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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2025/12/02 (2024-2026)CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 23rd Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii December 2, 2025 The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs was called to order at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair. Present: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Mr. Holeka Gore hiaba, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent & Excused: Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee 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: Sam Guckenheimer: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. Martina Wing: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. Cory Harden: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. Noelle Lindenmann: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. Kencho Gurang: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. Patti Cook: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 Terrence McDonald: Res. 399-25 (Comm. 625), in support. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Alright, Mr. Clerk, can we start with the first communication, please. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 622: APPOINTMENT OF WESLEY SEGAWA AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated November 12, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: January 16, 2026 (Section 13-8, Hawaii County Charter) Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Wesley Segawa as Director of Public Works. Seconded by Mr. Hustace CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. We have the Mayor here to introduce his appointment. So, with no further ado Mayor, the floor is yours. (Note: At this time, Mayor C. Kimo Alameda and the appointee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MAYOR ALAMEDA: Abright, it's good to be here. Happy Holidays, Council Members. On behalf of the County, I'm very proud to share with you, good news. We did find a director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), and he is right here on my right side. Wesley Segawa has unbelievably proven himself in the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). One year later, we're in a much better place; we're on time with our projects, and you know, we're getting estimates coming in better than what we thought, which is really good. Thank you, Wes. You know, there's so many vacancies. And since then, we've hired for over 40 vacancies, because the work in Environmental Management has changed; just as I expected with Wes in his skillset. Originally, Mr. Segawa wanted the position in Public Works, but somebody was there already with that bridge, and we thought that person there originally was a good bridge for Mr. Hugh Ono. So, we asked Wes to go to Environmental Management. Page 2 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 And now, it's coming full circle. I think Public Works is where Mr. Segawa feels most comfortable. He brings all kinds of experiences now; experiences from Environmental Management to now Public Works. And so, you know, he'll get to partner with our all-star, Mr. Neil Azevedo, which makes a nice partnership. So, without further ado, I'll introduce Mr. Wes Segawa. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Mayor Alameda. Mr. Segawa, would you like to add anything before the Council jumps in? MR. SEGAWA: Well, I just want to say, I appreciate the opportunity. It's been a privilege and an honor to serve as Director of the Department of Environmental Management. I'm still in transition between departments, but also, I want to thank the Council for the support you've given the Administration during this period. We're going through a very difficult time for this County. I feel like we've laid the right ground work to continue successfully with new leadership, obviously, in the department. I also want to thank the Mayor for his support and allowing me to make decisions and set strategies that so far have proven to work. Finally, I want to thank the staff at DEM. They've supported me from day one. I respect all of them for what they have to offer individually and technically; it's been a tremendous experience for me, and I appreciate that. Moving toward DPW, this is an area I'm a little more familiar with, probably. I've been trying to reach out to the staff, both in Kona —I've spent quite a bit of time already in Kona, and here in Hilo. And I kind of see areas that we might want to work on or start focusing on, which probably include permitting processes; focusing on our properties; the repair and maintenance work that's on schedule or in line on the que. Also looking at how we serve our public as well as you, Council Members. So, just wanted to share that part of myself with all of you, thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. I want to go ahead and open it up to Council Members to provide comments or ask questions. So, who would like to start? Council Member Kierkiewicz, go right ahead. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Director, great to see you. Thank you for being here. Appreciate the very thematic overview of the goals that you have for the department. But during your tenure as Public Works Director, if you are confirmed, can you lay out the vision? What kind of vision do you have for the department? Page 3 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 You mentioned a more streamlined permitting process; wanting there to be, you know, the projects getting done on time. So, there's visible improvements by the public. And then, greater transparency and engagement with community. How exactly are you going to go about achieving all of those things. MR. SEGAWA: Well, I'm still at the initial stages of my assessments. I think I've been there a couple weeks now. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: But this is the job that you had initially wanted, correct? MR. SEGAWA: Well, I felt I was more suited for that position, you know. And obviously, it's a calling to want to serve in Government for anyone. Right now, I think I'm in the assessment phase of where I'm beginning. I know building permits have been an issue throughout the State. Well, on Oahu, and probably it's going to be here where you know, looking into this EPIC (Electronic Processing and Information Center) permitting system that we have, I have to better understand that. Hopefully, we can move forward with a system that is even more efficient and more responsive to our applicants. That's one area that I think I want to look into. The R&M (Repair and Maintenance) work, I mean, I read from time to time in the paper that Council Members observed deficiencies in the maintenance of our properties. And I need to go and take a look at our properties, get a better understanding, so I can set a vision. But obviously, we've got to identify what our priorities are. I'd like to get away from being a reactive Administration to one that's proactive. And the only way I'm going to do it, like I said in my DEM confirmation was, I've got to collect data. I need to get more information so I can assess it. Set up a plan and a strategy, and start to execute that. But that's my plan, my vision. Finally, customer service to our public. I think that's why we're all where we are today. We want to serve the public, and it's my mission, my goal, to better serve our public. We all have different definitions. But I think Mayor Alameda has set a standard for us, where he's been very responsive to our public, especially on the Public Works end. I think, when the public calls or when Council Members call, or constituents call, he's very responsive from my understanding. People have praised his Administration for, you know, responding the