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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: November 4, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 592 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 592, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 592, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated October 14, 2025, requests <br />the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Thomas E. Fratinardo to the Windward <br />Planning Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Mr. Fratinardo, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers. <br />Committee Member James Hustace asked what Mr. Fratinardo could share regarding what needs to <br />be considered regarding planning in the more rural areas of our County. Mr. Fratinardo said that <br />short-term vacation rental regulations and enforcement need to be addressed as well as the impact of <br />planning of subdivisions as they go through the planning process, and he is concerned about the <br />building occurring on agricultural land. He said his concern is based on many of these agricultural <br />subdivisions not necessarily having the water infrastructure to support the growth occurring there. He <br />also mentioned the Community Development Plan (CDP) and the importance of following it, <br />especially for such large districts like Hamakua, and wants to see more people in the community <br />involved in the CDP process. He also touched on fire control and suppression regarding expanding <br />development in areas that are prone to fires. Mr. Hustace asked more about economic opportunities <br />for the Hamakua region to help reduce commute times and traffic. Mr. Fratinardo said that some <br />industrial and commercial uses would have to go to the State Land Board, but that more farming <br />would be great. <br />Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Fratinardo what he thinks responsible <br />development looks like. He responded that cost is the most crucial consideration for affordability for <br />residents, along with honest conversations about true costs of building affordably, and balancing <br />cutting costs and supporting local is something he wants to see decision makers focus on. <br />Ms. Kierkiewicz mentioned that the Planning Commissions do a lot of review of important items <br />that impact the entire County and that his experience will be a valuable asset to this Commission. <br />Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />GOEAC Report No. 78 <br />