HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2025-08-20 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council
21" Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
August 20, 2025
INVOCATION: Pastor Jason Meechan of Kona Faith Center 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, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba,
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair
Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
Mr. James E. Hustace, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member
Mr. Matt Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member(via videoconference from Hilo; came in later)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks led the Council in
the Pledge of Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Timothy Rowan: Bill 38, Draft 2 (Comm. 203.7), in support.
(representing Black Sands Beach
Property Owners Association and
Malama O Puna)
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 22, 2025,
were approved.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
Res. 250-25: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FEDERAL
BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, HONOLULU DIVISION, FOR THE HAWAI`I
FINANCIAL CRIMES TASK FORCE
Allows the Hawaii Police Department to assist with identifying and targeting for
prosecution individuals and groups responsible for financial crimes where there is
or may be a federal investigative interest.
Reference: Comm. 408
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-59
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 250-25 and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 59. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion?
MS. VILLEGAS: I have a couple of questions.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I'm assuming this relates to the confidential information that's
in our folder. I have some questions for Corp. (Corporation) Counsel. But I'm
looking for a little bit of guidance because this says it's confidential, and it relates
to some of the specific operations, deputations listed in the document.
CHR. INABA: You can call forth—we have Assistant Corporation Counsel
Yoshimoto here, and ask questions whether we need to enter into Executive
Session or not.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MS. VILLEGAS: Mr. Yoshimoto, can I bother you to come and join us at the
table?
(Note: At this time, Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, Mr. Yoshimoto. Thank you for being here today.
We were provided the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the
Hawaii County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Honolulu Division, for the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force. And in reading
through this, I had some questions as it related to deputations. I'm wondering if
these are questions I can ask in the open? I have it right here if you want to see it.
It came in our confidentials.
MR. YOSHIMOTO: Good morning, Council Members. J Yoshimoto, Assistant
Corporation Counsel. Council Member Villegas, I haven't seen or reviewed that
MOU yet. I would like a chance to look at that, and then I'd be better able to
answer your questions.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, fantastic. Is this something we can table and come back
to?
CHR. INABA: Make a motion.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to table Res. 250-25. Seconded by
Table: Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 251-25: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY
TO BE USED BY THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with four options to
extend the lease for an additional five years with GEC Development Group, LLC.,
for space located at 28-2903 Hawaii Belt Road.
Reference: Comm. 409
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-76
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 251-25 and
Finance Committee Report No. 76. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion?
MS. KIMBALL: Chair, if I may?
CHR. INABA: Yes, Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just briefly. Again, wanted to note, and maybe this can be
reflected in the report from Council, that I believe the amount on this was 600.
I'm looking back at Deputy Director; yes? Okay. Just because that's not
reflected in either the resolution itself or in the report from Committee.
CHR. INABA: Six hundred dollars, you said?
MS. KIMBALL: Yes.
CHR. INABA: Per year?
MS. KIMBALL: A month.
CHR. INABA: All right, 600 per month.
MS. KIMBALL: And I just want to again mahalo the owners of the property for
reaching out and supporting our HPD (Hawai`i Police Department) with this
location. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 251-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 251-25: The motion to adopt Res. 251-25 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 76 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 267-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAMAKUA HEALTH
CENTER, INC., DOING BUSINESS AS HAMAKUA-KOHALA HEALTH, FOR
EXPENSES RELATING TO THE KOHALA SCHOOLS —TOOLS FOR
SUCCESS PROGRAM
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Hawaii County Resource Center account.
Reference: Comm. 430
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 267-25. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just seeking the support of my colleagues
for this effort in supporting our Kohala children in our Kohala schools. This is
funds to be appropriated for backpacks, composition notebooks, and other school
supplies for our Kohala elementary, middle school in Hala`ula, and the Kohala
High School. So thank you for your consideration.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 267-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 267-25: The motion to adopt Res. 267-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 268-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION WITH EXPENSES FOR THE 2025 HAWAI`I
INTERNATIONAL FUTSAL CUP
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 431
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 268-25. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This resolution is specifically for the futsal
cup and supporting efforts with our Parks and Rec (Recreation)partners there.
Thank you, everyone.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. To the donatorI know but it already
happened, right? Did you get to go?
MR. HUSTACE: No.
MR. ONISHL Oh. Did you get invited?
MR. HUSTACE: No.
MR. ONISHL Me too. So, okay, we should put that on record, that you donated
to this cause, and they didn't have the courtesy of inviting us to attend this event.
