HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2025-06-18 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council
171h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
June 18, 2025
INVOCATION: Ms. Tani Golden of Unity of Kona Church gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:03 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 (via videoconference from Hilo)
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
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-17 June 18,2025
Cory Harden: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), comment.
(representing Sierra Club — (See Comm. 110.207)
Hawaii Island Group)
Debra Greene: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in support.
(representing Safe Tech Hawaii)(See Comm. 110.206)
Chris Hirose: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in support.
(See Comm. 110.208)
Milicent Cummings: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), comment.
Naomi Melamed: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in support.
(representing Safe Tech Hawaii)(See Comm. 110.209)
Sarah lee Linkin: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in opposition.
John Erickson: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in opposition.
Kalei Ka`ilikini: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in support.
Kevin Hill: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), in support.
Claudia Schimmer Keawe: Bill 24, Draft 6 (Comm. 110.154), comment.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
Bill 59: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 9, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE
1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS
Prohibits receiving, soliciting, delivering, or offering goods or services while in a
street; provides penalties.
Reference: Comm. 303
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Approve: PCPWMT-4
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 59 on first reading and
adopt Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit
Committee Report No. 4. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to Acting
Chair Onishi.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Go ahead, Chair Inaba.
Page 2
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
MR. INABA: Yes. I know Council Member Kimball had discussed an
amendment. I think she'll be introducing it at the next hearing, and that's just to
make sure that our fines and the community service hour for penalties are aligned.
But besides that, ask for your continued support and happy to take any questions.
Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay. Any members have any questions or any
comments? Hilo?
MS. KIMBALL: No. Thank you, Vice Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay. Thank you. Ms. Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I'm just going to be voting against it in its current
form. Looking for those amendments that we've discussed, especially actually
the one about a defined border for this area other than to the edge of the property.
I'm sort of, in general, concerned about the criminalization or—yeah, I guess
basically criminalization of these activities, because I really don't like us basically
legislating on annoyance. I mean there's a safety element to this, which I get.
But there's also an element of not wanting to see people who are in this state,
which I think is actually important that we see them rather than not see them. So I
will be voting against it. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, hearing or
seeing none
MR. HENRICKS: Mr. Onishi, I'm going to take a roll call vote as it appears
there will be at least one dissenting vote.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Yeah. Okay.
Vote on Bill 59: The motion to pass Bill 59 on first reading and adopt Policy
(Approved) Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit Committee
Report No. 4 was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Inaba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi —7.
Noes: Council Members Galimba and Kagiwada—2.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Onishi relinquished the chair to
Chair Inaba.
Page 3
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Bill 24: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLES 1, 2, 4, 5, AND 7, OF THE HAWAI`I
(Draft 6) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS AND TOWERS
(Planning Director Initiated)
The Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions forward their favorable
recommendations to remove the requirement for a use permit to establish
telecommunication antennas and towers in certain zoning districts, add
application requirements, and amend standards for the establishment of
telecommunication antennas and towers.
Reference: Comm. 110.154
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Postponed: February 4 and 18; March 6;
April 1 and 15, 2025
First Reading: June 4, 2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 24, Draft 6, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. We have leadership from the Planning
Department here if folks have any questions. But, as a body, we have worked on
this particular measure, weaving in elements of another bill that was introduced
by then-Council Member Cindy Evans, to create a process for standing up
telecommunication towers and antennas here in Hawaii County. And I just want
to thank everyone on this dais and in the community for all of their hard work and
collaboration. We've arrived at, I think, a bill that resolves conflicts between
County, State, and Federal law, and ensures as much as possible within the
confines of the law where we are ensuring accountability of the industry and, as
much as possible, the health and safety of our community. If folks have any
questions, the Director is here, but looking for everyone's continued support on
the draft as presented. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Planning Director, I have
a question for you, sir.
CHR. INABA: He's approaching, Council Member. You can go ahead with the
question.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I think that just in listening to
testimony today and looking at the graph that was provided, would the Planning
Department be amenable toI'm looking at Section 25-4-12, Telecommunication
Page 4
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Antennas or Towers, Section (d). Thinking about the way we've defined"not less
than 600 feet from any residence or school," I think that means physically from
the school building itself. Is that how I read that?
