HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2025-08-06 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council
201h Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
August 6, 2025
INVOCATION: Pastor Josue Sanchez of Hilo Seventh-Day Adventist Church gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:02 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair
Mr. James E. Hustace, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
Absent& Excused: Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, 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 (Note: At this time:
EXPRESSIONS OF 1) Mr. Inaba presented the August 2025 Haweo Award to Detective Jenny Lee of
CONDOLENCE: the Hawaii Police Department;
2) Ms. Kagiwada presented a Certificate of Merit to Dr. Pascale Creek Pinner for
being introduced into the National Teachers Hall of Fame;
3) Ms. Kagiwada presented Certificates of Merit to Evan Rosehill and Matthew
Ohara for completing the requirements to rank as Eagle Scouts; and
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
4) Mr. Onishi presented Certificates of Merit to the Pilipa`a 18's Boys Volleyball
Team for claiming the title of 2025 AAU(Amateur Athletic Union) Boys
Volleyball National Champions.)
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:
Maya Parish: Res. 247-25 (Comm. 403), in support.
(representing Feed Hawaii
DBA Kohala Food Hub)
Cory Harden: Res. 235-25, Draft 2 (Comm. 379.2), in support; and
Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), comment.
Helen Morgia: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Leslee Cook: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Irene Andrews: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Braxton Igne: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
Charlize Bisogni: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
Jayne Florino: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Sharon Caldwell: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Aranda Gillum: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Irene Francis: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Uldra Johnson: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Janice Palma-Glennie: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Bill Brown: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Sheila Brown: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Elizabeth Wing: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Josephine Keliipio: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Julie Mitchell: Res. 255-25 (Comm. 414); and
(representing Ku`ikahi Res. 259-25 (Comm. 418), in support.
Mediation Center)
Jim Albertini: Res. 235-25, Draft 2 (Comm. 379.2), in support.
(representing Malu `Aina) (See Comm. 379.12)
Ben Catcho Jr.: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
(representing American
Bird Conservancy)
Peter Pomeranze: Res. 248-25 (Comm. 404), in support.
Lars Woodruffe: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Jet Dee: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Frances Pueo: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
(representing Hui Pono
Holoholona)
Kelly Smith: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Greg Baker: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Sylvia Dolena: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
(representing Aloha Animal
Advocates)
Danny Li: Res. 235-25, Draft 2 (Comm. 379.2), in support.
(See Comm. 379.18)
Donna LaBelle: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Monicah Souza: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
Sunny Gorg: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Paula Pippin: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
Elizabeth Lough: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
Eileen O'Hara: Bill 64 (Comm. 334), in support.
Jennifer Schneider: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in opposition.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Noah Hunt: Bill 51, Draft 3 (Comm. 283.288), in support.
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Chair Inaba announced that the Minutes of May 21, 2025,
were approved.
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
GOEAC-54 NOMINATION OF JUSTIN CANELAS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL
(Comm. 391): MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 16, 2025 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-54: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 54. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-55 NOMINATION OF GARY C. DAVIS TO THE KA`U COMMUNITY
(Comm. 392): DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 16, 2025 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-55: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 55. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
GOEAC-56 NOMINATION OF OWANA K. WILCOX TO THE SOUTH KOHALA
(Comm. 393): COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 16, 2025 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-56: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 56. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-57 NOMINATION OF BAMBI LAU TO THE SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY
(Comm. 394): DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 16, 2025 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on GOEAC-57: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
(Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 57. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
RES. 235-25 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
(DRAFT 2) the Chair:
(COMM. 379.2):
Art Taniguchi: In support.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Tommy Goya: In support
(representing East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai)
Res. 235-25: ACKNOWLEDGES THE EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARIES OF THE BOMBINGS
(Draft 2) OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI AND REAFFIRMS A COMMITMENT TO
PEACE
Reference: Comm. 379.2
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Approve: GOEAC-58
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 235-25, Draft 2, and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 58. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Chair. This morning I was lucky
enough to attend the memorial ceremony at the Hilo Hongwanji, commemorating
the 80'h anniversary of these terrible bombings. It just reaffirmed my commitment
to peace, and also appreciative of this body of supporting this so far and making it
known that our County Council is also supportive of peace.
The one thing I remember vividly from this morning was the minister talking
about how yesterday, which was August 6 h, in Hiroshima they had a school child
speak at their ceremony. And they very calmly and quietly I think summed up
kind of where we need to go with things when they talked about we need to listen
for understanding and speak with kindness. So I was just struck by how simple
that is, but also how we need to go.
I did want to call attention to the `BE IT RESOLVED" clauses of this resolution,
because I think that's our action going forward, both for us and for the
community. So I'm going to go ahead and read three of the resolve clauses:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF
HAWAI`I that the County hereby solemnly acknowledges and
commemorates the eightieth anniversaries of the atomic bombings
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by reaffirming its commitment to
championing peace, nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and
the resolution of conflict through diplomacy and mutual respect.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County pledges to
continue to support public education, cultural exchange, and
community remembrance events in peacebuilding initiatives.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County urges citizens and
institutions to reflect on the lessons of 1945, recommit to tolerance,
justice, and reconciliation, and reject the use and proliferation of
nuclear weapons.
So with that, I'm just asking for everybody's support and hope we can pass this
today. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Council Member
Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just want to thank you, Council
Member Kagiwada, for putting this resolution forward. I'm in full support. The
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were inhumane tragedies. And as we
reflect on the 80'h anniversary of those very devastating events that has kind of a
negative ripple effect in that local and global community, I completely agree with
you that we need to recommit ourselves to fostering peace-building frameworks
to commit to conflict resolution. And each of us, in our individual ways and as
communities, can model peace and aloha every single day. That's going to be the
absolute start.
And I think in these very turbulent times with all of the global conflict and the
fact that nuclear weapons do exist, this resolution is so important. Right? It's so
important that we save humanity, and we put the peace of nations ahead. So
thank you for bringing this forward. In full support. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I would also like to thank you, Council Member
Kagiwada, for bringing this forward and giving us the opportunity to reflect on
one of the greatest human tragedies of all time. As Mr. Taniguchi mentioned, we
did have a chance to go to Hiroshima, go to the memorial there. And having
walked through that museum and seeing some of the imagery from that time, I
found it very difficult to even make it through the museum. It is extraordinary
that humans could even think about doing that to each other.
And as Council Member Kierkiewicz says, we are in a time with multiple wars
going on between powers that have nuclear capability. We have other conflicts
that have not risen to the level of wars with other folks that have nuclear
capability. And I think it is important that those in charge reflect upon this event
and what it really meant, and use that as a decision-making criteria for not ever
having that course of action taken again. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Mahalo, Council Member, for bringing this
forward. It was very moving to hear from the testifiers speak on this as well
throughout the process. I just want to mahalo you for recognizing our history, the
challenges we face, and the work we have to do together. So thank you very
much.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. In full support. All
those in favor of approving Resolution 235-25, Draft 2,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 235-25: The motion to adopt Res. 235-25, Draft 2, and
Draft 2 Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 58 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 240-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR AND
OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT
FOR BODY CAMERA EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise,
Inc. to acquire 400 Axon body worn cameras, maintenance and cloud-based storage
to be used by the Police Department. These body worn cameras are to replace units
that are damaged, destroyed or obsolete.
Reference: Comm. 384
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-72
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 240-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 72. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No discussion. Look for everyone's
support. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. We do haveoh, Council Member Hustace, go
ahead.
MR. HUSTACE: Chair, I'm just looking for an amendment. I don't know if
there was one submitted. We had some discussion at Committee in regards to the
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
figure that was to be added. There was some discussion on that. We had a
similar discussion yesterday in Committee about resolutions that didn't have those
figures. So I don't know if there was an amendment to be attached with this.
CHR. INABA: Sure. We'll have Hauoli, our Police Department business
manager, share an update here.
(Note: At this time, Accountant Hauoli Aiona, Hawaii Police
Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. AIONA: Good morning. Hauoli Aiona, Accountant for Hawaii Police
Department. Yes. So, the last time we came to Council and Council Member
Kimball had asked for an amendment, that was submitted through our LRB
(Legislative Research Branch)process.
CHR. INABA: You have the floor.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I don't know if—did anyoneI didn't
receive it, unfortunately. Sorry, Chair, I don't have an amendment for this
resolution.
CHR. INABA: Okay. Would you like to provide—was the amount provided
verbally last time? Okay.
MS. AIONA: But I have the exact amount.
CHR. INABA: Okay. Would you like to share?
MS. AIONA: Sure. Okay. So on the amendment,per their request, they wanted
it to be listed as the exact amount. So we had it as—okay, so the total for the five
years, so the multi-year, would be $2,402,898.32. Each year, I will enter in a
contract for the amount of$480,579.67.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I appreciate that. Ms. Aiona, thank you for
those details. I don't think we received that amendment in time, but appreciate
those details regarding this resolution. So, Chair, I'll yield at this time.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: In order to be expedient, I think it's okay to move forward with
this, given that the record will reflect those dollar amounts. However, in the
future, hopefully we can include that in the resolution initially. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Thank you for the
answer. I can see it in our Committee report. I think this is part of our transfer
from how we've been doing business with the B-52s
MS. AIONA: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: To the new form of business where
everything's in the resolution. So thank you for being understanding and walking
through with us.
MS. AIONA: We just wanted it to be presented on this one because we had to do
a gap, which increased it by 63,000. The next gap will take effect on 8/15, which
is right around the corner. So I would have to route this contract before then.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Got it. Thank you very much for
being here.
MS. AIONA: You're welcome.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 240-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 240-25: The motion to adopt Res. 240-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 72 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 241-25: ACCEPTS THE DONATION OF SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEMS TO THE
COUNTY OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The donation of security camera systems from Blue Shield Security Hawaii, with
an estimated value of$4,500, would be installed at the Pana`ewa Park and Covered
Play Courts in Pana`ewa Hawaii.
Reference: Comm. 385
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-73
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Res. 241-25: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 241-25 and
(Adopted) Finance Committee Report No. 73. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 242-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM THE
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT
Transfers $5,000 from the Liquor Control/Public Programs account to the Sundry
Refund account to return funds to the General Fund.
Reference: Comm. 386
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-74
and
Comm. 386.1: From Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, dated July 25, 2025, transmitting
proposed amendments to Res. 242-25.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 242-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 74. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I'm looking back on the
Committee record. I was not here and I do apologize. This was a want to fund
the Kea`au Community Fun Day through a local nonprofit, and there was some
issue with the insurance not covering the organization that would be running the
fun day, although there was insurance for a different portion of the organization.
So the funds are being returned. I would like to make the motion.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend Res. 242-25
with the contents of Comm. 386.1. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is a thank you, Chair
straightforward amendment to amend the account number that it's being credited
to. I look for everyone's support.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 242-25 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 386.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to
Suspend Council waive the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Res. 242-25. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and
(Approved) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Res. 242-25: The motion to adopt Res. 242-25, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Finance Committee Report No. 74 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 244-25: AMENDS SECTION 3(B) AND SECTION 7.01(A) OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-39,
THE SALARY ORDINANCE OF 2025, TO ESTABLISH AN OPERATIONS
MANAGER POSITION WITHIN THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH BRANCH
Reference: Comm. 389
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-75
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 244-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 75. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thanks, Chair. Mr. Clerk, I have a question.
(Note: At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks came forward to address
the members of the Council.)
MR. ONISHI: You can introduce yourself.
MR. HENRICKS: County Clerk Jon Henricks.