And it's supposed to be an international tournament. So thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Noted. Alrighty, thank you. All those in favor of approving
Resolution 268-25, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Vote on Res. 268-25: The motion to adopt Res. 268-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 269-25: 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 2025 HAWAI`I ISLAND LABOR DAY VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 432
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 269-25. Seconded by
Ms. Kagiwada.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just joining my colleagues in this effort in
supporting the Hawaii Island Labor Day Volleyball Classic. So thank you for
your support.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of adopting Resolution 269-25, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 269-25: The motion to adopt Res. 269-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 270-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR THE WAIAKEA RECREATION CENTER
Transfers $3,800 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 433
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 270-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. I'll give you guys some history. So, when I
first got on the Council back in 2008, Waiakea Recreation Center was really in
bad shape. It was leaking. The roof was really bad. The ceiling was really bad.
And so, with the help of Mayor Kenoi at the time, he provided the funding to get
this renovated. And today, it's a really highly used facility and looks really
beautiful. But now, we're talking about, what, 14 years? Now, I need to—I had
to help with providing funding for fans and to help with providing—well, we're
going to be providing these tatami mats later on for replacements. And then also
some of this money that we're using is for air conditioners for their offices. So
I'm asking for your guys' support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of adopting Resolution 270-25,
pleas say "aye."
Vote on Res. 270-25: The motion to adopt Res. 270-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 271-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE FRIENDS OF THE
PALACE THEATER FOR ITS CENTENNIAL MASQUERADE CONCERT
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Big Island Film Office account.
Reference: Comm. 434
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 271-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just happy to be able to support this
amazing institution, the Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo, for its hundred year
anniversary weekend. They'll be doing a lot of events October 24 h through 26 h.
And these contingency funds are specifically for their free event on Friday,
October 24 h, which is their centennial masquerade all-ages dance party featuring
the band Leche de Tigre. And I hope people can show up for that. It should be
really fun. Happy to be able to support this, and hope you can also support.
Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 271-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 271-25: The motion to adopt Res. 271-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 272-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT GROUP TO REFURBISH A SKATE PARK RAMP FOR HILO
BAYFRONT
Transfers $5,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 435
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 272-25. Seconded by
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just working with the Parks Department
on this small project. Dan Madsen from oasis skate park is generously donating a
skate ramp that can be used by the public while we're waiting for the Hilo Skate
Park to be built. And so Parks has located a site down on Bayfront, and Dan has
the ramp. And these funds will just be used to basically weatherproof the ramp so
it can be used and kept outside, and Parks won't have maintenance issues with it.
So, looking for your support. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 272-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 272-25: The motion to adopt Res. 272-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 273-25: 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 ENVIRONMENTAL
RESTORATION FOR THE KEAU'OHANA NATIVE RAINFOREST
RESTORATION AND EDUCATION PROJECT
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 436
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 273-25. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Hawaii Environmental Restoration has
the kuleana of maintaining and stewarding the Keau`ohana Native Rainforest,
which is the largest lowland rainforest in the State of Hawaii. And each year,
Jaya Dupuis reaches out to our office for some additional funding to kind of round
out the efforts that they undertake to preserve this beautiful `aina. So just looking
for everyone's continued support, so that they can continue to engage community
and provide education and care for this sacred `aina. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 273-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 273-25: The motion to adopt Res. 273-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 274-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION WITH PURCHASING GOALS AND A SCOREBOARD FOR
THE 2025 HAWAI`I INTERNATIONAL FUTSAL CUP
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 437
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 274-25. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Just joining some of my colleagues in sharing
some kokua with the Department of Parks and Recreation to support this
international futsal cup that was hosted here on Hawaii Island this past weekend.
These funds are used to support the MoGo scoreboard. And I just want to take
this opportunity to thank our County for hosting a wonderful event, but also if we
could just take a moment to take a look at all of the scoreboards that are here on
Hawaii Island. When I go to various gyms in different locations, they seem to be
out of operation.
So just a friendly reminder to P&R (Parks and Recreation) if we could make sure
that these are working, particularly when we are hosting folks from across the
State, around the country, and even internationally. It would be great if all of our
equipment was working at our facilities. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Ms. Kierkiewicz, I have a question. When I
provided funding for this for the tournament, and part of the money that they were
going to use was to purchase goals and scoreboards, that's the amount that they
needed, was the amount that we provided. So now they're adding more?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could respond?
CHR. INABA: Yes, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. This was requested of our office. I don't
know what their entire budget is. I'm unaware of the amount that you provided,
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Council Member Onishi, but this was an amount that we could commit to. And
we left it at the discretion of the department to determine where that funding
needed to go. Perhaps they were braiding our funds together.
MR. ONISHL Oh, okay. So basically, it might not be for the goals and
scoreboards. Right?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Council Member, that is what our resolution is providing
funding for. But I do know that these things can be very costly. So like I
mentioned earlier, it's very possible that our funds were braided together so that
they had all the funding they need to procure these items.
MR. ONISHL Okay, thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Would you like me to reach out to Parks and Rec, and I'll
just clarify over email?
