIR) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Requests the Council's approval of the following slates of officers: NACo—
Tommy Waters, City and County of Honolulu; KipuKai Kuali`i, Kauai County;
and Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Hawaii County; and WIR—Shane Sinenci, Maui
County, and Michelle M. Galimba, Hawaii County.
Reference: Comm. 1042
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Waived: GOEAC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 629-24. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. As you may recall, Council Member Kierkiewicz
received the presidential appointment to the WIR (Western Interstate Region)
Board but was unable to attend the annual conference, and Council
Member Lee Loy attended. In order to have the ability to vote as a board member
in WIR, HSAC (Hawai`i State Association of Counties) wanted to move her into
that board member position. Sothis is a resolution that just kind of follows up
with our respective bylaws, per HSAC, to have Council approve that movement.
It is retroactive. Apologies for that, but this is kind of just a housekeeping
measure. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. With that, is there any other discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 629-24, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Res. 629-24: The motion to adopt Res. 629-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder– 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 631-24: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND
OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT
WITH RUNBECK ELECTION SERVICES FOR THE AGILIS SOFTWARE FOR
THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, ELECTIONS DIVISION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a four-year agreement with an approximate total
cost of$196,500.
Reference: Comm. 1045
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 631-24. Seconded by
Ms. Evans.
ACTING CHR. INABA: This was also waived straight to Council and comes
from our Elections Division. So, would ask the County Clerk if you could just
give us a quick overview on this.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Thank you for the waiver from
Finance and straight to Council,just so that we can handle this as much as
possible, assuming there's Council support, in a timely manner. This is a
relatively straightforward request. This allows us to continue using our Agilis
equipment that essentially operates to verify the signatures of people when they
vote, and they return their voted ballot packets. It also sorts the voter ballot
packets, and it does keep an inventory for us, part of our documenting purposes.
We are appreciating the machinery more and more every election. This is our
fifth election—our sixth. The general would be using it. We would request the
Council's support so we can continue maintaining this very critical piece of
infrastructure for our Elections by Mail program.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. With that, is there any further
discussion?
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Yes, Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you so much. And not in regards to the resolution itself,
but I'm going to renew my request to the Finance Department. More and more
we see these long-term lease agreements over time, and I would just love for us to
truly understand how many budgets we are into the future with these lease
agreements. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any further
discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 631-24, please
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 631-24: The motion to adopt Res. 631-24 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
BILLS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 165: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
(Draft 2) CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PARKING
Changes the County Building parking lot located at 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo from a
two-hour metered parking zone to a two-hour parking area, effective January 1,
2025.
Reference: Comm. 884.3
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Approve: PCIA-13
Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on first reading
and adopt Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets
Committee Report No. 13. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. Thank you, Members, for our continuing discussion
on this issue. I believe in Committee that we had overall agreement. So I ask for
your continued support. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Bill 165, Draft 2, at first reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 165: The motion to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets
(Approved) Committee Report No. 13 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 196: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Opioid Settlement Funds account
($925,000); and appropriates the same to the Opioid Settlement Funds account to
support opioid remediation activities.
Reference: Comm. 993
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-193
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 196 on first reading and
adopt Finance Committee Report No. 193. Seconded by
Ms. Evans.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Is there any discussion? Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. We did have really good discussion I thought in
Committee, and I think we had overwhelming support. So I hope we continue to
support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. All right, seeing no other lights, all those in
favor of adopting Bill 196 at first reading,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Bill 196: The motion to pass Bill 196 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 193 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 197: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Increases revenues in the State Grants —Career Criminal Program account
($55,034); and appropriates the same to the Career Criminal Prosecution Program
account, for a total appropriation of$546,168. Funds would be used to support nine
positions in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Reference: Comm. 994
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
Approve: FC-194
Vote on Bill 197: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 197 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 194. Seconded by
Ms. Evans and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 203: 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 NAMING THE
BALLFIELDS AT WILLIAM "BILLY" KENOI DISTRICT PARK THE
"HOWARD SANORIA BALLFIELDS" IN HONOR OF HOWARD FERNANDO
SANORIA
Reference: Comm. 1044
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: PCHSW
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 203 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This is a fresh bill that would actually
name the fields at Billy Kenoi District Park the "Howard Sanoria Ballfields." So,
made that editorial change and really appreciate Council Member Kagiwada and
Council Chair Kimball for their support so that we could make today's Council
deadline. This ensures that we are providing Parks and Recreation Department
enough lead time to be able to fabricate the signage for next year's ceremony to
install this sign.
