HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 078 2025-11-04 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: November 4, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 592
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 592, reports as follows:
Communication No. 592, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated October 14, 2025, requests
the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Thomas E. Fratinardo to the Windward
Planning Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Mr. Fratinardo, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers.
Committee Member James Hustace asked what Mr. Fratinardo could share regarding what needs to
be considered regarding planning in the more rural areas of our County. Mr. Fratinardo said that
short-term vacation rental regulations and enforcement need to be addressed as well as the impact of
planning of subdivisions as they go through the planning process, and he is concerned about the
building occurring on agricultural land. He said his concern is based on many of these agricultural
subdivisions not necessarily having the water infrastructure to support the growth occurring there. He
also mentioned the Community Development Plan (CDP) and the importance of following it,
especially for such large districts like Hamakua, and wants to see more people in the community
involved in the CDP process. He also touched on fire control and suppression regarding expanding
development in areas that are prone to fires. Mr. Hustace asked more about economic opportunities
for the Hamakua region to help reduce commute times and traffic. Mr. Fratinardo said that some
industrial and commercial uses would have to go to the State Land Board, but that more farming
would be great.
Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Fratinardo what he thinks responsible
development looks like. He responded that cost is the most crucial consideration for affordability for
residents, along with honest conversations about true costs of building affordably, and balancing
cutting costs and supporting local is something he wants to see decision makers focus on.
Ms. Kierkiewicz mentioned that the Planning Commissions do a lot of review of important items
that impact the entire County and that his experience will be a valuable asset to this Commission.
Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi spoke in favor of the appointment.
GOEAC Report No. 78
GOEAC-78 Page 2 November 4, 2025
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Mr. Fratinardo-for his input on balancing rural
and agricultural areas with the recent bill that allows for additional dwelling units on these sorts of
properties. Mr. Fratinardo agreed with Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder about the abundance of vacant
homes and wants to see legislation to address that. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked him to share his
ideas on how to incorporate requirements in building for local people versus building for the general
masses. Mr. Fratinardo stated that he believes the priority needs to be in building for local people
first.
Pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 7, Section 6-7.3 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the
Windward Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Communication No. 592, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Thomas E.
Fratinardo to the Windward Planning Commission.
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AYES
NOES
AES
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EX ERI` AFFAIRS
KAGI A, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 78
ADOPTED: NOV 1 9 2025