REP GOEAC 018 2025-02-04 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: February 4, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 103 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication No. 103, reports as follows: Communication No. 103, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 14, 2025, requests the Council's review and confirmation of JoNelle M. Fukushima to the Windward Planning Commission. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce Ms. Fukushima, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee. Committee Member Heather Kimball asked three questions of the nominee; to share her thoughts on the roles of the community development plans, how she feels about the importance of maintaining public access to open space and shoreline, and lastly, to share her thoughts on short-term vacation rentals and where they are permitted. Ms. Fukushima said that collaboration is key as well as looking at historical use and potential future use regarding community development plans. She highlighted the importance of the beauty of open space and access to that space on our island and mentioned that she would look at historical use to help guide her decision making on that subject. Regarding short-term vacation rentals she shared that she understands that some people manage their homes well for the additional income from vacation rentals and that she appreciates that as an option for local people to supplement their income. She also has concerns because she lives in an area that is impacted by too much short-term vacation rentals and has a lack of infrastructure to support it. She said that it comes down to responsible management and what's best for each community. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Ms. Fukushima to speak about her experience with Connections Charter School. She said that she served on their board and was in support of their school's proposed expansion to Kaumana, which ultimately the community said that they didn't want it in that location. Member Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if Ms. Fukushima had any current connections to any bargaining units, and she answered no, while disclosing past involvement with HGEA (Hawai`i Government Employees Association). Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder additionally asked Ms. Fukushima what her thoughts were on affordable housing. She stated that sometimes we build things that we say are affordable and they are not affordable to the general public. She also mentioned the importance of not just building homes, but rather the need to build communities, with access to parks, sidewalks, infrastructure, etc. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if she watched the Planning Commission hearings on the GOEAC Report No. 18