MR. ONISHL No, I'll reach out to Corporation Counsel. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah,just a quick comment. Thank you, Council Member
Kierkiewicz, for pointing out the challenges with scoreboards. Something
exciting that happened here in Kona, and it's because it's an outdoor facility at
Parks and Rec and for a baseball field, is they transitioned back to the manual
scoreboard. Because then somebody puts the number up. You don't have the
risks of electronic failure or some kind of digital mishap. They're much easier to
fix. They can be manually operated. It kind of brings back that nostalgic
experience. So just something I want to put out there for Parks and Rec as we
continue to invest in our facilities and the equipment there. Sometimes the old
school way can be the best and most viable way for the longevity of these
scoreboards. So just a thought to put out there because it's kind of a cool
transition. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. All those in favor of
approving Resolution 274-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 274-25: The motion to adopt Res. 274-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Res. 275-25: 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 $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 438
Intr. by: Council Member Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 275-25. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Just asking for my colleagues' support. Grateful for this event
drawing so many people from around the State together. And I believe a number
of Council Members are supporting it. So it's great to have an event like this, that
we're all contributing, matching resources to ensure its success. I yield.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 275-25, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 275-25: The motion to adopt Res. 275-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 276-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO LYDIA8 FOR THE KONA
TOWN NIGHT MARKET 2025: BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION
Transfers $6,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 439
Intr. by: Council Member Villegas
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 276-25. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for everyone's support on this event. It was a huge
success. Great turnout and huge support for our young kids as they were heading
back to school. I yield.
CHR. INABA: All those in favor ofoh, sorry, Council Member Kierkiewicz,
go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No worries. I rarely comment on other Council Members'
resolutions, but I just wanted to mahalo nui Council Member Villegas. I
happened to be on that side of the island and visited the Kona Town Night
Market. It was such an awesome event. It was so great to see so many
community members there. She and I got to do a weaving class together. And so
that was a lot of fun, and I just appreciate that we have funds like the CRFs
(Contingency Relief Funds) to be able to support a variety of really meaningful
events that build connection in our community. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. I'm sorry, I had
missed you that day. With that, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 276-25, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 276-25: The motion to adopt Res. 276-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Res. 277-25: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL HAWAI`I ISLAND ALL-
NATIONS POWWOW
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 440
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 277-25. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Just want to thank the Grassroots Community
Development Group for their ongoing dedication and commitment for hosting the
annual powwow event so that we can celebrate our indigenous cultures. Thank
you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 277-25,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 277-25: The motion to adopt Res. 277-25 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to remove Res. 250-25 from the table.
Remove from Table: Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: Resolution 250-25 is back here on the floor. Joining us in Hilo
chambers is Deputy Corporation Counsel Cody Frenz. I'll hand it back to you,
Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. Yoshimoto, and thank you, Ms. Frenz, for
being here. I have some questions as they relate to the MOU with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and wondered if it was necessary, based on the
confidentiality of this document, for us to go into Executive Session to have this
discussion or if there are questions I can ask in the open.
(Note: At this time, Deputy Corporation Counsel Dakota Frenz came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MS. FRENZ: If I may. Deputy Corporation Counsel Cody Frenz. Sorry, J, I
don't want to overspeak or overstep, but based on the confidential nature of this
MOU, I would request that we go into Executive Session to answer those
questions.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, thank you.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to enter into Executive Session in
Enter into order to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding
Executive Session: Res. 250-25, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4) of the
(Approved) Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: We'll be entering into Executive Session at this time.
Recess: At 9:34 a.m., the Chair called for a recess in order to clear the
room.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:14 a.m.
CHR. INABA: Aloha. Taking this meeting back open to the public. We had our
Executive Session to discuss matters as it related to Resolution 250-25. Council
Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you to DCC (Deputy Corporation Counsel) Frenz for
joining us and walking us through the parameters of this MOU, answering
questions as to the cause and origin of MOUs with the County transitioning to
being confidential. We talked about and questioned that. We also confirmed that
the future MOU that will be presented would be updated. Is that a good enough
synopsis?
CHR. INABA: It sure is. Thank you.
MS. VILLEGAS: Nailed it.
CHR. INABA: With that, we are on the main motion, which is to adopt
Resolution 250-25. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Is DCC Frenz in Hilo
chambers?
CHR. INABA: Yes, she's there.
MS. FRENZ: Yes, I'm here.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Beautiful. DCC Frenz, can you please,just
for today as we've seen so many MOUs come before the County, can you refresh
the Council and anyone watching in any of our government offices how
Section 46-7 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes pertains to the County of Hawaii in
our ability to enter into agreements?