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. DARROW: Correct. I'm sorry. This is Jeff Darrow with the Planning
Department.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Jeff.
MR. DARROW: Good morning, Chair. Good morning, Vice Chair. Good
morning, members of the Hawaii County Council. Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder, when we're looking mainly at a tower, we do look at that distance
from the location of the identified tower site versus normally we'll look at the
distance from a property boundary. But in this case, normally the tower will
come in and identify the particular land area, which is typically not very large,
maybe less than 1,000 square feet or even smaller.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Sorry. So is it the building, like whatever
closest school building it would be when we refer to school or residence?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So is there a setback from the
property edge of the parcel that would contain the antenna?
MR. DARROW: Currently, the only setback is this one mentioned.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So if I had a property that bordered a
school and I put the antenna up in my backyard right on my property edge and
then the closest school building was 600 feet away, that would be permitted per
this bill?
MR. DARROW: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Would the Planning Department be open
to not right now, okay. I'm not going to do this right now. But would they be
amenable to amending that to instead of"the closest building,"the "property
boundary or the parcel boundary of the school"? You understand what I'm
saying?
MR. DARROW: Sure. We would be open. I think we've gone through much
discussion. In fact, testimony from the Fire Department that brought us where
we're at today because the original setback was 1,200 feet, and when they looked
Page 5
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
at that scenario, placing that large of a setback in residential zones close to
residences and schools, the amount of options was minimal. By decreasing the
setback to 600 feet, it increased the options but it still is limited. If you were to
expand it to go from property boundaries, again you're increasing the limitations
or options for locations.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, understood. But the department
would be amenable to the discussion?
MR. DARROW: I mean, we could talk about it in the future.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Okay. That's fair. I'm listening to
testimony, and we cannot ever shy away from public safety. Even if we don't
know, we have to err on the side of caution. So erring on the side of caution, if
we see any increased mortality within a cell distance range, which is what I'm
staring at right now in Hilo Chambers, then we should at least be erring on the
side of caution. And the most benefit I've seen is stepping back from, besides
needing glasses, looks like it needs about 800 feet to 1,000 feet, which is where
we started when we had 1,200 feet.
And I was thinking about the distance we're calling out being from the building
itself, not a property boundary. And I think that property boundary might give us
the distance we want at least from our children and from somebody's house.
Understanding that may impact possible locations, but it's good to hear that
you're open to the discussion.
And then just in general, I'm just thinking down the line. We're watching
Starlink be deployed. And at some point, I think the telecom towers are going to
be obsolete, and this is going to come from sources that aren't even on the
ground. That's where I think we're headed. So this may be an obsolete
discussion at some point, but thank you for having the discussion with me,
Mr. Darrow. I appreciate your time.
MR. DARROW: Thank you, Council Member.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Bill 24, Draft 6, at second and
final reading please say "aye."
Page 6
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Bill 24: The motion to pass Bill 24, Draft 6, on second and final
Draft 6 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 197-25: ACCEPTS THE DEDICATION OF ROADWAY LOT 8, IDENTIFIED AS TAX
MAP KEY: 3-5-008:009, SITUATED ON THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF
HAWAI`I BELT ROAD ON THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF OLD
MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY, AT PAPA`ALOA, NORTH HILO, ISLAND,
COUNTY, AND STATE OF HAWAI`I, FROM HAMAKUA HOUSING
CORPORATION
The landowner seeks to dedicate the roadway and all improvements for public
roadway purposes.
Reference: Comm. 314
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-18
(Note: Comm. 314.1, from Council Member Heather L. Kimball dated
June 9, 2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 197-25, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 197-25 and Legislative
Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 18.
Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kimball moved to amend Res. 197-25 with the
contents of Comm. 314.1. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, thank you. Just wanted to mahalo LRB (Legislative
Research Branch) Jacob Perry for identifying some clerical errors in this
resolution. So this amendment just proposes corrections to the diacritical marks
as well as elimination of a repetitive phrase. So I ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of amending Resolution 197-25
with the contents of Communication 314.1,please say "aye."