Mr. Sanoria was really instrumental in the 1940s and decades ensuing in coaching
youth in Pahoa softball, baseball. And one thing that really stuck out for me was
his passion for raising awareness of Title IX so that more of our girls here on
Hawaii Island could access sports. So, really excited to be able to be doing this
for the Sanoria family, and looking for everyone's continued support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Any further
discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving Bill 203 at first reading,
please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 203: The motion to pass Bill 203 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
THE DAY Order of the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Bill 104: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 19-2; CHAPTER 19,
(Draft 7) ARTICLE 7, SECTION 19-53; AND CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 11,
SECTION 19-90, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO THE CREATION OF A LONG-TERM RENTAL
CLASS FOR REAL PROPERTY TAXES
Establishes a Long-Term Rental tax assignment classification for properties that are
occupied under a signed lease for six consecutive months or more to the same
tenant.
Reference: Comm. 600.50
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada and Ms. Galimba
Postponed: July 10 and 24, 2024
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 104, Draft 7, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. Just wanted to reiterate that this is a
voluntary program to incentivize long-term market rate and affordable rentals in
our community so that it could be part of solving for our lack-of-housing crisis.
And I hope that my colleagues will support this effort. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion?
MS. KAGIWADA: Chair?
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just a thank you to my colleague for working on
this with me. It's become a very simple bill, which is basically just giving our
Council the opportunity down the line to appropriately tax and tax in different
ways long-term rentals, which are for our residents, and other properties which
are not necessarily for our residents or which are not for our residents, which are
more vacant and vacation homes at different rates. And set the rate that will be up
to this Council to decide further on. And just looking for everybody's support.
Like I said, we have no amendments at this time. It's become very simple. Just
creating that bucket for long-term rentals, and look forward to everybody's
support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you.
MS. KAGIWADA: Oh, and I think we have RPT (Real Property Tax)there in
Kona if there are any questions for her.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Yes, we do. All right, any further discussion? I know
this is going to pass. I continue to have concerns, so I won't be able to support
today, but thank the makers for advancing something that you folks think will be
good for our long-term renters. With that, a roll call.
Vote on Bill 104: The motion to pass Bill 104, Draft 7, on second and final
Draft 7 reading was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, and Villegas —7.
Noes: Acting Chair Inaba— 1.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 123: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 1 AND ARTICLE 13, CHAPTER 23,
(Draft 5) ARTICLE 9, AND CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 1, ARTICLE 2, ARTICLE 5, AND
ARTICLE 6, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO OHANA DWELLING UNITS
Removes each instance of the term "ohana dwelling" from the County Code and
inserts the term "accessory dwelling unit", and adds provisions for the
establishment of an accessory dwelling unit.
Reference: Comm. 677.32
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball and Ms. Kierkiewicz
Postponed: August 21, 2024
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 123, Draft 5, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Let me go back to the very
beginning of this conversation. When I mentioned that when the `ohana code was
originally drafted in Chapter 25, there was an anti-density sentiment. And as a
result, to much of our chagrin now, we've seen sprawl out into the agricultural
areas across the entire island.
The intention of this bill is to increase density in our urban core areas, making
sure that people are close to work, close to educational opportunities, close to
income opportunities, close to infrastructure. As a result, we'll be reducing the
amount of sprawl, protecting our agricultural lands, reducing vehicle miles
traveled, and ensuring that we have housing for all of the different members of
our community.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
As our housing structure is set up now, we are on a trajectory where we will have
housing for the very well to do and housing for the not very much at all, the
subsidized housing that the County provides. And we need that affordable
housing. What we're missing is that missing middle housing, families that want
to provide an opportunity for their kids to build a house and live next door on the
same property. Middle income housing that is for our teachers, our nurses, our
doctors, our County workers, our police officers, our firefighters.