MR. ONISHL Okay. My question is, since it's a new position the new
position, right, or title?
MR. HENRICKS: Correct. Title but not a new position, right.
MR. ONISHL Yes, right. The position's there but this is title,yes.
MR. HENRICKS: It's not a vacant position. Correct.
MR. ONISHL Yeah. And with a higher pay.
MR. HENRICKS: Correct.
MR. ONISHL Will this person have a six-month probation period?
MR. HENRICKS: No. It's an at-will position, so they're on probation every day,
for lack of a better—yeah.
MR. ONISHL No, no, okay. I just wanted to
MR. HENRICKS: Right, correct.
MR. ONISHL Because, youI did have questions about this
MR. HENRICKS: Yes, sir.
MR. ONISHL After our meeting in Kona, I just wanted to kind of clarify
wherein any department, division, business, people are going to talk. And
people are going to, I guess, rumor stuff around and so forth. So what I would
appreciate is that, for me, whatever I say here at the meetings, I mean, it's like not
going back to find out sources of where things got, I guess, told or what was
mentioned.
MR. HENRICKS: Okay.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MR. ONISHL You know what I mean? It's like I'm just hearing things, so I just
went—like that last meeting, I asked you about the whole situation; how this was
created, what is the process. Right?
MR. HENRICKS: Yes, sir.
MR. ONISHL And so that's what I wanted to find out. Okay?
MR. HENRICKS: Okay. Yes, sir.
MR. ONISHL So just kind of wanted to make that clear.
MR. HENRICKS: Understood.
MR. ONISHL So I'll support this. Thanks.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you. I appreciate your support.
CHR. INABA: Any further discussion on Resolution 244?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes,please.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just to Mr. Henricks and to the staff in our
Legislative Research Branch. I like the direction we're going in. I've been in
about six, seven years now, and it isn't always easy to work through legislation.
There's nine of us plus the County as a whole all with different ideas, with
different timings, and trying to get bills through and processed, and amendments,
work through our budget, deal with everything that comes through the County
that's done at this level here requires going through LRB. So having an increased
staffing, to me, is a huge positive; and getting to levels that I'd like to see us at
now and in the future. So thank you for your work to get us there.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Seeing no further discussion,just want to take this opportunity
while we can to speak to just the different departments within the executive
branch, and share what work has been ongoing. It is a partnership, working
between the legislative branch and the executive branch. And as we roll out this
new system of trying to be more transparent and more efficient, not only for our
own operations but for the public, I ask for your folks' k6kua in making this
transition as smooth and seamless as possible. So mahalo to you all. All those in
favor of approving Resolution 244-25, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Res. 244-25: The motion to adopt Res. 244-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 75 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 246-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO USA VOLLEYBALL INC.,
DOING BUSINESS AS MOKU O KEAWE, TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
FOR THE HAWAI`I ISLAND LABOR DAY CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL
TOURNAMENT
Transfers $4,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 402
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 246-25.
Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: This is a CRF (Contingency Relief Fund)resolution from my
office to cover costs associated with this volleyball tournament happening later
this month, I believe on the weekend of the 28 h. And it's to cover the luau
expenses for all participating teams. I ask for your support. And I believe there
might be others also supporting this event. Seeing no discussion, all those in
favor of approving Resolution 246-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 246-25: The motion to adopt Res. 246-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 15
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 247-25: 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 FEED HAWAI`I DBA
KOHALA FOOD HUB FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE
NORTH KOHALA FARM TO FAMILY PROJECT
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 403
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 247-25. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just looking for my colleagues' support on
this effort in supporting the Kohala Food Hub and their programs in the
North Kohala community. Just a side note, the North Kohala community is in a
little bit of an upheaval right now with some water challenges. So, looking for
support for our agricultural sector here with this of course, and our community
members that are in need of food.
This is really supporting our local farmers in the community and thus, in turn,
really feeding with healthy products to our community members. Grateful to
have Executive Director Maya Parish join us earlier this morning to provide some
insight into the program and the work they do in the community. So thank you
for your consideration and I appreciate your support. Mahalo, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Just to Council Member
Hustace, well done. This is a good program. Maya Parish has been around for a
long time and does tremendous work in our community. I love the private-public
partnership, as well as the idea of supporting farmers and getting food into our
community that's grown locally. Great program. So mahalo for bringing this
forward and doing this for your community.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 247-25,
please say "aye."
Page 16
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Res. 247-25: The motion to adopt Res. 247-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 248-25: 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 FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE
KOHALA CARES PROJECT
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 404
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 248-25. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just looking for continued support on these
projects for the North Kohala community. We've heard from Peter Pomeranze
today, who is the lead for this program under the North Kohala Community
Resource Center and the specific project of Kohala Cares that operates out of the
St. Augustine's church, and their weekly food drives, and providing this
opportunity for community, those in need and those who are kind of looking for
support day in and day out. So I appreciate your support for this project. Mahalo
nui.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 248-25, please say
Ic aye.
Page 17
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Res. 248-25: The motion to adopt Res. 248-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 249-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MOUNTAIN VIEW
ELEMENTARY PTA TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR THE MOUNTAIN
VIEW ELEMENTARY ALUMNI DINNER
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 405
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 249-25.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This is a CRF for my Mountain View
Elementary School, for their PTA (Parent-Teacher Association). Specifically
though, this was walked in as a request by the principal, Adria Medeiros, who's
an alumni of Mountain View Elementary and is currently the principal of the
elementary school. She really is a force for our community and I love her. So,
with that said, she came to me and asked me to help them host. The costs were
higher than what the PTA or the school can handle, and I told her that I would
assist. So I look for everyone's support. This happened in July. This is coming
in after the fact. The paperwork was done on time;just couldn't get there before
the event. But I heard it was a blast and look for everyone's support. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I wanted to voice my support for this
particular resolution. Mountain View Elementary is such a lifeline for so many
`ohana in the Upper Puna community. So thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder, for helping that community celebrate 120 years of positive impacts in
the community. I yield.
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 249-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 249-25: The motion to adopt Res. 249-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Kimball —2.
Excused: None.
Res. 252-25: ADOPTS USDA FORM RESOLUTION 1780-27 TO PROVIDE FOR A LOAN
FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, TO FINANCE CERTAIN PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS FOR IKI PLACE, KOHANAIKI HOMESTEADS,
NORTH KONA, HAWAI`I; AUTHORIZES THE EXECUTION OF AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE, FOR A GRANT FOR COSTS OF SUCH PUBLIC WATER
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS; AND AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR, THE
MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER
SUPPLY, THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, AND THE CHAIR OF THE
COUNTY COUNCIL TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO
FACILITATE SUCH LOAN AND GRANT
Authorizes a loan agreement with the USDA not to exceed $275,000 and a grant
agreement not to exceed $825,000 to fund a portion of the costs of constructing a
public water system for Iki Place, Kohanaiki Homesteads.
Reference: Comm. 410
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 252-25.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: We have joining us today our Finance Director, engineer from the
Department of Water Supply, and Deputy Corporation Counsel assigned to water.
And if you folks could just come and give us a quick overview as to the status and
progress on this project. This was waived from Committee.
As you folks might recall, this is a project in my district that I inherited, and we're
still in the process. So we'll get an update today. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Diane Nakagawa came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
Page 19
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MS. NAKAGAWA: Good afternoon, Council. Diane Nakagawa, Finance
Director. Thank you for the question and allowing us to provide a brief status
update. As mentioned last time, today actually I have a couple items related to
this project. So I'll try to condense a quick summary. This item in front of us
today is to get authorization to enter into this loan agreement with USDA (United
States Department of Agriculture) for $275,000. Included in the agreement is also
a grant not to exceed $825,000.
As I mentioned last time, this is improvements to a water distribution system at
Iki Place in Kohanaiki Homesteads. This includes 18 lots. This was at the
request of the community back in 2016. It has been up a long time. We
initially—Council passed a resolution initiating the improvement district. We
have gone through the necessary steps. We've worked with—of course, Water
has led the report on the proposed district and the improvements.
In 2023, we came before Council with the Chief Engineer's report and findings,
which included all the public hearing and outreach that was done during that time.
At the public hearing, there were six attendees all in support. And we have
continued to do mailings and published publications over that time period.
Let's see. I can go through the specifics on the assessments when we get to that
item, but the item that we have in front us right now is the authorization to enter
into the agreement with USDA and their resolution form. So, happy to answer
any questions. I just didn't want to jump around with the other items.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Director. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Well, not a lot to add besides thank you.
This is a project that you inherited. I remember this coming forward; I think it
was last term. And this is a process. So I know this is one step in the process.
But it takes time and energy and thought. So mahalo.
CHR. INABA: It sure does. Thank you. I ask for everyone's support on this.
With that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 252-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 252-25: The motion to adopt Res. 252-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 253-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE A REFRIGERATOR FOR THE MAKA`EO
EVENTS PAVILION
Transfers $2,850 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 412
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 253-25. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. INABA: Again, this is a CRF resolution from my office. Pretty
straightforward. It might seem like a lot for one refrigerator. It is. We are
installing a commercial-grade double-door refrigerator for our community to use
when they are using the kitchen at Maka`eo. Something that was requested and
much-needed for the busiest, largest facility we have on the west side. So my
mahalo to Director Honma and the team for acting quickly to get this done for our
community. Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thanks, Chair. Just a suggestion that when I was on the Council
before, I provided funding to Aunty Sally's for their refrigeration and so forth. So
because of the limited amount of deposits that they put down and people don't
really take care of it, so we made it higher. So that way, people would really take
care of this equipment that we put in. So my suggestion is to maybe work with
P&R (Parks and Recreation) to get that raised higher. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Understood. Thank you. All those in favor of approving
Resolution 253-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 253-25: The motion to adopt Res. 253-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
Page 21
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 254-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO USA VOLLEYBALL, INC.,
FOR ITS 2025 HAWAI`I ISLAND LABOR DAY CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL
TOURNAMENT
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 413
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 254-25. Seconded
by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Just joining a number of my colleagues in
supporting this very worthwhile event. Our CRF money is going to be used to
purchase some of the equipment, like scoreboards, netting, and volleyballs. So,
really excited for this to be hosted in our community, and really appreciate all the
organizers for taking the time to put on this really worthwhile event. I yield.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 254-25, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 254-25: The motion to adopt Res. 254-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi,
and Chair Inaba—6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Villegas —3.
Excused: None.
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 255-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KU'IKAHI MEDIATION
CENTER INC. FOR ITS BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 414
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 255-25. Seconded
by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Executive Director of Ku`ikahi was on
earlier. He was kind of explaining the benefits of the various programs that they
offer to community. So, looking for everyone's continued support of this really
valuable program. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thanks. Just in support. As we talked about peace starting
right here at home, this is obviously super important. And the way that they use
volunteers in the community really makes it more available to more people, and I
really do appreciate that about this organization. So thank you for supporting.
I'm happy to support the reso (resolution).
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 255-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 255-25: The motion to adopt Res. 255-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 256-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAI`I HI-DIVING
FRIENDS FOR A NEW THREE-METER DIVING STAND AND BOARD FOR
THE CHARLES "SPARKY" KAWAMOTO SWIM STADIUM
Transfers $6,000 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. 415
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 256-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Very worthwhile to try to get a pool
where we have a three-meter diving stand. But this is kind of helping a larger
project that Parks is doing, and that project actually has not come through yet. So
I'm actually going to be wanting to motion to postpone. Is that okay if I do it
right now?