Page 7
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 197-25 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 314.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 197-25. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
(Approved) 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: Any further discussion?
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support in resolving this long-time
issue in Papa`aloa. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 197-25, as
amended, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 197-25: The motion to adopt Res. 197-25, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 18 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.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
Page 8
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 185-25: AUTHORIZES THE CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT OF LEONG KUNIHIRO
BROOKE & KIM, AS SPECIAL COUNSEL TO REPRESENT THE COUNTY
OF HAWAI`I, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, WORKERS'
COMPENSATION DIVISION
Extends the retention of Special Counsel Services with additional compensation of
$120,000 and total compensation not to exceed $420,000.
Reference: Comm. 297
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-43
Postponed: June 4, 2025
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire membership,
pursuant to Section 6-5.5, Hawaii County
Charter
(Note: There is a motion by Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, seconded by
Council Member Galimba, to adopt Res. 185-25.)
(Note: Comm. 297.1, from Council Member Jenn Kagiwada dated June 16, 2025,
transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 185-25, was circulated.)
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kagiwada moved to amend Res. 185-25 with the
contents of Comm. 297.1. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. This is just by request of Corporation
Counsel. There were just some slight errors there, so we're making sure that it's
very clear when the Council approved the additional $300,000 for legal services,
which was June 5 h, 2024, and then totaling the amount correctly in the `BE IT
RESOLVED" clause.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor of amending Resolution 185-25 with the contents of Communication 297.1,
please say "aye."
Page 9
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 185-25 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 297.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 185-25. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the
(Approved) 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.
Vote on Res. 185-25: The motion to adopt Res. 185-25, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 43 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. 188-25: COMMITS TO FUNDING THE COST ITEMS AGREED UPON BY THE
EMPLOYERS AND THE HAWAI`I GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION UNITS 02, 03, 04, 13 AND EMPLOYEES EXCLUDED FROM
THOSE BARGAINING UNITS FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD DULY 1, 2025
THROUGH DUNE 30, 2029
The estimated costs over the four years of the new contract resulting from
across-the-board increases, step increases, and lump sum payments would be
$46,901,771.
Reference: Comm. 300
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-56
Page 10
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 188-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 188-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 56. 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.
Res. 189-25: COMMITS TO FUNDING THE COST ITEMS AGREED UPON BY THE
EMPLOYERS AND THE UNITED PUBLIC WORKERS UNIT O1 AND
EMPLOYEES EXCLUDED FROM BARGAINING UNIT O1 FOR THE
CONTRACT PERIOD DULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2029
The estimated costs over the four years of the new contract resulting from
across-the-board increases would be $24,463,678.
Reference: Comm. 301
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-57
Vote on Res. 189-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 189-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 57. 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.
Res. 198-25: ACCEPTS THE DONATION OF REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED BY TAX
MAP KEY: 6-4-006:050, SITUATED AT PUUKAPU, DISTRICT OF SOUTH
KOHALA, ISLAND, COUNTY, AND STATE OF HAWAI`I
The landowner seeks to donate the subject property to the County for drainage
maintenance purposes.
Reference: Comm. 315
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-58
Page 11
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 198-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 198-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 58. 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.
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
RES. 199-25 The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
(COMM. 316): the Chair:
Pat Todd: In support.
(representing Friends of Amy Greenwell
Ethnobotanical Garden)
Res. 199-25: AWARDS NINE STEWARDSHIP GRANTS FROM THE PUBLIC ACCESS,
OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
MAINTENANCE FUND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF
FINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026
Authorizes the Director of Finance to provide Public Access, Open Space, and
Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund Stewardship grants totaling
$838,203.08 to organizations, pursuant to Section 10-16(h) of the Hawaii County
Charter.
Reference: Comm. 316
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-59
(Note: Comm. 316.1, from Finance Director Diane Nakagawa dated May 30,
2025, transmitting 2025-2026 PONC Stewardship Grant award recommendations
regarding Res. 199-25, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 199-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 59. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Any further discussion?