MS. FRENZ: Sure. This is DCC Cody Frenz. The Hawaii Revised Statutes
Section 46-7 requires every department or agency within a county, for example,
so the County of Hawaii. So every department within the County of Hawaii to
get Council authority to enter into any sort of intergovernmental agreement. So
that is both State and/or Federal. Theoretically, County, State, Federal, we need
to get Council authority under the HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes) before we
execute an agreement with another governmental entity.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so I think the last part was really
important: before we enter into an agreement. Correct?
MS. FRENZ: Yes, sir.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah, so not after we enter an agreement,
but before we enter an agreement. We have to get approval from the Council or
legislative body of the Hawaii County before entering into an agreement with
any State or Federal body. Correct?
MS. FRENZ: That is correct and that's why I'm here. I'd like the Council's
authority to have a current MOU for the Financial Crimes Task Force to be
updated and executed with your authority, this body's authority.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you very much, DCC Frenz. I yield,
Chair.
CHR. INABA: All right, on the motion to approve Resolution 250-25, Mr. Clerk,
a roll call vote.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Vote on Res. 250-25: The motion to adopt Res. 250-25 and Governmental
(Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 59
was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: Council Member Villegas — 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
BILL 38 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
(DRAFT 2) the Chair:
(COMM. 203.7):
Eileen O'Hara: In support.
(representing Hawaiian Shores Community
Association)
Patti Pinto: In support.
Bill 38: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 13, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE
(Draft 2) 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
TAX CREDITS
Establishes a Private Road Tax Credit of up to $250 to be applied towards a
homeowner's real property tax bill when the homeowner expends at least$75
annually to maintain, repair, or improve a private roadway that is not restricted by a
gate and is managed by a road maintenance organization.
Reference: Comm. 203.7
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Approve: FC-77
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 38, Draft 2,
on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report
No. 77. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. We have our Real
Property Tax Administrator here in our chambers if there's any questions, as well
as Deputy Corporation Counsel Wong, who has been helpful today. We had a
good discussion at Committee level.
I really do appreciate the testifiers today, especially Ms. O'Hara and Mr. Rowan
and Ms. Pinto. I cannot say it better than Ms. Patti Pinto just stated it. There's a
number of reasons this is helpful, and I really would ask for your support today.
Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just want to thank my colleague
Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder for bringing this bill forward. We've been
on the Council for going on seven years now, and he's really focused his time on
the Council to try to figure out how we provide residents of Puna with some sort
of relief, considering that the County made decisions to create these
nonconforming subdivisions and folks are just left to really fend for themselves.
And that's put us in some really constraining circumstances. My partner is a
firefighter. He works in Kea`au. A lot of the calls for service are in the Upper
Puna community. And he shares with me just the deplorable conditions that first
responders are having to drive through in order to provide lifesaving support.
I know that this solution here does not fix the entirety and the complexities that
we continue to face as a County. But I think this and other measures that Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder has put forward are certainly making (inaudible).
So just want to say mahalo nui and I'm in full support. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I guess I just want to say that to some
extent I've come around as really against this bill, because I think it funds private
property. And especially I am concerned that we are giving a tax giveaway to
those who can afford to pay $250 out of pocket. I would have really preferred for
that to be a lower amount so that we're really supporting the people who are
struggling, and to try to entice more people to pay into these private road
subdivision funds.
Our Council voted against funding local farmers to expand food production for
our residents, for approximately the same amount of money that we're going to
fund now private roads. And so I still have a problem with the amount and I'll
reluctantly be supporting. But I hope we can continue to watch this and look at it
and adjust if appropriate, and if times get tighter, looking at maybe a smaller tax
giveaway here.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Thank you to the maker, and understanding that for Puna especially, Districts 4
and 5, this has been an ongoing issue, and do credit the maker with creative and
persistent work on this. But yeah, thank you. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I just want to be clear on the roadways. So
they are private roadways. They're not gated. All public access is allowed on the
roads then, regardless of any signage or any limitation that HOAs (homeowners
associations)put up. Public access is granted to all. Okay. Thanks. Getting an
affirmation there. Thank you.
I still have concerns about this. I don't know if this will really increase the
homeowner commitments or payments to their HOAs or to the road organizations.
We're providing that relief, which I'm in full support of providing that relief to
communities that have substandard roads that have degraded over time, and there
hasn't been an ongoing commitment to make that repair. Sometimes, it's
definitely a challenge, especially if emergency services are trying to access these
areas, like you shared with us. That's disheartening.
Some of the numbers you shared with us, Council Member, before in Committee
showed a range of dues and fees that were owed by the homeowners. But I think,
also in conversation, not all of them are mandatory. So there's this level where
"You can do it if you want. It's not mandatory but look at our roads." So there
doesn't seem to be any ownership for some of those communities, not all of them.
We definitely are hearing from road organizations, road maintenance
organizations in HOAs that have strong books, that have good accounting, that
have good leadership.