Now, I do want to respond just quickly to some of the comments made, and
there's just one key misunderstanding, the difference between Hawaii County
zoning and State Land Use. State Land Use law, Chapter 205-4.5, prohibits
accessory dwelling units unless they're developed as additional farm dwellings
and the folks living in those additional farm dwellings must be tied to the
agricultural activities on the property. You can see that in the bill on page 4,
under Section 25-6-31(b), which says, "Any building site within the State land use
agricultural district shall be subject to agricultural requirements for farm
dwellings . . . ." This includes the prohibition of farm dwellings to be used as
transient accommodation rentals.
So, while I appreciate the concerns of the testifiers, I want to make clear that this
is already prohibited by State law, and it is also prohibited by this ordinance. So
while the comments were made about illegality, this ordinance is in alignment and
does still remain legal with respect to the State law. With that, I encourage my
colleagues to support this effort. We are not going to be able to provide all of the
housing needed for our community through affordable housing subsidized by the
housing production fund and other programs. This is a way to have the private
sector help improve the housing picture for our island, but do so in a way that
we're preventing sprawl and protecting our natural and agricultural areas. Thank
you, Chair. I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz, did you have anything
else?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I do.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I'm going to urge my colleagues to
vote to pass this measure today. Bill 123 has been in the making for more than
two years. If folks recall, in 2019, SMS Research produced a housing study that
says, here on Hawaii Island, we need more than 13,000 new dwelling units by
2025 to meet the growing population demand here on our island. And(Bill) 123
is just one way that this Council has actively been working to make it easier for
residents to be housing contributors and increase our housing inventory on the
island. (Bill) 123 aligns with recently passed State legislation. Housing was on
our State legislators' mind, and so we are definitely in alignment with this bill.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
And I have every faith in our public to understand what this bill does. It's very
simple. It gives property owners the ability to build up to three accessory
dwelling units, by right, on their property if infrastructure allows for it. And as
Council Chair Kimball said, this is what we want. We want to improve residents'
quality of life by having access to jobs, healthcare, education, recreation in their
community. Trust me. I leave my house at 6:30 every single morning to drop my
kids off to school and am in the office an hour later, and I would love for more of
these opportunities to be in our community.
There was this concern about seeing a huge proliferation of building overnight. I
would love to see that. But the reality is, if you take a look at the cost of
construction, if we estimate $500 to build one square foot and on average an ADU
(accessory dwelling unit) is a thousand feet, we're talking half-a-million dollars. I
don't know if folks can afford that right now in this market. But what we are
doing by passing this bill is we are making it easier for homeowners and builders
here in our community to secure financing and construct housing. I urge my
colleagues to vote for this bill today. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council
Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: I move to postpone
MS. KAGIWADA: Wait a minute.
MS. EVANS: To the call of the Chair. Is that called "tabling"? Point of order.
Mr. Clerk, the correct motion?
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Evans, the "call of the Chair"would
be until the chair re-agendizes it. If not, you would want to choose a specific
date, or you could do "indefinitely."
MS. EVANS: Okay. I'm going to say postpone it to the second, the date in
October. What is that date, the Council meeting in October, the second one?
ACTING CHR. INABA: That would be October 16''.
MS. EVANS: Is that the correct date, October 16''?
Motion to Postpone: Ms. Evans moved to postpone Bill 123, Draft 5, to
October 16, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you. Part of it is what happened yesterday on our Bills 198
and 199. For those who weren't available yesterday or were able to watch it,
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
clearly the community, when they talk about going from Ag-5 to half-acre lots or
looking at how it's going to change the feel of their agricultural community, well,
if you look at this getting passed, that would take half-acre lots and then the
ability for people to put dwelling units on it, which would increase more the
density in this very rural agricultural environment around Waimea.
I think that the effect of this bill, even though there's good intentions, I think that
the public has yet understood how it could eventually roll out and change the
makeup of their community. I heard the Sierra Club testifiers say if you did this
in urban zone, that might make more sense because that's a place of usually—in
all your general plans and community development plans, they will say that's
where density should increase, is in an urban area where you have wastewater;
where you have water, hopefully; where you have mass transit. That makes a lot
more sense. But in this case, we're looking at putting it in other districts: rural
districts, FA, family ag. I mean, I think the impact of this is big enough that I
think we need to give the public time.