MS. VILLEGAS: I have a couple of questions.
Page 12
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. Do we have Finance in Chambers in Hilo by any
chance?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We do. She's coming up right now.
Ms. Kekai.
MS. VILLEGAS: Fantastic. Thank you. I want to start off by saying thank you
for this report. The way that this is put together I think this is the most thorough
reflection of the applications, the amounts they've requested, the amounts that
have been recommended. And it really shows the relationship between the PONC
(Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission)
Commission and the Finance Department. So thank you for that. These details
and the specifics are incredibly helpful.
In reading through this, I am also very grateful to see notes indicating the
differences between the requested amount and the recommended amount, as that
comes from the PONC Commission, and then how Finance interjects and
approves or provides other insights in there.
Because there are a couple of different organizations whose requests were either
completely denied or certain portions of the request were removed as the expense
was not considered in alignment with our allowable, based on the Hawaii County
Code, I just wanted to double-check and ensure that the parameters of allowable
expenses are being communicated to these organizations on the front end.
Sometimes, I feel like we could say things ad nauseum and people still don't hear
them, and they still remain in their applications. But I just wanted to double-
check and have that on the record here in a public forum that all those things are
communicated on the front end when organizations are putting in their
applications.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Finance Director Malia Kekai came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MS. KEKAL Hello. Malia Kekai, Deputy Finance Director. Thank you, Council
Member. We do try our best to communicate to everyone. I think that with
PONC, we definitely are a work in progress. Prior to any of these things coming
to you, we did contact them as well to notify them if Finance made a decision to
remove funds. But yeah, every year we try to get better with communication, and
we will continue to communicate to everybody early and often about what can be
included, what can't be included. Even last year they did even offer, the
Commission, when I say "they," offered a pre-review process for the applicants to
come in and walk through it. And I think maybe only one nonprofit organization
took them up on that. But it was a really good opportunity for them to come in
Page 13
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
and really look at, like, here, this is how you should set your budget out so that the
Commission understands it. And it's easy to get through the process, right. So,
yes, we do try to communicate as much as possible.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you so much, Deputy Director Kekai. And I just have
to once again say since my first sitting here on the dais, the challenges related to
this funding and getting it allocated and out to the organizations that so
desperately need it was stuck in the 19'h century. And you brought things forward
to the 2 1" century, really streamlined things and made it possible for the funds
that are allocated that are being generated and accumulated out to these well
deserving organizations, one of them being Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical
Gardens and all the work that they do there. So I'm personally and professionally
very grateful for how far we've come. We always have more to go and change is
constant, growth is optional. But I just sincerely thank you for all the efforts
being made here to not only communicate with the organizations but also the way
that you're presenting this here at Council makes it much easier for us to make
heads or tails out of and then be able to answer any questions if organizations
come to us directly. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Is Corporation Counsel there?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes, they are.
MR. ONISHL Okay, thanks.
(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 Good morning, Renee. I'm looking at this, the proposed scope.
So it mentions, like this first one, guided hikes, school site visits. The nonprofit
needs to be providing the insurance for liability. Is that correct?
MS. SCHOEN: It's my understanding that they do.
MR. ONISHL So Finance, you folks require each nonprofit to have a certain
amount of liability insurance?
MS. KEKAL Yes, that's correct.
MR. ONISHL And what is the number?
MS. KEKAL I think it's dependent on the property and the activities.
Page 14
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
MR. ONISHL Okay. And then you folks do monitor that, correct?
MS. KEKAL Yes. It goes through our Risk Management Section in Finance.
MR. ONISHL Okay. Okay. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. In full support of the resolution. We're
actually drawing down on a pretty small amount. There's $3 million that's
always available to support stewardship of PONC properties, so I just want to
make sure that's stated for the record. And then just an ask for Deputy Finance
Director, I don't know if it's a Charter amendment or if it's something within our
rules or a Code update, but I would love for our nonprofit stewards to have
multiyear contracts with certain benchmarks along the way to ensure
accountability of work, but without having to do the whole application process.
