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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2024-10-02 2022-2024 Hawaii County Council 491h Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii October 2, 2024 INVOCATION: Pastor Eric Anderson of Church of the Holy Cross gave the morning's invocation. CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at ORDER: 1:02 p.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. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (came in later) 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, Ms. Kimball offered, on behalf of the Hawaii County EXPRESSIONS OF Council, condolences to folks affected by the damage caused by Hurricane Helene CONDOLENCE: in the East Coast area, and for the many lives that were lost.) 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: Deb Lewis: Res. 646-24 (Comm. 1068), in support. Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Kristen Alice: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing HOPE Services Hawaii) Sharman O'Shea: Res. 653-24 (Comm. 1075), in support. (representing Alanui `O Ka`u) Alohalani Hope Cermelj: Res. 610-24 (Comm. 1016), comment. Krishna Davinci: Res. 610-24 (Comm. 1016), comment. Rachel Curnel Struempf: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing Gentle Beginnings (See Comm. 1043.22) Midwifery and Hawaii Home Birth Collective, LLC) Tara Compehos: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing SHINE Sisterhood (See Comm. 1043.21) Initiative) Kristie Duarte: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing Hawaii Home Birth (See Comm. 1043.26) Task Force and Hawaii Home Birth Collective) Ki`inaniokalani Kaho`ohanohano: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.27) Darlyne Vierra: Res. 653-24 (Comm. 1075); and (representing Ka`u Multicultural Res. 654-24 (Comm. 1076), in opposition. Society) Ravi Singh: Res. 637-24 (Comm. 1059); and (representing Hamakua Health Res. 659-24 (Comm. 1084), in support. Center Inc.) Carrie Ann Shirota: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing ACLU Hawaii) (See Comm. 1043.18) Mieko Stewart: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.19) Pua O Eleili Pinto: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.35) A. Ezinne Dawson: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.24) Page 2 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Alana Koa: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.29) Margaret Ragen: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing Hawaii Affiliate of the (See Comm. 1043.25) American College of Nurse Midwives) Kiana Rowley: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (representing Pacific Birth Collective (See Comm. 1043.32) Board of Directors) Laura Acasio: Res. 630-24, Draft 2 (Comm. 1043.3), in support. (See Comm. 1043.17) APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval OF MINUTES: of Minutes. Chair Kimball announced that the Minutes of July 24, 2024, were approved. 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: GOEAC-155 NOMINATION OF BIRK BILLINGSLEY TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY (Comm. 1030): COMMITTEE Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and GOEAC-155: External Affairs Committee Report No. 155. Seconded by (Adopted) Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. GOEAC-156 NOMINATION OF KEN HOYLE TO THE KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN (Comm. 1031): COMMISSION Requires Council Confirmation by: October 11, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Page 3 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and GOEAC-156: External Affairs Committee Report No. 156. Seconded by (Adopted) Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. GOEAC-157 NOMINATION OF RICK PORTER TO THE FIRE COMMISSION (Comm. 1032): Requires Council Confirmation by: October 11, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and GOEAC-157: External Affairs Committee Report No. 157. Seconded by (Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. GOEAC-158 NOMINATION OF CHARLA THOMPSON TO THE KONA COMMUNITY (Comm. 1033): DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Requires Council Confirmation by: October 11, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Governmental Operations and GOEAC-158: External Affairs Committee Report No. 158. Seconded by (Adopted) Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 4 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 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. 610-24: REQUESTS THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE COUNTY CLERK TO IMPROVE THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE COUNTY WEBSITE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS Seeks improvements to better enable the public to view and track legislation and other relevant information. Reference: Comm. 1016 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Approve: GOEAC-159 Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 610-24 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 159. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. I think we had good discussion in our Committee hearing, and ask for your favorable support. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just a quick comment. We were at the Hawaii State Association of Counties conference, and somebody did bring up to us that our County, finding the Council Members and their pages within our website was very challenging, compared to the other counties. So I would just say that I definitely appreciate this and hope we can rectify that situation as well. Thanks. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any other discussion? All those in favor,please say "aye." Page 5 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 610-24: The motion to adopt Res. 610-24 and Governmental (Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 159 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 611-24: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO NEGOTIATE A SIXTY-FIVE YEAR LEASE WITH THE HOUSING AND LAND ENTERPRISE OF HAWAII COUNTY, DBA: HALE O HAWAII FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BELOW MARKET RATE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-051:094 FOR A COMMUNITY LAND TRUST PROGRAM AT A SET LEASE AMOUNT OF $10.00 PER YEAR Allows for Hale O Hawaii to finance, construct, and sell a below market rate home on state lands, subject to affordability restrictions,to an eligible purchaser for affordable housing and shelter purposes. Reference: Comm. 1017 Intr. by: Mr. Inaba(B/R) Approve: LAAC-68 Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 611-24 and Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 68. Seconded by Ms. Evans. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: No discussion, thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion by the body? Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Yes, I wanted to invite Pete Hoffmann to the table, who spearheaded this effort. I'm understanding and hopeful it will be a model that will move us forward for housing. (Note: At this time, Pete Hoffmann, President and Treasurer of Hale O Hawaii, came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. HOFFMANN: Thank you, Madam Chair, Council Members. Oh so good to be back and see all those smiling faces on the other side of the dais. Really. Page 6 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Thank you very much, first of all, for considering this particular resolution. I wish to extend the thanks, too, to the members of the County housing office who have certainly been the spark behind this particular program that we have. Just very briefly so that we know where we are. As an affordable housing land trust, our job, as we see it, is to put a home on that for people within the 60-120 percent average median income. We have one home already that you've provided us in the University Heights section of Hilo. We have managed to begin construction on that lot. It's about a 10,000 square foot lot. We planned a three- bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home. It's an irregular sized lot. We have the septic system in, and we've ordered the concrete and other materials in order to begin. We hope to have that home finished maybe by the end of January. This resolution also provides us the opportunity to continue that particular program. And let me say, Council Members, I think anyway, in the number of years I've tried to advocate for a land trust as a possible solution to some of our housing issues, the program that the County has instituted, and the housing office has advocated for, is really a tremendous move forward. I mean, there are a number of these lots that already are existent in the County inventory, State inventory, State-owned lands, and the idea that we can put homes on those for lands that have laid fallow for 40, 50 years in existing communities is indeed a boon to our housing efforts. I also would like to point out I think our CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Ms. Loretta Wickenden, is in Kona, and I'd like to make sure that she has an opportunity to chime in on this. She says I grab the microphone too often, so I want to make sure I give her the opportunity as well. Loretta, are you there? (Note: At this time, Loretta Wickenden, Executive Director and Secretary of Hale O Hawaii, came forward to address the members of the Council.) CHR. KIMBALL: There she is. MS. WICKENDEN: I am. Thank you, Pete. I know you're very shy and don't like to speak, so thank you for letting me help. Thank you all for providing us the opportunity for another plot on which we'll be able to build an affordable home. As Pete said, we are moving forward, making good progress on the lot. We're working in partnership on University Heights. We look forward to having that ready, hopefully as Pete said, by January, and we will move on to this new lot as soon as is possible if it's approved. So thank you all very much. MR. HOFFMANN: I'd just like to add, as far as the land trust is concerned, we have another home that's under construction at the moment down there in Volcano. And we've recently purchased with assets that the land trust has, a lot over in the Ainaloa area of Puna. So we have basically four lots with this one, if you approve it, that we would be working on. And we think, as I've said before, Page 7 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 this is a tremendous move forward. And I appreciate the time and effort that the housing office has taken, as well as the Council, in considering this particular resolution. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mr. Hoffmann. Any further discussion, Council Member Evans? Any questions, comments from the body? All right, seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Resolution 611-24, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 611-24: The motion to adopt Res. 611-24 and Legislative (Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 68 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you again, Mr. Hoffmann. MR. HOFFMANN: Thank you, Madam Chair. Appreciate it. Thank you all. Res. 612-24: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF TWENTY-SIX PORTABLE GENERATORS FROM THE STATE OF HAWAII, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY The donation to the Civil Defense Agency, with an estimated value of$15,619.47, would be used to enhance the department's local emergency capabilities. Reference: Comm. 1018 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-195 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 612-24 and Finance Committee Report No. 195. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: This is a nice opportunity for our County. I just want to mahalo everyone involved. Mr. Periatt is here to answer questions, but there was good discussion in Committee. I look forward to everyone's support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 8 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 612-24: The motion to adopt Res. 612-24 and Finance Committee (Adopted) Report No. 195 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 613-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, OFFICE OF STATE AND COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAMS PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE, EQUITY AND RESILIENCE Allows for the receipt of$228,640 of federally-derived funds to be used to create an Energy Management Plan for County of Hawaii facilities. Reference: Comm. 1019 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-196 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 613-24 and Finance Committee Report No. 196. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Is Ms. Morrison available or is she watching? CHR. KIMBALL: I don't think so. She was here during Committee. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: My one comment, I thought about this over the weekend, not sure if it fits, but as part of an energy management plan, I remember vividly in my first month I came into this building and realized that our solar system was not operational. But also, in driving past our Pahoa Police Station and seeing the dirt covering our panels, which incredibly limits the amount of energy production up to about a third of what it could be doing, if it's part of this energy management program, if we're able to also make sure we're taking care of our existing renewable energy resources for our County. So I'm putting it out there to Ms. Morrison or her staff if she's watching. Thank you, Chair. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 9 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 613-24: The motion to adopt Res. 613-24 and Finance Committee (Adopted) Report No. 196 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 614-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT Allows for the receipt of$488,722.63 in federally-derived funds, which would be used to establish a Hazard Zone Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient emergency response operations. Reference: Comm. 1020 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-197 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 614-24 and Finance Committee Report No. 197. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Good discussion at Council. Look forward to everyone's support, and thank you for being here today. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 614-24: The motion to adopt Res. 614-24 and Finance Committee (Adopted) Report No. 197 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chief, for being here. Page 10 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 615-24: CHANGES TIME ELEMENT OF TWO HALF-TIME FIRE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER II POSITIONS TO FULL-TIME Requests adjustment to full-time with the intent to reallocate the positions to provide the Hawaii County Fire Department with additional clerical support. Reference: Comm. 1021 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-198 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 615-24 and Finance Committee Report No. 198. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Noting good discussion in Committees and seeing Ms. Domingo here, if there are any questions. I do not have any. I look forward to everyone's support. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 615-24: The motion to adopt Res. 615-24 and Finance Committee (Adopted) Report No. 198 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chief, for being here. Page 11 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 630-24: APPROVES THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS (Draft 2) AND PRIORITIES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2025 HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE Includes proposals relating to the regulation of tobacco products, State land use boundary amendments, denitrification in individual wastewater systems, regulating midwife licensures, advancing the timeline and providing more funding for cesspool conversions, extending the County surcharge of general excise tax, and regulating agricultural tourism, and 10 policy priorities relating to: (1) increasing funds for emergency preparedness; (2) lowering the cost and expanding the availability of insurance for homeowners and businesses; (3) workforce development; (4) expanding access to midwifery licensures; (5) game management of wild ungulates; (6)promoting producer responsibility for solid waste; (7)prioritizing and promoting safe routes to school; (8) increasing access to locally- produced food; (9) improving public safety, expanding access to mental health resources, and establishing community courts; and(10)preventing squatters and supporting communities impacted by squatting. Reference: Comm. 1043.3 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Approve: GOEAC-160 and Comm. 1043.4: From Council Member Jenn Kagiwada, dated September 17, 2024, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 630-24, Draft 2. (Note: The following from Council Chair Heather L. Kimball, relating to Res. 630-24, Draft 2, were circulated: 1) Comm. 1043.13 dated October 1, 2024, transmitting proposed amendments; and 2) Comm. 1043.14 dated September 30, 2024, transmitting recommendations from the Environmental Management Commission.) Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Kimball relinquished the chair to Acting Chair Inaba. Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 630-24, Draft 2, and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 160. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: We have two amendments. I'll let Council Member Kagiwada introduce hers first, but I do just want to inform the body this does need to pass through our hands today so that it can get to the HSAC (Hawai`i State Association Page 12 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 of Counties) Executive Committee in time for our next meeting. It will be coming back to us after the Executive Committee has evaluated all of the proposals from the different councils. So just need to keep us on task. I yield. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kagiwada. Motion to Amend: Ms. Kagiwada moved to amend Res. 630-24, Draft 2, with the contents of Comm. 1043.4. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. This is a bill that the State is hopefully going to take up this year. They tried something similar last year, and it didn't quite get through. But I think, for our purposes, the two most important parts of this bill—so it's a conveyance tax bill. It's basically a bill that talks about the sales tax on selling real property. But they want to establish a homeless services special fund at the State level, which is kind of following in our footsteps, which would be good for us, and allow for counties to apply for matching funds from this special fund, as well as allow counties to apply for matching funds from an affordable homeownership revolving fund for housing projects that are subject to perpetual affordability requirements. So I think those two things would be really beneficial if the State can step in and provide some of that funding that we can take advantage of as a County. So those are the main things. There are four other parts to this bill just basically increasing the conveyance tax rates for certain properties, establishing conveyance tax rates for multifamily residential properties, exempting from conveyance taxes real property for organizations with certain affordability requirements, certain nonprofit organizations, and an owner-occupant or renter-occupant of the property; and, six, the last one is allocate collected conveyance taxes to the affordable homeownership revolving fund, homeless services fund, a dwelling unit revolving fund, and to amend allocations to the land conservation fund and rental housing revolving fund. So, basically, to work on things towards housing our people. So, anyway, looking for everybody's support. And if people have specific questions on this bill, I have the main State author of it who can come back and talk to us. She has a meeting till 3:00, but we could table it to get Representative Della Au Belatti on the line if we have specific questions. Looking for support. Thank you. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. On the amendment, Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: It's always worth discussion and sending it forward to all the County. Members of HSAC can talk about it. Clearly, we just want to make sure that the counties get their fair share, and that somehow one county jumps ahead of Page 13 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 the other counties and all of a sudden we can't get a fair share to Hawaii County. So that might be something as it moves forward,just to make sure that 20 percent or 40 percent, if there's a way to just ensure that, because the conveyance tax, if you think about it, especially in my neck of the woods, South Kohala, I've got homes that are $4 million to $27 million in value. Huge conveyance tax, probably. Just want to make sure that that comes back to the west side where we need affordable housing. So there might be a way to tweak it and talk about how to make sure it gets into the community, gets back on all islands. And if it makes it to the State Legislature, Member Lee Loy, it's an idea. Thank you. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: My first question about it would be—it seems like anything's worth a million dollars here now. So is there an amount or a number of millions that then adds an increased conveyance tax? Regardless, I'm comfortable with supporting this moving forward. That was just a question that came to mind. But I know how challenging it is for HSAC to then have our representatives take it to the State Leg. (Legislature). So, in general, I'm in support but I do have some questions about what the value of that house is because we have such inflated values of our homes right now. Yeah. So, with that, I yield. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of amending the resolution with the contents of Communication 1043.4, please say "aye." Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 630-24, Draft 2, with the Amend: contents of Comm. 1043.4 was carried by the following (Approved) voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Motion to Amend: Ms. Kimball moved to amend Res. 630-24, Draft 2, with the contents of Comm. 1043.13. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. MS. KIMBALL: This is an addition of an additional bill to the rather long list. The good news is it appears we may be the only County submitting a list of bills. So yay us. But it happened in the HSAC Executive meeting at the conference that Page 14 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 we had a presentation by somebody from Singapore that had been brought in by Senator Chang's office. They were describing how the government builds affordable units, and then they're made available to the local residents and blah, blah, blah. Of course the discussion got going: "Well, wouldn't it be nice when we provide these opportunities through the State or the County, that we could also provide for a preference," and I said, "Well, we did that in Hawaii County." And so, working with Stanley Chang's office, and I really want to mahalo them because they turned this around in like three days. We are putting forth a bill that would say for 201H projects where the County is contributing by waiving some processes, waiving some of the permitting fees, that that preference that we adopted here locally would apply. Preference for residents. Preference for qualified workers. Preference for returning students and whatnot. And also, since the County and the State are making financial sacrifices, that some proportion of the units could be set aside for attainable housing for County and State workers. So I'm kind of excited that we were able to add this to the batch, because the other counties hadn't been aware of what we had done with that. So I'm asking for everyone's support. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm glad that you mentioned Senator Chang's name because I had reached out to him about two months ago to discuss housing. Just after looking him up and being interested in that few statements he had made, I found him to be an absolutely incredible resource and incredibly brilliant. I think Harvard-educated? Absolutely brilliant. So I'll be supporting this. I just wanted to mention that. That man is intelligent and he has direction when it comes to housing and how it should be done. I really agree with the statements that he makes. So, definitely will be supporting this amendment. Thank you. ACTING CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just want to put my support behind this as well, that that kind of surprise presentation we got from the Singapore housing specialist was really amazing and just underlined a lot of things that I learned by going to Singapore with Stanley Chang and learning about housing there. But there were a few things I think that we can take from that that could work here, or with some slight alterations. But this is such a good start, and I am so glad that, once again, our County is leading the way on some of these things. So thank you for putting this together and I'll be fully supporting. Page 15 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 ACTING CHR. INABA: Seeing no further discussion, there is a motion on the floor to amend Resolution 630-24 with the contents of Communication 1043.13. All those in favor? Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 630-24, Draft 2, with the Amend: contents of Comm. 1043.13 was carried by the following (Approved) voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Vote on Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of Rules: Res. 630-24, Draft 2. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. ACTING CHR. INABA: We can proceed now with discussions. So we have Resolution 630-24, as amended with the two communications today. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: I just wanted to call attention to the fact that the Environmental Management Commission had some recommendations regarding this. So if everybody wants to just take a look at that. They made the effort here, and we should take that as part of the record. Thanks. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. I just have a question. Council Member Kimball, can you walk us through the second bill in this package regarding changing ag properties to rural designation? MS. KIMBALL: Yes. That is a piece of legislation that was introduced last year. It made it all the way through until scheduling of the final Committee hearing. It would create a process by which ten contiguous parcels of an acre or less could be redesignated from agricultural to rural. It would still go through the Land Use Commission, but it would be a yes or no approval, rather than having the Land Use Commission be able to add additional conditions. Page 16 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 ACTING CHR. INABA: Got it. Okay, thank you very much. MS. KIMBALL: It was supported by the other planning departments in the other counties as well. ACTING CHR. INABA: Thank you. All right, all those in favor of approving Resolution 630-24, Draft 2, as amended,please say "aye." Vote on Res. 630-24: The motion to adopt Res. 630-24, Draft 2, as amended to Draft 3 Draft 3, and Governmental Operations and External Affairs (Adopted) Committee Report No. 160 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Acting Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to Chair Kimball. Res. 637-24: 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 HAMAKUA HEALTH CENTER INC. FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE LADIES NIGHT OUT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1059 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 637-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Members, this is an amazing event. When COVID (coronavirus disease) came, it stopped for many years. It's nice to see it come back. It's really a great night to highlight breast cancer and have women come. It's educational. It brings women out. They learn a lot about breast cancer. They get pampered. They get to just have a night out to talk about this, and it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So I ask for your favorable support. Page 17 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 637-24: The motion to adopt Res. 637-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 638-24: 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 FEED HAWAII DBA KOHALA FOOD HUB FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE NORTH KOHALA FARM TO FAMILY PROJECT Transfers $8,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1060 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 638-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. I'm really happy about this project. This food hub brings together this food and then they distribute it to families in need so they get fresh produce. The thing about this is the money is spent to actually purchase the food from the farmers. And so the volunteers and the community get together and put together the bags of fresh produce, and then they deliver it to people in need. I know we had some project like that I believe during COVID, where we were supporting farmers by buying food and then distributing. So I think it's a great project. I ask for your support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 18 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 638-24: The motion to adopt Res. 638-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 639-24: 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 THE FUTURE FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE FRIENDLY FRIDGE RESCUE FOOD PROGRAM Transfers $4,350 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1061 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 639-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. This has been an extremely successful program in feeding our seniors who struggle with food security and also the homeless, and this is in Waimea. And this refrigerator—what happens is there's some people that work with the local they work with the grocery stores. They work with the chefs at the restaurants. When there's extra food, they package it up and they put it in—if it's fresh food, cold food, frozen foodanyway, they package it in individual packages; they put it in the refrigerator. And it has been—it's seven days a week and it's amazing to watch the people that come there to actually get the food. It's kind of sad but it's also become what we believe a safe place, because where they put it is out in the open where the public can see people coming and going. And so we feel it's a safe place for people, and they look like they're comfortable in going there. And I think that's been part of the success. I ask for your support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 19 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 639-24: The motion to adopt Res. 639-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 640-24: 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 HOLUALOA VILLAGE `OHANA FOR EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH ITS 22ND ANNUAL MUSIC AND LIGHT FESTIVAL Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Tourism Promotion account. Reference: Comm. 1062 Intr. by: Ms. Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 640-24. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Just looking for my colleagues' support for a great community event in a village that is historic and priceless to the west side. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 640-24: The motion to adopt Res. 640-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 20 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 641-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN'S JUSTICE CENTER OF EAST HAWAII, INC., TO ASSIST WITH ITS EMERGENCY CLOSET PROGRAM Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1063 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 641-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support. Any further discussion? Yes, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is a great bunch of ladies, actually, who came together to do this. I really appreciate them (inaudible). Thank you for giving to them. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 641-24: The motion to adopt Res. 641-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 642-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO PEPE`EKEO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR ITS ALOHA `AINA COMMUNITY EVENTS Transfers $3,600 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. 1064 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Page 21 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 642-24. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KIMBALL: I just ask for my colleagues' support. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 642-24: The motion to adopt Res. 642-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 643-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY HAWAII FOR THE BIG ISLAND ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASSOCIATION'S 2024 HE ALA PONO ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND SUSTAINABILITY FAIR Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Energy account. Reference: Comm. 1065 Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 643-24. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just looking for your support. I'm trying to support the Electric Vehicle and Sustainability Fair, and want to invite everybody to the October 19'h event at the Prince Kuhio Plaza where people from the community and auto dealers will have electric vehicles and hybrids out there for people to check out and talk to people about, as well as other information inside the mall around sustainability. So, hope you can all come. Thank you. Looking for your support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Anyone else? All those in favor, please say "aye." Page 22 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 643-24: The motion to adopt Res. 643-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, and Chair Kimball —8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public. PUBLIC ON RES. 644-24 The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by (COMM. 1066): the Chair: Malia Kekai: In support. (representing Ku Anuenue) Res. 644-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KU ANUENUE TO SUPPORT ITS INAUGURAL INCLUSIVE PROM Transfers $4,850 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1066 Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 644-24. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Just very happy to support this inaugural event to create a prom for teens who might not otherwise feel included in their high school proms. And like Malia said,just happy to support this for mahu, queer youth, LGBTQIA youth. It looks like it's going to be a great event. They're going to be able to provide outfits for teens who don't have access to that, hair and makeup support. It's going to be really fun. So, yeah,just looking for all your support. Thank you so much. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Any further discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Page 23 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just want to thank Council Member Kagiwada for doing this. Ku Anuenue is an actually amazing nonprofit, and I think it's important to know how much courage it takes for our Deputy Director to come in and say what she said and do what she's doing at that nonprofit. So I just wanted to say that. Mahalo. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Seeing no further comments, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 644-24: The motion to adopt Res. 644-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, and Chair Kimball –8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas – 1. Excused: None. Res. 645-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN'S JUSTICE CENTER OF EAST HAWAII, INC., TO ASSIST WITH ITS EMERGENCY CLOSET PROGRAM Transfers $5,500 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1067 Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 645-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. So happy to see some of my colleagues Council Member Kimball and Council Member Kierkiewicz—also contributing to this great organization, the Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii. Their Emergency Closet Program really is so important to the community as far as having a place where children and youth can get just basics, like their clothes, backpacks, things they might have had to leave at home because of an emergency situation or a bad situation at home. So just really happy to be supporting this and looking for everybody's support. Thank you so much. I yield. Page 24 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 645-24: The motion to adopt Res. 645-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 646-24: 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 SUPPORT THE 2024 HAWAII ISLAND VETERANS DAY PARADE Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1068 Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 646-24. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy. MS. LEE LOY: I ask for my colleagues' support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 646-24: The motion to adopt Res. 646-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 25 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 647-24: 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 KOHALA HERITAGE CENTER FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL CENTER Transfers $6,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1069 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 647-24. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you, Members. This has truly been a labor of love: over two years pro bono, volunteers, fundraising. It took a real heavy lift to take a very old building, which was the bond estate public library, and totally renovated it. They're opening it up and it's now a public education center for the public and for the community. It will talk about the history of North Kohala and be a wonderful place for all ages to come and enjoy. So thank you for your support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 647-24: The motion to adopt Res. 647-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 26 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 648-24: 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 KOHALA COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE KOHALA UNUPA`A PROGRAM Transfers $2,570.40 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1070 Intr. by: Ms. Evans Motion to Approve: Ms. Evans moved to adopt Res. 648-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. I feel very blessed to have the Kailapa homestead community in the district of North Kohala. They have worked together to put an after-school program together for elementary and middle school kids that's very `aina-based. They take them on the land, and they teach them a lot about fishing and the care of the land and growing on the land. I've seen the kids and it's very—it kind of reminds me of a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics)program in a way, because they truly teach them so much about biology and cause and effect, but it's from a Hawaiian perspective. It's a great program and thank you. I ask for your favorable support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 648-24: The motion to adopt Res. 648-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 27 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 649-24: 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 NA`ALEHU THEATRE FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL ALOHA SHIRT FESTIVAL 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. 1071 Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 649-24. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. So stoked that Chelle Pahinui reached out to let our office know that she would be coordinating this third annual festival. I don't know if you folks know, but at one point, garment manufacturing was the third largest export industry behind sugar and pineapple. There were so many different manufacturers and tailors across the State, but really significant ones here on Hawaii island, including Kamehameha Garment(Company) and Evelyn Margolis, which turned into Hilo Hattie. So, excited that there's going to be a celebration of vintage garments and contemporary designers. So, if folks have time and are in the West Hawaii area, I believe the exhibit and festival are happening this week Friday and Saturday at the Kona outrigger. Looking for everyone's support. Thank you. MS. EVANS: I just want to comment, okay. It's just wonderful, this aloha shirt and the garment industry that we've had in Hawaii. It truly has a huge history. And if you're ever at UH Manoa(University of Hawaii at Manoa), they have a garment—they actually have a program to still teach design and the making of garments. It's a continuing tradition that just keeps going. So I just wanted to point out that the university gets it and they keep it going. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. All right, any further comments? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 28 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 649-24: The motion to adopt Res. 649-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 650-24: 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 EAST HAWAII FAMILY VISITATION CENTER PROGRAM Transfers $6,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 1072 Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 650-24. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I always make it a point every year to dedicate some of our office's contingency funds to supporting the YMCA because they operate a really critical family visitation center for families in East Hawaii. So, looking for everyone's support on this critical measure. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 650-24: The motion to adopt Res. 650-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 29 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 651-24: 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 HAWAIIAN VOLCANO EDUCATION AND RESILIENCE INSTITUTE TO SUPPORT THE DIGITAL RESILIENCE AGAINST DISASTERS FOR ISLAND COMMUNITIES TRAINING PROGRAM Transfers $7,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1073 Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 651-24. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. So this is a new program. The Hawaiian Volcano Education and Resilience Institute, or HVERI, was founded by a few folks that started Hawaii Tracker, which was born out of the volcanic eruption and the need to communicate directly to community during times of disaster. And so, over time, Philip Ong and Dane DuPont have really dedicated themselves to empowering individuals to communicate virtually and give them tools so that folks in their community can directly communicate to their constituents using digital platforms. So they've developed a Digital Resilience Against Disasters for Island Communities Training that they are going to be offering folks island-wide. So, dedicating a pretty significant portion of CRF (Contingency Relief Fund) funding to this. But I think it's so important, as we face more natural disasters, emergencies on our island, equipping residents with every possible tool to stay in touch so that we can support each other and folks can be supported if there is a need. Looking for everyone's k6kua on this one. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Council Member Evans, yes. MS. EVANS: I'm very supportive and actually intrigued that they want an island-wide network of digital resiliency hubs. Is this going to be in any way working with the resiliency hubs through Vibrant Hawaii? Or is it just kind of different, and they see a digital resilience hub kind of network going on? I'm just curious. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could quickly respond. HVERI is part of the Vibrant Hawaii resilience network. They are also very much working closely Page 30 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 with the Civil Defense Agency and supporting folks that may not be part of the Vibrant Hawaii network but are still interested in supporting communities during times of disaster. MS. EVANS: Okay, thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: You got the (inaudible) diagram there. All right, any further comments? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 651-24: The motion to adopt Res. 651-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 652-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN'S JUSTICE CENTER OF EAST HAWAII, INC., TO ASSIST WITH ITS EMERGENCY CLOSET PROGRAM Transfers $5,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1074 Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 652-24. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Really honored to be joining you and Council Member Kagiwada in supporting this important initiative. I mean, it just breaks my heart knowing that our kids are often placed in these really traumatic situations, lives upended, and they're having to be uprooted out of their home, their sanctuary, their safe space with nothing. And so the Emergency Closet (Program)just provides them with bedding, clothing, a teddy bear, things that they need to safely transition to a secure space. So, looking for everyone's support. And if folks do have additional CRF, this is a very worthwhile cause to support. Thank you. Page 31 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Seeing no further comments, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 652-24: The motion to adopt Res. 652-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Evans – 1. Excused: None. Res. 653-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ALANUI `O KAT FOR ITS RARE AND ENDANGERED NATIVE PLANT EDUCATION PROJECT Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account (Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Agriculture Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 1075 Intr. by: Ms. Galimba Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 653-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Just asking for my fellow Council Members' support on this project. It's at a historic church site—ruins of a sitein Ka`u. It's one of those programs that was active previously, and now we're trying to bring it back. CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Any further comments? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 653-24: The motion to adopt Res. 653-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Evans – 1. Excused: None. Page 32 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Res. 654-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO NA`ALEHU THEATRE TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS 2024 ALOHA SHIRT FESTIVAL Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1076 Intr. by: Mr. Inaba Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 654-24. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR. KIMBALL: Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Again,just want to invite the public to attend. There are free and paid parts to this event, but a lot of good things to partake in starting tomorrow through October 6 at the Outrigger Kona. Mahalo. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Any further conversation? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 654-24: The motion to adopt Res. 654-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 655-24: 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 12 STEP OHANA CLUB OF KONA, INC., TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS RECOVERY MEETINGS Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 1077 Intr. by: Mr. Inaba Page 33 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 655-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you. There are some programs throughout the west side offering this type of service to community to support in recovery and abstaining from the use of illegal substances. This new organization is going to be operating out of the old—it's before my time, people. People refer to it as the old Eclipse. It's also across from Big Island Grill on the mauka side of Kuakini. So, want to just highlight that as a community resource. This resolution will support kind of the general operation and cost related to hosting these meetings throughout the week. So I ask for your support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Any further comments? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 655-24: The motion to adopt Res. 655-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 656-24: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF A SCORE BOARD WITH INSTALLATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION The donation from West Side Hawaii Little League, with an estimated value of $11,000, would be installed at the William Charles Lunalilo Playground in Kailua-Kona. Reference: Comm. 1078 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Waived: FC Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 656-24. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. This was waived to Council to expedite the donation. We have you want to come up? You want to give us a Page 34 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 little background? I know you've been waiting. I was watching you. I was like "What is he here for?" I saw Mo come in, so I figured you should at least give us a little bit of background since you've been waiting so patiently. (Note: At this time, Business Manager Charmaine Felipe, Parks and Recreation Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.) MS. FELIPE: Charmaine Felipe, Business Manager at Parks and Recreation. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Charmaine. MS. FELIPE: So the background on this is the—we'd like to give a big shout-out to the West Side Hawaii Little League. They've put a lot of time and effort into improving the ball field that they use, and they want to donate this old school type of score board. Like Mo put it, he said it's like the Little Rascals-type score board. So that would be very interesting and welcoming to the ball field. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Awesome. Thank you for that. And then, yeah, I think sending our appreciation to the West Side Hawaii Little League group. And I thank you for being here. Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I also want to chime in and send out a huge mahalo to Mr. Nicodemus Mount and the organization of people he's been working with at the West Hawaii little league. They have just transformed that ball field and added so many amazing features. Something really interesting, which I thought, kind of the beauty of returning to prior baseball equipment is what they found is by going to the higher tech score boards, they invariably get a short circuit or rain damage or something like that, and has to be replaced; doesn't last long enough. And so returning to this cool, old school system, there's something about the ceremony and the culture of baseball with putting up the numbers as we go. I don't have the list of all the sponsors that worked with West Hawaii little league, but there are a number of different businesses and organizations that put in the money and the resources to enable and facilitate. Also,just a quick mahalo to Aunty Nicole Liu who came out and did the blessing that day for the ball field on a last minute notice. So, community effort bringing into fruition a really beautiful park. So mahalo. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? All right, seeing no further comments, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 35 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 656-24: The motion to adopt Res. 656-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 657-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES FOR VARIOUS SPECIAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS HELD ON HAWAII ISLAND Transfers $38,070 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Administration Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 1080 Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 657-24. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Lee Loy. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I'm actually going to take a little bit of time on this one. This is pretty much the rest of my contingency funds. And first of all, I want to thank my staff who just put it all together, to the Chair and her staff for kind of bending a few rules so I could get it on this agenda. And then, of course, to parks department, Charmaine, who is our new read over there, getting all the paperwork done. Last budget cycle, we had put in some money for signature events for things like Cherry Blossom Festival, downtown Ho`olaule`a, and Merrie Monarch. This year we didn't do that, but we also didn't spend down all of our Waiwai grant monies, which is why we ended up with a little bit of extra. And so, figured this is how I was going to retool that back into the budget. It is geared for those signature events that's listed on the resolution, like Merrie Monarch, KWXX Downtown Ho`olaule`a, Ironman, whatever the needs were for parks department. But I do have a request, and for Council Member Kierkiewicz, this actually comes from Aunty Luana from our Merrie Monarch festivals. If you could just continue to champion that the funds get spent for her and that program. And then of course to Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and our KWXX family, that he's incredibly close to Page 36 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Chrisactually, they know that there's this money, but if you could also continue to champion that because I won't be around when these programs are coming up. So, urging my colleagues to support these programs along with just keeping a pulse on the parks department. And I'm sure Charmaine over at our business office will definitely help spend down the money for those programs. I ask for my colleagues' support. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Any further discussion? I will just say I will also continue to support the Awesome Athletes race, which is another one that we always went in together on. And, folks, we are counting down the days now for Council Member Lee Loy. All right, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 657-24: The motion to adopt Res. 657-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 659-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HONOKA`A HONGWANJI MISSION FOR ITS "FEEDING OUR KEIKI AND KUPUNA"PROGRAM Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Business Development account. Reference: Comm. 1084 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 659-24. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: I'll just take a moment to suggest that you guys all take advantage of Ravi's offer to have one of his Indian vegetarian meals. He is a phenomenal cook, let me just tell you. But, in all seriousness, this program has been going since the pandemic. They have not stopped since that time,providing food every Friday on the order of 400-500 people. It is really phenomenal and just ask for everybody's continued support. It is just really impressive what they've been able to pull off all this time. So, yeah, thank you. Any other comments? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 37 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 659-24: The motion to adopt Res. 659-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 660-24: 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 FOOD BASKET INC. FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SECURITY CAMERAS AT VARIOUS PROPERTIES TO ASSIST ITS AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIERS IN COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 Transfers $7,844 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Agriculture Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 1085 Intr. by: Ms. Galimba Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 660-24. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. This is in support of The Food Basket and their efforts to support food producers around the island. And I ask for some help in getting security cameras for food producers, and I know how important that is. We use them on our ranch as well to try and discourage activities. So, asking for my colleagues' support. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Any further discussion? I'll just add that this is something that our office had put some money towards last year, and it has been very effective. So any of you that have rural communities where agricultural theft might be an issue, you might want to consider this partnership as well. I, myself, am probably going to do a second round. It's just been so effective in the Hamakua area. Thank you, Council Member Galimba. I think this is a great way to support our local farmers. All right, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 38 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Res. 660-24: The motion to adopt Res. 660-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 661-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE SISTER CITY PROGRAM Transfers $6,700 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Office of Management, Mayor's Entertainment account. Reference: Comm. 1086 Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 661-24. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. MS. LEE LOY: This is the end of my contingency money—well, my half anyway. We just came off of a beautiful weeklong visit with our friends and family from Hatsukaichi. I actually wanted to give Mr. Inaba an opportunity because he and I had the privilege and honor of traveling to Hatsukaichi in April when we actually signed the sister city agreement, along with we're actually kind of third to the relationship here because they already have relationships with our chambers. And so this really was a nice rounding out of having business and the economic piece along with the government piece for this sister city. But happy to support this and all of our sister city programs, and ask for my colleagues' support. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you. Briefly,just wanted to maybe encourage the Administration to take a good look, and I look forward to our annual report on our sister city relationships, because it gives us an opportunity to see which of the relationships we might want to try and bolster up. We know some of the connections have annual events, like Ikaho; and I was able to attend a trip there this year. But there are some, like Hualien, that we just found out about. And there may need to be more resources to try and bolster up that connection and foster those relationships. Page 39 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 I also just want to point out when we go to some of these places, they really take care of us and are such wonderful hosts. We try to do the same. So I know that these funds will try and fill in the gaps where we can attempt at least to provide the same level of hospitality that they do show us when we visit their places. So, totally in support. Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Anyone else? All right, seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 661-24: The motion to adopt Res. 661-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. 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): Bill 184: AMENDS CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE 2 AND ARTICLE 3, OF THE HAWAII (Draft 2) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE USE OF COUNTY STREETS; AND ESTABLISHES A SPECIAL ACTIVITY PERMIT FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES Establishes a process to obtain a special permit and regulations to conduct temporary commercial activity on a County street, and increases fees from $25 to $50 for any permit issued for the lawful use of County streets. Reference: Comm. 944.4 Intr. by: Mr. Inaba and Ms. Kierkiewicz Approve: PCIA-14 (Note: Comms. 944.6 and 944.7, from Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba and Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated September 26 and October 2, 2024, respectively, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 184, Draft 2, were circulated.) Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 184, Draft 2, on first reading and adopt Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets Committee Report No. 14. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. Motion to Amend: Mr. Inaba moved to amend Bill 184, Draft 2, with the contents of Comm. 944.6. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. Page 40 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MR. INABA: This amendment—one of the concerns expressed by community regarding this bill was the high fine rate, especially for those who might not be aware of this new permitting. Even though it's currently illegal, they felt that a thousand dollar fine was kind of steep, so we're just including the $250 fine instead. I ask for your support. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further conversation about this item, the amendment? All right, seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 184, Draft 2, with the contents of Amend: Comm. 944.6 was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball –8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder– 1. Excused: None. Motion to Amend: Mr. Inaba moved to amend Bill 184, Draft 2, with the contents of Comm. 944.7. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. MR. INABA: This amendment before you reads that any person conducting commercial activity permitted by a special activity permit who fails to keep that permit posted and available for inspection by the Chief of Police or by the Director of DPW (Department of Public Works) shall be subject to a fine of$250 as well, and we want to make sure that it is really easy for both DPW and Police to see if people have a permit or not. We did have some discussion with Police and DPW. We feel this is the cleanest way, and that will be very clear to any permittees that they need to display it, and it's visible for the public and for enforcement. I ask for your support. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 184, Draft 2, with the contents of Amend: Comm. 944.7 was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Evans – 1. Excused: None. Page 41 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Back to the main motion, Vice Chair Inaba. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I've been really struggling with this one, as we've talked about a bit. Honor that the rest of my colleagues see some value in this, but after some conversations with community policing, and just a lot more questions have surfaced also. The time frame of when the request for this legislation came forward was more from community members and small vendors that were operating at the time, which nobody will deny was a challenge when the State came in and said to please move people off of vending off the State highways. Of course, it fell to our County Police Department. My understanding is that since then,people have found other locations to vend that aren't on our public roadways. While the intentionality of the legislation I believe is for the utmost good, I believe that this would cause more harm than good. We have shopping centers that have parking lots that work with vendors to do activities and markets. In fact, the other day I was driving by one of the gas stations in Kona, and they have an agreement with the food truck that is always there in their parking lot. So there are private property and other facilities, that we've even opened up our County parks for farmers markets. So I just see thisI also have concerns for DPW and Police because there are potential opportunities for too many loopholes. And I just think we're creating for the potential benefit of a few vendors who aren't participating in brick and mortar and aren't working with private property people, that we're creating a format and utilizing public spaces without—it'd be nice to say that you guys can and will handle all of it, but I have concerns about that with the already expansive workload and other things. I apologize to the makers, but in the grand spectrum of things, I also recognize and I'll just humbly say District 7 is already maxed with the issues, because this is a very populated area that everybody's driving through. I know that there will be—one of the spots potentially would be right there in District 7. I just have a lot of concerns about this, so I would humbly ask the makers to reconsider this legislation and its need to happen, versus what I'm understanding, through conversations with community and other departments, is that an issue that has really already resolved itself by vendors finding other places. And I suppose I also have faith in our Police Department's ability to recognize whether or not somebody on the side of the road selling some mangoes intermittently is really an issue that they need to interact with, or if that's something that it's a small occurrence, as long as long as everybody's safe, then it would be okay. So I'm just humbly asking for that reconsideration. I know you put a lot of time and effort into this, but I'm afraid that it's going to do more harm than good, and has the potential to be manipulated and utilized and cause bigger issues than necessary. So just my humble request. I yield. Page 42 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you so much for that, Council Member Villegas. Council Member Inaba and I put this bill forward in response to the State's crackdown last year of roadside vendors. It's currently illegal to vend on the side of the road, and this bill attempts to begin to solve for that issue. It merely creates a framework, a process for someone to apply for a permit. We've also created a process where any member of this body can engage their community, their district, to identify County roads that are most appropriate for this activity. I agree with you; it would be great if folks could just vend in parking lots and other spaces. We've passed legislation that would allow for these activities in farmers markets. These venues may not be available in every single community. So this provides a pathway. If it's not the right fit for your district, we don't got to add anything for Kona. But I do think it's important to give other members of this body the opportunity to work with their communities, to work with Public Works and Police to identify where it is appropriate. I think with the amendment that was just passed by this body, where there is some sort of visual placard that is displayed by the vendor, makes it a lot easier for County officials to be able to enforce and understand who has permission to be there and who needs to be told to pack up and go and apply for a permit. So I really think we've done a lot of really great work in partnership with Public Works and Police to address concerns, and just looking for everyone's support to create the framework. Again, it's going to be up to Council Members to work with Public Works and their communities to identify what roads may be most appropriate to allow for vending. Thank you for your kind consideration. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just a brief comment. I'm thinking about the enactment of this ordinanceactually, the effect it will have on people doing this but not knowing that it's illegal, or acting on behalf of the thought that they don't know it's illegal. But as this goes into effect upon its approval, I'm just wondering if the makers want to provide a two-month or a three-month window so we can broadcast that to the community instead of doing it now; doesn't get nailed with a fine. This is a thought for the folks in the community doing things that they may or may not know is illegal, like we discussed with our short-term vacation rentals Page 43 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 this morning. Knowing something, not knowing something will still equal them being fined for an illegal activity once we pass this. So just putting it out there to the makers if that's an option or if you've thought about that. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: I just want to point out the Code currently says it's just illegal. Whether it's mangoes or a full barbecue restaurant on the side of the road, it's illegal. This is creating that framework, and without this, there's just— technically, usttechnically, we're supposed to be enforcing it right now. So again, the framework that we're creating here just allows for us to take up location by location if this body chooses, and that's after review by the Department of Public Works and the Police Department. We have to get their review and their feedback before we can take action on submitting any location to be eligible for a commercial vending permit. So, yeah, technically, we should be fining them right now. It's no different. We're going to create that way for people to be able to do it and do it legally and not be fined. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Council Member Lee Loy. MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. From the jump, I was always like, this is going to create kind of a commercial space without even going through the process. And I said that from the jump. But I will applaud the makers of this bill. They really convinced me and provided me a deep understanding. As mentioned, it's currently illegal. If we truly want to help businesses, small businesses,just to get a little bit of a head start to test out their products, this is the way to do it, on top of which, yes, Hilo, plenty spaces. Plenty parks. Plenty beaches. Plenty parking lots. But other very rural areas don't have those opportunities. And I want to be able to create that equity for small businesses in those rural districts. And that's why I'm in support of this bill. I like the guardrails. I like the process. It's one year that they get a permit, and maybe their business model works and they're on to a brick and mortar or they're off to a farmers market, whatever it is. I like where this is going. And finally, I was absolutely convinced in walking back to our sister city program. Over in Japan, they have the Michi-no-Eki, these little roadside vending places where all of the goods from that prefecture is in this roadside market, and that's how so many small businesses and farmers get started. And all I could think about is exactly this bill and that sister city visit, and that's really what convinced me. Let's just try and give them an opportunity because, right now, it's absolutely illegal. Page 44 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 I'm in support of this measure and look forward to assisting the Department of Public Works with whatever tools they might need to get this program stood up and help our small businesses. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I had a question for the makers. So, in order for a vendor to get a spot, there's going to have to be a spot designated on your list, and that spot will need to be vetted with Police and DPW and come to us first. Is that correct? CHR. KIMBALL: You may respond. MR. INABA: Yes. We are having a schedule here in this bill, so it would need to be a subsequent bill that would have to go through a normal bill process. But it would need to start with review by Police and by DPW. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could answer that? CHR. KIMBALL: Feel free. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Council Member, to go a little bit deeper, we as Council Members could identify a road for Public Works to consider. They would evaluate and assess where exactly on the road the activity can take place, and I'm also assuming the carrying capacity, what would be a safe amount of vendors that would be allowable in a certain area. Hope that's helpful. MS. GALIMBA: Thanks, that is helpful. I just wanted to sort of make that super clear. I agree with Council Member Villegas that it's much better that folks not do it on the side of the road, and I feel like it's a lot of danger involved with that. But, on the other hand, I think this is a fairly rigorous process of finding spots that would be vetted by two agencies. So I think it could perhaps be a good compromise and not make it too easy for folks to engage in commercial activities that are dangerous for their customers and drivers. Yeah. Weighing those two, I'll be supporting. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Yeah, I'm not a huge proponent of this, but I'm also not going to stand against it. For Hilo, I don't foresee a big need. I also think that people that are already in these other situations, they adapted and they got into parking lots or they got into farmers markets or our parks, I don't foresee them changing now and going back to this, necessarily. I don't think it's going to Page 45 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 be a huge number of people that flood our streets with wanting to do this. But, yeah, for the other districts who are saying that they would like to see something like this as an option on a small scale, I can see that. So I will support. Thanks. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. I believe Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and then right back to you, Council Member Villegas. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: To the department, is there currently a fine if you are practicing the things in this bill in a County street? I'm looking at the bill, but some of this is new wording, some is not. And I want to make sure that I understand it clearly before I proceed. (Note: At this time, Public Works Director Stephen Pause came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. PAUSE: Sure. I want to make sure as well. Steve Pause. Good afternoon. Director of Public Works. Is there a fine in the proposed bill? Is that what you're saying? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The proposed bill has a fine for the activities in a County street. Is there a fine in existence already if someone is out of compliance? MR. PAUSE: Public Works doesn't have policing power, so the answer to your question is we don't have the ability to fine people. When the State came out and said they were going to do away with allowing people to set up in State right away, I don't know, and perhaps the Police Department would be a better person to answer that question, I don't know if it was a matter of fining people or if it was a matter of just shooshing them away. So I don't know the answer to that. But we at Public Works don't drive around and—is that the wrong word, "shoosh"we at Public Works don't drive around and fine people. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, unless I'm misunderstanding something, I don't think that there is a fine right now. To the makers, correct me if I'm wrong. But from what I'm understanding, this bill creates a fine. I am a small business owner. I am all for the use of a County street in being a place to increase business. It will do amazing things for our community, in my opinion. But if we implement this and there is now a fine, and it goes into effect the date we approve it, the guys doing it will begin getting fined immediately. And I do think there should be a small delay to allow us to get the word out to the community members who may or may not know what's going on. Just my thoughts. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas. Page 46 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MS. VILLEGAS: I see someone here from Police, and I wondered if you were here and could share some insight and information with us on the topic. I'm not sure if Officer Bird is in Kona, but did you get the notice to come and speak with us today? (Note: At this time, Police Major Jeremie Evangelista came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. EVANGELISTA: I am here for the purpose of offering information to the Council on Bill 184. As to Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's question about fines, when there was an enforcement period advertised and carried out last year, there were citations issued. There were summonses to court. It was up to the court to determine what penalty there was. I believe those citations were issued under State statute and not Hawaii County Code. In reading this particular section, Chapter 22, violations of this section fall to theI'm sorry, enforcement of this section is carried out by notice of violation by the Director of Public Works. And the criminal enforcement for this section does not apply to Article 3, which is where the amendments to this section are being proposed to be inserted, if that answers the question. MS. VILLEGAS: So,just to repeat back, essentially DPW is going to be in charge of enforcement of this legislation, then, by citing people with a notice of violation. The Police Department will not be involved, then, in enforcing. MR. EVANGELISTA: As the Code is currently written, that's correct. MS. VILLEGAS: This particular Bill 184? MR. EVANGELISTA: That's correct. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, thank you. So then my question comes to you, Director Pause. Is DPW ready and will this fall to the inspectors? MR. PAUSE: So, as I just conferred with Deputy Director Kekai, if we follow the same process with issuing NOVs (notice of violations) and notices of order, yes, it would fall on us to do the site inspection and then issue the notice of violation, and then follow through with a notice of order and go through our normal process. MS. VILLEGAS: Is that something that—are you guys down to do this? MR. PAUSE: That's an extremely loaded question. If it falls on us to do, then obviously we will do it. We're not walking around or running around looking for additional tasks. Page 47 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MS. VILLEGAS: Gotcha. Okay, thanks for sharing with that. It just goes back to my concerns. I mean, I can't even get inspectors out to construction sites, or potential violations with really big health and safety issues, because they're understaffed. I also—it was brought up, as some of the concerns to me, mind you I hate when other people do this to me when I'm trying to work on an idea, so I apologize. But it was brought up with, if the hours of this location—who's going to monitor the location? Who's going to be in charge of making sure the people are setting up where they should and shouldn't set up, and cleaning up and all these things? I just have concerns about this falling. When you have a farmers market or you have a place for vending, there are people there to manage it and to work with it. And so I still have concerns. I also have some concerns about our houseless and unhoused population potentially manipulating it and utilizing it as a space to set up camp. So there's just a lot of things that I don't know, that I'm just really concerned that we're creating a Pandora's box. So, being the devil's advocate here, it sounds like it's got the approval, but I just needed to bring to your attention that DPW, they're willing to do what we ask them to do, but I think there are other things, personally, I would love to have them have the capacity to do. So I yield. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Back to you, Vice Chairman. MR. INABA: I understand the concern. And if we could have included some type of shared responsibility, we would have. Right now, the Code, outside of the scope of this bill, exempts the Police Department from enforcement of Article 3, and that's where we are right now. It's something that I might be bringing forward in another bill, but that would have to not specifically related to this, but we would really need to understand the potential impact of removing Article 3 from Police's purview. But it might be something that we review with Corporation Counsel, too, to see if it would actually be beneficial to the County overall. So thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. Anyone else? I'd just like to make a couple quick comments. Well, actually, the first is a question to the makers, in light of Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's question. As I understand it now, it's already illegal to do roadside vending, and once the bill takes effect, no one will actually be able to register until the first ordinance is passed to add a section of road to the schedule. Is that correct? MR. INABA: That is correct. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay. So I'm less worried about the timing issue because there's going to be that delay to introduce any roadways, and it's not like we can suddenly make it legal without this bill. So I'm fine with adoption on approval. Page 48 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 The other thing is there were some conditions that I was thinking about, and then I got to thinking about, well, we probably shouldn't have those in the Code. They should be more rules. So I wonder if because you have the requirement to consult with both the Police and DPW, that maybe there should be some boilerplate language as to which department's rulemaking would preside over this administration on this portion of Code. So whether or not it would be DPW rules or Police rulesI'm getting the "no" from Cody in the back. Okay, somebody's got to make rules, I think, around this. And so I think there might need to be a clarification of who that is, would also support the Police Department being the ultimate enforcer, as opposed to DPW. It just makes a little bit more sense. They're going to be out. They're on the road, naturally, to begin with. But that's not holding me up today, but I think that would be preferable once we get to that point. A further follow-up question for(inaudible)? MR. INABA: Yes. I just wanted to kind of circle back. You pointed out Council Member Kaneali`i-KI einfelder's statement. Right now, there are a bunch of options under (Section) 22-8.2, which is the administrative enforcement, and that applies to anyone who's vending on the street today. But again, administrative enforcement is done by DPW, not by the Police Department. So it's something that we can circle back to. But just want to point out there is potential fines there and everything listed out for administrative enforcement under that section. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Great. Thank you. All right, quickly, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. I'd like to move on. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: All right, we're at first reading. Like I said, I'm a small business owner. I see the potential for our businesses. That's not really my issue. My challenge is we're creating a change. And from what I've just learned, listening to you two gentlemen, this is almost unenforceable is what I'm looking at. Ms. Villegas had a good point. DPW has a hard time getting to do the work that they're doing right now, especially when it comes to NOVs. And from what I'm understanding from the Police Department, this isn't your kuleana. Is that correct? MR. EVANGELISTA: The way the Code is currently written, that's correct. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I appreciate the bill. I've sat here a long time. I've had bills come up. I've had them get shot down for different reasons. I would like to see, from the makers, something that's clear. Because if it's not the Police Department's kuleana, and I know what we're up against with DPW and this bill seeks to create fines for unpermitted activity and requirements and a whole permitting system and a regiment, I just feel a little bit lost right now with this bill, the way that it is. Page 49 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 If this moves ahead, I would suggest DPW send out a flyer or something to our local businesses, letting them know that there has been a change and that fines may be on the table. Even though they exist right now, this is way more explicit than what's existing. They need to know because we've done this too many times now where we've created change, nobody knows about it, it changes, they get pissed. They come in and yell at us "Why did you change things!" So I'd rather be ahead of it than behind it, and just say, "Oh, well, it was on the table for a number of months. Where were you at?" Point of MR. PAUSE: Just as a point of clarification, the enforcement really doesn't go Clarification: with building inspectors and the folks that you guys have referenced. It would likely fall with the engineers within the Traffic Division. They would be heavily involved in issuing permits, and they would be heavily involved in going out and spotting situations that were either not permitted or inconsistent with the parts of the permit that was issued. As a point of clarification, it's not going to be building inspectors. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. Thank you for that, Steve. How is your staffing in that division for doing this kind of work then? MR. PAUSE: Right. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: It's what? What was that? I couldn't hear you. MR. PAUSE: We continue to be challenged staffing,just like almost every other department within the County. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Like every business in the County, understood. MR. PAUSE: Yes. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, to me, I think the makers understand where I'm sitting. Like I said, I support the idea. It's a good idea. But there is definitely some things that have got to get nailed out between Police and DPW, and also letting businesses know what's happening. That's incredibly important, in my mind. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: All right, we'll proceed to the vote. All of those in favor of approving Bill 184, Draft 2, as further amended at first reading, please say "aye." Page 50 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Bill 184: The motion to pass Bill 184, Draft 2, as amended to Draft 3 Draft 3, on first reading and adopt Policy Committee on (Approved) Infrastructure and Assets Committee Report No. 14 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, and Chair Kimball —6. Noes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Villegas —2. Absent: Council Member Evans — 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you both for being here. Bill 200: 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 —Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant account($228,640); and appropriates the same to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant account. Funds would be used to create an Energy Management Plan for County of Hawaii facilities. Reference: Comm. 1019 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-199 Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 200 on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 199. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further discussion? This is the companion to the earlier measure. Council Member Galimba, your light's on? MS. GALIMBA: Oh, sorry. CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor please say "aye." Page 51 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Vote on Bill 200: The motion to pass Bill 200 on first reading and adopt (Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 199 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. Excused: None. Bill 201: 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 —FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant account($488,722.63); and appropriates the same to the FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant account. Funds would be used to establish a Hazard Zone Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient emergency response operations. Reference: Comm. 1020 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-200 Vote on Bill 201: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 201 on first (Approved) reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 200. Seconded by Mr. Inaba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. Excused: None. Page 52 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Bill 202: 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 Fund Balance From Previous Year account($7.4 million); and appropriates the same to the Housing Production account to fund a grant agreement with Kamakoa Nui LP for the Na Hale Makoa Project($2 million) and the Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing Mini-Loop Road/Infrastructure project ($5.4 million). Reference: Comm. 1022 Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder(B/R) Approve: FC-201 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 202 on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 201. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: Any discussion? We have Mr. Shiroma here in the back for questions. MR. KANEALII-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Thank you for your patience today, Mr. Shiroma. I don't have any questions right now. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay, any other questions for OHCD (Office of Housing and Community Development) on this matter, or any discussion? Did you want to come up and say anything? You've been very patient. Appreciate it. All right, seeing no further discussion, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Bill 202: The motion to pass Bill 202 on first reading and adopt (Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 201 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Again, thank you for waiting. Page 53 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Bill 213: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 24-17 AND SECTION 24-19, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO AN EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES AND FEES Allows an exemption from certain motor vehicle taxes and fees for motor vehicles owned or leased for 12 months or longer by the County and for motor vehicles owned or leased for 12 months or longer by police officers who use their vehicles in the performance of their duties. Reference: Comm. 1079 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Waived: FC CHR. KIMBALL: Before we go into this, I will just mention that this is a replacement for a bill that we had discussed before that had an error in the title. So this was about removing the registration fees for County and Police vehicles. I will yield the Chair if there's a need for further discussion on this. But this was processed right to Council since we had already talked about it, and I just needed a title edit. Vote on Bill 213: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 213 on first reading. (Approved) Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. Excused: None. 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): 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 First Reading: September 17, 2024 Page 54 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KIMBALL: I apologize. Council Member Evans asked me to hold this until she got off a call, which may be about half an hour from now. So MR. INABA: I withdraw my motion. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay, thank you. Or maybe table is better. Clerk? MR. HENRICKS: (Inaudible.) CHR. KIMBALL: I really hope not. I do have some comments on this bill. We'll table it. Let's take the other ones and see where we are at that point. Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to table Bill 165, Draft 2. Seconded by Table: Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. 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) First Reading: September 17, 2024 Vote on Bill 196: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 196 on (Adopted) second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. Excused: None. Page 55 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 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) First Reading: September 17, 2024 Vote on Bill 197: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 197 on (Adopted) second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball —7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Evans and Lee Loy —2. 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 First Reading: September 17, 2024 Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 203 on second and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I really appreciate everyone's continued support to, in loving memory, honor Howard Sanoria for all of the work that he did to support the keiki of Puna in the 1940s and beyond, coaching baseball, coaching softball, and raising awareness of Title IX to ensure that girls had access to sports. His family shared really touching stories about the ways in which he supported Puna's youth on the field, off the field, and imported really Page 56 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 valuable lessons regarding sportsmanship and confidence and humility and grace under pressure. And so,just really again honored to be able to be advancing this bill to provide this recognition. Appreciate everyone's support. Parks requested that we introduce this bill as soon as possible because they are behind in fabricating signs for all of our parks and fields. And so this gives them a good amount of time to be able to fabricate a sign so that it can be installed at the `Billy" Kenoi District Park ball fields in time for his birthday, May of next year. Thanks, everyone, for your support. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Mahalo to Ms. Kierkiewicz for making this happen. This idea was brought up, I think, during one of the renaming of one of our ball fields here in Hilo, and the importance of Mr. Sanoria to the Bartolome `ohana, specifically. So I'm really happy to see this done, and I just wanted to say mahalo to Ms. Kierkiewicz for making it happen. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Bill 203: The motion to pass Bill 203 on second and final reading (Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball–8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Lee Loy – 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: I've always wondered this: Do we need a motion to remove it from the table when it's the last thing? It's still on the table, yeah. Okay. Let's pull it off the table, then. MR. INABA: What is—move to remove Bill CHR. KIMBALL: 165, Draft 2. MR. INABA: 165 from the table. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. So, Council Member Evans, I forgot your request, and so we got the motion and we tabled it. Did we actually take the motion? Do we have a motion on the floor yet? We do I believe. Page 57 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MR. HENRICKS: We haven't resolved the fact that it's still on the table. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay. MR. HENRICKS: We need a motion and a second, then a vote. Vote on Motion to Mr. Inaba moved to remove Bill 165, Draft 2, from the Remove from Table: table. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the (Approved) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Lee Loy — 1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: We have Bill 165, Draft 2, on the floor with a motion to approve. Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: We had some really good discussion on it, and I see Director Pause here, and ask for your favorable support. I really liked, in our last discussion, the creativity of how they can work with the people here in the building and come up with cars if people are stuck here in the chambers for hours, like today, that people know that they're here in the chambers. So I think the fact that they're whoa. That was a car? CHR. KIMBALL: That's a good speaker system. MS. EVANS: Wow! Okay, that's a sign from above. Okay. So I really like the fact of thinking creative, out of the box, and we did amend it to make it a more amenable date for the department to work with. So, asking for your favorable support. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thanks. DPW, can you guys come up here, one of you, please? (Note: At this time, Public Works Director Stephen Pause and Deputy Director Malia Kekai came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. PAUSE: We are on the table. Page 58 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. So this is a change from our two-hour parking meters to two-hour parking zone. And just want to know, are you prepared to fully enforce this two-hour parking zone? MR. PAUSE: Steve Pause, Director of Public Works, with Deputy Director Kekai. Yeah, as we've had discussions, we have a full-time parking enforcement person. So this will be a small change from reading meters to coming up with a different means to enforce it. But, yeah, we'll follow. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. And it will be taking twice as much time for every car because not just reading the meter, but chalking it first and then coming back two hours later and checking on it, right? MR. PAUSE: It could take more time than just checking meters, correct. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. Well, I think it's a waste of our time and our resources, but everybody else seems to like it. So we'll see how it goes, and thank you for that honest feedback. We'll see how it goes. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I like it because we're a public space, and we provide the means for people to come in and give testimony. And just for that reason alone, this parking should be free. In looking back through this and talking with Robin from DPW a long time ago, I mean an interesting past on this, but when there was limited parking and there were a lot of businesses around this area, we metered it so we didn't get inundated with people in the area using it as free parking all day. But I believe that's been alleviated a little bit, given what's going on around us right now and the amount of parking spaces we have. So I guess to be determined on what happens after we get into this, but I like the idea and I appreciate you bringing it forward. Thank you, Ms. Evans. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Anyone else? Council Member Evans, your light is on? Oh, okay. All right, I'd like to chime in real quickly. I had some more time to have some conversations and some thoughts about this. I went to Council Member Evans and said, "Do we know when and why they actually put the meters in?" I think that's a really important question that I feel like we need to ask before we proceed. Here's why. When we look out at this lot here, we have these lots over here that are all reserved that people pay $10 a month to be able to have that guaranteed parking spot. If all of these spots now suddenly become free, staff guys over here are going to be like "Well, why am I paying $10 a month? I can park over here Page 59 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 for free." And, well, you might say, "Well, they can only park in each spot for two hours." Well, they can just get out and move their car and take a little break or whatever. At the same time, Aupuni Center across the street also has metered parking. So the folks over there are going to want to maybe be over here where they can park for free. And then you also think about if you're here trying to testify and it's still two hours but there's no meter, you park and instead of going and feeding the meter for another hour if things go long, you have to go and move your car. And so there's some things about this that I don't think were fully thought through. And so I think the starting point for this is why was that decision made in the first place, and what problem was trying to be solved, if that's the case, or maybe it was just a completely random decision. That's certainly happened before in the County. But I don't know if you know the answer to that, Director Pause. I'm suspecting not. But I'm actually not supportive of this now, given I think that there's some potential for—I think there's more that needs to be kind of thought through. Director Pause, I'm assuming you don't know the answer to that. MR. PAUSE: No, I heard you ask the question when were they put in and why, and I don't have the answer to those questions. I was consulted that the two-hour limit, the enforcement, is two hours in the lot. So, technically, moving your car after two hours doesn't cut it. CHR. KIMBALL: That actually confounds it even more. MR. PAUSE: Yes. CHR. KIMBALL: Just to say that you would haveactually, after two hours, you'd have to take it out and move. Okay. I appreciate the sentiment. I appreciate what the sentiment is, but I think, in practicality, it may end up as a real nightmare where we have essentially no spots available out here for people to testify, when that is exactly the opposite of your intention. Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Yes. I think if the Administration and the bosses,just tell them not to take away public parking, it's for the benefit of the public, I reallyI don't agree with that sentiment. But the other thing is, as we've talked about, you don't have to remove these meters at this point in time. You can always put the little bag over them. If in fact this turns into a nightmare, it wouldn't be that hard to undo it. But the problem is nowI mean, these are old meters that require change. Right now, the way it is, it doesn't work. It really doesn't work. Page 60 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 I think that this is the people's house. This is where the Mayor is. This is where we are at. I know in Kona, that's where our chambers are. That's where the Mayor is. We don't charge there. I think, again, it's the people's house. I think we should have free parking here. And I would love to know, before we call for the vote, I'm hoping the votes are here to pass it today. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. I'm wondering if you would consider maybe something like people who are coming to testify just come in here, sign in, and they get a little permit or whatever to park as long as they need to for that day so that they don't have to run around and go back and all this stuff. And then people—we'd still keep the meters so that we're not getting other people parking here all day long, but that we allow free parking and as long as they need to when they come to testify. That's an idea. MS. EVANS: May I respond, Chair? CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, you may. MS. EVANS: I guess what I'm hearing is you really want the parking meters. I get that. These parking meters, many of them are broken, they require change. Just the whole thing is the people in my district come here to do business in Hilo at this building. And for them to get the penalty to come here, because it's hard to get change, we don't have anybody here that's going to break a dollar so they could do it. Like I said, I think that people have told me "Why do I have to get penalized to come and do my County business?" Trying to do the right thing and then they get penalized. I think it's a philosophical thing, and I know you and I have had that difference. You like the parking meters. I think, in this particular building, it's the wrong message to the public being that it is the County seat. So I believe it should be friendly, and I think it should be free parking. CHR. KIMBALL: All right. Thank you, Council Member Evans. MS. KAGIWADA: One more? A last one. CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, let's get—we still have other business to complete today, so let's make this quick. I think we know where everybody MS. KAGIWADA: Sorry. I just want to make my position very clear. I also feel like people who come to testify here should have the ability to do so with the least impediments in front of them, including paying for parking, moving their cars, Page 61 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 those kinds of things. At one point, we discussed going to smart meters. I think that could be an excellent solution for some of the difficulties that you're talking about. But what I am trying to discourage is for our limited parking to be used for other purposes than the people coming here to do business. And that's what I'm most concerned about, is losing our parking and then people who come to testify and are here do have that extreme impediment of not having any parking available to them. So I just want to make my position clear on that. It's not that I don't think we should have free parking for people who are testifying. I do believe we should. But just worried about losing all the parking to people who are not here for that purpose. Thanks. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Quickly, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Steve, how many of the parking spots are metered in our parking lot, do you know? MR. PAUSE: Yes. At the County Building here on Aupuni Street, there's 50 metered stalls. Ten of them are out of service,presently. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Then how many are reserved? MR. PAUSE: I don't have that number here. I don't. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And the metered is on the street as well? MR. PAUSE: No. It's just in the parking lot here. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then, next door at the Aupuni Center? MR. PAUSE: Next door is the Aupuni Center. There are 38 metered stalls. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: But all the visitor parking in the front is free, correct? MR. PAUSE: For people conducting County business, yes. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Is it possible for us, underneath this bill, to kind of create that mixed parking lot that we have across the street that seems to work okay? Page 62 Hawaii County Council-49 October 2,2024 MR. PAUSE: I think anything's possible if we put more thought into this. Yeah, I MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Does the bill allow you to do it, or are you stuck with x, y, and z under the bill? MR. PAUSE: I think the bill is really only applicable to the Aupuni Center and the metered parking hereI'm sorry, at the County Building right here. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Here. MR. PAUSE: Yes. It doesn't include anything across the street. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So this really would only pertain to the 50 stalls that are currently metered. Correct? MR. PAUSE: There's 50 metered, 10 of which are out of service. And there's also 2 metered stalls that are used for EV(electrical vehicle) charging. So there are 38 metered stalls presently generating revenue. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you, Steve. MR. PAUSE: Sure. CHR. KIMBALL: All right, any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting Bill 165, Draft 2,please say "aye." Vote on Bill 165: The motion to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on second and final Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote: (Adopted) Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Villegas —6. Noes: Council Members Kagiwada and Chair Kimball —2. Absent: Council Member Lee Loy — 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.) OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other BUSINESS: Business. (There were none.) Page 63 Hawai`i County Council-49 October 2,2024 ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, MENTS: Announcements. CHR. KIMBALL: We will resume the planning meeting at 4:35 (p.m.). ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Kimball adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m. MENT: Council Approval: NOV 2 _p 2024 COUN L JH/dg Page 64