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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2025-04-16 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council llth Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii April 16, 2025 INVOCATION: Senior Pastor Sunny Ahn of Kona United Methodist Church gave the morning's invocation. CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at ORDER: 9:04 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member Mr. Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo) Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo) Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member(via videoconference from Hilo) 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: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Justin Cabanting: Res. 126-25 (Comm. 215); and (representing Hawaii Police Res. 128-25 (Comm. 217), in support. Department) Roylen Valera: Res. 130-25 (Comm. 219), in support. (representing D.A.R.E. Hawaii) Lauren Foo: Res. 134-25 (Comm. 223), in support. (representing Aloha Animal Alliance) Mahina Paishon: GOEAC-30 (Comm. 200), in support. Malia Louis: GOEAC-30 (Comm. 200), in support. (representing La`i`6pua 2020) CHR. INABA: Before we proceed, I just want to thank Ms. Mahina Paishon for her service on the Leeward Planning Commission. We don't always get to mahalo our commissioners on the way out, but mahalo for your time serving on the planning commission. We can proceed with "Reports." REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports. GOEAC-28 NOMINATION OF BEN C. DALAUIDAO TO THE HAMAKUA COMMUNITY (Comm. 198): DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Requires Council Confirmation by: April 25, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on GOEAC-28: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Governmental Operations (Adopted) and External Affairs Committee Report No. 28. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 2 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 GOEAC-29 NOMINATION OF JOHN P. KOMETANI TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL (Comm. 199): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Requires Council Confirmation by: April 25, 2025 (Section 134(k), Hawaii County Charter) Vote on GOEAC-29: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and (Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 29. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to Acting Chair Onishi. GOEAC-30 NOMINATION OF REBECCA KAWEHI INABA TO THE LEEWARD (Comm. 200): PLANNING COMMISSION Requires Council Confirmation by: April 25, 2025 (Section 134(k), Hawaii County Charter) Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 30. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. MS. VILLEGAS: We've had some wild rides while sitting her in Council, and confirmation and non-conformation of nominees to a number of different commissions. I don't think I've ever seen a candidate inspire such support/positive testimony from all sides of our community and groups and organizations that aren't always in alignment. But the depth and breadth of the powerful leaders, top to bottom, from some that I hold almost with ali`i status in my own personal reflections and all the way to our maka`ainana, our people, hands in the earth, rooted and grounded there. I would encourage my colleagues who still have reservations to let those go, and to trust that the people of this place who know this person the best and who are fully in support of her nomination also stand behind that. Yesterday, getting testimony from Dr. Sproat touched me at a whole other level because as we navigate so many wild challenges, right now the opportunity to have people in Page 3 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 positions that will make decisions based on the value system of our host culture and the priorities and the connection and the alignment with long-term thinking, seven-generation-kind kuleana, far surpasses anything else, quite frankly. So I will be wholeheartedly supporting your nomination, Mrs. Inaba. I will also state personally that I'll be holding both of them accountable. I mean there's opportunity for that, not only in service of community but as `ohana, and that's what we do. We are stronger because of it. Because we are accountable to one another and those relationships that bind us in our commitment for the greater good, for the common good, and far surpasses our own personal potential power plays or egos. And that's what I see happening here. So I'm in full and confident support of your confirmation today. I yield. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Before I ask other Council Members, Chair Inaba. MR. INABA: Sorry, yes, I gave up the Chair but I forgot to give my disclosure. So, yes, as stated as part of public testimony, Kawehi Inaba is my mom. So I'll be recusing myself from discussion and voting on this item. Thank you. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Thank you. Ms. Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. So I just want to address Mrs. Inaba because I think she knows I've stated this before, I have the utmost respect and even almost reverence for your knowledge and your involvement in uplifting of the community. I'm going to still stay with my "no"vote, and it's nothing against you at all. It's really about—it's interesting that my colleague said "power play" because that's what my vote is against, is about the consolidation of power in too few hands and not about you at all. I told you I would support you for this role in any other circumstance because I do think—and I do think you will be confirmed and I do think you'll do an amazing job. But my vote is really just against the situation and not at all against you. So thank you for stepping up; really appreciate it and wish you all the best. I yield. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Thank you. Ms. Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Similarly, not the person,just principle. Thank you. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Anyone in Hilo? MS. KIMBALL: Yes, Vice Chair. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Ms. Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I wanted to follow up because in the confirmation hearing in Committee, I had mentioned that I would reach out to Board of Ethics. Page 4 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 I was advised by Deputy Corporation Counsel Wan that, at this current time, it would not be appropriate for me to petition the Board of Ethics for any findings because there's nothing specific. It would really be more appropriate for either Chair Inaba or Ms. Kawehi Inaba to make that petition at this time. Later, once things move forward, there might be an opportunity to petition around a specific issue. I think the one that Council Member Galimba raised last time about if Chair Inaba were to introduce a piece of legislation that went before the planning commission, would a recusal be required by Ms. Inaba at that time. That's one of the things that needs to be answered. Most of you know me pretty well at this point on the dais, and know that I tend to try to be very rational in my decision-making. And as I've said before, and I think it's been echoed by my colleagues here, no one questions your ability, the value that your expertise and experience would bring to the planning commission. I think that is beyond argument that you certainly would be an excellent member of the committee. Furthermore, I don't think anyone questions your integrity or Chair Inaba's integrity. We trust you as humans, as individuals. We've known each other for a while now, and I consider Chair Inaba a friend. So that has nothing to do with it. For me, it remains the optics. And Council Member Villegas mentioned listening to our constituents. I have had several constituents just say this just doesn't look right. For the folks that haven't spoken yet, if they want to weigh in, it would help me to hear from you about why, from the optic standpoint, this is okay. I don't need to be convinced that she's a good candidate. I don't need to be convinced that she's trustworthy. I believe all of that. But I don't understand from—my rational brain can't get around why this would be okay from that perspective. So I'm going to stay with my vote as well, but I do have the utmost faith that things will proceed as they should. Thank you. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay, anyone else in Hilo? Okay, hearing or seeing none, any other MS. VILLEGAS: Chair? ACTING CHR. ONISHL Yes, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for that question, Council Member Kimball. And I'd like to bring this back to the legality of this. Our Corporation Counsel has been asked about any potential conflicts when it comes to the legal parameters and rules surrounding people being related and serving in these specific roles. And it has been definitively determined that there is no legal conflict here. The Page 5 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 potential for some possible "maybe someday there being some piece of legislation that comes before the Leeward Planning Commission and then comes to Council" would have to be crossed when it happens. And I have the utmost confidence that we would be held, not only as the commission but as the Council and the Chair, held accountable. And in a time of such subversive disregard to governance and the rules of procedure and process, that that would not be allowed to happen here. So, when it comes to perception or how things look, I suppose I find that is something impossible to completely guard against because already here on our Council we have people who have different perceptions. So, for me, if there was caution coming from a legal standpoint and points of connectivity for any potential conflicts of interest, I think that there would be cause for more concern. I have witnessed and endured decisions and relationships and connections between, not just members in local government here, but business people, and it's one of the things that I'd go back to my na`au and my knowing and my connection to this place and the people and the generations here of leadership. I understand that that could be uncomfortable to some if they don't know what they already know. And sometimes I would just have to rely back on the knowing and that understanding. And there's a lot of decisions we have to make that can be uncomfortable or we're unsure of. But if it's just about the optics, I don't think that's a viable reason because somebody is related to somebody. There's no direct line of command. There's no direct legal connection. So I think it's unwise and potentially unethical to make decisions based on that. I yield. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay, if there's no other discussion, Mr. Clerk MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Mr. Chair? ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay, go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. Mrs. Inaba, can you come up to the front, please. (Note: At this time, nominee Rebecca Kawehi Inaba came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Good morning. MS. INABA: Good morning. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I can't really see you on my side. I see the back of you, but maybe Charlie can swing that for us a little bit. Page 6 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. VILLEGAS: They're working on the camera angle right now, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: There we go. Hi. Ms. Inaba, you've been in government and you've been around government, so you kind of understand where we're at right now. Given what you've heard today and at the last hearing, what are your thoughts right now just as a member of the community? MS. INABA: I disagree with the idea of it being a conflict. As Council Member Villegas spoke of, as well as a few of my testifiers, Holeka and I, yes, mother and son, but also very independent in the way that we think. Our values are the same for sure, but when it comes to doing my job as a commissioner, I don't see a conflict whatsoever. There's no room for that stuff in what we both do. Again, I'm going to hold one-seventh of a vote. He'll be holding one-ninth of a vote. The idea of how we would both be able to, or how together we would create a conflict, I don't see that. I mean, to each his own. Everybody has their own right to their opinion, but I think that's what it is right now, is an opinion. And I do know that, if confirmed, I will do the best job for our people, for our community. That's kind of my thoughts on that. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. How set are you on the planning commission? As part of that question, too, is what is the draw for you for the planning commission? At this point, it seems like there's contentiousness around it. And just eliminating the different political aspects and the different things that were said, what is your want and how strong is your want to be on the planning commission? MS. INABA: Well, because I was invited to serve on this commission, I am honored to have been chosen by Mayor Alameda to serve in this position. So, again, happy to do so; believe that I am in a position in my life right now to bring the experience and the knowledge and the time necessary to this commission. Again, I didn't apply for this; I was recruited for this. And again, to honor that ask, I'm happy to move forward with being confirmed. I don't see contention. I see three people who feel very similarly and that's all I see. I haven't heard, I haven't seen; I've only heard good things. I've had a lot of support for this. So I don't see the contention. I just see three people who have an opinion. So that's not making me think twice or making me doubt whether this is a good thing or not. So I'm still set on serving to the best of my ability should I be confirmed. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I've sat here for six years now. The more testimony there is, and when you see the votes start to divide, to me that leads to questions coming from somewhere and usually with reason, whatever that reason might be. So I'm going to call that contentiousness or contention. With that in mind—I mean, the one statement I heard earlier was that we're, being the Council Members and then you, have a duty to be accountable to each other, but I Page 7 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 don't agree with that statement. The statement should be that we, as public figures or County representatives or paid members of the County government, are responsible to the taxpayers for everything that we do. It has nothing to do with you personally need to uphold something for me or any of the Council Members here. I'm going to lean in on that because the importance of that is accountability to the taxpayers and the people of Hawaii County that's it. Our ultimate responsibility is to the taxpayers of this County. So, with that in mind, being that I haven't seen anything from the Ethics Board, and that is to be determined, I'll be supporting your nomination today but with the strong, very strong, consideration to the accountability aspect that needs to be part of the discussion and is clearly and has clearly been brought forward. And I think there's merit to that, and that cannot be disregarded. I appreciate your responses, Ms. Inaba. I've made my intentions clear, and just remember the accountability. And I think you know this and I'm probably preaching to the choir, but the accountability is to the taxpayers and to make good decisions going forward for all of our future generations. And until otherwise determined by any other board or part of this government, I'll be supporting your nomination. Thank you. MS. INABA: Thank you. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Anyone else in Hilo? MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I'll just weigh in really quickly. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay. Ms. Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'll just reiterate my continued support for Ms. Inaba. She's an outstanding individual who has a real heart for community. Her allegiance is to community, and she's incredibly rooted, culturally grounded. Everything that she does is with future generations in mind. She also happens to be the mother of our Council Chair. But like I mentioned in Committee and I'll say again, there are sufficient guardrails in place to protect the integrity of the decision-making process. We are bound by Sunshine Law, both Council Members and boards and commissions. All of our deliberations are conducted in an open setting that every member of the community has access to. So, if there are concerns about any type of coordination, I just don't see that because everything that we are doing is in an open setting. So I'm going to continue to support Ms. Inaba's nomination. It is very difficult to fill boards and commissions seats, particularly for planning commission because they require so much of an individual's time, not just at the meeting but reading through all of the materials so that folks can engage in robust discussion. Thank you, Chair, for the opportunity. I yield. Page 8 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 ACTING CHR. ONISHL You're welcome. Anyone else? Seeing or hearing none MS. KIMBALL: Vice Chair, may I? ACTING CHR. ONISHL Ms. Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity just to state briefly again. So, in light of what Council Member Kierkiewicz just said about the public forum and the Sunshine Law, one thing that I would ask of both our Chair and you, Ms. Inaba, is when matters come before us at the Council or before the planning commission, if you and Chair Inaba have had a conversation about the matter outside of that public forum, I would ask that you disclose that and share the nature of that conversation just again to keep everything in the open. You're not necessarily obligated to per Sunshine, but I think it would be good practice. I would also suggest, like I said, and I don't just for the record, if a petition has been filed by either of you to the Board of Ethics, that's confidential so I don't have that information. If either of you are willing—well, I guess Chair Inaba cannot, but if you, Ms. Inaba, can share whether or not one has been filed, I do think there are a couple of things that we should have resolved through that process, like the suggestion of, you know, if a piece of legislation introduced by Chair comes before you, what is the appropriate action. Similarly, I would also suggest just guardrails around there are many decisions that the planning commission makes that don't come to us. That's not of consequence, but with respect to anything that does come to us, any guidance from Board of Ethics in advance I think would be useful. I do want to just take a moment to share that I take exception to how I interpret one of the comments from my colleagues that to vote a particular way based on an opinion is unethical. I think there are a lot of things that are clear per the law, but then others we are here as a body to make decisions based on opinion when things are unclear. And so I'm sure no insult was intended, but I did take some exception to that statement. With that, I am going to, you know, I'm somebody that can change my mind, I'm going to support you today, but I do have these concerns. And I'd like to just have you respond to the recommendation to disclose any conversations outside the public forum if you would. But I'm going to trust that the guardrails in place will be sufficient. But as Council Member Villegas said, in the interest of public good, be concerned about those assurances and the accountability for transparency in both the Council's processes and the planning commission's processes. So thank you, I yield. ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay, thank you. Okay, Mr. Clerk, roll call please. Page 9 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on GOEAC-30: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and (Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 30 was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi—5. Noes: Council Members Galimba, Kagiwada, and Kimball —3. Absent: None. Excused: Council Member Inaba— 1. (Note: Ms. Kimball voted "kanalua"then "no.") Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Onishi relinquished the chair to Chair Inaba. GOEAC-31 NOMINATION OF JOSEPHINE"JOJO" TANIMOTO TO THE SOUTH (Comm. 201): KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Requires Council Confirmation by: April 26, 2025 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 31. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. (Note: At this time, nominee Josephine "Dojo" Tanimoto came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I had a thought since our last meeting. As part of the CDP (Community Development Plan), if you are confirmed, would you please take on looking into water resources in the district to make that a priority? Is that something that you would be able to look at as a CDP member? MS. BRUNO: Council Member, can you please repeat slightly louder? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Is that better? MS. BRUNO: Yeah. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: If and when you do become confirmed for the Committee, please work with the CDP committee to look at water resources in the district. Something you said that really touched me is "We used to have water and now we don't." Page 10 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. TANIMOTO: Definitely. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The concerning part about that is the water rights and the water laws in the State of Hawaii are incredibly unique because post-overthrow the sitting monarchs and the Legislature worked hard to ensure that Native Hawaiians would always have access to water and gathering rights and food so they could sustain themselves. MS. TANIMOTO: True. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And so, if water rights are not being appropriately delegated in the area that the CDP represents, then it would be proper to look at how water rights are being considered and where your water went. Just a thought. I had this thought between our last two hearings, and I wanted to express that to you. So thank you for listening. MS. TANIMOTO: That is one of the reasons why I'd like to get into this CDP program, is to find out why after 20 years we're still without enough water for the homestead. There are other issues that have come up as well, but water in the South Kohala District is Priority 1 for all the whole community. And especially with Waikoloa coming up with affordable housing and they need more water. The homestead has been the original affordable housing, but water is what's holding us back. It's our watershed that's being eroded. It's our fishing that's getting eroded. It's our fire risks and the area has no water. So, yes, water is primary for Kawaihae and the South Kohala District. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Wonderfully said. Thank you very much. I appreciate your time. I'll be supporting your nomination. Thank you. Vote on GOEAC-31: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and (Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 31 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. (Council Member Hustace spoke in favor of the appointment.) ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions. Page 11 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Res. 104-25: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS TO SUPPORT THEIR CONTINUED COOPERATION WITH THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SAFETY OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I Authorizes the Hawaii Police Department to enter into an updated Memorandum of Understanding to continue inter-agency collaboration to identify and target for prosecution criminal enterprise groups responsible for drug trafficking and money laundering. Reference: Comm. 180 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Approve: GOEAC-32 Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 104-25 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 32. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: I just want to restate for the public this is not one of the MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) we were deliberating that might have touched on immigration issues. There was some confusion. I had some people reaching out to me very confused about this. So I just wanted to state that for the record. Thank you, I yield. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I appreciate that clarification from Council Member Kagiwada. However, at a time when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the current Federal administration must facilitate the return of an American citizen taken illegally without due process or procedure, and at a time when the national administration and government and all of the arms of law enforcement of such government seem to be operating without any respect for the true role of law or governance or the boundaries and parameters associated with the power they've been entrusted with, I'm exceedingly hesitant, if not completely resistant, and carry no trust at this point because deception has become the norm. Utilizing coercive practices for a broader agenda and purposes that actually do more harm than good, and aren't in alignment with enforcing the ensurance of our community's health and safety, have now become pervasive in all areas of law enforcement. As we've seen, the public in general does not delineate areas of responsibility or the legalese that areas of jurisdiction that legally protect certain departments or division, but the public sees it all as law enforcement. I don't know if you saw Civil Beat's article this morning, but literally ICE(Immigration and Customs Page 12 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Enforcement), their shirts say "POLICE ICE," and your common person isn't going to know if there's a jurisdictional difference. So I hold strong opinions about this based on what's happening in my community, lack of trust, and far overreach and not following judicial process. I also want to point out that our County will not be able to afford the number of lawsuits that will come down in the next few decades related to what's happening. And as I've said before, while there may not be active participation, they are not protecting the people of my district, and that I hold highly concerning. So, with that, I yield. CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you, Chair. I really understand the point of view that Council Member Villegas is bringing up. However, this particular document actually feels very well-written and does lay down some pretty specific and broad ground rules around the conduct involved with this MOU. So I think that we all are watching what's happening at the Federal level. I think we also need to remember that on a lower level, like day to day, folks are actuallyI still very much—most people still want to behave ethically. They may not have the training, so they may need—our police officers may need training to understand how to behave, not behave, but conduct themselves in line with ethics and constitutional law. So I understand your feelings, but this particular document I think is actually exemplary around that. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair? CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to recognize Ms. Cody Frenz. She's been here willing to provide comment, and she has on a number of these MOUs and agreements, and probably helped draft some of the language as well. I have appreciated the honest reality she has represented as far as what the MOU has done, what this one does and what the recent ones have done. I just really appreciated that common sense approach of this is what is happening, this is why we need to do it, this is what's going on; and helping us get to a decision place. So I just wanted to take a minute to appreciate her. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Mahalo, Council Member. Seeing no further lights, all those oh, sorry, a roll call vote please, Mr. Clerk. Page 13 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 104-25: The motion to adopt Res. 104-25 and Governmental (Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 32 was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: Council Member Villegas — 1. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 105-25: ADOPTS THE 2025-2029 COUNTY OF HAWAI`I CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG), HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS AND HOUSING TRUST FUND PROGRAMS AND AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I TO EXECUTE AND SUBMIT THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND ALL OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) Includes County-wide housing and homeless needs assessments, funding goals and priorities, and must be adopted prior to receipt of annual CDBG and ESG allocations from HUD. Reference: Comm. 181 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Approve: GOEAC-33 Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 105-25 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 33. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. We had a really good, robust discussion about this. It's a plan that's required by HUD, and our Office of Housing and Community Development worked hard on it. It's a complicated plan. But, like I said, I think we had a really good discussion about it, and I'm ready to move forward. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. I believe Mr. Shiroma is here as well if anyone has questions. But seeing none, all those in MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair? CHR. INABA: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead. Page 14 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I think in the last hearing I just kind of poked around a little bit as far as what data drives this. And I think Mr. Shiroma had some thoughts, but I don't remember where we left off with that. Is there any update on the data provided to guide us in this resolution? We talked about census data and all these different things, but did you get anything else? (Note: At this time, Housing and Community Development Specialist Royce Shiroma came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. SHIROMA: Royce Shiroma, office of housing. No, that's pretty much it. And I think it's just the data that's available that the consultant used and what OHCD (Office of Housing and Community Development) compiled from outside. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. MR. SHIROMA: We need basically data that's HUD-approved. So, usually, that would be going with the census and the ACS (American Community Survey). MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Census data. And then that other study hasn't been completed, though, correct? We're still MR. SHIROMA: That's correct. We're still waiting on that. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So this really is based on census data. MR. SHIROMA: Yeah, the older data that has been provided. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: From 2020? MR. SHIROMA: Yeah, 2019. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: 2019. So pre-COVID (coronavirus disease) census data. MR. SHIROMA: Correct. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I don't agree with that part. I think that's not driving us in the right direction, but overall I trust what you guys are doing. MR. SHIROMA: If I can answer? Once we get new information, we are maybe looking into updating it based on the new data. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good. I remember that from the director of (inaudible). Thank you. Okay, thank you, Chair. I yield. Page 15 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 105-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 105-25: The motion to adopt Res. 105-25 and Governmental (Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 33 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 106-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM THE DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT(S) AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT(S) Transfers $5,212 from the Parks and Recreation Administration Other Current Expenses account to the Animal Control account to provide a grant to Action 4 Animals to support its rehoming and adoption programs for at-risk animals. Reference: Comm. 182 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-33 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 106-25 and Finance Committee Report No. 33. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: I believe this is Council Member Galimba's. Council Member Galimba, anything? MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Just moving money that got put into the wrong account, or an account anyway, and needs to go into another. So I ask for my fellow Council Members' support. CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 106-25, please say "aye." Page 16 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 106-25: The motion to adopt Res. 106-25 and Finance Committee (Adopted) Report No. 33 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 123-25: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF FOOTWEAR AND REUSABLE BAGS FOR USE BY THE HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT The donation from OluKai, with an estimated value of$15,110, would be used by the department's Water Safety Officers while on duty. Reference: Comm. 212 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC Vote on Res. 123-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 123-25. (Adopted) Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 124-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR MULTI-YEAR LEASES FOR SEVEN MULTI-FUNCTION COPY MACHINES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Authorizes the Mayor to enter into five-year lease agreements with an approximate monthly cost of$59 each for six copiers and $179 for one copier, to be used by the department's Highway Maintenance Division at Hawaii County base yards. Reference: Comm. 213 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC Page 17 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 124-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 124-25. (Adopted) Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 125-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO `EWALU INC. TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE Transfers $5,300 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 214 Intr. by: Council Member Inaba Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 125-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to comment on the format of the Contingency Relief Fund resolution. I really like the simplicity of this going forward. And I also just want to thank you for supporting `Ewalu Industries, I think the program that Alexis Chang runs. She was running the Lead for Hawaii program here on Hawaii Island. It's really fantastic. So, appreciate some of your dollars supporting workforce development in West Hawaii. I yield. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, this is from my district and it is for trying to bridge classroom and the workforce, essentially, for Grades 6-12. I encourage residents of West Hawaii to reach out to `Ewalu Industries to see what kind of opportunities you can engage in to be a part of industry and commerce here on our island. With that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 125-25, please say "aye." Page 18 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 125-25: The motion to adopt Res. 125-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Villegas —2. Excused: None. Res. 126-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH REPLACING ITS KEIKI ID EQUIPMENT Transfers $3,150 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Police Department, Police Administration Division-Equipment account. Reference: Comm. 215 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 126-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to mention to my colleagues that this is not just for my district or for East Hawaii. This is for the whole island. As you folks know, when there's different events, community policing is invited to come and help with the event. And part of their help is like doing this Keiki ID for our children that don't have one. And so it's, I guess, something that is well known and it's always asked for, and so I'm asking for support. But I did have a question for Officer Cabanting. Is he still in Kohala? (Note: At this time, Police Officer Justin Cabanting came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. CABANTING: I'm here. MR. ONISHL Thank you for staying. I just wanted to see if you had an estimated number of how many Keiki ID you folks do in a year, because I know you guys do a lot. MR. CABANTING: Yeah. I don't have it prepared with me for a year, but I know on the events, like this Easter event, I'm projecting between 100-150 Keiki Page 19 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 ID. Our next big one is on the 4 h of July, which is another huge event, and that is almost the same number between maybe 120-160. But I should do a tally, though, for the whole year. That is a MR. ONISHL That's great. But that's why your machines don't last too long. MR. CABANTING: Yeah, it takes a beating. It works. Our Keiki ID works hard. It's funny because I also have parents come up to me, and they tell me like how you said, "I remember my first Keiki ID," and now they're getting it for their children. MR. ONISHL Good, good. I really appreciate all your guys' hard work. Thank you very much. MR. CABANTING: You're welcome. MR. ONISHL I yield. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I just want to mahalo Council Member Onishi for bringing this forward. Happy to support this and I just want to recognize community policing officer Justin Cabanting for all the work he does in the community at these events. He's really engaged. It's amazing the line of families and keiki that approach him and fellow officers to talk story, to get their ID, and really get involved in the community. So, mahalo nui, Officer Cabanting. I really appreciate the work you do in our communities. MR. CABANTING: Thank you. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Hustace. And yes, mahalo, Officer and all those in our community policing sections around the island. All those in favor of approving Resolution 126-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 126-25: The motion to adopt Res. 126-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 20 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Res. 127-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE PUBLIC SAFETY AWARENESS Transfers $7,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Police Department, Police Administration Division-Equipment account. Reference: Comm. 216 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 127-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Is anyone in Hilo from the police traffic services? MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No, Council Member. MR. ONISHL No, okay. Well,just to let you folks know that some of this money will be going to purchase the radars that they put onto like the telephone poles, and that's for the Police to get information about speeding and so forth. And with this technology, it tells you the times, the speed, and also counting the cars. And so, after I think it's about a month, then they tally that all up, and then they use that information. But also what happened was that there was one in the district on Kalaniana`ole. Somebody ripped it off. So they climbed up onto the pole and removed it. So this is money to be replaced for that one that got stolen. And I'm encouraging other members, my colleagues, to support this, and you could have those in your district. So I'm asking for your support. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 127-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 127-25: The motion to adopt Res. 127-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 21 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Res. 128-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS HI-PAL PROGRAM Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Police Department, Hawaii Isle Police Activities League Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 217 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi (Note: Comm. 217.1, from Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi dated April 11, 2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 128-25, was circulated.) Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 128-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. Motion to Amend: Mr. Onishi moved to amend Res. 128-25 with the contents of Comm. 217.1. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you. This is because I had more funding in my account. So I wanted to forward this to the HI-PAL (Hawai`i Isle Police Activities League) program, which you folks all know that I'm really supportive of that program. This funding that is being allocated is for all districts. In anybody's district which has an event, this will help them with, like, awards or recognition of those who participate. So I'm asking for your support on this amendment. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor of amending Resolution 128-25 with the contents of Communication 217.1,please say "aye." Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 128-25 with the contents of Amend: Comm. 217.1 was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. CHR. INABA: The resolution has been amended. Page 22 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MR. ONISHI: Okay. I just ask for your support. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi, for your generosity across the island. With that, all those in favor MR. HENRICKS: Chair Inaba, we need a motion to suspend the rules in order to proceed. Vote on Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 128-25. Rules: Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following (Approved) voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Vote on Res. 128-25: The motion to adopt Res. 128-25, as amended to Draft 2, Draft 2 was carried by the following voice vote: (Adopted) Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 129-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICANS LUNCHEON ON MAY 9, 2025 Transfers $450 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Office of Aging, Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 218 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 129-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Vice Chair. Page 23 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. I'm just asking for support. It seems a little. I wanted to help support with some, I guess, supplies that they needed, so that's why I did this. So, asking for your support. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, thank you, Office of Aging, for joining in. Look forward to that event on May 9 h of this year. All those in favor of approving Resolution 129-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 129-25: The motion to adopt Res. 129-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 130-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I FOR THE 2025 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION IN EAST HAWAI`I Transfers $1,591 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 219 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 130-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Just joining some of my other colleagues in supporting this important activity. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member Kimball, for bringing this forward as well to support D.A.R.E. Day. I just want to recognize that next Friday the 25 h is our D.A.R.E. Day celebrations in West Hawaii. So looking forward to seeing everyone out there, and I want to mahalo Captain Valera for all of his leadership on these efforts. Thank you, Chair. Page 24 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 CHR. INABA: Mahalo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 130-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 130-25: The motion to adopt Res. 130-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 131-25: 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 KONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS EXHIBITS ON REGIONAL BEEKEEPING Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Agriculture Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 220 Intr. by: Council Member Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 131-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I just ask for my colleagues' support. I also want to put it out there that if you get a chance,please go visit this exhibit. It's absolutely amazing. From the moment you walk into the Kona Historical Society Building, this sense of the smoke that they use to manage the bees to the tools, the educational materials and video that was made really helps establish an understanding of how important bees are to the Big Island economy, and what a huge impact we've had on the country and the world as a primary exporter of queen bees. So, really, it's great for kids. There's even a hive in the exhibit with the small holes that go out of the building so you can see the bees come in and out and find the queen bee. Really educational for young and old. CHR. INABA: Wonderful. Thank you, Council Member Villegas. I'll have to visit as well. All those in favor of approving Resolution 131-25, please say "aye." Page 25 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 131-25: The motion to adopt Res. 131-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 132-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE REMOVAL OF THREE PENCIL TREES OF THE MAKA`EO WALKING PATH AT THE OLD KONA AIRPORT PARK Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Friends of the Park account. Reference: Comm. 221 Intr. by: Council Member Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 132-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Just a quick mahalo to the Friends of the Park at Maka`eo Walking Path for identifying the issues with these trees and working with Parks and Rec. (Recreation) to have them removed for the health and safety of our community that utilize that area. I yield. CHR. INABA: Wonderful. All those in favor of approving Resolution 132-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 132-25: The motion to adopt Res. 132-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 26 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Res. 133-25: 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 LIONS CLUB OF KONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC. TO ASSIST THE KONAWAENA HIGH SCHOOL LEO CLUB WITH EXPENSES FOR ITS EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH EFFORTS Transfers $2,500 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. 222 Intr. by: Council Member Galimba Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 133-25. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I ask for my fellow Council Members' support on this. I know of at least one other, Council Member Villegas has provided funding for this important program that educates the public about the importance of Kona's and South Kona's forest and soil, and provides education of best practices to preserve that and preserve our oceans as well. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Galimba. All those in favor of approving Resolution 133-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 133-25: The motion to adopt Res. 133-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Page 27 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Res. 134-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ALOHA ANIMAL ALLIANCE, INCORPORATED, TO PURCHASE ESSENTIAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR ITS SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS Transfers $6,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 6); and credits to the Animal Control and Protection Agency account. Reference: Comm. 223 Intr. by: Council Member Galimba Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 134-25. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada. CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. This would be funding for spay and neuter equipment. I just want to thank Lauren, who is here, and Lisa Lane for their work, as well as the other nonprofits that are working in this space that is very complicated and challenging. And so I just want to appreciate them. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Could you please come up? I had a question. And you can introduce yourself again. (Note: Lauren Foo of Aloha Animal Alliance, Inc., came forward to address the members of the Council.) MS. FOO: Lauren Foo. MR. ONISHL So you're with them. You're a part of this organization? MS. FOO: Yes. I'm one of the cofounders and I'm the president of the organization. MR. ONISHL I know you mentioned that you'reI guess you serve the whole island. MS. FOO: Yes. MR. ONISHL And so we had, during budget time, where our animal control has mentioned about not enough I guess manpower to do part of the work that you folks are doing. So have they ever reached out to you or your organization to do a contract? Page 28 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. FOO: We have worked with them in the past on a couple of vaccination clinics, microchip clinics, and one spay-and-neuter clinic on the 25 h of January of this year where we combined our teams together and put the spay-neuter clinic together down in Ocean View. MR. ONISHL Oh, okay. So, if there's a possibility and they could do a contract for you for a whole year to help them, would you folks be interested? MS. FOO: Absolutely. MR. ONISHL Okay, great. Thank you. I'll be in touch with you, yeah. Okay, thank you. MS. FOO: Thank you. MR. ONISHI: Bye. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi and Ms. Foo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 134-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 134-25: The motion to adopt Res. 134-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 135-25: 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 GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR THE 2025 HILO LEI DAY FESTIVAL Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Administration Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 224 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 135-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. Page 29 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I'm really happy to support this event. It's the 20'h anniversary of the Hilo Lei Day Festival, which is all about perpetuating the practice of traditional lei making. This year they'll be honoring one of their cofounders, Aunty Winona Beamer, and look forward to yeah, hopefully everybody can show up. At the end when we do announcements, I'll give a little more detail about time. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 135-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 135-25: The motion to adopt Res. 135-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Res. 136-25: 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 MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE 62ND ANNUAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL Transfers $8,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Administration Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 231 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 136-25. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just very honored to support this extremely important national and internationally recognized hula and festival event that is so important not only for Hilo and our island, but I think the State of Hawaii. And yeah,just very happy to support them and all they do. Once again, I'll mention a couple things about times and dates when we get to announcements. Looking for everybody's support. Thank you. CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 136-25, please say Ic aye. Page 30 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Res. 136-25: The motion to adopt Res. 136-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. 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 21: AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 15, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (Draft 2) (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO NEPOTISM Adds provisions and definitions consistent with standards set forth in Section 84-13.2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which are intended to provide for fair and impartial hiring, personnel, and contracting practices within the workplace. Reference: Comm. 91.2 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Approve: GOEAC-34 Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 21, Draft 2, on first reading and adopt Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 34. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Just to reframe the discussion, this was an amendment to the Ethics Code requested by both the Auditor's office as well as Human Resources. We had initial hearings here about the definition that was a little bit different than what is provided in the HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes) based on the Board of Ethics hearing and their recommendation, which we don't have formally yet. We will have it after their meeting next week. They advised to go back to the HRS definition with a slight amendment to not referring to the hanai practice but informal adoption practices. So this, in its current form, uses the HRS definition with some slight modifications. As I mentioned last time, the HRS definition is for relative rather than immediate family. And in the HRS, the last line, which says in our bill becomes an employee's or officer's child or sibling through informal adoptive practices, it says in the HRS, becomes an immediate family member. And so we had to Page 31 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 change that wording, and that's why there's the additional reference to foster child, adopted child, foster sibling, adopted sibling that is not contained in the HRS. That is just to provide clarity around those two definitions. Happy to take any additional questions, but look for everyone's support on this measure. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kimball. Any further discussion? Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Can we get Corporation Counsel to come up? (Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen came forward to address the members of the Council.) MS. SCHOEN: Good morning. Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. MR. ONISHL Thank you for coming forward. My understanding about creating this bill was that County never had a policy like this. Is that correct? MS. SCHOEN: That's correct. MR. ONISHL And so, basically, the County is creating their own set of rules or guidelines in regards to nepotism for employees, right. Because, the State has their own, right, but the County didn't. So that's why we created this, right. So, basically, what we as a County body, we can implement whatever we feel is important. Is that correct? Or is that possible? MS. SCHOEN: That's correct. I think that our existing Code is not as detailed as the State ethics code. And while it's not as detailed, I believe the Board of Ethics does, in large part, look to the State provisions for guidance or information. So my understanding is this is an attempt to really solidify and prohibit nepotism. MR. ONISHL Yeah. And it's not like we have to make ours, I guess, similar to the State. We could make it more restrictive. MS. SCHOEN: You could. MR. ONISHL Yeah, okay. Thank you very much. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi. Seeing no further lights, all those in favor of approving Bill 21, Draft 2, at first reading, please say "aye." Page 32 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Bill 21: The motion to pass Bill 21, Draft 2, on first reading and Draft 2 adopt Governmental Operations and External Affairs (Approved) Committee Report No. 34 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Bill 36: ADOPTS A PAY PLAN FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY OTHER THAN THOSE WHOSE PAY IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, DESIGNATING PAYROLL PERIODS, PAY DAYS, PRESCRIBING REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OFFICIAL FIDELITY BONDS, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 24-28 AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO, SAID ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE SALARY ORDINANCE OF 2025 Establishes rates of compensation for appointed employees in the Legislative Branch and the Office of Housing and Community Development, the County Physician, Student Helpers, and Senior Community Services Aids for various County agencies, and incorporates updates to minimum wage positions. Reference: Comm. 183 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-34 Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 36 on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 34. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Any discussion? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair,just a quick comment. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. Given our budget hearings for this, I really appreciate this salary ordinance and helping us get to where we need to be to hopefully attract more staffing into the County. That was made clear just from a number of different agencies and departments. So I'm hoping this helps just a little bit. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Bill 36 at first reading, please say "aye." Page 33 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Bill 36: The motion to pass Bill 36 on first reading and adopt (Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 34 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Bill 37: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 Increases revenues in the Fund Balance from Previous Year account($70,000,000); and appropriates the same to the Provision for Compensation Adjustment-General account. Funds would be used to pay for Temporary Hazard Pay for all covered employees for work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to March 2022. Reference: Comm. 184 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-35 Vote on Bill 37: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 37 on first (Approved) reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 35. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 34 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Bill 43: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-40, WHICH AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 22-125, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR A STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR WASTEWATER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF $17,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING QUALIFIED WASTEWATER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I Increases the amount of funds for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project from $17 million to $52 million. Reference: Comm. 225 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire membership, pursuant to Section 47-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 43 on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. This item was waived to Council to expedite the process. And we do have our Finance Director here in the Hilo chambers as well as some of our staff from Environmental Management. Diane, could you give us just a brief on this? (Note: At this time, Finance Director Diane Nakagawa and Business Manager Robin Bauman, Department of Environmental Management, came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Please introduce yourselves for the record. MS. NAKAGAWA: Good morning, Council Members. Diane Nakagawa, Finance Department. MS. BAUMAN: Good morning. Robin Bauman, Business Manager for Environmental Management. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning to the both of you. Just give us a quick brief on it and then why the need for the increased process time. MS. NAKAGAWA: Absolutely. This isn't an effort to continue to look for additional funding sources—Robin will get into the details of the numbers but Page 35 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 this is taking advantage of our SRF (State Revolving Funds) loans. So we have opportunities for additional funding at a better interest rate. So what we're doing is just reducing the GO (general obligation)bonds for this project and allowing us to use the SRF. So this one is a good thing. It's looking to shift some of the funding where and when we can. So I'll let Robin kind of just talk about the numbers and the opportunity the State presented to us to be able to potentially utilize more of this funding. MS. BAUMAN: Thank you for waiving this from Committee to expedite this. The State needs to obligate the funds by June 30''. So what this does, this will allow us to maximize the use of the SRF funds. Right now, the State is estimating we have about 26.7 million that they can loan us this year, although depending on what happens with other projects that they're intending to fund. If those aren't ready to go, they could potentially give us more money. So this will allow us to take advantage of everything we can get. These loans are low interest rate at a quarter percent per year. There's also a loan fee of a half percent semi-annually. So it's a great funding source for us. So we want to take advantage of the SRF loans wherever we can. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Beautiful. Thank you. Whose idea was this? MS. BAUMAN: We've been working with the State Department of Health, utilizing SRF loans for years. So we're always applying for whatever loans we can get. We've used them for a number of projects in the past. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is brilliant but I mean who—someone specifically went and dug in a little bit and said, "Hey, why don't we shift some of the funding to SRF instead of'— MS. NAKAGAWA: I think that's been a continuous discussion, and the DEM (Department of Environmental Management) team has been really good about advocating that we are ready if these other projects in other counties are not. And that's why we've kind of increased this a little bit more. Just in case they have more funding, we want to be able to take advantage of that. So the team understands that we need all the funding we can get, and there's a much better interest rate. And so we're pushing to say the County is ready to utilize this if it's available. And if other projects can't go forward, we're happy to do that. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Beautiful. Good job. Thank you. Interest rate comparison between what we would have paid versus what we stand to pay at a half percent or a quarter percent? Page 36 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. NAKAGAWA: The GO bonds are a little over 4 percent. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And we're talking interest rate per annum on tens of millions of dollars that will stack up fairly quickly. That's amazing. Good job. Okay. Thank you very much. That's all the questions I have, Chair. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: I don't have my light on. CHR. INABA: Oh, sorry. I'm seeing things over here. Okay, Council Member Galimba, go ahead. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you so much. Director Nakagawa, could you just explain to me the connection between the SRF fund and the GO bond? Because, you're asking for an increase in the GO bond from 17 to 52, but you're actually going for more SRF funding. So I just would like some education around that. MS. NAKAGAWA: Sure, Councilwoman. And I'm just reading it over just so I can make sure that I'm answering your question appropriately. Robin, feel free to jump in. We had previously done the authorization for a certain amount for both the SRF funding and the GO bond funding. Correct? Robin? MS. BAUMAN: Yeah. MS. NAKAGAWA: Yeah. So what this is doing is increasing the appropriation for the SRF funding and would allow us to eventually decrease some of the funding necessary for the GO bonds. MS. BAUMAN: Yes, this is actually not the appropriation but the authorization to enter into the loan agreement. MS. NAKAGAWA: Sorry, yes, the authorization. MS. BAUMAN: So, basically, this backs the loan. This is required by the State. MS. GALIMBA: I think I see what you're trying to say. The backing from the State is the GO bonds, and that's why you need to increase the GO bond amount. Is that what you're trying to say, or did I get it wrong? Maybe I should have just waited. MS. BAUMAN: I think this is authorizing GO bonds to repay the loans if the County were to default. Page 37 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. NAKAGAWA: And I apologize, Council. I think I'm taking these up a few steps further along where we'll eventually have to go. But this one in front of you today is just authorizing us to enter into this intergovernmental agreement to eventually accept the funds. MS. GALIMBA: So why did we need to change the amount for the GO bond from 17 to 52? MS. NAKAGAWA: So we were made aware that there is additional funding from the State. And so this increase would allow us to get that if—as Robin mentioned, they have about 26 million available, but we increased that because we are advocating that we are ready to use this funding if there is any extra availability within the State and other projects aren't ready. We want to be ready to utilize this funding. MS. GALIMBA: Great. Totally in support. I'll probably just go offline and get into the nitty-gritties of this. MS. NAKAGAWA: Happy to do that. My apologies because I was a couple steps ahead to where we will need to go in the other funding mechanisms. But this one is the authorization. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just following along with what Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder was saying. I want to take it one step further which is just to ask, what is our savings with going to the SRF loan versus the GO bond loan for that 26 million? MS. NAKAGAWA: I don't have that with me at the moment, but I can certainly get that for you. MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. And then we have the ability to go up to 52 million if those funds become available. Right? MS. NAKAGAWA: That's correct. MS. KAGIWADA: So maybe if you could get those two numbers to us, which is what the savings would be with the 26 million and what the savings would be with the 52 million, that would be great. Does that make sense? MS. NAKAGAWA: Yes, we'll go ahead and take a look at that. MS. KAGIWADA: All right, thank you so much. I yield. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Vice Chair Onishi. Page 38 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. This question is for Robin. Robin, correct me if I'm wrong, but I know in the past, we did use this resource before in getting funding to do some projects. And I think one of the projects was the rehab one, Kalaniana`ole, the sewer lines. Was that correct? Or do you remember that? MS. BAUMAN: Yes, I believe that is one of the projects that we did utilize SRF funding for. MR. ONISHL Yeah, okay, thank you. And so this is really helpful for the County. And so I look forward that, you know, with the department and with this Administration you folks are reaching out to other resources and also getting the lowest interest rates that we can get. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? MS. KIMBALL: Chair, now I have my light on. CHR. INABA: Oh, yes. Okay, now I actually can see you. So, Council Member Kimball, go ahead. MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. So I want to make sure I'm clear following up on Council Member Galimba's question. We're approving the increase in the authorization for issuance of a GO bond in order to basically say that the Administration and Finance Department has the full support of the Council if there were a default in getting the loan from the State from the SRF. It's just our collateral, in a sense. Is that correct? Is that what we're saying here? MS. BAUMAN: Yes. I believe that's what this is. MS. KIMBALL: And let me just ask, would there be a requirement, then, with respect to the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant if the costs go beyond what we're already obligated for, that that can be out of this pot too? Does that make sense? Is there going to be another reauthorization step if we do need to actually increase that amount for the Phase 1 without the full 52 million SRF? Do you see what I'm saying? MS. NAKAGAWA: I apologize; I am not understanding the question. MS. KIMBALL: Okay. So we have the GO bonds already for some coverage of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. We're agreeing to expand the authorization to this 52 million under the assumption that we will get SRF funding. In the event that the cost of the project expands beyond what we've already gotten GO bonds for, is there an additional step of authorization that would come to us beyond to get up to that 52 million? Or are we basically saying regardless of whether or not the SRF comes in, we can do another bonding for the 52 million? Page 39 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. NAKAGAWA: If I'm understanding your question correctly and it is, could we utilize this funding if project costs increase MS. KIMBALL: That's very succinctly put, yes. Thank you. MS. NAKAGAWA: Okay. And the answer is yes. MS. KIMBALL: Regardless of whether or not there's SRF funds. MS. NAKAGAWA: Yes. MS. KIMBALL: But without any additional authorization from the Council. MS. NAKAGAWA and MS. BAUMAN: We got that. Do you think it's appropriation MS. NAKAGAWA: Sorry, we're just talking through the mechanisms. MS. KIMBALL: I'm glad I'm not asking a dumb question. MS. NAKAGAWA and MS. BAUMAN: So, would we have to come back to get any authorization? I have (inaudible) I need. But if not, then we are good? Okay. MS. NAKAGAWA: We apologize for that. We're just talking through the issue. If this is approved, we don't believe we would have to come back for any other action or approval. MS. KIMBALL: Okay. All right. Thank you. That's all I have for now. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Okay, I just want to make sure I'm getting all the numbers right, because this is like tens of millions of dollars that we are going to be on the hook for. So, originally, $17 million of GO bonds were taken up for upgrades, right. Just Phase 1, upgrades. So that's 17 million. And then what we're doing here now is we're asking for an additional 25 to be added to this project. So we're going to use GO money and SRF money to complete Phase 1 of the project, meaning Phase 1 rehab and replacement is actually costing more than what we originally thought. I just want—you know why? You know what's not clear? You haven't stated how much SRF you're going to be taking a loan for in the resolution. So I'm trying to math here, but it's a little bit confusing because you're referring to Phase 1, but this is including Phase 1 and Phase 2. Okay. Page 40 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 MS. BAUMAN: We currently have two SRF loan agreements in place for the Hilo treatment plant project for design work on Phase 1 and Phase 2. So that's about 13.3 million that we've already MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Total? MS. BAUMAN: Total. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. MS. BAUMAN: That we already have loan agreements in place. So this would increase the authorization by 35 million, which would be used for Phase 1 of the project. So we would do a supplemental loan agreement to increase the SRF loan. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. So it's—now you said 35 million. Right? So the SRF is for 25 and that's stacked on top of the 10 million in GO bonds. Sorry, you said that the SRF was for 25ish, so I'm just trying to write all the numbers to see how we add up to 52. MS. BAUMAN: So the original authorization was for 17 million. This is increasing the authorization by 35 million, taking it up to a maximum of 52 million. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, so it's actually a $35 million SRF loan, not 25 or 26 that was mentioned earlier. MS. NAKAGAWA: So the State has told us they have about 26 million for us. Correct? MS. BAUMAN: Right. MS. NAKAGAWA: They may have more. So we increased it to allow us to be able to receive that in time if other projects that they are looking at cannot be completed in other counties, other areas. Our County wants to be able to take advantage of that, so we increased it by that amount so we can utilize it. I want to be clear that the project cost is not increasing. And any funding or authorization that we have in our GO bonds is for wastewater projects, for not just Hilo wastewater. It also includes other wastewater projects. So any funding here that will utilize SRF, it would decrease the GO bond amount. Those funds can be used for other wastewater projects. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Only wastewater. Because, that was going to be the other question that I had, is if we're not using MS. NAKAGAWA: Well, the bond authorization had other elements to it besides wastewater. It was predominantly wastewater. And as we know, these projects Page 41 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 are very significant. So we continue to need funding for those. So this just would allow us to supplement that funding in this project at a lower interest rate, and allow more capacity in our bond authorization for either other wastewater projects or some of the other projects that we discussed in that last authorization of issuance. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. I get it. Thank you for explaining this to me. We've got 17 in GO. There's an opportunity for SRF. We can count on 25. There could be more, which is why we're anticipating maybe 10 million more. That's how you get the 35. Add the two, there's 52. This authorization would allow for you to take advantage of more money from the State should other counties not be able to move forward on their projects. MS. NAKAGAWA: That is correct. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And then in the events that you are going to be using GO bonds, not for this project, will you come back to the Council to just update us on how those other bonds will be used? Because, there were other projects listed in the exhibit attached to these bills. But I think just for transparency, it would be great to communicate where these resources are going to be shifting to. MS. NAKAGAWA: Yes. Of course. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much for being patient with me and explaining that. I get it now. MS. NAKAGAWA: No, we totally understand. It is complicated. And as you can see, even us going through it, there's a lot. So we just appreciate you allowing us to do that. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Absolutely. Thank you so much. In full support. I yield. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Any further discussion? Seeing none, mahalo Council Member Kierkiewicz, for that re-summary for the membership. All those in favor of approving Bill 43 at first reading, please say "aye." Page 42 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Bill 43: The motion to pass Bill 43 on first reading was carried by (Approved) the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. 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 35: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-32, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —State Substance Abuse Prevention Coordination Grant account($7,100); and appropriates the same to the State Substance Abuse Prevention Coordination Grant account. Reference: Comm. 170 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) First Reading: April 2, 2025 Vote on Bill 35: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 35 on second (Adopted) and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals EXECUTIVE for Executive Session. SESSION: Page 43 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Comm. 205: ARYN MITSUO YOSHIDA, ET AL VS. COUNTY OF HAWAI`I, ET AL.; CIVIL NO. 3CCV-23-0000038 From Deputy Corporation Counsel Hannah McKee dated March 13, 2025, requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council regarding the above-entitled matter filed by Richard Wilson, Esquire, on behalf of his clients Aryn Mitsuo Yoshida, et al. Motion to Close Mr. Onishi moved to close file on Comm. 205. Seconded File: by Ms. Kagiwada. Vote on Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to enter into Executive Session in order Enter into to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding Executive Session: Communication 205, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4) of (Approved) the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. INABA: We'll be entering into Executive Session now. Recess: At 11:02 a.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the room. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:07 p.m. MS. KAGIWADA: (Inaudible) indemnification and the basic facts of the case. Council Members were able to ask questions and get answers to those questions. I have a motion when you're ready, Chair. CHR. INABA: Please go ahead. MS. KAGIWADA: Motion to approve updated and revised recommendation of the Corporation Counsel, pursuant to Memorandum dated April 16, 2025. Page 44 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 Vote on Motion to Ms. Kagiwada moved to concur with the updated and Concur: revised recommendation of Corporation Counsel as (Approved) contained in their updated April 16, 2025, memo regarding Comm. 205. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kimball — 1. Excused: None. Vote on Comm. 205: The motion to close file on Comm. 205 was carried by the Filed following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kimball — 1. Excused: None. OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other BUSINESS: Business. (There were none.) ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, MENTS: Announcements. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. A couple of announcements of events coming up in Hilo. We have May 1't to start with, obviously we have Merrie Monarch coming up next week. Things will kick off Sunday with the Ho`olaule`a at the civic center, a free event at 9 a.m., and go all week with lots of exciting events. Then there's food and I hope everybody gets a chance to come over and be a part of this very important event. It will conclude on Saturday, the parade in Downtown Hilo on April 26 h. Please also be on the lookout for any road closures that may be in effect. Secondly, I'd like to just announce that on May I"is the Hilo Lei Dei Festival at Kalakaua Park in Downtown Hilo. That will be from 10:00 till 2:00, a free event Page 45 Hawaii County Council-11 April 16,2025 open to the public. It's the 20th anniversary and lots of things for keiki and families. There'll be hula presentations and, obviously, lei making. So, hope everybody can join us. Thank you so much. Thank you, Chair. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thanks, Chair. Unfortunately, mine aren't as fun as my colleagues' here. I'm going to just announce there's a meeting tonight on the Community Development Block Grant Action Plan. So this is a mitigation plan. There's a substantial amendment, and we're in the public comment period. There's a public meeting tonight online, and this is really part and parcel with an evacuation for Waikoloa Village and a study and analysis there. And then also,tomorrow evening, the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority Committee,they are meeting in Waimea at Kahilu Town Hall for a public discussion and session there at 5:00. So I'll leave it at that for this time around, Chair. Thank you so much. ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting at 12:13 p.m. MENT: Council Approval: JUL 9 2025 CLERK JH/dg Page 46