We know how much paperwork is involved for nonprofits, and we want to make
sure that they have what they need to get these stewardship activities done and not
be tied up in a lot of the paperwork in reapplying.
And the other thing I want to advocate for is if there can be an additional cycle of
applications that are being reviewed by Finance. Right now, it's apply once a
year. And if it's possible, if we can look at a couple of funding cycles; I know
that would go a long way in helping our stewards kind of plan for the future. Just
putting it out there. I'm not quite sure legally what we can do, but we can explore
that a little bit further. Thank you for your hard work in getting this program back
on track. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. All those in favor of
approving Resolution 199-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 199-25: The motion to adopt Res. 199-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 59 was 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.
Page 15
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Res. 200-25: ACCEPTS ALL DONATIONS THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THE
CAPITALIZATION PROCEDURES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNTY DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JUNE 30, 2026
Provides County Council pre-authorization for the County to accept donations that
are not covered by the Finance Department's capitalization procedures for Fiscal
Year 2025-2026.
Reference: Comm. 317
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-60
Vote on Res. 200-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 200-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 60. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace was 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.
Res. 202-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS
TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL
PROPERTY TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a two-year lease agreement with the option to
renew for one additional year with the Ocean View Community Association, Inc.,
with an estimated cost of$450 per month, for space located at 92-8924 Leilani
Circle.
Reference: Comm. 319
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-61
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 202-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 61. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion?
MS. KAGIWADA: Yes, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
Page 16
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I just want to express my support for this
resolution, and just note that I think it's hopefully a positive sign that our Council
and our County will be committing taxpayer dollars for space for a program that
feeds our kupuna for the next two years, with options to go further than two years.
I hope it's a sign that our body and our County will ensure that there's actually
food for this program, not just the space, as we go forward; and preferably food
that's grown on this island for programs like this as well. As we prioritize,
hopefully we can prioritize working with both the State and our community
organizations to make sure that we're feeding our kupuna, but also our keiki and
the 40 percent of our island who's food insecure. So thank you for bringing this
forward. This is such an important program, and I fully support this resolution. I
yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 202-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 202-25: The motion to adopt Res. 202-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 61 was 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.
Res. 203-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE ASPHALT
PAVER TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$9,374.03, to be used for construction,
resurfacing, and maintenance projects.
Reference: Comm. 320
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-62
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 203-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 62. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Any further discussion?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just noting, Chair, we have Acting Director
Azevedo and Business Manager Kelsey Kalua-Lewis in Chambers if there are any
questions.
Page 17
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Seeing no further discussion—Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Yeah, thank you. Acting Director Azevedo, maybe you can
explain a little bit on the purpose of having this added equipment. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Deputy Director Neil Azevedo came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. AZEVEDO: Okay. In total, we've got three pavers right now. We have
two pavers here, 2003 pavers, two Caterpillar pavers. And we've got one paver in
2008. In 2018, we received one of those Cat pavers from national park with an
oiler truck, which it's a 2003 model. So a total of three pavers we've got. And
it's really parts, hard to come across, and always in the shop. So we're looking at
a new paver so we can continue our progress in paving throughout the island, and
we need a backup. In case a paver goes down, we've got another backup.
For the BOMAG paver, the 2008 model, we use it for small roads, which is to go
over the small bridges, which is limited tonnage. We've got a lot of bridges that
are limited tonnage, and we cannot go over with the big paver. And our bigger
pavers are more or less east and west. We split the island in half, and we continue
to pave both sides of the island. For the new paver coming in, it's going to help
us in case any paver breaks down, or we can use a new paver and use the old
pavers for back up. Hopefully that answers your question.
MR. ONISHL Yeah. That works great. And so basically, this is upgrading your
fleet and having the old ones, which you are having a hard time in getting parts
for repair, these will be your backups now?
MR. AZEVEDO: Backups, yes. Backup or we can turn around and use it for our
roads in limbo or our gravel roads to put asphalt or cold plane material in there
and spread it quicker, faster, and we're out of there as fast.
MR. ONISHL Good. And that's looking to the future. Thank you very much for
your hard work.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 203-25,
please say "aye."
