HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 044 2025-06-17 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: June 17, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 348
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 348, reports as follows:
Communication No. 348, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated May 29, 2025,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Abel P. Aquino to the
Game Management Advisory Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Kona Chambers to
introduce Mr. Aquino, who was also present via remote technology, to the Committee.
Committee Member James Hustace asked Mr. Aquino about the Wa`a program he has been
involved in through the Nakoa Foundation. Mr. Aquino discussed the work he's done through
this nonprofit organization regarding building and 3D printing canoes and paddles. He also
spoke on the benefits to the 16-20 students. Their program has taken on five-day voyages along
the Kona coast. He also talked about coral restoration work that he has done.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi said that much of the time the County Game
Management Advisory Commission runs into issues regarding what they can and cannot do, as
much of their proposals requires the State to take additional action. Member Onishi wanted to
know Mr. Aquino's perspective on this issue. Mr. Aquino said that he has a relationship with
Senator Dru Kanuha and that he would work with him as well at the Department of Land and
Natural Resources (DLNR). Mr. Aquino stated that self -stocking the fishponds is another way
that fishers can engage in self sufficiency and help assist DLNR in the work they do. Member
Onishi asked Mr. Aquino about his opinion on the DLNR aerial sheep shootings. Mr. Aquino
said he believes it is wasteful, and that it could be done in a more sustainable manner regarding
fencing them in so that more of the meat could be used rather than the method they are currently
employing.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz said that she witnessed members of the Game
Management Advisory Commission attend opening day at the State Legislature and believes it
is important to develop this relationship and communication between State and County and
encouraged Mr. Aquino to attend if he is appointed to this Commission.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Mr. Aquino what his opinion is about a
gun range for our County. Mr. Aquino said that it needs to be well -maintained and that a nice
GOEAC Report No. 44
GOEAC-44 Page 2 June 17, 2025
pistol range is low-cost and would require some county/state/federal collaboration, but that he
would be supportive of this to increase training and accuracy and reduce waste. Mr. Aquino also
suggested an archery range would be a good idea to include.
Member Onishi asked Mr. Alameda if the Game Management Advisory Commission would be
providing reports back to Council and who is responsible for that. Mr. Alameda said that
responsibility is his and that due to their meetings occurring at the same time, as he needs to be
in attendance for Council's Committee meetings it has been challenging. He stated that he can
provide future reports to Council. Member Onishi asked who the Deputy Corporation Counsel
is for the Game Management Advisory Commission. Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen said
that Sylvia Wan is the assigned Deputy Corporation Counsel for that Commission.
Committee Member Heather Kimball mentioned necessary repairs to Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp
for the fishing community and encouraged him to look into that situation.
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder then brought up to Mr. Alameda that Abraham Antonio, former
Chair of the Game Management Advisory Commission, requested numerous times that
meetings be later in the day for better attendance and accessibility for public participation.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada seconded Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's comments and
stated that she has heard meeting times are definitely a concern for both potential
board/commission nominees, as well as current members and for public attendance.
Mr. Alameda said that he has heard this concern and said that earlier meeting times were a
preference of the prior Administration and that he will check in with the current Administration
regarding meeting times occurring later in the day.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 9, Section 6-9.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the
Game Management Advisory Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by
the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Communication No. 348, and recommends confirmation of the
appointment of Abel P. Aquino to the Game Management Advisory Commission.
slm
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JMN KAGI ADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 44
ADOPTED: JUL 0 9 209