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kagiwada moved to postpone Res. 256-25 to the call
Postpone: of the Chair. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 257-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO BIG ISLAND DANCE
COUNCIL FOR ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION INVITATIONAL
DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 416
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Page 24
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 257-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support, as I join I think Council
Member Kagiwada who put some funds for this 50'h anniversary event. I will also
put this out as the opportunity. You've all had the ability to use the new CRF
drafting format, and encourage you to provide feedback and how that's going. I
think it's much more transparent, much clearer, and much easier for our public.
But happy to take constructive criticism so we can continue to improve the
process. Mahalo.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 257-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 257-25: The motion to adopt Res. 257-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 258-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO USA VOLLEYBALL, INC.,
FOR ITS HAWAI`I ISLAND LABOR DAY CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL
TOURNAMENT
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 417
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 258-25. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just asking for my colleagues' support, and joining the others in
supporting this important event. Thank you.
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 258-25, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 258-25: The motion to adopt Res. 258-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 259-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KU'IKAHI MEDIATION
CENTER INC. FOR ITS "FINDING SOLUTIONS, GROWING PEACE"
BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 418
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 259-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Again, asking for my colleagues' support to fund
this important program in our community, and the excellent work of Ku`ikahi.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 259-25, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 259-25: The motion to adopt Res. 259-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Res. 260-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO USA VOLLEYBALL, INC.,
FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE HAWAI`I ISLAND LABOR DAY
CLASSIC VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 419
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 260-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
MS. KAGIWADA: Just another CRF that's for the volleyball tournament.
Thanks.
CHR. INABA: Perfect. Thank you. All those in favor of approving
Resolution 260-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 260-25: The motion to adopt Res. 260-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 261-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT CHAIRS FOR THE
SARGEANT RODNEY J. T. YANO MEMORIAL HALL COMMUNITY
FACILITY IN SOUTH KONA
Transfers $3,056 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 420
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Res. 261-25: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 261-25. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: It's now 12:27. We are going to take a 20-minute recess for a bio
break and a quick lunch. We'll be back at 12:47. Thank you.
Recess: At 12:27 p.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:49 p.m.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 29: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 3, SECTION 25-3-3, OF THE HAWAI`I
(Draft 2) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
Allows for the establishment of special zoning districts using methods of
geographical description other than metes and bounds.
Reference: Comm. 142.4
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Approve: PCPLUED-5
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 29, Draft 2, on first
reading and adopt Policy Committee on Planning, Land
Use, and Economic Development Committee Report No. 5.
Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Really appreciate the support that's
been provided by the Planning Department, favorable recommendations from the
department and the planning commissions. I'm coming to you all on bended
knee. My town of Pahoa has really struggled. I think we've seen over the last
decade with the eruption, with COVID (coronavirus disease),just the impact on
the town with businesses closing.
Page 28
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
And I'm trying to leverage a tool that we have at our disposal, and that's to create
policy, pass ordinances. And one of the things that our office has been working
on for close to a year now with community partners and businesses in Downtown
Pahoa is a special district to create a Downtown Pahoa Special District, which
would allow for an increase of a variety of different permitted uses based on what
the community values in terms of industry and economy. We're also taking a
look at how we might reactivate the Pahoa Village Design Guideline Committee
so that when businesses are coming through to build new storefronts or
rehabilitate what's there, they're doing it Pahoa style.
Anyway, in order for our office to move forward with even beginning the
discussion around the special districts, we needed to make this edit in the code
regarding metes and bounds. One of the things that we struggled with was
identifying a special district area utilizing a very technical and expensive process,
metes and bounds. But in doing some research, Downtown Hilo, Kailua Village,
even Pahoa, when it set up the design guidelines were not established using metes
and bounds. They used very simple terminology, like street names and
landmarks. Not like "mango tree,"but like actual statues or something.
Anyway, I'm just looking for parity. I'm looking for parity in allowing for the
creation of a special Downtown Pahoa district with an alternate map when the
Director deems that it is appropriate. This would also support future Council
Members who have the idea of setting up special districts in their community. So
just looking for everyone's support on this as we move this bill along.
Director Darrow from Planning is here to answer any questions that folks might
have, and I can answer questions as well. Thank you, Chair, I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Director, anything to add at this time? No? All
right. Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just want to say happy to support. I think it's a very reasonable
step, especially given that we have other tools, like GIS (Geographic Information
System), to establish boundaries that are going to be fairly accurate and
defensible. And I think this is a precedent that's important to set as far as policy-
making, that we can use some of these other mechanisms that are not so costly to
us and the landowner. So thank you for putting it forward. You have my full
support.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I'm also happy to support. I think you're
leading the way in trying something new for some of our districts that really need
help. I'll be watching and hoping that this is really successful and cheering you
on. Thank you for putting it forward. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of approving
Bill 29, Draft 2, at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 29: The motion to pass Bill 29, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and
(Approved) Economic Development Committee Report No. 5 was
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 74: AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND OF
THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE
PURPOSE OF FINANCING A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF
CONSTRUCTING A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM SERVING IKI PLACE,
KOHANAIKI HOMESTEADS, NORTH KONA, HAWAI`I; FIXES THE FORM,
DENOMINATION, AND CERTAIN DETAILS OF SUCH BOND; PROVIDES
FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF SUCH BOND AND FOR OTHER
MATTERS OR ACTIONS PERTAINING THERETO
The sale of$275,000 of a general obligation bond to the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) is required for the County to secure a loan in the same
amount from the USDA.
Reference: Comm. 411
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Bill 74: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 74 on first
(Approved) reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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:
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Bill 69: PROVIDES FOR THE COST OF PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
IN"IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 21 —IKI PLACE WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS,"FIXES THE PORTION OF THE COST TO BE ASSESSED
AGAINST BENEFITED ASSESSMENT UNITS,ADOPTS A FINAL
ASSESSMENT ROLL, IMPOSES AN ASSESSMENT LIEN AGAINST EACH
ASSESSMENT UNIT ASSESSED ACCORDING TO THE ASSESSMENT,
PROVIDES FOR PAYMENT OF ASSESSMENTS IN INSTALLMENTS, AND
AUTHORIZES FURTHER ACTIONS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Creates a special fund to be known as "Improvement District No. 21 —Iki Place
Water System Improvements Fund," into which the funds for the Net Project Cost
and all money collected by the Director of Finance for assessments levied by this
ordinance shall be placed (the total estimated cost of the Net Project Cost in the
Improvement District is $275,000).
Reference: Comm. 388
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: July 23, 2025
Vote on Bill 69: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 69 on second
(Adopted) and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 70: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2026
Increases revenues in the Fund Balance from Previous Year account($59,000,000);
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. 390
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: July 23, 2025
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 70 on second
and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor
Page 31
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Sorry, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: One thing came up, Diane. I wanted to ask
you a question regarding the hazard pay. Director Nakagawa. Sorry. It feels like
I know you.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Diane Nakagawa came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: My question is, for not elected officials but
appointed officials, which is like some verya smaller portion of the County
employees covered under a different section with the County. Is there any hazard
pay or other mitigative pay that's coming forward for those folks?
MS. NAKAGAWA: At this time, elected officials are not included in the hazard
pay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Not elected officials. Appointed staff.
MS. NAKAGAWA: Appointed employees, correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, no, nothing at this time? Okay. And
that is a bargaining unit decision that came through with the negotiations per
MS. NAKAGAWA: So right now, we are going through the terms of each of the
bargaining units, and those are not covered in those units.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Is there a reason they are not? Just
asking out of interest.
MS. NAKAGAWA: I'm going to ask for some help here with Corporation
Counsel.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And thank you. Sorry. Sort of a
random question, but I did get asked. And understanding this is a negotiation
between County and State and bargaining units.
MS. NAKAGAWA: Right. At this point, we are following the terms of these
separate agreements.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MS. SCHOEN: Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. So it's my understanding
that those discussions have not occurred because Administration has been
focusing on the temporary hazard pay with all of the unions. But at this time, my
understanding is there's no temporary hazard pay for appointed.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you very much. I yield,
Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Bill 70 at second and
final reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 70: The motion to pass Bill 70 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
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
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
BILL 51 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
(DRAFT 3) the Chair:
(COMM. 283.288):
Nancy Parker: In opposition.
Renee Rabb: In opposition.
Barbara Cigainero: In opposition.
(representing Action 4 Animals)
Kealohahoomaikalani Li: In support.
Lauren Smith: In support.
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Jordan Lerma: In support.
(representing Nene.org)
Bill 51: AMENDS CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE 3, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983
(Draft 3) (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO ANIMALS
Regulates the feeding of feral or stray animals on property owned, leased, rented,
managed, or operated by the County, unless it is done by a certified community cat
caretaker authorized by the Animal Control and Protection Agency.
Reference: Comm. 283.288
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
First Reading: July 23, 2025
(Note: The following proposed amendments to Bill 51, Draft 3, were circulated:
1) Comm. 283.289 from Council Member Jenn Kagiwada dated August 4, 2025;
2) Comm. 283.290 from Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder dated
August 6, 2025;
3) Comm. 283.291 from Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder dated
August 6, 2025; and
4) Comm. 283.292 from Council Member Heather L. Kimball dated August 6,
2025.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 51, Draft 3,
on second and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I'm going to start off by
providing a mahalo to those who came in both in support and both opposed. If we
don't have a good conversation, if we're not willing to listen to each other, if
we're not willing to sit down and hash out the details versus just throwing
whatever we want to say at each other, then we're no better than everyone we
watch on TV(television) and have feelings for one way or the other. That's first
and foremost. There's been a lot of discussion about our use of different words,
and that's not what we're here to discuss. We're here to discuss the public safety
issue, protection of endangered species, and the protection of our public spaces in
whatever way we choose to do so. And we will be on different sides of the table.
It happens on every issue that comes in front of anybody anywhere, even at the
dining room table.
I want to run through a few points here. Most importantly, this bill does not and
is not centered solely on cats. And that has been the going lingo and idea this
entire bill's hearing history, but it does not say the word "cats" specifically. They
are a part of the feral animals, that is true, but does not say "cats" specifically.
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
The County continues to fund solutions. They have. They will continue to do so.
If it's not up to par, that needs work. That's Animal Control. That is our
nonprofits. We have a list of nonprofits that was given to us by Ms. Dovina. I
appreciate that. That also speaks to how many programs that are in our County
that may or may not be funded by the County, which is public taxpayer money
that goes to fund programs that do spay and neuter, organizations and their work.
That's incredibly important to note as we walk into a discussion about what we
are or are not doing.
To the point that we have not listened, I find it frustrating because we're on
Draft 3. There have been multiple amendments over the course of the last eight
weeks proving that we listened. Each one pointing to a different area, each from a
different Council Member wanting to amend a code section potentially, that takes
into account what we're hearing from both sides of the fence. There are already
abandonment laws in our County code that stem from HRS (Hawai`i Revised
Statutes).
From the beginning, before this bill even hit the floor, I worked with Lauren Foo
to make sure that her wants and her program that was potentially walking into the
County would be allowable. And the first thing that we did was amend this bill to
allow for any programs authorized by the County, and that really did wrap any
program that existed, does not exist yet that could fit within the bucket of what
we're trying to do here.
And lastly, we have educated people on both sides. I love that because it shows
that we're working together to come to a solution that's acceptable for all of us. I
have had numerous opposed testimony. I've also had supportive testimony, even
from folks on the Audubon Society, the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources). There's a number
of strong organizations that are in support of the idea of prohibiting the feeding of
animals to lessen the impact on our endangered species, which is where this bill
originated from.