I heard a comment by one of the colleagues that you'd been working on it for two
years. I do know you've been working on the TAR bill, the transient
accommodation rental, but I don't remember any of the realtors and people
talking to me about this `ohana dwelling being converted to another category, and
now the State Legislature passing something that was more recent than two years.
I just think there's a lot of confusion when you talk about TAR, and now we're
talking about this. We're talking about increasing density. And I just kind of
think the public hasn't yet wrapped their head around what this particular bill's
doing.
When I read what Honolulu was doing and Esther Kia`aina, hoping that next year
they can go and repeal the bill that Stanley Chang passed to create this ability to
do this density that Honolulu doesn't—they're trying to repeal it. So people are
questioning maybe not the intent of building density for more housing. What
they're really saying is it's really changing community and everything. You
could change it quickly and have unintended consequences. Slow down. We
don't have to have it done till 2026. And I just don't think we need to push it fast.
I think we need to slow down and possibly add a few amendments to make it
more in line to the vision of what our communities want.
I know there's community development plan action committees. There's one
meeting in Kona. There's one meeting in Waimea. I think the community action
committee should know about this too. I just think there needs to be a little more
dialog, and that is why I'm asking for the postponement, not indefinitely, but
postpone it because I do think there still needs to be more.
And yesterday, one of the reasons we postponed (Bills) 198 and 199 is because
we didn't have a lot of testifiers. Why? Because they're at the there's these
conferences. There's the Native Hawaiian conference at Hilton Waikoloa Village
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
today. I just think because we're lacking testimony, that even bothers me because
I do think this is really a change, a big change. Not a little change. It's a big
change.
And I'm not talking about the urban areas. And I know Hilo, I mean, you could
even say, "Hilo, go for it." "Kona, go for it." But when we're talking about the
other smaller communities, I still feel there is not enough understanding by our
community as to what we're really agreeing to. That is why I want to postpone.
Thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any other
discussion on the postponement? Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Council Member Evans, for the courage to bring
this up and ask for a postponement. I've had a number of constituents reach out
to me and ask why do I oppose tiny homes, and my response to them is these are
not tiny homes. An ADU and the potential addition of three ADUs on
somebody's property is not a tiny home. I feel unsettled by the push on this when
there is so many other things going on. I am trying to work on some amendments
with a couple of different people that would temper some of what I feel is kind of
Pandora's box here. I'll be supporting the postponement.
I still have real questions about the title, and I feel that it's misleading to have the
title of a piece of legislation call something an `ohana dwelling unit, and then the
first thing that happens is you strike out the term `ohana dwelling unit. And if we
look into the future and providing a direct pathway for people to find this
legislation, I think that that should be edited. And I think that three ADUs is too
many to just open it and straight go for it. It also concerns me if Oahu is looking
at repealing theirs.
And talking about density is a tricky thing, especially in District 7 because we
already have so much pressure on our infrastructure. So to add density and open
Pandora's box for adding on to that without having our infrastructure in place I
don't think is a wise move forward. So, anyway, I'll be supporting the
postponement today, and I just ask for my colleagues to reconsider what the rush
is on this. If this is truly the right thing to do and truly the pono avenue, then
everything will be in alignment and community will feel more comfortable and
confident, and the reward will outweigh the risk. So that's my kuleana for today.
I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Heading over to Hilo, any discussion on postponement?
All right, if not, a roll call vote,please.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Bill 123, Draft 5, to October 16,
Postpone: 2024, failed by the following roll call vote:
Failed
Ayes: Council Members Evans and Villegas —2.
Noes: Council Members Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy,
and Acting Chair Inaba—6.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. INABA: We are back to the main motion, which is to approve
Bill 123, Draft 5, at second and final reading. Going over if anyone hasn't spoken
yet. Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. I'm supporting this bill. I
think we need to be smart about how we provide housing, and this missing middle
is what we know we need. We don't have a lot of missing middle housing
planned. We need housing for people. And our children are moving away, and
they can't live here. This really provides that opportunity for people who have a
property where they could provide a house for their grown child to live there and
start a family there, and stay here with us in Hawaii. And so I do support this.