But there definitely are some that, you know, we're not hearing from all of them
that people aren't paying them, but there isn't that personal ownership of their
own road. It is a road that they own, and they don't want to take care of it. So
there's that lack of mandatory obligation from those organizations. And frankly,
some of those dues may be too low to pay for those roads. Myself living on a
private road, we all had to commit to that road. We know that if we do not invest
in that infrastructure for our small subdivision, then it's going to go to pot. There
is that commitment. There's that personal responsibility of taking care of our
road to access our home, family and friends visit, emergency services have to get
there. There is definite ownership.
So I still have some overall concerns about this approach. I really appreciate the
relief you're trying to provide here. Maybe all that buy in it—we're providing it.
I hope that people do access it. I think this is something that—my understanding
is the body really is in support of it. I do hope that these individuals,
homeowners, HOAs, road organizations will access this opportunity, that it will
provide relief so, in turn, that they can make that investment in the roads in their
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
communities. And I just hope it can get there. I just think that there are other
mechanisms that should be applied within those HOAs first, to make it mandatory
to improve those fees so that improvements can actually be made. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I just I guess wanted to, in some ways, second
Council Member Hustace's remarks. They're all very sensible remarks about,
you know, on the one hand this being a great, creative approach and worth a try,
but also it's, in some ways, rewarding people for not taking responsibility of their
own roads. So I think it's a good pilot project in some sense, and I hope that
future councils can evaluate whether it was successful or not. And if it's not
successful, perhaps trying some other approaches.
Another thing I also wanted to say is that I know that Real Property Tax is our
main reliever, but I also know that they are just getting hit by creative ideas from
us like every month, practically. So perhaps we need to stop being so creative for
a little bit before we drive Lisa crazy.
Yeah, but in support of this, I think, very creative way to try and get folks to
improve their roads. And they do pay their real property taxes, so there is a little
bit ofI think some of them might have the argument that if they pay, then they
don't get the same level of support just because their roads are private, which is
not really their fault to some degree, these sort of bad decisions previously.
Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Alrighty. I think it's too late; we've driven them crazy already.
So we will proceed with the vote. Mr. Clerk, roll call please.
Vote on Bill 38: The motion to pass Bill 38, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Finance Committee Report No. 77 was carried by the
(Approved) following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: Council Member Hustace— 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
BILL 60 The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
(DRAFT 3) the Chair:
(COMM. 313.30):
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Claudia Rohr: In opposition.
Bill 60: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 1, ARTICLE 2, ARTICLE 4, ARTICLE 5,
(Draft 3) AND ARTICLE 7, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,
AS AMENDED), RELATING TO ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS FOR
MEETING FACILITIES, CHURCHES, TEMPLES, SYNAGOGUES, AND
COMMUNITY BUILDINGS (Planning Director Initiated)
Removes existing zoning regulations for community buildings, churches, temples,
and synagogues and creates new regulations for "meeting facilities and special
events."
Reference: Comm. 313.30
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PCPLUED-6
(Note: Comm. 313.31, from Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated
August 20, 2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 60, Draft 3, was
circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 60, Draft 3, on first
reading and adopt Policy Committee on Planning, Land
Use, and Economic Development Committee Report No. 6.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I believe we've had months and months
of discussion in Committee on the need to update our code so that we remove any
sort of discriminatory element for those that are looking to operate as a meeting
facility regardless if they are a secular or non-secular entity. We've made those
changes. We've done consultation with faith leadership to ensure that this draft is
something that folks can live with and is implementable, and removes any sort of
discrimination.
I do have Director Darrow here in case folks have questions. But at the request of
the Planning Director, there were some housekeeping edits that needed to be done
to this bill, ensuring that the meeting facilities and special events were listed in all
of the correct zoning districts. And please recall that we also adopted a
telecommunications bill. So there just needed to be the correct references to that
item. And so we're using this vehicle to just do all of that cleanup.
That being said, I will move to amend Bill 38 [sic], Draft 3, with the contents of
Communication 313.31.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend Bill 60, Draft 3, with the
contents of Comm. 313.31. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Director Darrow, do you want to
provide any comments about this communication,the housekeeping amendments?
I know that you worked very closely with my Legislative Aide Hiapo and
Jacob Perry over at LRB (Legislative Research Branch) to make sure that we
went through this with a fine tooth comb. And you promised this was the last set
of amendments, right?
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. DARROW: Aloha, Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and members of the
Hawaii County Council. Jeff Darrow with the Planning Department. Yes, we
spent a lot of time. Our staffTracie Camero, myself, other members—worked
diligently going through this bill, as well as Hiapo and Jacob and yourself. The
one area that we felt really needed to be cleaned up a bit was just making sure that
there was this differentiation between meeting facilities which could include
special events, and special events itself. So that's been cleared up.