So, with that, we had a memo that came in from our Corporation Counsel
stemming from a concern that was raised at the last meeting. Ms. Schoen, could
you please walk us through your memo that was submitted? And I'm hoping we
don't have to dive into Executive Session today. But if you could summarize for
us, I think that would be helpful for the conversation and for any amendments that
potentially stand as being a portion of this bill today.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MS. SCHOEN: Good afternoon. Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. So,yeah,
the memo that I did provide was under attorney-client communication based upon
direct questions that I received from Council Member Onishi. So would you like
me to share those with the body right now?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: If you are comfortable—let's just say
whatever you're comfortable in sharing without having to enter Executive
Session; it's transparent for the constituents that are here with us. But I also don't
want to overstep what you've shared, and I'm not saying anything to give you that
leeway.
Point of Information: MR. ONISHL Chair,point of information.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi, your point.
MR. ONISHL I think we should go into Executive Session with this memo that
we got of my questions, because we could kind of put ourselves into different
situations.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Corp. (Corporation) Counsel Schoen, would
you like to enter Executive Session in protecting our interest?
MS. SCHOEN: That would be my preference, but it's up to this body.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to enter into Executive
Enter into Session in order to hold attorney-client privilege discussion
Executive Session: regarding Bill 51, Draft 3, as authorized by
(Approved) Section 92-5(a)(4) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice
vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Recess: At 1:22 p.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the
room.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 2:06 p.m.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: We are out of Executive Session,pursuant to Hawaii Revised
Statutes governing our Executive Session matters. Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder will provide a brief summary of our discussion.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Per our rules, in our
Executive Session we discussed the requirements of and the compliance with both
Federal and State laws in regards to the County of Hawaii and the actions that we
may or may not take.
CHR. INABA: Thank you very much. So we currently have on the floor Bill 51,
Draft 3. You have the floor, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Okay, of what we have just
learned from our Corporation Counsel, I believe, without stating anything that
we've learned thank you. Thank you, Chair. Thank you for the reminder. I
believe the best thing to do, at this point in time, is to return to where we started.
So, at this time, I'd like to make a motion to amend Bill 51, Draft 3, with the
contents of Communication 283.290.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend Bill 51, Draft 3,
with the contents of Comm. 283.290. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: For those joining either on Zoom or here in the chambers, this is
available on our County Laserfiche website under"Pending Amendments," and
located there for amendments under Bill 51. Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, Chair. So, reason
being, we decided in Executive Session not in the Executive Session, but it was
brought to my attention that in Kauai County, an issue arose regarding
endangered species. And an ordinance was passed to effectuate a change within
the County law that protected the endangered species. In the same sense, we're
doing the same thing here.
By creating a program, which we were calling the Certified Community Cat-taker
program, we do run the risk of being outside of what is allowable under Federal
and State law. And so the amendment in front of you, 283.290, would effectively
remove the Certified Community Cat-taker program out. And while that may be
seen as an incredible negative, I would point to the wording in Section (d), which
I actually added in, or we as a body added in in a previous hearing for this bill,
that"nothing in this section prohibits, restricts, or limits the ability of the County
or of a person authorized or contracted by the County to trap, remove, impound,
or seize an animal or to undertake any other power or duty under this chapter or
the Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapters 142 or 143."
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
I read this section to you today because, after seven years of sitting in this chair, I
have realized that when we decide to get ultra specific and make things incredibly
complex in our code language, we actually create more problems than we mean
to. And so by enabling a person in the case of Section (d)that is contracted by the
County to trap, remove, impound, or seize an animal or to undertake any other
power or duty blah, blah, blah, blah, we're basically saying if you come in and
work with the County and you're authorized by the County, and we're overseeing
that program, then we are making sure that we're not overstepping any State or
Federal laws that exist. That doesn't mean that you can't continue doing trap,
neuter, release programs. And that was the purpose of the amendment in the first
place after working with Lauren and Parks and Rec (Recreation) to find that
middle ground.
This has been the language for a month, but it was amended at the last hearing to
really carve out even more of a niche program, which is good. But it also creates
a layer of complexity, and we step away from the idea that was ingrained in me,
which is keep it simple. Anyone should be able to read any section of our code
and know exactly what it means at all times, and not have to get a lawyer to
explain it back to them. And so that really is why this amendment is in front of
us. It takes us back to where we started, but in a way that doesn't take away
anything that's been asked of us already and protects the County and citizens of
our County from overstepping any State or Federal laws that exist. With that,
seeking the Council's support. And I do appreciate your patience to date, as there
has been a number of hearings and a lengthy discussion. So thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. On the amendment, Council Member Kimball and
then Council Member Villegas.
MS. KIMBALL: I think, based on the discussion we had in Executive Session, it
makes sense for us to go back to a clean slate to work from. I would just ask for,
either from the Chair or from the Clerk, I presume that because going back to the
original language would include the references to 142, 143, that when we get back
to deliberations on the main motion, we can still talk about the feeding program
that was identified in the Draft 3. And that would not be outside of the bounds of
Sunshine Law if we were to take that up, in which case I would ask the maker if
we could actually talk a little bit about the bill in its current form before moving
forward with the amendment so we can have that dialogue. But I will defer to the
Clerk and the Chair on that.
CHR. INABA: You want clarity on whether we can discuss a feeding program
after we remove that language from the bill via this amendment?
MS. KIMBALL: Yes.
CHR. INABA: Mr. Clerk or Corporation Counsel?
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MR. HENRICKS: Nothing to add.
CHR. INABA: I'll make the determination I don't think it's out of the question. I
think we can discuss it as a matter just generally related to the topic at hand.
MS. KIMBALL: Great, thank you. That's all I needed to know. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas, on the amendment.
MS. VILLEGAS: On the amendment, thank you for taking us back to this simple
form. Also, as you were talking about Section (d), really looking at each word, it
doesn't say anything in here about feeding. I know that using food as a means to
lure, to trap, to me that's a connected utilizing of food as bait. To me, I just want
to make it very clear that you can work with the County to trap, remove, impound,
or seize an animal but not for consecutive, consistent feeding. So there is
opportunity for people to work with the County to remove the animals from our
County Parks and Rec facilities. But the consistent feeding will no longer be
allowed, and I firmly support that. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. So I had a proposed amendment here that
would amend the language that we have included,that now we're talking about
taking out. And I'm wondering if there's still room since I didn't get a chance
and that was actually numbered before this one—to talk about that, to have a
chance to discuss it. Would I still be able to consider it in the main motion, or
does it need to be brought into this conversation?
CHR. INABA: I don't believe we can take that up due to the overlapping
language. So we can't amend language that we already removed via the current
amendment on the floor. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder had the floor
first as he was the maker of this bill. So he had the first opportunity to make the
amendment today.
MS. KAGIWADA: So there's no opportunity to discuss this language in any
way?
CHR. INABA: Maybe we can discuss it. Mr. Clerk, if you want to chime in
there, but I don't think we could actually take action on it.
MR. HENRICKS: Yes, certainly out of my jurisdiction to decide what the
Council can discuss. It's the Chair's first prerogative. But just as generally on
the main motion, you know to your question about with this communication, is
it viable if this amendment on the floor is approved? No, it's not.
CHR. INABA: Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MS. KAGIWADA: So could I bring it up now since we're ?
CHR. INABA: No because we are on
MS. KAGIWADA: Discussing removing the language that I had intended to
amend? We're on the amendment now, right?
CHR. INABA: We're on 283.290. So any discussion related to that specific
amendment, you can discuss.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you. Okay. So I had been prepared to amend
the language that we're talking about taking out, and I just want to share that with
the public and with the Council here so that you understand what my intention
was. In our last meeting, we had talked about the word "return"being
problematic by itself. And so I had put in some language here to talk about
"strategic return" and
CHR. INABA: Okay, so that's where we can't discuss that.
MS. KAGIWADA: Why can't ?
CHR. INABA: Because we are on 283.290.
MS. KAGIWADA: I'm talking about—
CHR. INABA: Excuse me. The language that's being struck from the bill is in
283.290. There's nothing regarding "strategic return" here.
MS. KAGIWADA: But there is about"return."
CHR. INABA: We can't talk about what's in another amendment right now.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. But I'm not bringing it up as an amendment; I just
want to specify that. If I can talk about it in the main motion, that's fine, but I'm
only talking about it as far as we are talking about this amendment and removing
the word "return." I am addressing the fact that in this proposed amendment,
we're talking about removing the word"return." And so I wanted to discuss what
that means and the discussion around that word "return." And once we
CHR. INABA: We're removing the whole section right now, Council Member
Kagiwada. So if you have concerns about that, please express those concerns.
MS. KAGIWADA: I do. I have concerns about removing the word"return,"
which I—after our last discussion, I wanted it to mean or to include "strategic
return,"which I had been talking about meaning rehoming or fostering;
transportation to a home, shelter, or sanctuary; humane euthanasia when
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
recommended by a veterinarian; or return to previous designated area as approved
by the Animal Control and Protection Administrator. So I just wanted to say
that's what I had hoped to change. Now that we're removing the word"return," I
don't think I have the ability to discuss it later. So I just wanted to put that out
there. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Briefly, I'm ready to vote on this amendment and
share my mana`o, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Ms. Kagiwada, in reviewing the
amendment, I didn't want to take away from that. From what we've just learned
from Corporation Counsel, to do anything that would maintain the idea of the
certified community cat caretaker program would be potentially detrimental to the
County. So, in regards to the amendment and the reason for 283.290, my
amendment, was to remove that so we're not overstepping any State or Federal
laws. I'm hoping that helps to answer your question in a couple different ways.
MS. KAGIWADA: Chair, may I just respond?
CHR. INABA: Okay, go ahead.
MS. KAGIWADA: Just yeah, so I guess I was reacting to the original language,
whichsorry, we have so many amendments here—which you alluded to earlier
about the "nothing prohibits a person authorized or contracted by the County to
trap, remove, impound, or seize the animal." So that was you had said that it
doesn't take away the ability of some of our community folks to do some of that.
And so I wanted to add this "strategic return"to the conversation,just for thought
and to be out there, because I think it was a concern. I'm sorry, at the last
meeting that you weren't here at, we talked about this. I was responding to that
discussion. Thanks, I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All right, I'll share my thoughts here. Thank you,
Vice Chair Onishi, for the inquiry to the Corporation Counsel and, Corporation
Counsel, for your subsequent memo. I think we had good discussion in Executive
Session to really make sure we know where we stand in terms of Federal and
State laws. It relates to endangered species and making sure we stay in our lane
and in line on that. So, with that, can we take a roll call vote,please, on amending
Bill 51, Draft 3, with the contents of Communication 283.290?
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 51, Draft 3, with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 283.290 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: Council Member Kagiwada— 1.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Motion to Suspend Ms. Villegas moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive
Council Rules: the holdover for the substantive amendment of Bill 51,
Draft 3. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
MS. VILLEGAS: I'd like to call for the vote.
MR. HENRICKS: It's not debatable.
CHR. INABA: It's not debatable so here we go on suspending the rule. Roll call.
Vote on Motion to The motion to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Bill 51, Draft 3,
Rules: was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: We can continue discussion either on Bill 51, Draft 3, as amended
with the contents of Communication 283.290, which removed certified
community cat caretaker exemptions from this ordinance. Council Member
Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I'd like to call for the vote.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to call for the question. Seconded by
Call for the Question. Mr. Onishi and failed by the following roll call vote:
Failed
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Onishi, and Villegas —3.
Noes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, and Chair Inaba—5.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: We are still on the main motion, Bill 51, Draft 3, as amended.
Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. I'll start with the comment was made by
Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder that often we disagree up here on the dais.
I would actually say that I think that, on this idea, we are actually all in
fundamental agreement: 1) cats, non-native species, they don't belong here.
They're harmful to the environment; 2) we all care for and prioritize the
protection of our native species, particularly those that are endangered and
threatened; and 3)that we believe that there's fundamental responsibility of the
Council and the County to protect health and safety in our public spaces; our
parks, our roadways, all of that.
What I would ask is for the opportunity to continue to work on what we are trying
to achieve through this legislation to meet those goals. Because I fundamentally
believe that, as drafted, this will not be successful. We have laws on the books
already for abandonment, which are not enforced and which is the primary reason
why we have so many feral cats in our parks. We have laws that DLNR are
meant to enforce, and we know that they can because they've tried, and they don't
enforce.
And to have one more law on the books that is going to be very difficult to
enforce, what it's going to result in, I honestly believe, is a series of nuisance calls
to HPD (Hawai`i Police Department) to—Council Member Onishi, why are you
pointing at me while I'm talking? Okay. I'm sorry. I felt like that was not
appropriate. It's all good? Okay, thank you.
What I would say is that there are going to be a lot of nuisance calls made to
Dispatch, to HPD that are not going to be responded to because HPD has higher
priorities—domestic violence, burglaries, auto thefts, things like that. And so it's
just going to be a point of frustration for everyone. The very passionate cat
feeders that have come out again and again, they're going to start feeding cats in
other locations.
The whole program that we've been talking about was actually initiated because
my paddling friend said, "We've got feral cats in our canoe hale. Can you come
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
and help us do something?" I said, "Yes. Let's try to figure this out." So I
started working with some of the groups, and they said, "You know what, if we
remove all of the cats from the hale at Bayfront, all the cats from Suisan or from
Wailoa State Park are just going to move in. And you're just going to have this
cycle of cats." That's what's going to happen here, is that they may not continue
to show up in some of these locations.
But cats are resourceful. I'm sorry; I don't believe that they're going to starve.
They are going to go eat geckos. They're going to go eat roaches. They're going
to go eat bugs. They will do what they need to survive. That doesn't worry me.
But what worries me is that we're not going to actually accomplish what we're
trying to achieve here, which is to protect our native species, to protect our birds,
and to protect the health and safety of the public particularly in our shoreline
areas.
This is what the data show. This is an area where the data are not conclusive. It's
not conclusive that trap-neuter-release-manage works, and it's not conclusive that
it doesn't. Because, there were very specific criteria. You have to get 98 percent
neutered for a trap-neuter-release program to actually work successfully. That's
why there's a need for a pilot program; what could actually work here. Now, I
will say that there is not necessarily a reason why the pilot program has to be on a
County property. It could be on a property owned by another entity or a private
person.
The key thing with this pilot program, and I'm looking over here because the key
thing with this pilot program is that there are so many people with disparate ideas,
as we know, very passionate on all sides of this, that need to actually come
together for us to successfully manage the cat program. And the idea of this
process was to get everybody at the table talking, and we were kind of almost
there. It's so unfortunate because this bill literally came out the day after our last
facilitated meeting. I mean, this is how difficult this is. We had two meetings
where we hired a facilitator to help us talk through all of the details and logistics,
and we were almost ready to go. And there were still some things that we worked
out, some of the things that we talked about in Executive Session today. So I'm
just going to leave it there.
I would like for us this is not the highest and most important thing, sorry, that
we have to deal with in this body. It just isn't. And I don't want to spend a ton of
time on it. But I'd rather get it right than have something that's just another law
on the books that doesn't get enforced. So I ask for a postponement.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. We talked about enforcement. We've passed
legislation about enforcement, and certain ones that we're not going to be able to
enforce. For example, riding the bikes along certain County roadways. By the
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
time people call, the people on the bikes are going to be off the roads. So when
police come, or if they ever come, then they might cite them or they might fine
them. But we've passed—I've seen so much on the Council that we passed, so
much legislation, that it's not enforceable. Or it is you're supposed to enforce
but it's not being enforced.
Through all that discussion about management, I never heard once a mention
about the cat sanctuary. And I've got to go to Ms. Kimball, if I can.
CHR. INABA: Just a moment. I'm going to ask members of this body to refrain
from making side comments or gestures, because I'm seeing that as an issue
today. So you've been noticed. Please stop. Vice Chair Onishi, continue.
MR. ONISHL Okay, thank you. So you've been to Lanai to see the cat
sanctuary. I want to get your thoughts on how, or if they are successful or they're
not successful in that program.
MS. KIMBALL: May I respond, Chair?
CHR. INABA: Go ahead, Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: I think that they, on Lanai, because it is privately funded and
it's on private property and it is not—
MR. ONISHL No, no, my question just is, is it successful or it's not successful,
in your thoughts.
MS. KIMBALL: I would judge success on, to include economic viability. If it
were a county-operated sanctuary
MR. ONISHL I'm not saying that.
MS. KIMBALL: I do not think it's successful.
CHR. INABA: All right. So, no further dialogue now, I'll make a statement and
answer simple questions.
MR. ONISHL If we can create or if we can get someone to come to this island to
create or get support from the County to create this cat sanctuary, that could help
with what I'm hearing through discussions about we're not going to, I guess,
reduce the populations of this feral species. So, to me, we need all these parts.
And it was mentioned in testimony that we need all the different parts in order for
this to work. And we cannot just have one part; we need all the parts. So, unless
we can get all of them, it's not going to work.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
But, for me, we need to protect Hawaii County from State and Federal laws. We
cannot violate that. I've been there before, on previous council, when the body
passed something and then we got, I guess, sued or we got a court order that we
were illegally doing what we were doing. So I just don't want to see that happen
here, and I don't want to be part of that, of having to violate the Federal and State
laws. I yield. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. On the main motion, Council Member Kagiwada and
then Council Member Villegas.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Chair, I just wanted to remind my colleague that
I just brought up the cat sanctuary when I was talking about what strategic return
means to me, which was rehoming or fostering, transportation to a home, shelter,
or sanctuary, humane euthanasia when recommended by a veterinarian, or
returning to the previous designated area as approved of by the Animal Control
and Protection Administrator. So I take issue that it hasn't been brought up. I just
said it and I just wanted to repeat that so it is part of the record, because I do think
that it is a possible part of the solution, like you just said. You said there's lots of
parts and I totally agree; all those things are part of the solution.
I do understand what Council Member Kimball is saying. It's something I've
been saying all along. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, to the maker, who
will be enforcing this law if it goes through? What agency has said they could do
that or they will do that? Can you please let me know?
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. My assumption would be
HPD or Animal Control. My common sense would tell me it would be HPD. The
only way we'll ever know is to pass the law and find out.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. I also have just similar—our HPD is very
overwhelmed and understaffed. And I think—dangerous dogs were biting and
killing people. Now, that's an issue that I hope HPD continues to be involved
with around animal control. I think we have much higher priorities for our HPD
than this. So thank you for articulating that. I do hope we can continue to look at
a solution that gets us all to where we want to go could be here. I'm just really
worried that we're selling ourselves short and selling our County short if we pass
this as is and think that's the end of it. I yield.
CHR. INABA: All right. Council Member Villegas and then Council Member
Kimball. Let's wrap this up.
MS. VILLEGAS: Being born and raised here on the Big Island and having seen
the feral cat issue and the devastation and demise of our indigenous species and
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
our birds over decades, heard the same pleas from advocates for feeding in public
spaces for decades, those faces and names and organizations expand and
withdraw consistently.
Also, I want to point out that people have been mentioning glyphosate harming
native species, as well as sunscreens. I want to point out this body has passed
legislation that prohibit the utilization of glyphosate in our County Parks and Rec
facilities. So, tick; we have taken action on those other harmful exposures.
We've also passed legislation that created a ban on the sale of non-mineral
sunscreen in our County. So, tick; we are taking action in that capacity as well.
I'm very close with our community policing in Kona, and yeah, this isn't
something they're going to want a whole lot of calls about. But quite frankly, the
consistency and the repetitiveness as well as the same location where feeding of
colonies happens in our County parks and on our properties would make it—it's
not going to take very long for the message to be sent.
Also, 9.9 percent of the people that I hear from outside of this chambers on this
issue express their gratitude to this Council for taking up this issue. Nobody's
saying it's going to solve everything. God, that would be wonderful! That's not
possible on any issue. But nobody's picked it up and been willing to bring it
forward because of, quite frankly, a lot of the bullying that happens by people
who are passionate about these creatures. And nobody wants to be pegged as
somebody that supports starvation legislation.
So this is a tough one to pick up. But it's a step, like these other pieces of
legislation that we've passed, moving us towards where we want to get to. And I
believe it also forces responsibility onto the advocates for these creatures and for
ensuring their health and wellbeing, and forces them to step up to the next level of
trapping, of neutering, rehoming, relocating, or ethically euthanizing. It just
forces that next step.
And it also, to our next generation of leaders and scientists and environmental
activists and cultural practitioners, it sends a message to our future generation of
leaders that we hear them. We recognize and value their returning to the culture,
the language, the value systems that are aligned with our native species and what
they represent to a people.
When I hear people talking about cruelty to species, that's when I want to say,
"Please know the history of this place, what happened to the people of this place,
what happened to their language, their culture." And in the renaissance, the
resilience, and the regenerative return of that wisdom and those people, I myself
see hope for our future. And unfortunately, yes, there are invasive species here
that will end up eventually being removed because they weren't intended from
here, and not as domesticated; like, keep your cat. They're precious creatures.
But yes, through the negligence and perpetual practices.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
But we have to take a step forward with courage, determination, and honoring
just honor you guys. So thanks for being here consistently and your efforts and
diligent work, and the heat you've taken in many different arenas. But I honor the
legacy that you are going to be leaving. And I'm grateful to be here to support
your work. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder, for just showcasing leadership in bringing this very difficult topic to
our body to discuss. I have been tracked down by people on both sides of the
issuecalls, visits to my office, at the supermarket, at community events just
kind of imploring me to vote one way or the other. So I just I appreciate the
passion on all sides.
My preference for the bill was the previous version, Draft 3, where there was a
component where the community was recognized as a partner and a collaborator
in taking care of animals. And in light of what was presented in Executive
Session, the complications of including that and being at risk of violating Federal
law was very concerning. So we're back to this draft, but it's not palatable to
opposition, and the majority of them happen to live in my district. So I need to
honor your position and be your voice here on the Council.
I am with my colleagues Council Members Kimball and Kagiwada in the concern
about our County's ability to enforce this measure. We have laws on the books
that haveI don't want to say that they've been ignored. I think it just lends
itself to the kinds of choices that members of our Police Department must make.
Are you going to answer the domestic violence call, or are you going to answer
the call about somebody abandoning their cat? Right? I think the former is going
to win every single time.
And so this issue has kind of just spiraled out of control and we're here. Now,
we're at this tough spot where we've gone from zero to a hundred and are
entertaining this ban. I wish there was more time for collaboration, because there
are a lot of folks on both sides that are putting forward I think really excellent
solutions. And there's room for all but just not enough time to get these programs
off the ground. So I appreciate the conversation that we've been able to have
today. And I hope, Council Member Kimball, that you're able to move forward
on some of the dialogue that you've had with community and move forward on
the projects that you folks have engineered.