I did not really like the amendment we made that allowed for one TAR to be
possible on a property, but I also know that if people do choose to do that, their
taxes will go up. They will lose their homeowners tax rate. So it'll be something
people will have to decide. I don't see a lot of people choosing to do that,
hopefully.
And I hope that most people, if they are able to fund and build a second home as
an ADU unit, that they will do it because they know somebody here needs a
home, whether that's a long-term rental or providing housing for their own
family.
So I will be supporting this. And I feel it's so necessary to protect our precious ag
lands and our open spaces that we do this infill-type housing for our people. So
thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Coming back here to Kona, Council
Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Just echoing Council Member Kagiwada. Really,
the need for housing on our island is really pretty extreme. And I feel that this is
the organic option, in a way, to allow our citizens, our families to help to provide
housing for their own families, or long-term rentals for residents in the
community.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
So I believe the restriction that does not allow it on State Land Use agricultural
land is going to take care of a lot of the issues that folks have. For instance,
Council Member Evans brought up the proposed project in Waimea, and
currently, that is agriculturally—it's SLU (State Land Use) Ag. So it would not
be possible unless we agree to change it into a rural zoned piece of land. It's an
example of how this bill would actually not allow ADUs on agricultural land as
long as it continues to be SLU Ag. So that's something we're going to have to
consider as we go forward.
But I believe it is an appropriate restriction. And it will condense housing to
basically urban areas because most of our island, no matter what the zoning on
top of it might be, the State Land Use designation is agricultural. So this is really
quite targeted. So I continue to support this. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: All right, with that, seeing no further discussion, it
looks like this is going to pass as well. I do have concerns with the number of
ADUs we allowed, as well as the fact that we had added in the transient
accommodation rentals. If not for those, I could support this fully. With that,
we'll take a roll call vote,please, Mr. Clerk.
Vote on Bill 123: The motion to pass Bill 123, Draft 5, on second and final
Draft 5 reading was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, and Lee Loy –5.
Noes: Council Members Evans, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba–3.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder– 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 127: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 2, DIVISION 4, SECTION 25-2-44, OF THE
(Draft 4) HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING
TO CONDITIONS ON CHANGE OF ZONE
Requires the Planning Director to include time constraints for the completion or
satisfaction of conditions imposed in change of zoning district ordinances that do
not revert zoning to a previous zoning district designation or an open zoning
designation.
Reference: Comm. 694.13
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba
First Reading: September 4, 2024
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Bill 127: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 127, Draft 4, on second
Draft 4 and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried
(Adopted) by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 188: 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
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.
Reference: Comm. 967
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball and Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 188 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I just encourage my colleagues to support
extending the deadline to the application for the new programs out another year to
2026. I want to also just mahalo Real Property Tax and all of the staff over there
who have been answering all kinds of questions for the community. And they
have on their website now the farm plan as well as a one-page FAQ (Frequently
Asked Questions) sheet, which I think will answer a lot of questions for folks
about the new programs. And of course, the farm plan is one of the documents
that is an option. It's a three-page form, very straightforward. So I encourage
folks that still have questions about the programs to start there. And again, I
would encourage my colleagues to support this deadline extension. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all
those in favor of adopting Bill 188 at second and final reading,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Bill 188: The motion to pass Bill 188 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 189: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 19-2, ARTICLE 7,
SECTION 19-53, AND ARTICLE 8, SECTION 19-61, OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL
PROPERTY TAXES
Amends definitions for"Community food sustainability use" and "Diversified
agriculture", allows for properties under the Community Food Sustainability Use
Assessment and Short-Term Commercial Agricultural Use Dedication programs to
be eligible for the Homeowner tax classification if the property is used as the
owner's primary residence, and removes the limit of three consecutive, three-year
terms for dedication in the Short-Term Commercial Agricultural Use program.
Reference: Comm. 968
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball and Ms. Galimba
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 189 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Just asking for my colleagues' support on this
amendment. There were just a few things that came out of the public hearing with
regard to the ag programs needed to be amended I think to the benefit of the
community. So, hopefully, everyone can support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba, anything to add?
MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. Just wanted to also thank the Real Property Tax
Department for their heroic efforts in explaining this bill, and my colleague
Council Member Kimball for also putting on a great road show and going around
and explaining this to folks. I think once it's explained, there's a lot more
understanding of why we did this and how folks can fit into the three different
programs. So I ask for my colleagues to support these amendments that came
back to us and that would tailor the tax programs a little bit better. Thanks.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
ACTING CHR. INABA: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor
of adopting Bill 189 at second and final reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 189: The motion to pass Bill 189 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 190: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Volunteers in Service to America
Support Grant account($40,000); and appropriates the same to the Volunteers in
Service to America Support Grant account. Funds would be used to provide
community-based training and regional education from local historians, cultural
practitioners, and other sources to AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America
personnel.
Reference: Comm. 979
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Vote on Bill 190: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 190 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Bill 191: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Hawai`i County Trek the Trails
account($96,000); and appropriates the same to the Hawaii County Trek the Trails
account. Funds would be used to promote alternative transportation options,
pedestrian and bicycle safety, and introduce the community to the interconnectivity
provided through the Trek the Trails project.
Reference: Comm. 980
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Vote on Bill 191: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 191 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 192: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —Volunteer Fire Assist account($17,800);
and appropriates the same to the Volunteer Fire Assistance—Federal account, for a
total appropriation of$317,800. Funds would be used for public safety supplies for
Volunteer Fire Operations.
Reference: Comm. 981
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R)
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Vote on Bill 192: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 192 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Bill 193: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, SECTION 24-280,
SCHEDULE 28 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO NO PARKING AT ANY TIME
Prohibits parking at any time alongside Kaiminani Drive in North Kona at the
following locations: (1) on the south side of Waikane Place from a point 51 feet
southeast of Waikane Place extending 399 feet northwest; and (2) on the northside
of Waikane Place from a point 75 feet southeast of Anapau Place extending 69 feet
northwest of Waikane Place.
Reference: Comm. 984
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
First Reading: September 4, 2024
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 193 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Just want to mahalo DPW (Department of Public
Works) for addressing this community concern, and following up with this bill so
that the Code aligns with the signs on the road. All those in favor of approving
Bill 193,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 193: The motion to pass Bill 193 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
REPORTS: The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
GOEAC-152 NOMINATION OF NATHAN GADDIS TO THE BANYAN DRIVE HAWAII
(Comm. 1010): REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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Hawaii County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-152: External Affairs Committee Report No. 152. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Comm. 1023: CLAIM AGAINST THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I/INABA ENGINEERING LLC
From Claims Investigator Clifford D. Victorine, III, dated August 26, 2024,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-entitled matter.
Motion to Close Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 1023.
File: Seconded by Ms. Evans.
ACTING CHR. INABA: Before we proceed any further, I do want to share that I
am related to the claimants against the County in this case. So I feel it would be
best for me to leave the room at this time.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to
Acting Chair Villegas and left the room.
ACTING CHR. VILLEGAS: Opening up for discussion on the opportunity to go
into Executive Session. Council Member Evans.
MS. EVANS: Thank you, Chair. I read the report on this, and I see no reason to
go into Executive Session. So I would recommend to approve the
recommendation. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Council Member Evans. In Hilo?
MS. KIMBALL: Council Member Villegas, I concur with Council
Member Evans. I support the recommendation of Corporation Counsel.
ACTING CHR. VILLEGAS: Great. I think I saw Ms. Kagiwada's head nodding
as well. Any other comments? Looks like we all concur that there is not a need
to go into Executive Session, Mr. Clerk.
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Hawai`i County Council-48 September 17,2024
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 1023. Seconded by
(Approved) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, and Acting Chair Villegas—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Vote on The motion to close file on Comm. 1023 was carried by the
Comm. 1023: following voice vote:
(Filed)
Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba,
Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Lee Loy, and Acting Chair Villegas—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: Council Member Inaba— 1.
OTHER The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, Acting Chair Villegas adjourned the meeting at
MENT: 10:30 a.m.
Council Approval: NOV 08 2024
COUNT LI✓
JH/dg
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