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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2024-12-02 2022-2024 SINE DIE Hawaii County Council 53`'d Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii December 2, 2024 INVOCATION: Pastor Charles Brodhead of Kona Church of Nazarene gave the morning's invocation. CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at ORDER: 9:02 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by 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. Rebecca Villegas, Member PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance. (At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.) PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions, MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT, AND (There were none.) EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE: 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: (There were none.) Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions. Res. 727-24: EXPRESSES THE HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL'S HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO SUSAN "SUE"L. K. LEE LOY FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I Reference: Comm. 1174 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 727-24. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR. KIMBALL: Any comments from my body? Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I just wanted to take a moment to say, thank you, Council Member Lee Loy. So, I don't just consider Sue a colleague, I consider her a dear friend. She was actually one of the first people that approached me to run for County Council. And I told her, "Sue, I'm not ready, I don't have the experience; there's no way I could do this." And she started laughing at me. She's like, "Girl, you got it, you have everything that it takes. You're a good listener, you build community, you're a problem solver. That's everything that you need to be successful in the Council." So, we have gone through volcanic eruptions and pandemics together. And I've always appreciated her hard-work ethics, her big heart, her always showing up strong for community. And even though she's completed eight successful years here on the County Council, I'm very privileged to know that she will continue to serve our community in a new capacity at the Hawaii State Legislature. She's gotten a few really exciting committee appointments. And so, I know she will continue to do things that will be of great benefit to our people in our communities of Hawaii Island. So mahalo nui, Sue, our `tita bun on the run' for your many years of service. We appreciate and aloha you. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member Kagiwada, MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Yeah, I just want to, you know, congratulate Sue on her new position and thank her for all her years of service in the County, which go back many. I think we'll really miss her deep knowledge of the Code, and you know,just having worked in departments here. Just having that background, I think it's really served our Council well. And so, very appreciative of all her talents there. Page 2 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 She's definitely, kind of the OG (original) and going to miss that energy here. So, really appreciative and just can't wait to collaborate with her for our districts in the areas that they overlap with her at the State House. So, wishing her the best. Thanks, Chair, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Anyone else? Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you. I heard from Council Member Lee Loy this morning. So, maybe I'll just share her own quote back to her. And she says, "Go be awesome then go crush it, whatever it is." And so, with that, you know, wishing best wishes to Council Member or now Representative Sue Lee Loy in steering Hawaii in a pono direction. We look forward to partnering with you at the Legislature and your colleagues there. So, mahalo for your time shared here. Aloha. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. So, I hope Sue, that you, if you're not watching, that you will watch this. And know that, you know, you definitely are someone that fits what it is to be an elected official. You clearly dig into the issues, and you have a willingness to give perspective and make hard decisions. And you have to make really hard decisions when you're in this. You have not only problem solved, but you have to do what you feel is right for the community. And what I noticed over two years is how you really spoke up when you felt the need to speak up to give that different perspective. I for one was very grateful that you took on the disabled community and kept that strong voice very alive during our debates and during the time you were on the Council. And that minority group will always need to have a voice, and I look forward to what you will be doing at the State Legislature and very excited that you're on Finance. I think that's a really good spot for you, and that's a place where you'll quickly learn all about the different departments. So, I wish you the best. For us, we'll be the beneficiaries, I'm sure. And, for you and your family and the support you're going to get. You'll be spending a lot of time in Honolulu. So, you know,people at home will, I'm sure miss you when you're gone. But best wishes to you, and thank you for your service. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Evans. Anyone else? Alright, I'll just wrap it up and say that I'm very grateful to Sue. Not only for her time and service on the Council, but all the years that she has dedicated to service to the County. And I will say that her and I, you know, the relationship was a little icy at first. And I've learned about Sue that you need to really take time and earn her trust. And I hope that I've done that over the last few years, that we've come Page 3 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 to a point where we're actually good friends. And I've appreciated the time getting to know her. I really look forward to seeing what she does for us representing the County at the State. She's going to come with a wealth of knowledge that I think will be invaluable to her service there. And of course, having experienced the County, will advise the legislation that she works on there to make sure that we are not overlooked by the folks in the square building. So, we appreciate that she's going to be there to represent us. In recognition of Sue's time, we did have this plaque made for her, which we'll deliver to have in her office in Honolulu. So, hopefully, she will remember us all when she looks at this every day. Thank you, Sue, for your service. With that, we'll take a vote on the matter before us, which is the approval of Resolution 727-24. All those in favor please say "aye." Vote on Res. 727-24: The motion to adopt Res. 727-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Resolution 727-24 is approved. Before we go on to our next resolution, I'm going to invite Pastor Charles Brodhead from the Kona Church of the Nazarene to give us our invocation. Thank you, Pastor. Can we move now to the second resolution on the agenda, Mr. Clerk. Res. 728-24: EXPRESSES THE HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL'S HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO CYNTHIA "CINDY" EVANS FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I Reference: Comm. 1175 Intr. by: Ms. Kimball Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to adopt Res. 728-24. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KIMBALL: Who would like to kick us off? Council Member Evans. Page 4 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 MS. EVANS: Thank you. You know, when I talked to my constituents, I always said this was the best Council that I had seen, because there were strong individuals. We spoke our truth, and we voted in accordance with our consciousness. I was very pleased, and I felt honored to have the kind of diversity and the kind of discussions that we had. We didn't always agree, but it was a healthy disagreement. I thought it was very respectful. And so, I really appreciated that. So, I just want you to know that I think this County has been extremely well represented the last two years. You know, when you get in, and then you realize how hard it is for in two years to get things done. You start by respecting the Administration, the staff, and the people behind that do the work that helps us; and then the work that we do. I was shocked at the beginning with all the deadlines; we're a deadline-driven entity; very deep in the process. And the process works for you at times, and the process feels like a barrier. It slows things down. So, while you're trying to do the work, things happen on the outside. You know, like COVID (Coronavirus Disease) happened to you. I wasn't here when COVID happened, but there's things that happened while you're trying to get things done. So, it's very interesting to know that it's 12 months of the year; it's every other week; it never stops. It's just this constant momentum. And I agree and really enjoy and like the rhythm, but it really is interesting knowing that it never stops. At the State Legislature, which I was blessed to serve there, it's four months of intensity, and then it's over. It begins, it stops. This just has this culture of just constantly going. I think that the relationship with the Administration, the staff, everyone—is that continuum with that continuum that just keeps going. And so, I'm really grateful for this opportunity to have experienced it. It's amazing. And I want to thank my constituents where I represent North and South Kohala, the people are just amazing, and the communities there are amazing and extremely diverse. And I felt very blessed to get closer to each one of those communities. That was one of the takeaways. I guess I have to close a couple things in gratitude to our military and our veterans. I will never forget that what they fight for and what they do gives us the honor to sit here with the freedom to be a democracy, to get elected, and to cast votes, and without them we wouldn't have that. I want to give gratitude to my two grandmothers, because whenever I need the strength for whatever I do, I always pull it from those two women who taught me so much and thought me all about what politics is all about, because both of them had ten children who had spouses and children. As you can imagine, when you Page 5 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 have huge families, there's a lot of politics. And those two women, you know, about politics, and balance, and fairness, and listening, they really taught me so much. Then, my mom and dad who both served in the military, they came home and community serviced, which I think is why I am driven. I feel it's a calling and I'm driven to be in community service. I think it comes from my two parents who came back, and they just couldn't do enough for their community. Even if they both had jobs, but they were always busy on the weekends, be it the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth), whatever community service projects, they were always out there in the community. And the same for my uncles, you know, that served in the military. We were always out in the community doing things in the community. Maybe that's coming from large families too. But you know, I just have it in me. You know, that's just part of who I am, but I think it's because I grew up with that. And so, I'm again, very grateful for all, each one of you and your individuality, and what you've done over the last two years is amazing because it's a huge commitment. And your family and your friends; everybody, I guarantee probably nobody would want our job as you have told me, because they understand what the commitment is. But you've done a great job, and I want to thank you. Thank you for sharing the last two years with me. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you so much, Council Member Evans. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Council Member Evans, it's really been a pleasure to get to know you. You are one classy lady. I appreciate you taking the time to kind of illuminate all that goes into running a Council office operating County Government. Also to hear from you where you draw strength. I also draw strength from my grandmother. She was an immigrant from the Philippines, and second grade was her highest education. And so, there were a lot of barriers that women, our grandmothers faced to build families and to be a source of strength for all of us. Thank you for your service. It didn't start here on the Council; you served many illustrious years in the Hawaii State Legislature. So, I stand, we stand on your broad shoulders. Thank you for your contributions over the years; your lifelong dedication to serving your community. You are a community builder, and I know that your story doesn't end here. We all look forward to seeing what you do next and know that you have many supporters and friends here on the Council that are going to be there for you. Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and for always operating with style and grace. We appreciate and love you. Thank you, Chair. Page 6 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Well, it's very hard to follow both of you because it was so eloquent. I just wanted to say that you really have been an inspiration for me, and I'm sure for all of us and really, we have benefited from your perspective, having been at the State Government. And also, you know, your unique community and unique background. So, yes, thank you. It was a really great pleasure serving with you these last two years. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, Cindy. Wow, two years. It can go by fast and feel like an eternity. It has been a joy and an honor, and a privilege to serve with you; to laugh with you, to cry with you, to struggle through, as you described the challenges of serving in this role. It is a lot, and it never stops. But your determination and tenacity, and your ferocious commitment to your community, and to standing by and sticking with what you feel is pono, has inspired me and will carry that always. I loved what you said, this is about service, about self. And I'm really excited for you in these new roles. Already, a number of different organizations have swooped her up to serve in those other capacities, and I will continue to stay connected. I weaved you a basket out of Lauhala as a representation of how something as simple as a leaf that may have served its purpose on the Hala tree, then can be taken and molded, loved, shaped, and bound together as is our community; as is this Council. And to create a basket, or if it was worded, it would be an `umeke, right? To carry something. Within it is a kupukupu fern, which is endemic to Hawaii. And the kupukupu in the Hawaiian language means to sprout or to grow. You are a woman who continues to sprout and grow and inspire that in those around you, and thank you for that. I look forward to more time together laughing and playing, and hopefully, less crying. But the joy and the service and the example that you have set, mahalo, I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Council Member Evans, it has been a pleasure. As you've said to me many times over the past two years, I like your style. I like your style; you have a very strong, persistent quality to you that I enjoyed watching and also participating in. Page 7 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 I think after six years of being in the seat and seeing different folks come and go, I've really come to judge what is done here by not so much the words that are said on this dais, but in the kind of legacy that you leave behind. And what I've seen from you has been strong legislation that was very district specific, that really nailed down some of the issues that the community brought to you and that you brought to the Council to speak for and on behalf of your community. And that to me is the strength in what you brought. So, I am hopeful that the next representative brings that same strength. But seeing you go is sad, but it has been a pleasure. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Cindy, thank you so much for your service and for sitting next to me and you know,just having your experience here that you brought from the State level, I think was really valuable. And you know, ditto, ditto, ditto what everybody said about your commitment to your community. And looking forward to interacting with you, I'm sure in the future as you continue to work for your community with your community. So, best of luck to you and thank you so much, and we'll miss you. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. Council Member Evans, we're going to miss you. I recall when you first joined us on the Council and would come into the Kona Office. I'd be like, who is this lady? And I just came to grow and love you and what you've brought to the table. You as a legislator and you as a person. So, we look forward to continuing working with you in the future. We know we'll continue to see you. So, mahalo for bringing your personality and your life to us on the Council. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair Inaba. I'll just wrap it up by saying, you know, yes, one of the things that I truly appreciated about you Cindy is, you just have such a huge generous heart that is really focused on community service. And hearing you tell the story now of your parents. It's like, okay, like that's where it comes from. Because from day one, I could sense that this for you is all about trying to better the community; trying to help address some of the concerns, and boy+ do you have a difficult community, so many diverse groups, areas. It's huge. And so, being out there at all the events, participating in all the activities and getting the job done. I mean, the number of things that you are able to complete in a two-year term including getting a Charter amendment on the ballot, is truly impressive. Yeah, but all that aside, what I love most is that you know you've always put community first, you've spoken your truth as you said, you have educated all of Page 8 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 us in various ways, and it has really just been a pleasure and an honor to serve with you on this Council. With that we have a plaque for you too. So, I'm going to come over and present that. And our Vice Chair has a special mahalo for you. MR. INABA: Sing along if you know. (At this time, Mr. Inaba sang Aloha Oe to Ms. Evans). CHR. KIMBALL: Alright. Thank you. Vice Chair Inaba, as we all wipe tears from our eyes. Alright with that, we've come to the end of our agenda. Oh yes, we have to call the vote on that. Let's do a roll call vote. MR. HENRICKS: There's a conflict of interest in this too. Do you recuse yourself from this vote, Ms. Evans? Vote on Res. 728-24: The motion to adopt Res. 728-24 was carried by the (Adopted) following roll call vote: Ayes: Council Members Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball—8. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you very much, Mr. Clerk. And that brings us to the end of the agenda. Vice Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Before we adjourn our final Council Meeting for this term, I just wanted to express our mahalo to you, Chair Kimball for your leadership these last two years. You know, a lot of the new things that you initiated, that we have continued work to do. But I think our Council is headed in a good direction and we will continue forging that path forward. So,just want to mahalo you for your leadership these last two years. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Vice Chair. MS. VILLEGAS: I want to second that. And thank you for your leadership. Your work ethic is incredible. Your capacity to take on and elevate, not only causes and policy, but people. You're diplomacy and your commitment to positive outcome; whatever it takes. You've got self-sacrifice, tongue biting; whatever it's taken. You are an incredible woman; wildly intelligent, deeply passionate and services ingrained in your heart and your soul. And you've shared that in this leadership role with every single one of us. And I thank you personally and professionally; and from your community. Page 9 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 I look forward to serving another two years with you, and as our capacities continue to evolve. I look forward to all of the greatness that you will bring to your community, above and beyond yourself. And for all the support you've provided to each one of us as we navigated another term that did not come without challenges and wild occurrences. But you really have been steadfast and solid. And when I've needed you, you've leaned in with me. Even when I didn't want it, you leaned in with me, and I appreciate that. And woman to woman, especially being in roles of leadership, that's not easy, but you've done it with style, and grace, and courage. So, I just want to thank you, and tell you how much I honor and appreciate the job that you've done as Chair for us. I look forward to the next two years, which hopefully will be a little smoother sailing just in the state of the world, in general. But I am confident, and I feel hopeful and I feel comforted that we'll continue to serve together in whatever comes our way. You will find a way. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. MR. HENRICKS: If I may,just briefly,just from a slightly different perspective in your colleagues. It was truly, you know, a pleasure to work with you directly as our Chair, and the support that you gave to our office was always genuine in your personal integrity, and you're a very fair person. I truly believe that you just wanted to make sure that we all did the best jobs we could do in our roles to support the Council. And you put a lot into that. And everything was sincere, and that means a lot to us. It's the staff that really does our best to support the Council and the County as a whole. So, not forgotten and very much appreciated. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you very much. Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Surprise, surprise, I'm probably going to get a little emotional here, as I want to do on this dais. Thank you so much. This has made my first term feeling very supportive. I felt like you really did, as people said, had everybody's best interest at heart and put the Council before your own personal interests lots of times. I mean, it was amazing to have you in the leadership role of with seven of nine being women. And I think, you know, that just says something that was very special about this particular make up of this Council. I think Cindy mentioned before that you know you did a good job of really supporting us, trying not to be infractions and to be individual thinkers and each one does our best. Page 10 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 So, I'm so grateful for that because as my first two years on the Council, I want to continue that and go forward. And I hope that, you know, all of us who had this experience these last two years can do that as well. So, thank you so much. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Alright. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much for your time as our Chair. I kind of look to the Chair to be almost like the parent of the Council Members; and also, the staff, and kind of oversee. And I think you did a wonderful job. It is not easy, and there are activities both within County and outside of County that the Chair is expected to be present for and be a guiding light for, and you did well. You really did well. And you also did good as a mom for all of us. There were always times on the Council where things get council complex; it's political, it's government; it's different things happening. But, in those times when I look to a leader to be present for us, or on my behalf or anyone on our behalf, or community's behalf, I really do feel like you were fair in your approach. And you took the time to understand all sides of what was happening, and I couldn't ask for more from a Chair. So, thank you for being that person and for guiding us over the last two years. Understandably we are on a new course, but you did a good job, and I mahalo you for that. Thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Evans. MS. EVANS: Thank you. I just wanted to point out one of things that I really appreciated was the connection with the other counties and with the State Legislature in trying to find that path of communication. And it's not easy when, you know, we have so much work. Like I was saying, it never stops, you know, here at the County level. But also, the outside influences of what the Federal Government is doing; what the State Government is doing; what the other counties are doing and trying to figure that out while we're trying to do our day-to-day is a real challenge. And I know that's one of the things that really stood out to me is that trying to get those pathways of communication open, and that network open. Because we do learn, you know, so much from that. Of course, we had Member Kierkiewicz and Lee Loy, and you know, really active on NACo (National Association of Counties). And you know, we had NACo here in the State. You know, you connected with NACo, and just keeping all those because we learn so much from the other counties and the other people. And also, there's initiatives and things coming down from the Feds. It's really hard to keep up with it. There's so much that comes so fast. Page 11 Hawaii County Council-53 December 2,2024 Again, I will point out deadlines. You know, there's Federal deadlines, there's NACo deadlines. Everybody's got deadlines. So, how you manage all those deadlines so that you can take advantage of what's coming, or you missed your opportunity. So, I appreciate you. That I thought was outstanding, so thank you very much. CHR. KIMBALL: Okay, thank you. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Yes, thank you for being the Chair. I think you did a really great job of being, you know,just I mean, we are all equals here really, Chair. It's just an extra amount of work that you take up as Chair. And you did that, and you did so much else as well, that you set a very high standard, and also, I really did want to say a high standard of fairness. I think it's really wonderful to be on this Council, and I look forward to continuing to work with you and continue to do great things. I think with this last term, we did a lot of really wonderful things that are, you know, because of the County, it takes a long time for the fruit to, sort of, ripen from these things that we did. But the good things that we've done I think will be evident for years to come. So, thank you so much for leading us. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as Chair of this Council and this Council; this group of people in particular. It is really gratifying to hear that you felt supported and encouraged to do your best work and that there was a sense of fairness. Because that above all else was what I strove to do as Chair, is to provide the structure and the backing of everybody to do what they needed to do for their district. Particularly, mahalo to you, Mr. Clerk and all the Chair's Staff, Laura, Chas, Kaci, Jessica, and Scott over here. Thank you for your support. You've made my job a lot easier as Chair, and I couldn't have done it without all of you. Of course, my district staff, Dot and Bev and Seleena, you know, took on a little bit of additional work in support. But I'm excited to see where Vice Chair Inaba is going to take us over this next term, and excited to see leadership from the Kona side, which I think everybody is you know, considers really important to have that balance when we talk about fairness and balance. So, thank you all for believing in me, and it's been a real pleasure to serve as Chair. So, I am full of gratitude and for the opportunity you've given me. And with that and seeing no further business on the agenda, I will call this meeting to a close. The time is now, 9:45 a.m. We are adjourned. Thank you. Page 12 Hawai`i County Council-53 December 2,2024 ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, MENTS: Announcements. (There were none.) ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Kimball adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m. MENT: JAN 2 2 2025 Council Approval: CS'.' T ' JH/dt Page 13