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 203-25: The motion to adopt Res. 203-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 62 was 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.
Res. 204-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR FOUR GRAPPLE
TRUCKS TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$20,823.62, to be used to perform routine
maintenance functions.
Reference: Comm. 321
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-63
Vote on Res. 204-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 204-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 63. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kagiwada and Kimball —2.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: Acting Director, if you have a comment you can provide it on the
next resolution.
Res. 205-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE
EXCAVATOR TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$5,187.43, to be used for construction,
resurfacing, and maintenance projects.
Reference: Comm. 322
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-64
Page 19
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 205-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 64. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Hilo, anything?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah.
CHR. INABA: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair Inaba, I think Mr. Azevedo wanted to
speak to maybe all the resolutions if you can,just a general statement.
CHR. INABA: Sure. Go ahead.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Deputy Director Neil Azevedo came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. AZEVEDO: Acting Director Neil Azevedo, Public Works. The grappler
truck is to help us pick up rubbish on the side of the road. A lot of rubbish we
can't reach, so we're looking at the easiest way to do it. Instead of mobilizing
two equipment, we mobilize one with the truck. The grappler can load itself with
one operator and one laborer instead of bringing out three, four guys at a time.
And for a lot of white goods on the side of the road, how are we going to pick up
that? We're looking at the best way and make it time wise to make it quicker and
to get out of there quicker to clean up our roads.
And for the excavator, that's the one on wheels. There's a mulching unit
excavator with a bucket on wheels. So we can travel on the road; we can mulch
what we need to. We don't need to worry about all the tracks busting up the roads
or any damages we're doing. So we're looking at more efficiency to get the job
done in a faster time and making sure everybody's safe too.
And for the oil truck, we've got one oil truck that we received from national park
with the paver, which we bought from them. And that's a 2000 model. For the
oil truck, it's going to help us tack coat the road to get the road faster evenly oiled
so we can get out of there quick. Before we used to do it with a wand, with a
LeeBoy, a wand, and walk behind and spray by hand, which takes a longer
process and the oil is not spread evenly. That's the reason why we need this
equipment to make us more efficient and better work. That's it. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Acting Director. Seeing no further lights on, all those
in favor of approving Resolution 205-25,please say "aye."
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 205-25: The motion to adopt Res. 205-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 64 was 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.
Res. 206-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE ASPHALT
DISTRIBUTOR TRUCK TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$4,644.22, to be used for construction,
resurfacing, and maintenance projects.
Reference: Comm. 323
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-65
Vote on Res. 206-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 206-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 65. 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.
Res. 207-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE TEN-TON
PNEUMATIC ROLLER TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$3,198.08, to be used for construction,
resurfacing, and maintenance projects.
Reference: Comm. 324
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-66
Page 21
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 207-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 207-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 66. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace 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.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo, Acting Director Azevedo and Ms. Kalua-Lewis, for
being here today.
Res. 208-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THREE FIRE
APPARATUSES TO BE USED BY THE HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate total monthly cost of$92,693.10, to replace units at Haihai,
Kealakekua, and Makalei Fire Stations.
Reference: Comm. 325
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-67
Vote on Res. 208-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 208-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 67. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace 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.
Res. 216-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR THE
HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK FIRE STATION
Transfers $7,780 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Auxiliary Services
Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 339
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 216-25. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. First, I want to thank Chief Ian
Chadwick and Chief Matt Komata for their quick assistance in helping us identify
some of the needs for the HPP (Hawaiian Paradise Park) Fire Station, which is
really a house. And so a lot of these items are going to make living quarters much
more comfortable for our first responders. And there was also a very devasting
drowning that happened in HPP a couple of years ago, so some of this funding is
also going to be used to purchase floatation rescue devices so that our first
responders are prepared with additional lifesaving equipment. So asking for
everyone's support. Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 216-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 216-25: The motion to adopt Res. 216-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
Res. 218-25: 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
HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION FOR THE
PURCHASE OF THE FIRE ASIDE PROGRAM
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Operations Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 341
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
(Note: Comm. 341.1, from Council Member James E. Hustace dated June 12,
2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 218-25, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 218-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Looking for everyone's support on this. I
had a good conversation with Chief(Kazuo) Todd about how we can better
communicate with our residents, as well as identify high-risk areas. And the
support of this going to the Hawaii Wildfire Management to purchase the Fire
Aside Program and software application would allow their inspectors to really
support community members in identifying what is appropriate in those areas; as
well as using this application, it provides us homeowners, through that process
and step, for them themselves to apply for grants so that they can make
improvements on their homes. So looking forward to your support on this.