There is a separation you'll see in this communication that identifies that specific
use of special events that's defined, and what it requires going through plan
approval. As mentioned before, we've been having a number of requests for
outdoor concerts and commercial-type weddings. And so this bill will help also
address those issues that come up relating mainly to parking and impacts to
surrounding properties. Thank you very much for all the hard work that went into
this.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Perfect. Thanks again to you and your teamDCC
Campbell, Deputy Ahn, Tracie—for the many hours that were spent on fine-
tuning this bill. I think we're there. Thank you, Chair. Just looking for
everyone's support on the amendment. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion on the amendment? Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for clarifying. I guess the only trigger for me on
this was the amendments that add telecommunications antennas and towers. So I
just wanted to touch base and ensure that this doesn't weaken any of the other
requirements that we've passed in prior legislation.
CHR. INABA: Director?
MR. DARROW: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. This is mainly just a
cleanup. There was the bill that was passed before this. I believe it was
Ordinance 25-50. We didn't want this bill coming after that and adjusting the
code without including those amendments that were approved previously.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for clarifying and,yeah, calming those fears. All
right, thank you. I'll be in support today, and congratulations on this heavy lift
and getting us to this space. I yield.
CHR. INABA: All right, all those in favor of amending Bill 60, Draft 3, with the
contents of Communication 313.31,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 60, Draft 3, with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 313.31 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Bill 60: The motion to pass Bill 60, Draft 3, as amended to Draft 4,
Draft 4 on first reading and adopt Policy Committee on Planning,
(Approved) Land Use, and Economic Development Committee Report
No. 6 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Bill 67: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP) ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE ZONE MAP
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL -10,000 SQUARE
FEET (RS-10) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL-10,000 SQUARE FEET (CG-10)
AT WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP
KEY: 2-2-022:022 (Applicant: Correa Ohana, LLC) (Area: 33,180 square feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
the requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to demolish the
existing single-family dwelling and garage and construct a multi-family apartment
complex. The property is located at 1198 Kino`ole Street.
Reference: Comm. 375
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-19
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 67 on first reading and
adopt Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee
Report No. 19. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. I will be supporting this bill; however, I wanted
to let the applicant know, who was good enough to come meet with me, that I will
be keeping an eye on this property with the hopes that he was able to follow
through on what he has presented to the Council. So thank you and I will be
supporting.
MS. KIMBALL: Chair, if I may,just to note the applicant is here if there are any
additional questions or follow up.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Seeing no further lights on, all those in favor of
approving Bill 67 at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 67: The motion to pass Bill 67 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report
No. 19 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Bill 71: AMENDS CHAPTER 6 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED) BY ADDING AN ARTICLE, RELATING
TO NALOXONE
Requires venues licensed to serve alcoholic beverages for in-person consumption to
keep Naloxone on premises and ensure that employees are aware of its location and
method of administration.
Reference: Comm. 399
Intr. by: Council Members Hustace and Inaba
Approve: PCHSW-4
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 71 on first reading and
adopt Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being
Committee Report No. 4. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Council Member Hustace.
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. If I'm not mistaken, we should have
Ms. Samura and Yoshi from R&D (Research and Development) in the Hilo
chambers.
MS. KIMBALL: We sure do, as well as Deputy Lin.
MR. HUSTACE: That's fantastic. If they could come forward? There were
some questions last time about the opioid settlement funds and how those are
being appropriated, and the current status of those monetary amounts.
(Note: At this time, Economic Development Specialist Yoshiaki Otake,
Research and Development Department, and Executive Assistant to the
Mayor Erin Samura came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you for joining us and please share, given those
questions at our last Committee meeting.
MR. OTAKE: Yoshi Otake from Department of Research and Development.
MS. SAMURA: Good morning. Erin Samura, executive assistant to the Mayor's
office.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you so much for joining us. If you could just provide
just a brief overview of the opioid settlement funds the County has on hand, what
we received, and kind of the distribution of those funds, in broad strokes for the
Council to provide some insight. Thank you, Mr. Otake.
MR. OTAKE: To date, the County of Hawaii has received approximately
$1.4 million in settlement funds. This $1.4 million represent a combination of the
State and County allocations. So the State of Hawaii received a big chunk of
settlement funds. Eighty-five percent goes to the State and then 15 percent goes
to counties. And County of Hawaii actually received 18 percent out of that
15 percent. So this 1.4 million is actually a combination of what we received
from the State portion and what the County is also able to receive as a county's
share.
So 1.4 million, this breaks down to 478,400 of the State's share, which we
actually received last year and basically made into an MOA (Memorandum of
Agreement), and then contracted BISAC, Big Island Substance Abuse Council, to
support Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force. So that's ongoing. The entire
amount has been encumbered for a two-year contract.