I do love when the community doesn't only offer a solution but also steps up to
help implement it, because oftentimes, the County is left with having to do
everything. So we definitely welcome community partners to be involved with a
solution. Thank you, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: If I may. First of all, I want to make clear that I don't intend to
ever, regardless of what the draft legislation is that would put us in direct
violation of State or Federal law; that would be nonsensical. In addition, in terms
of the Council having passed in previous terms legislation that was unenforceable
and didn't make sense, I encourage all of you to read Chapter 14, which has a
plethora of things that actually we can't even do.
But I think what's good about this bill in the way that it is drafted, Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, is that it is an amendment to Chapter 4, Article 3,
which I just took an opportunity look at again. And I see other places within
Chapter 4, Article 3, that we could add to this legislation to make it a more viable,
meaningful piece of legislation.
I am happy to find a way to work with all of the interest groups here to figure that
out. Because at the end of the day, as I've said before, I think we are all in
agreement that cats don't belong, nene need to be protected as well as our other
bird species. We shouldn't have other feral animals being fed in our parks, and
we want to protect public health and safety. In its current form, I do not believe
the bill accomplishes that, but I do think there's the effort maybe to get there.
And then just finally, I think, as a rough number, when we talked about cat
sanctuaries, the estimate is about$1,000 per year per cat. So when we talk about
success, I would rather spend that money to get the equivalent number or more
cats neutered and dealt with than having the County, our money, invested in a
sanctuary. Do I think it's great that community members set them up and provide
that? Yes. Do I think the County should do it? No. Do we have some
responsibility for giving people a place to take their animals? Yes, I think we do.
But the very top level of this hierarchy of how we address this problem is around
education and making sure that people are responsible pet owners. And we are so
far from that from here.
I'd like to postpone at least until September 3rd to give some time for those
conversations. But since the author has his light on, I will wait to make that
motion.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Okay. I'm still feeling a
little bit of confusion, so I'm just going to back up a little bit. Nothing about this
bill bans any form of animal sanctuary. If anyone wants to make a sanctuary,
you're welcome to. You could have one on your private property. The only thing
this bill does is stops and prohibits feeding of feral animals on publicly funded
land. That's it. It's real straightforward.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
So the idea that animals may die, they could die anyway. The idea that you can't
do this anymore,you just can't do it on County property. The idea that the
program can't exist, I really don't agree with that viewpoint because we allow for
it in a very, what I like to call specifically vague way is that the County-
authorized program may continue. And that allows for a program to happen. It
doesn't stop Council Members from doing anything they want to do in their
district. It actually allows for it in coordination with the County.
These words that we create are purposeful, but I was again taught do not over
specify. Because when you over specify, you create such a layer of complexity
that becomes difficult to 1) enforce or 2) create or 3) do what we're all trying to
do here.
So the Draft 3, in my opinion, humble as it may be, really does bring us to a place
of can Council Member Kimball continue to coordinate—or Draft 4, wherever we
are—can you continue to collaborate with community and County and find a
place for this program? I believe yes. I do honestly feel yes. And I've heard it
"Oh, you're being subversive wherever it's going to be." I don't believe that.
The point is to allow for that to continue. As I've stated, Lauren was the first
person to reach out to me. She addressed her concerns. And then Parks and Rec
and their Corporation Counsel provided an amendment, and that's where we
landed at Draft 2.
With Council Member Kagiwada's amendment of pushing us out to January 1st
2026, that gives us a four-month time period to provide community education,
provide police where we're headed, and to put up signage and to begin to put this
out to the public. So we have time. It doesn't go into effect immediately like it
could. We have a four-month lag. So you have four months, really, to be where
you want to be with community, have community members understand, work
towards your moving the cats,putting them somewhere else where you want them
to be so they're well-fed and taken care of,just not in a public space. That's it.
So my hope today was that we can move this forward. If we find that in a month
or two months or in six months or in two years that there is a problem, then so be
it. It can be amended at that time. But right now at this point in time, it's like
saying—what I'm hearing is let's do nothing, or let's wait so that we can continue
to work on it, when what we have in front of us gives allowances for future,
provides a steady reality of"This is not okay going forward,"protects species,
takes us out of the realm of possible lawsuits floating around as we've seen in
other jurisdictions, and sets us in the right direction without being intentionally
cruel. That is, to me, the basics of this bill in its form right now in front of us. So
my ask today would be to move forward with it and proceed at this body's will. I
yield, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. I just have a quick question for Corporation
Counsel. One of the Council Members stated that they thought that baiting could
still be used to trap animals with this language we have here. So I just would like
confirmation from you if you agree that using food to trap animals could still be
used.
MS. SCHOEN: Renee Schoen, Corporation Counsel. I don't know the answer to
that. I can find out and get back to you, but I don't know the answer.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. I think it would be pretty important for us to know
that, given that we,you know, anyway that's just—thank you. Thank you for
your honesty on that and hope we can get an answer.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I'll be brief. Just to respond, Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, I do believe that the language that is in this Draft 4 with
reference to 142, 143 does allow for the program that we have in mind to
continue. Let me just acknowledge that.
My motive for asking for a postponement is actually to—in my mind, I think
there's opportunity to still improve the bill to actually achieve what I believe it is
that you are trying to achieve and that we're all in agreement with. To just put it
simply, I don't believe in its current form it will accomplish what you want to
accomplish, which is to protect the native species, to keep our parks clear of feral
cats. I think that there is an opportunity to improve it so that it will be actually
effective. And that is my motivation. Again, I would you know what I'm going
to do, Council Member Villegas? I know you want to make a comment, but what
I'm going to do is actually make the motion to postpone, and then you can speak
to the postponement if that's okay.
Motion to Postpone: Ms. Kimball moved to postpone Bill 51, Draft 3, to
September 3, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that in our last
meeting when the introducer of this legislation couldn't be here, I asked for a
motion to postpone out of the respect for protocol for the introducer not being
here, and instead that was voted down and then amendments were made while the
original introducer wasn't here, which that amendment we have now discovered
makes us vulnerable to Federal and State violations of law.
So there's just a lot of irony happening right now that I won't be supporting the
postponement. And one of the things that was mentioned was members of this
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
body didn't want to postpone last time because they didn't want to have to go
through all the testimony and sussing this out once again, and yet the bill was still
passed forward. So I feel like we've gotten to where we're going to get to.
And while the intentionality is to continue to improve, there is no timeline on
continuing to improve policy and the law. Amendments can be made and things
continue to improve moving forward. It doesn't change the fact that I call—it
makes me call into question the authenticity of the intention for a postponement
when that's what was asked for last time. And I was disappointed that the
Council Member who introduced the legislation was denied that respect and that
honor and that opportunity, all within the rights of the body and the voting. So I
won't be supporting a postponement. I believe we know what we need to know
so far, and there will continue to be efforts to be made on all sides. And if further
amendments to this legislation come forward, those can be made and brought
forward at another time. But asking for another pause I feel is just too ironic, and
it's a bit hypocritical. So I yield at this time.
CHR. INABA: All right. I don't support a postponement. I think we've landed
at a good spot. Maybe there are better ways to address things later. I don't think
anyone has a clear idea of how that's to be done right now. So, Mr. Clerk, roll
call on the postponement.
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Bill 51, Draft 3, to September 3,
Postpone: 2025, failed by the following roll call vote:
Failed
Ayes: Council Members Kagiwada and Kimball —2.
Noes: Council Members Hustace,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: I'll share my thoughts and we'll take the vote. Council Member
Kierkiewicz' points regarding the difficulty of this legislation to bring forward I
think can't be echoed enough. So I want to mahalo Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder for bringing this to us. As a fundamental matter, I don't support the
feeding of feral animals. I think there's been a lot of focus on cats, but I don't
support the feeding of any feral animal on County property.
And while we might not have exactly everything ironed out as to enforcement, I
think there is a lot of opportunity for the County to work together with our
community partners to figure out ways that we can relocate these cats that are
homeable, euthanize cats that are feral in nature and not homeable, and ultimately
take care of the cats and most especially our community and our residents who
utilize our parks or any of our County facilities.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
So, with that, I'm in strong support of this bill, and I look forward to the
continued work that we can make with our community partners. And perhaps this
is an area as we look towards our next Waiwai grant application period where we
can maybe focus more funds to address whether it be spay-and-neuter clinics or
other services that are in need of funding as they relate to feral animals and their
welfare here in our County. So, with that, we'll take a roll call vote on Bill 51,
Draft 3, as amended.
Vote on Bill 51: The motion to pass Bill 51, Draft 3, as amended to Draft 4,
Draft 4 on second and final reading was carried by the following
(Adopted) roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6.
Noes: Council Members Kagiwada and Kierkiewicz—2.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
Comm. 334.12: BILL NO. 64 —REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
From Council Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, dated July 28, 2025, requesting that
the vote on Bill No. 64 be reconsidered pursuant to Council Rule No. 14.
; and
Bill 64: INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VI, CHAPTER 2,
SECTION 6-2.2, OF THE CHARTER OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
(2024 EDITION), RELATING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Replaces the requirement that the Director of Public Works must be a registered
professional engineer with the requirement that the Director have a bachelor's
degree in engineering, architecture, public administration or a related discipline, or
a degree in law. Adds the requirement that at least two of the five years of required
administrative or managerial experience must be in public works or construction, or
a related field.
Reference: Comm. 334
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Negative: GOEAC-53 (Due to a vote of 3-ayes, 5-noes,
1-absent)
First Reading: July 23, 2025
2/3 Vote: First of three required readings,
Section 15-1(a), Hawaii County Charter
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Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to reconsider the vote taken on Bill 64
Reconsider: during the meeting of July 23, 2025. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion?
MR. ONISHI: My reason is basically for more discussion. I was hoping HR
(Human Resources) would be here to help answer some of my questions, but I
don't know if Sommer's here. But I'll yield right now.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. On the motion to reconsider the vote on Bill 64 and
bring it back to Council, all those in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to reconsider the vote taken on Bill 64 was
Reconsider: carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Galimba and Villegas —2.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: With that, Mr. Clerk, we are confirming back on the floor with
Bill 64.
MR. HENRICKS: Correct. So the motion is to pass Bill 64 on first reading.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Being that this is my bill, I think it's appropriate at
this time that I relinquish the chairmanship to Vice Chair Onishi.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Inaba relinquished the chair to Acting
Chair Onishi.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Go ahead, Chair Inaba.
MR. INABA: Thank you. I wasn't present at the last meeting and had requested
that this matter be postponed to this meeting so that we could discuss and have
further input from the Mayor's Administration, especially in light of some of the
difficulty we're experiencing in filling this position right now. I believe Mayor or
Managing Director is heading down to share their mana`o on this bill.
But similar to the point that Council Member Villegas brought up for Bill 51, it is
a common professional courtesy that we extend to other members of this Council
that, at their request, in the absence from a meeting that we do postpone. So I'd
like to remind members of this body that has always been the case so that
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everyone has the opportunity, most especially the maker, to advocate and discuss
his or her bill. So, moving forward, I'd ask that that professional courtesy
continue to be extended here in this Council.
But, for me, I think there's been discussion around the removal of this
requirement for a licensed engineer as the Director of Public Works. We have
other bills right now for other departments, DEM (Department of Environmental
Management), to try and broaden the pool of people that we can tap to lead these
departments. And I think we're really at this pivotal point not to have to require
that, not that we can't look for professional engineers, but that we can expand
beyond that. We can have a deputy who is a professional engineer if we need to,
but we'll be ensuring that we have the best leadership in our County as it relates
to moving our department's goals and programs along. And I think that really
speaks to our ability as a Council to improve our work when it comes to our
programmatic review.