Happy to answer any questions you might have on it.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. I believe there is an amendment?
MR. HUSTACE: Yes. And I do have an amendment. Thank you, Chair.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Hustace moved to amend Res. 218-25 with the
contents of Comm. 341.1. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This is just to adjust based on the budget
and the time allotted for the fiscal year. So appreciate your support on this as
well.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of amending Resolution 218-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 218-25 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 341.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
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.
Page 24
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 218-25.
Rules: Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following
(Approved) 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 Res. 218-25: The motion to adopt Res. 218-25, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
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.
Res. 219-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO TREE
REMOVAL AND TENNIS COURT IMPROVEMENTS IN COUNCIL
DISTRICT 9
Transfers $30,817 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Maintenance Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 342
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
(Note: Comm. 342.1, from Council Member James E. Hustace dated June 17,
2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Res. 219-25, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 219-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. In conversation with the Department of
Parks and Rec. (Recreation) , looking for your support on these funds going
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
towards tree removals specifically at Spencer Beach Park and Kamehameha Park,
as well as improvements to Kamehameha Park Tennis Courts. I also have an
amendment to this.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Hustace moved to amend Res. 219-25 with the
contents of Comm. 342.1. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. And this number just better reflects; there
was some carryover from the first half of the fiscal year to the second half. So
better allocation of funds going towards this effort. Appreciate your support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of amending Resolution 219-25
with the contents of Communication 342.1,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 219-25 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 342.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
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 Motion to Ms. Galimba moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 219-25. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the
(Approved) 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.
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 219-25: The motion to adopt Res. 219-25, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
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.
Res. 220-25: 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 NORTH
KOHALA COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER TO ASSIST WITH
EXPENSES RELATED TO THE KOHALA HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT GRAD
NIGHT
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 343
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 220-25. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Looking for your support. This is, as I've
mentioned, to assist with the expenses related to the grad night that has passed,
but the cost for that event.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor
MS. KAGIWADA: Chair?
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to check in with
Council Member Hustace on this. I see you worked with Liquor Control to get
this out to the nonprofit. Did you also look to Liquor to actually fund, because
Liquor has funds for grad night and for our different high schools around the
island. And I'm just wondering, did you utilize or do you know if they utilized
any of those funds?
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. This is in concert with the
support that they've also provided.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. This is an additional amount to what they were
provided by Liquor through that fund?
MR. HUSTACE: That's correct.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. I'm just trying to understand how that's working.
Thank you. Appreciate that. Happy to support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. All those in favor of
approving Resolution 220-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 220-25: The motion to adopt Res. 220-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
Res. 221-25: 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 NORTH
KOHALA COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER TO ASSIST WITH
EXPENSES RELATED TO THE KOHALA RESILIENCE HUB SUMMER
KEIKI CAMP
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 344
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 221-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Looking for everyone's support. This is for
an ongoing summer keiki camp up in North Kohala and expenses related to that
camp. So appreciate everyone's support.
Page 28
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 221-25: The motion to adopt Res. 221-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
Res. 222-25: 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
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY—WAIKOLOA REGION FOR ITS LITERACY
PROJECTS
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 345
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 222-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This is to support the Friends of the Library
Waikoloa Region and their literacy programs, specifically a lot of their keiki and
children's books that they've done in previous years. Appreciate everyone's
support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 222-25,
please say "aye."