And then we have the County's share, which is 925,000 to date, that we've
received from the State. And this is our County's share. And because this
amount of 925,000 we received only recently in May, we have not spent that
amount yet.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
MR. HUSTACE: Just for clarity, you have not spent that 900,000 then.
MR. OTAKE: That's correct.
MR. HUSTACE: And then if I could just probe a little bit in kind of
understanding what are your projected expenses for that; what is being targeted
for the 900,000?
MS. SAMURA: At this time, we have an RFI(Request for Information) out. It is
still currently open. It will close in September, so that we can get feedback from
all of our community nonprofit agencies out there, and help us to use these funds
for our community's benefit.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Mr. Otake and Ms. Samura. And thank you,
Deputy, for being there as well. Definitely, there's resources if you have
questions about the opioid settlement funds and how those are being distributed
across the State and (inaudible) the County, and then the partnership we have with
nonprofits in the communities that in turn support community and businesses.
I just wanted to share that I appreciate the support and the questions we had on
this one in particular when it comes to public health and safety and providing
Naloxone and Narcan, specifically at our bars which is an opportunity for
Department of Liquor Control to be a parry to that identification of having that
resource in those spaces.
Personally, I have worked with the Hawaii Fentanyl Task Force as a volunteer
for a couple years. And it is very moving to be at these distribution sites and hear
the stories of community members that either have used Naloxone or
administered it in the community to help save lives. And this effort, as a
partnership with Chair Inaba, kind of(inaudible) off of what City and County of
Honolulu has done, is to provide more of those resources in parts of the
community that we see this kind of use.
So we're talking about health and safety. We're talking about people in our
communities. And this is one of those things that can be added to our first aid kits
and really lifesaving events. So thank you for your consideration, and I
appreciate your support. Thank you, Chair Inaba.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. A question to Mr. Hustace. So I think, at the
last meeting, some of our concerns were who will be purchasing the Narcans to
provide to bars and restaurants.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you for the question. If you go to the store and you buy
a box of Naloxone or Narcan, about$40-$50 off the shelf. But through the opioid
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
settlement, a lot of those monies have been distributed to nonprofits, for them in
turn to distribute freely to community. So we have places across the County
where you can pick up boxes for free. And through the Fentanyl Task Force, at
our last committee meeting, some of that was even distributed to you and to your
districts so that you could then in turn share with other businesses and other
community members. So there is this ongoing relationship with the settlement
funds to work with those nonprofits and help distribute, at no cost, these
resources.
So, at the moment, there is no cost on some of these things, and they have a shelf
life of a couple years. So the product is good for some time. So it's not
necessarily a large burden to take on at the moment. If you access and work with
the Fentanyl Task Force or BISAC, there are those opportunities there. But I
don't see an undue cost to going forward.
MR. ONISHL Okay. So right now, they said the 925,000 is in an RFL So the
money hasn't even been spent. The other 400,000 has been allocated to BISAC.
Is that correct?
MR. HUSTACE: And the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force.
MR. ONISHL So you folks made an agreement with the fentanyl task force to
provide the Narcan to the bars and restaurants that the liquor department
mentioned. How many different ones?
MR. HUSTACE: No. There's no agreement there. These are just—those
nonprofits, they either distribute themselves or have a supply that they give at no
cost to all community members.
MR. ONISHL Okay. But now, we're talking about the bars that you folks have
in this bill, right. How will they get the Narcan?
MR. HUSTACE: They can either purchase themselves, or they can engage with
these nonprofits, attend a workshop, attend a distribution site and get one freely.
MR. ONISHL Okay, good luck.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Further discussion? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm in alignment with Mr. Onishi. We have
a restaurant, and as such, we would have to have one of these. But that was my
first question at the Committee hearing last week. But then we were given cases
of it. And so I think that outreach would be wonderful for the restaurants so
you're not out of compliance not knowing it, although I think it's a pretty
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
minuscule cost. It's one of those things that as a businessperson, you have to
know, you have to do, and have it somewhere. And if you're not, then are you in
trouble, blah, blah, blah? So anything we can do to assist with business owners
getting these Narcan devices will be helpful for the business community, so they
feel supported as we roll this out.