And looking at each of the programs that our departments are in charge of, and
ultimately having us have better oversight of these departments and each of the
programs, and as we roll out this new program that I'm working on that I'll be
introducing to you folks, I think that really is where the rubber hits the road and
where we can really try and have a bit more direction from time to time as to
where our departments are going and what they're doing.
We have joining us now Mayor Alameda and Managing Director Bill Brilhante.
Gentlemen, as you folks know, this bill was voted down at the previous Council
meeting, and we've brought it back here ultimately with more of us present, most
especially me since I introduced this bill. But I wanted to give you folks the
opportunity to chime in on this bill specific to the Department of Public Works
directorship requirements. Mayor Alameda.
(Note: At this time, Mayor C. Kimo Alameda came forward to address
the members of the Council.)
MR. ALAMEDA: Thank you. It's great to be here. Thank you, County Council
Members, for allowing us this opportunity to share on this particular issue. So,
yeah, I mean this is an important one for us. It's a position that is critical to
County projects, infrastructural projects for sure. So we're not saying that we're
not going to look at applicants with the professional engineering license. Of
course, that's like ideal. We're just saying help us open the applicant pool by not
making that the minimum requirement.
Neil Azevedo, Acting Director, is a prime example of somebody who doesn't
have even an engineering degree. Because, like I said earlier in my testimony,
running a department is about management. It's about how you work with
people. It's about setting goals and getting things done. And I haven't seen more
things get done under Acting Director Neil Azevedo than any other director. And
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so, you know, almost to the point whereI know there's some other issue about
creating another department even. Unnecessary. We're 200 days faster in
permits than we've ever been. I put out feelers in every sector: "Tell me about
our permitting process. Is it getting better?" Everybody says, "Way better,
Kimo." That's because of management.
So, to me, if we can open up the applicant pool by not creating so strict criteria,
that would make it a lot easier for us to fill this position. And I know the
engineering community going vouch for their discipline. I've done that as a
psychologist. When the social workers and the marriage family therapists wanted
third-party payments, guess who was there fighting it? All the psychologists
because we didn't want competition. Right? We wanted to validate our academic
rigor. And so and (inaudible), when the psychologists went out for prescription
privileges because we wanted to provide medication; we have to have that
privilege to provide medication for depression and for anxiety, because I felt like
we had the training—guess who came out to fight it? The psychiatrists because
they were fighting for their positions.
So I can see engineers holding on to their discipline. But you know what? I'm
glad got social workers out there providing therapy. I'm glad because now
they've opened the applicant pool to serve more.
So same thing with engineering. I mean, we've got licensed plumbers. Their
boss doesn't have the license. We've got licensed mechanics. Right now, their
supervisors don't have the license. We have that in our own department already.
Environmental Management, same thing. We opened the applicant pool there.
So I don't see why we cannot here. The only way I can see it is because
engineers are trying to hold on to their last dying breath of their discipline by
adding that professional examination. So I think it's good we always try to get
the ideal, but don't hold us to that because you're limiting a lot of applicants that
can be really good for our County.
MR. INABA: Thank you, Mayor. Managing Director, anything to add?
(Note: At this time, Managing Director William Brilhante came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MR. BRILHANTE: Good afternoon. William Brilhante, Managing Director.
Along the lines of what Mayor Alameda alluded to is the fact that we're talking
about a very specific discipline here, a licensed engineer. And across the
nation—and I brought this issue up earlier when I provided testimony within the
Committee setting—is across the nation there's a shortage of licensed engineers.
It's one of the hardest positions to fill within the County in and of itself. When I
was HR Director, and now under the guidance of Sommer, as her being the HR
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Director, this requirement to have a PE(Professional Engineer) certification or an
engineer, that environment hasn't changed, so much so the County is having to
provide incentive pay for engineers to come on board.
Whether it's related to the salary, we just can't match the salaries. Or we can't
match the security of being a partner in a private firm. Because, basically, that's
what we're saying. We're asking an individual to give up whatever resources or
whatever livelihood they have, and come be the director for over 400 employees
within the County of Hawaii, under the Department of Public Works. And we're
saying, "Give up everything you have here—all your securities, all your salary
and come work for the County in an appointed position," or a position that is
associated with the County. And there's just no security. There's no longevity.
We can't guarantee it. We just can't do that. So we're already narrowing the
field of possibilities.
One thing I remember Mayor Alameda, I mean, I'm sorry, Mayor Kenoi saidI
always get the two of them mixed up.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Two good guys, that's why.
MR. BRILHANTE: Exactly. Two excellent mayors. Mayor Kenoi always said
his goal as the Mayor was to find the best and the brightest. And unfortunately, I
think with this requirement being in place, we're limiting ourselves to that. We're
not able to find the best and the brightest. Because, I challenge the current acting
administrator probably is running the department better than almost any previous
predecessor that had the PE requirement, and who was head of Public Works. So
just something to think about.
We're not saying you can't be an engineer. We're more than happy to consider
and look at licensed engineers. We've offered the position to several licensed
engineers, and each one of them had turned it down for various reasons. So we
just want this department to move forward. We want the best for the department.
And what gives us even more confidence in our position is the fact that this is, I
think, the best or one of the best running six months or eight months, however
long we've been in office, under the current administrator for Public Works,
under Neil, that we've seen and we've experienced.
And I think it just gives us confidence that, yeah, this position is about
management. This position is about getting things done. It's not about,you
know, they call it analysis, or paralysis by analysis. That's not what this position
is about, because we want things in our communities. We want infrastructure.
We want projects to get done timely, under budget. And I think that's what we're
finally seeing now. And with that, I yield.
MR. INABA: Thank you, Managing Director. So I'll yield at this time. I think
the case has been made for the need to open up the pool of applicants for this
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position. We have engineers as chiefs at the divisions who oversee engineering-
related items and divisions. So I think this is the best course of action for our
County moving forward. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Mr. Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mayor, Managing Director.
Thank you for your time this afternoon. Managing Director, if you could just
share, if possible; I know because these are conversations we have with potential
candidates. So would you be able to share with us what are some of the instances
those candidates may have turned you down, regarding the situation. I think if
you'd just kind of share with us some of those details if possible.
MR. BRILHANTE: Very good question. Thank you, Council Member Hustace.
One of the things I'm always leery of when it comes to employment issues,
there's that confidentiality component. So I want to make sure that I don't cross
the bounds with that.
A couple of the candidates have been internal candidates from within the County
that we've approached. I can't say definitively what the specific reason is for the
job offer to be turned down, but just generally it was related to the salary. One
was related to the time commitment that would have been required. And the other
one was the fact that the candidate felt that they didn't have enough on-the-job
experience to undertake such aor to accept such a large undertaking. So,
generally, those were the feedback we got as to why those turned down. Of
course, everybody wanted to work with Mayor Alameda.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Managing Director. And to the maker, if I may,
Chair?
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Sure. Go ahead.
MR. HUSTACE: Kind of looking back at Bill 64 here, one of the educational
requirements is a degree in law. That's that last"or" statement there. I
understand the other degrees or requirements. We had other conversations, other
amendments about degrees, the specificity of the degrees, the colleges that they're
from and whatnot. But the degree in law, it doesn't disclose that they've
practiced law, though, right? It's just that they've attained that degree and not
necessarily know or have passed the bar within the State. Correct?
MR. INABA: That is my reading of it, yes.
MR. HUSTACE: Okay. Does that—because that degree could be from any
school across the world, online whatnot, but may not necessarily know our
specific laws here within the State. So that piece might have a little bit of a
challenge there. Particularly if they're coming into this role, they need to know
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HRS State statutes, those sorts of things. So I kind of see a little bit of an issue
there for sure. Yeah. So I just want to present that. Thank you. Thanks, Chair.
MR. INABA: Chair, if I might respond briefly. Yeah, I think that's a really good
point, that—again, I brought this back exactly as former Chair Chung had
presented it in our previous council term. But hearing that concern, I think that is
something very valid, that this bill could be amended to say, "licensed to practice
law in the State of Hawai`i,"rather than just having a law background. I mean, to
open up that extra pool there to those from the law background but not practicing
law in Hawaii. Yeah.
I hear the point and I think that's something that an amendment can perhaps
address in the future. And I'm happy to postpone this bill and work on those
amendments and hear more feedback from you folks as it relates to maybe more
specifics regarding the extra pools that we're kind of opening up for this position.
Thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Ms. Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Thank you both for being here and for your
time. I do really understand how difficult this has been, and how much effort
you've put into it and how challenging it can be.
One of the things that I guess I keep hearing again and again is the salary and the
job security. And I'm just wondering if, one, I know we have the Salary
Commission is going to be meeting in the end of August and the end of
September this year. And I'm wondering if we can maybe wait on totally
finishing this off till after they meet to see if they come back with some good
proposals on increasing the salaries for this position, and perhaps one or two
others that I know you're also wanting to see that can be hard to fill.
And then the job security one, I don't know if you guys had any chance to think
about what potential solutions might help with that. But I think we all want to see
you be able to successfully hire people that are qualified and that can fit this
position. So I think everybody here would be happy to entertain if you had ideas
around potential thoughts on the job security. So I'm just throwing those two out
there in addition to understanding that you want this change.
And I'm just going to relate it. Mayor talked about some of his experiences with
other fields. And my experience coming out of education is similar. A lot of
people with the teacher shortages were saying, "Okay, teachers don't need
teaching credentials. You can come in just with a BA (Bachelor of Arts), and you
don't need a teaching credential." Some of those worked out okay, but a lot of
those teachers really struggled because they didn't have the training.
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And I personally don't have a teaching credential. I have a masters in education,
but not a teaching credential. And when I was doing substitute teaching here, I
struggled because it's a different thing to know about education theory and that
kind of stuff, and have the actual training needed to be a teacher. So one of the
things that education did is when they thought about people who were coming in
who maybe didn't fully meet what they had as their requirements, to begin with
they lowered them. But then they did have some things in place for people to get
additional education once they got in the job; training and education.
And I wonder if you had a chance to think about that, that if you brought
somebody in that maybe didn't have the strengths that—all the things covered that
you would hope for, proposing that that person agreed to doing some additional
training or taking a class or anything like that. I'm just trying to think forward,
moving forward. The nice thing about this being a Charter amendment is we do
have time. We're not in a rush to get this through. So these are just some things
that I've been thinking about around this issue and hope that maybe you can give
us some thought on it too and think about those things.
MR. ALAMEDA: Sure. Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Yeah, I'd like
to shed light on that. I'm an educator as well. I wasn't trained in special
education. I was a masters in counseling, but there was a shortage of special
education teachers. So, yes, we took a course; it was called Rise back then.
Something really simple that allowed me to develop the skills to work with the
fully self-contained, the emotionally challenged and all. And so, yeah, that is an
opportunity, but we've got to hire them first. So that's why opening the applicant
pool is critical. And it is true; I mean, it works both ways. I've known educators
who got all the degrees and they suck, right. They're the ones that the kids don't
like. And then there's the janitor or the person you don't even think could be a
god teacher that really is the real educator, that all they need is some classroom
management protocols and they've got it down.
So, you know, I come from the belief as well that good leaders are found; they're
not taught. And that's another philosophy too. And when you find somebody
that can lead, you want to grab them. Because with some peopleI was the
trainer; that's my previous life. You can train till you're up the ying yang. With
some people, they're just not going to get it. They might get all the degrees and
all the credentials, but they just don't get it. And my dad always said, "Kimo,
sometimes the good leader is found and not taught." And I think some of that is
true too. So we want to find them, and we want to put them in positions that
make sense for us. Thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Do you yield?