Page 29
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Res. 222-25: The motion to adopt Res. 222-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
Res. 223-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HO`OULU
LAHUI FOR ITS HO`OULU MEAKANU PROJECT
Transfers $2,750 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 346
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 223-25. Seconded
by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This is funding so that we can purchase
garden supplies and native plant starts and other food trees that will be distributed
at the July 12'h Community Resilience and Preparedness Fair in Pahoa, the Billy
Kenoi District Park. So looking for everyone's support. It's such a critical time
that we do everything we can to help all of our `ohana households and
neighborhoods become food secure and resilient. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 223-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 223-25: The motion to adopt Res. 223-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
Page 30
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Res. 224-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR PARK MAINTENANCE AND/OR
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
Transfers $15,835 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Transfer to Capital Projects Fund-General account.
Reference: Comm. 347
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 224-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Just asking for my colleagues' support for park
improvement projects. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 224-25: The motion to adopt Res. 224-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Bill 58: AMENDS THE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY SCHEDULE,
CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 15-68.1, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY RENAMING
KAUMANA LANI PARK AS "YET SUNG CHANG PARK" IN HONOR OF
YET SUNG CHANG
Reference: Comm. 302
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Approve: PCHSW-1
Page 31
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to pass Bill 58 on first reading and
adopt Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being
Committee Report No. 1. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
Motion to Postpone: Ms. Kagiwada moved to postpone Bill 58 to July 9, 2025.
Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion on the postponement?
MS. KAGIWADA: Chair?
CHR. INABA: Yes.
MS. KAGIWADA: I just want to say it's just because the Parks and Rec.
leadership is not available today, and they said they'd make themselves available
at the July 9 h meeting.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Seeing no lights on, all
those in favor of postponing Bill 58 to the July 9 h Council meeting, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Bill 58 to July 9, 2025, was carried
Postpone: by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
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.
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): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Page 32
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Bill 54: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 24-33, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025
Appropriates excess fuel tax revenues collected from fiscal years 2022-2023 and
2023-2024 to the following projects totaling $1,493,554.75: Roadway Projects
($448,066.43), Bridge Inspection/Repair ($298,710.95), and Local Road Projects
($746,777.37). Funds for these projects shall be provided from fuel tax revenues,
in excess of what was projected in Ordinance No. 23-18.
Reference: Comm. 291
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: June 4, 2025
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
Membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawaii County Charter
Vote on Bill 54: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 54 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, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kimball — 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 55: 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 Federal Grants —HOME-American Rescue Plan
Program account($1,977,568); and appropriates the same to the HOME-American
Rescue Plan Projects account($1,817,225) and HOME-American Rescue Plan
Administration account($160,343), to be used towards the Kuakini Heights
Affordable Housing Project.
Reference: Comm. 292
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: June 4, 2025
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Bill 55: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 55 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, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kimball — 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 61: 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 Federal Grants —County of Hawaii Smart and Safe
Intersection Demonstration account($3,360,000); and appropriates the same to the
County of Hawaii Smart and Safe Intersection Demonstration account, to improve
road safety and reduce accidents at high-risk intersections.
Reference: Comm. 331
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: June 4, 2025
Vote on Bill 61: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 61 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, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kimball — 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 62: 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 —SS4A-County of Hawaii Smart and
Safe Intersection Demonstration account($840,000); and appropriates the same to
the SS4A-County of Hawaii Smart and Safe Intersection Demonstration account
to cover the local cost share, to improve road safety and reduce accidents at high-
risk intersections.
Reference: Comm. 332
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: June 4, 2025
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-17 June 18,2025
Vote on Bill 62: Mr. Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 62 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, 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.
MR. HUSTACE: Next Thursday, I will be cosponsoring/cohosting a community
resilience fair with Hawaiian Electric and many community partners, including a
number of County departments—Fire, Police, Civil Defense—at the Waikoloa
school cafeteria from 4-7 p.m. next Thursday. So an opportunity to learn about
community resilience, get engaged, hear from community leaders about how we
can get prepared in disaster and emergency defense. So I invite everyone to join
us and participate and learn more. Thank you so much, Chair.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting at 10:43 a.m.
MENT:
Council Approval: CT 0 8 20
25
CoTftff
JH/dg
Page 35