So, in support of the bill. And thank you for the samples. I'll be handing those
out to community members that are in need, or businesses that are in need. And
they like the idea. I did talk to one of the members of our nonprofits after the
meeting last week, and he actually told me he's used this before. And if it's just
one time and you can save somebody's life because you're able to resuscitate
them from an overdose, then we've done our duty as Council Members and
leaders in our community. So thank you.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just to add on to that. We did hear from
Director Takase in Department of Liquor Control,there already is that kind of
ongoing partnership with Liquor Control and those particular businesses. And
they've done workshops. They've done opportunities to provide that resource as
well. So,yes, there was kind of already a voluntary sort of commitment and buy-
in between Liquor Control and the businesses. So that's there. This is just kind
of an additional request of businesses. And I understand that it can be an impact
on them. Trying to build that relationship between our nonprofits and ultimately
use this bill (inaudible) more funds for the purpose of reversing kind of the impact
on communities from opioids. So this is trying to give back and trying to provide
these spaces where that lifesaving opportunity is there as well. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. A quick question. Council Member Hustace or
Chair Inaba, are there any plans along with this to provide any information about
how to administer the Narcan, or how to identify signs of a potential opioid
overdose when you're talking to a nonprofit or through R&D here?
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member, for the
question. The Department of Liquor Control has done some of that training,
particularly with these businesses. But our other nonprofits, BISAC, Hawaii
Island Fentanyl Task Force, Kumukahi Health, they've all been engaged with
these businesses as well, and opportunity for that training.
They have gone into a lot of those spaces, commercial spaces, to engage with
those partners, engage with business owners to provide that training, and are
willing to do so going forward. So there are those resources for community.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
When we've had distribution events hosted by the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task
Force, we do provide training on how to use the device in that space as well. So
with the distribution also comes training about how to easily identify, how to use
this piece of equipment, and how to save a life and how to recognize those
symptoms.
MS. KIMBALL: Great. Thank you. I hope that there isit will all help through
our various networks to make sure we share the information to the businesses in
our community about that. I'd love it if your office or somebody from R&D or
from our Mayor's office could put together a little one-pager we could share out
in our communities about how to access Narcan, how to get this information
about how to administer and then identify the signs. And to be able to get
useful to also inform people about our passage of this bill so that they know that
it's now a requirement.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member, and thank you, Chair, for just
jumping on quickly there. The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force is committed
to these training efforts to alleviate some of that concern you may have, and really
provide those training opportunities, providing a continued partnership with Uncle
Wally Lau and the team here in Kona. There are many individuals that are
committed to providing this lifesaving device, and also that training that is part
and parcel to that commitment. So I want to thank all the nonprofits that were
part of this conversation and providing these resources and training opportunities
for the community and our businesses. So thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Bill 71 at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 71: The motion to pass Bill 71 on first reading and adopt Policy
(Approved) Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being Committee
Report No. 4 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Bill 73: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE ZONE MAP
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - 15,000
SQUARE FEET (RS-15) TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - 10,000
SQUARE FEET (RS-10) AT WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI`I, COVERED
BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-011:153
(Applicant: Douglas and Shelley Uyeda) (Area: 21,778 square feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
the requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the
property into two lots and separate the two existing single-family dwellings
currently on the property, enabling each dwelling to exist on its own lot. The
property is located at 461 Kehaulani Street.
Reference: Comm. 407
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-20
(Note: Comm. 407.2, from Council Member Heather L. Kimball dated
August 18, 2025, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 73, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to pass Bill 73 on first reading and
adopt Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee
Report No. 20. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: I have an amendment. I mentioned this at the Committee
hearing. It's just a minor correction indicating that the dwelling permit that exists
for this property will be revoked upon issuance of the final subdivision approval,
rather than on approval of change of zone.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kimball moved to amend Bill 73 with the contents of
Comm. 407.2. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball, anything further?
MS. KIMBALL: No. Happy to take any questions if there are any.
CHR. INABA: All right, all those in favor of amending Bil 73 with the contents
of Communication 407.2,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 73 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 407.2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Bill 73: The motion to pass Bill 73, as amended to Draft 2, on first
Draft 2 reading and adopt Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions
(Approved) Committee Report No. 20 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
Bill 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
First Reading: August 6, 2025
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 29, Draft 2, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. We've had extensive discussions in
Committee and at our first Council reading. But if folks do have questions, I'm
here as well as members of the Planning Department and Corporation Counsel.
Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Bill 29, Draft 2, at
second and final reading,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 29: The motion to pass Bill 29, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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)
First Reading: August 6, 2025
Vote on Bill 74: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to pass Bill 74 on second
(Adopted) and final reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried
by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
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Hawaii County Council-21 August 20,2025
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
CHR, INABA: This is a reminder that we have our General Plan Committee
review meeting this evening, covering addressing climate change for island-wide
health beginning at 5:00 here in our Kona Council chambers.
One last announcement. The Maunakea Stewardship meeting will be occurring
here at the West Hawaii Civic Center, 5:00 (p.m.)to 7:00 (p.m.) next
Wednesday, August 27. They are making their community rounds, so the Kona
meeting will be held here at the West Hawaii Civic Center.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting at 11:08 a.m.
MENT:
Council Approval: NOV 1 9 2025
LERK
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