MS. KAGIWADA: (Inaudible.)
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm glad to see the bill back. Thank you for
reconsidering. I was not present at the last meeting, but I wanted to see this move
forward mainly because it's a Charter amendment that's put out to the people to
vote on. In that sense, I almost support pretty much all Charter amendments
because it ends up in the public's eye to support or not support on their ballots
when they vote. And for that reason alone, I mean that—this is a means of
providing a new methodology for people. And if we can provide that to them,
hey, then so be it.
I really appreciate that the Mayor and the Managing Director came today, not to
exclude you, Sommer. I see you back there. But I think all too often we have our
separate areas, and each one of us has our role in government. But I like it—I've
always liked when the Mayor comes and weighs in on any legislative items just to
provide your mana`o. Because, I think it's important and it's a nice balance
between legislative and executive. So I appreciate the reconsideration. And
thank you, Mr. Onishi, for doing this.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL No problem.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. I maintain my position as previously on this
legislation, that I can't support it in its current format. And I did offer a couple of
amendments and even an alternative bill, none of which were palatable to the
body, which is fine. But I've always been willing to work on a version that we
can all come to agreement on.
Was actually frustrated with something as important as a Charter amendment
being pushed out of Committee without, for example, the kind of vetting that
we've been doing with 68 and the Building Division. I think that's important for
us to transparently deliberate these things and improve them in Committee. It's
ugly. It's sausage-making. But I think in the end,with something as venerable as
our Charter, spending that time is important.
What I will just reiterate is that from the position of the folks in the engineering
community that I've spoken to, and as I'm sure you know my connections within
that community are pretty broad, it's not as simple as I would say as like
protecting our kuleana, right,protecting our stake. But it is a sense that the work
of the Public Works Department really does require that sort of professional
expertise, and that commitment to public health and safety above all else. And so
I think that they look at it. If I may, a doctor takes the Hippocratic Oath, right, to
do no harm. For an engineering person, their license is that same sort of—it has
that same sort of weight for them.
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And so we have a doctor shortage, and they're looking at it from the standpoint of
you wouldn't ask the hospital administrators to start doing surgery because you
can't find enough surgeons. That's the perspective that I'm hearing.
And the comment was made that Kauai and Maui don't have this requirement.
It's a little different. Kauai, their head of public works is the chief engineer.
They're not required to have an engineering license, but they are required to have
an engineering degree. Similarly, Maui, they don't require the PE license either,
but the department is overseen by a committee with three PEs required to be on it,
which that seems like a terrible idea; I'll say that right there. Getting three PEs to
volunteer to be on a committee, that seems even more difficult than the position
that we find us in.
The other thing I think that is important is I wouldn't want to set anybody up for a
potential failure. And when you have a situation where it's difficult to find
applicants, lowering the standard does not necessarily mean that—and I don't
want to bring Neil into this. I love Neil. He's an awesome guy. I want to look at
it from outside of that perspective because I'm not talking about him in particular.
But just in these areas where decision-making needs to happen and there are
subordinates that are more qualified than their supervisor, you can see where there
is potential for a situation of"I'm just going to ignore you until the next
administration comes,"right, and we don't want that either.
So I put it out to the maker and the rest of the body. I think there is, through
creativity, through further dialogue, a path forward. One of those may beI had
put it out there that you'd have the director that wouldn't have the requirement of
the PE license, but they would defer engineering decisions to whomever had that
licensure in the department. One potential avenue would be to say either the
director or the deputy has to have a PE license. One can be the administrator; one
can handle engineering decisions. Doesn't matter which, but it gives us some
flexibility.
I also think, and we had this discussion a little bit yesterday, that we need to give
more to actually highlight the fact that having an opportunity to serve in the
director position in the County is actually a privilege, and something that can look
really nice on your resume, especially if you're fairly new into the field. And so
if you haven't already and not certain, I would strongly encourage reaching out to
the dean of the engineering school over at Manoa and see if he has some
recommendations to you folks about recent graduates that may be interested in
having this opportunity and(inaudible). Like we need administration and we
need engineering. And so I'm willing to work with you and the maker to find a
way forward on that.
But I do think that PE license for some of the decisions is not only critical for
public health and welfare, I think it's statutorily required based on 464. And this
is the kind of thing where you don't want to screw it up, right, I mean because if
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corners are cut in building a bridge, in 50 years that bridge collapses and kills
somebody, that—because of a decision we made today, (inaudible) saying that
may be a bit hyperbolic, but that's what we're talking about here. So let's take
our time. I yield. Thank you.
MR. ALAMEDA: I'd like to weigh in real quick, if you don't mind.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Go ahead.
MR. ALAMEDA: So you've mentioned health and safety. That's perfect.
That's right up my alley. So I was the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Bay
Clinic Health Center, one of the largest health centers in the State. I supervised
medical doctors, okay. They hired me because of my leadership skills, not
because I know how to do surgery; because I know how to get doctors to do
surgery well. That's why I was hired.
Dan Brinkman. You mentioned health and safety. He's a nurse. Okay. He runs
one of the largest hospitals in the State and he's excellent. So, analogous to your
perspective: yes, you can be a leader without that specific degree, and be super
well-functioning, as evidenced by my work at Bay Clinic and then Brinkman's
work at Hilo hospital. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Chair Inaba, before I go to you, I just have one
question for administration. Our problem right now is just trying to get someone,
right? And so you know what, two more years or a year and a half more, before
we get to get the Charter and then—so how can we help you folks now? Because,
I know you always have to send a memo, and then Managing Director asking for
60 more days. So I don't know if this body can help you folks in not having to
have you folks do that.
MR. ALAMEDA: So we're not asking for your guys' help. If we were asking
for your help, we would have asked you all individually "Please help us find
somebody." We've asked collectively "Hey, if you guys know anybody,please
have them apply." You've got friends. You know the engineering community,
Council Member Kimball. I mean,you guys—right? You know. Because, we
are doing our own search. Like I said, we're going in-house first. We might find
somebody but they've got to fit. And soI mean, I know we've got the 60 days.
I feel like we met our obligation when we first got elected to fill that position, and
we'll continue to search while getting things done.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL I agree but it's just that maybe we can give you guys,
like instead of coming every 60 days, right, give you guys 6 months' leeway.
MR. ALAMEDA: Well, it's up to you guys. You guys going give us what you
going give us. But if we don't have somebody to fill it, we don't have somebody
to fill it. So it's up to you guys.
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ACTING CHR. ONISHL You would have an answer to that?
MR. INABA: Council can't give you anything because the Charter says 60 days.
So they're just not in compliance right now. But based on the bill that's before us
right now, and I think there's some more work to do, some good points brought
up today, I'm going to make a motion to refer Bill 64 back to Committee on
September 2nd
Motion to Refer: Mr. Inaba moved to refer Bill 64 to the September 2, 2025,
meeting of the Governmental Operations and External
Affairs Committee. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Any discussion? If not, all those in
MR. INABA: Oh, sorry, real quick. Yes. Just if you have any ideas, please share
them with me. I'm going to work on an amendment regarding practicing law and
being in good standing before the courts here in Hawaii. But, Mayor and any
other Council Members—Council Member Kimball, I think(inaudible)you can't
support this bill anyway. But if there's any provisions that you think might be
helpful, please do share them and I can hopefully bring some amendments when
we hear this in Committee.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Okay, Mr. Clerk, on the motion to refer back to
Committee, to the September 2nd Committee meeting.
MR. HENRICKS: Roll call?
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Maybe we should. Yeah, do a roll call.
MR. HENRICKS: And then just to clarify, this would go back to the GOEAC
(Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee) Committee.
Correct?
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Yeah.
MR. HENRICKS: Okay, thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL All those in favor, say "aye."
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Vote on Motion to The motion to refer Bill 64 to the September 2, 2025,
Refer: meeting of the Governmental Operations and External
(Approved) Affairs Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi —8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Onishi relinquished the chair to
Chair Inaba.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
EXECUTIVE for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Comm. 401: HUI MALAMA HONOKOHAU VS. COUNTY OF HAWAI`I;
CIVIL CASE 1:23-CV-00393-JMS-KJM
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Section Chief Lerisa L. Heroldt dated July 9,
2025, requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the
Council regarding the above-entitled matter filed by David Henkin and Elena
Bryant, Esquires, on behalf of their client Plaintiff Hui Malama Honok6hau.
Motion to Close Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to close file on
File: Comm. 401. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: This is a request to go into Executive Session. A confidential
memo has been provided to the Council in our folders. Does anyone feel the need
to go into Executive Session on this specific matter? If not, I'll take a motion to
accept the recommendation contained in the confidential Communication 401
related to Civil Case No. 1:23-CV-00393-JMS-KJM.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
Vote on Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 401. Seconded by
(Approved) Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Comm. 401: The motion to close file on Comm. 401 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Comm. 406: JOSEPHINE T. W. BISHOP ET AL., VS. COUNTY OF HAWAI`I, ET AL.;
CIVIL NO. 3CCV-23-0000134
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Mark D. Disher dated July 17, 2025, requesting
an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council regarding the
above-entitled matter filed by Eric A. Seitz, Esquire, on behalf of his clients
Josephine T. W. Bishop and Nelson Hinano Kahele.
Motion to Close Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to close file on
File: Comm. 406. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Hustace moved to enter into Executive Session in order
Enter into to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding
Executive Session: Communication 406, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4) of
(Approved) the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded by Ms. Kimball
and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: The Council will now be entering into Executive Session,
pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, to discuss matters related to our powers,
privileges, and duties as a Council. Thank you.
Recess: At 3:38 p.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the
room.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 4:22 p.m.
CHR. INABA: We're out of Executive Session. Calling on Council Member
Kimball to please give us a brief overview of what was discussed in Executive
Session.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Chair. The Executive Session allowed us to confer
with our attorney about our rights, liabilities, and duties with respect to Civil Case
No. 3CCV-23-0000134 and ask questions about the recommendations therein.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kimball moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 406. Seconded by
(Approved) Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kagiwada, Kimball, Onishi,
Villegas, and Chair Inaba—5.
Noes: Council Members Hustace,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Kierkiewicz—3.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Comm. 406: The motion to close file on Comm. 406 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
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Hawaii County Council-20 August 6,2025
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: I just want to share that,just for the North Kohala residents and
maybe the same, we have a water situation in North Kohala so please conserve.
Working with the Department of Water Supply on providing water buffaloes,
hauling water from outside the region to the community to fill tanks. There are
contracts going out, emergency repairs for Haw!Well No. 2, for the community
there. Yeah. So working with the Mayor's office and Department of Water
Supply to kind of remediate that situation. Other than that—an unfortunate
situation there.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Coming up at the end of the month is the Sayre awards, the
annual Sayre awards. So just to get that on everybody's calendar; August 30''.
Incredible event. Raises incredible amounts of money that benefit our Fire
Department and first responders. So just want to get that on folks' calendars.
That's it for me.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Not really an announcement, but could we have a moment of
silence for the victims of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
CHR. INABA: Sure.
(Note: At this time, Council Members observed a moment of silence.)
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you all. I appreciate it.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. And thank you for that resolution recognizing that
today.
On Monday, August I Ph, the Hawaii Police Department will be having a public
hearing related to the Department's rules and regulations governing the issuance
of licenses to carry concealed and unconcealed weapons here in the County. So
5-7 (p.m.) at Kona Council chambers, Monday, August 11.
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Hawaii County Coundl-20 August 6,2025
There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting u14:27 p.m.
MENLL:
Council Approval: NOV ~ - 2025
/muog
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