way he has. So as far as vision, maybe I'll give you an update in a few months. You know, once I get more data. But I'm sorry, I'm giving you this long answer for a simple question. Page 4 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No, that's very helpful. You know, I think that the Director of Public Works is one of the most significant positions within the County, because you deal with a lot of bread-and-butter issues that the — community is touched by every single day, right; the roads, the bridges, the different facilities. So, I was curious about your process. You're still in assessment and data mode, and I will absolutely take you up on your offer to come back in a few months to identify a clearer vision and direction. I was curious about when you said you want to identify priorities when it comes to repair and maintenance. What exactly is your methodology in doing that? We have a lot of County facilities that are dilapidated, right, kind of bring some shame here; lot of problems. Not enough money, I think, to go around to do everything. And there's still public demand to want to build new facilities to keep pace for growing needs of the population. So, what exactly is your methodology for making those business decisions? So, we're taking care of our assets and taking care of community. CHR. KAGIWADA: Mr. Segawa, before you start, could you just pull that mic a little closer and speak right into it? Thank you so much. Go ahead. MR. SEGAWA: Glad to do it. Okay, as far as methodology, I would think, first of all, I'd want to see what projects are already in the queue with the department; find out what the details are. What are the issues? What are the commonalities between projects to begin with. There's also observations or complaints, I guess, that come in that we know about, perhaps, and may or may not have addressed. And some of you, Council Members also may have R&M concerns that you've seen just by being out in your communities. I want to collect that data, so I can see where things stand. Where are we spending the money, and what is the timing for these projects. Do we have the staffing or the resources? Those are all part of the methodology to determine, okay, what can we afford? What do we have to put on the side before we can move forward? I need to also talk to my boss, the Mayor, hey, this is what I see. Help me, I need your input on how to proceed. And he's going to be my compass going forward. So as far as methodology, it's called data collection; assessing that data, coming up with a plan for execution and coming up with a strategy, identifying the goals and objectives, meeting with the Mayor and presenting him with my recommendations. And then let him tell me what we should be doing. He's more in touch with that part than I am. Page 5 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Marching orders from the Mayor, got it. Finally, I'm really curious about what you believe the department's role is when it comes to affordable housing development. You know, we often see many local families forced to move from the islands because they can't afford to buy a home here or they're being priced out because of rents. And your department has the Building Division permitting processes, which oversees the Building Code and can also help to coordinate potentially the development of housing infrastructure for affordable housing projects. I'm curious about, again, the role you believe Public Works can play; the kind of leadership you can play in ensuring that there are more affordable housing opportunities here in our local market. MR. SEGAWA: Okay, I can probably just answer one part of it, which is probably the permitting process, the regulatory process where we can look at where concessions might be possible within the standard of care that we're expected to live up to in our department as far as housing policy. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What does that mean, though? Concessions within standards of care. MR. SEGAWA: Well, for example, at least, I would say it's a concession where we have a State Building Code, which we always you know, just traditionally have adopted based on the State Building Code Committee. So, the latest one was where the State moved up to the 2024 International Building Code. And there was some push back in realizing that by adopting that code, we probably would be increasing the cost of construction and requirements for buildings whether it's residential or commercial or whatever it is. So, the Governor in his wisdom said, "Hey, we're going to stick with the current code and not just continue adopting codes just because they're put on the table before us." That's one example, I would say, on how we could facilitate or make concessions with the requirements, kind of easing it up. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for saying that. Mayor, did you want to add something. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Sure. Yeah, I mean I was at the beach yesterday. Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz, for asking that question. You know, our city is over 100 years old, and I think we've reached the tipping point of deferred maintenance, right? Not just in our wastewater, which is what we identified earlier coming into this, but also our Banyan trees; our bridges; our roads; and now, our buildings. Page 6 December 2, 2025 So, here we are, right, together County Council Members, Mayor's Office Administration, trying to figure out how to catch up; how to insure public safety. So, you know, as you all operate in your districts, we've got to operate islandwide. So, when you ask specific directors about priorities, it's always checking in with the Mayor, a check -in with the other departments. It's never, like —we don't operate in silos. But unlike, if representing a district, or you know, like there's mind silos. I mean I can see it, because you've got to fight for your district. But when you ask us a question, we're really operating out of the framework of the whole island. So, priorities, if you want to know, like what is the top priority, it depends on which district. And so, that's why it's very important that we operate as a team. And I'm glad our Director Segawa said, you know, check in with the Mayor, which is a true story, because we've all got to talk about it. You know, we cannot operate in silos, because we represent the whole island. So, that's true. and I just wanted to add that. I mean, some of your questions might be directed to Mr. Segawa, but the answer is really more comprehensive than that, because it's coming out of a team approach and not just from one department. So, I just wanted to add that. Thank you. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. I also just want to say that each of us are Hawaii County Council Members and while we are elected by respective districts, we do make decisions that impact the whole island. And so, we bring the wisdom of our districts to the table. But I have seen time and time again, Council Members making sacrifices so that other districts can have. So, just want to make sure that that's understood as well. Final question that I have for you, Director, is, how do you see cross -collaboration within departments? We always hear Government operates in silos. What are you going to do to ensure that departments are not only talking to each other, but coordinating action. Mr. SEGAWA: To answer your question, I see it already happening with this Mayor with our cabinet meetings; how he's bringing us together. And with the way he's created a structure that allows that to happen where we operate currently in pods. And those pod leaders also collaborate between the pods. Messages go up and down and we get direction through that process. As an example, take the Coconut Island Bridge. I didn't realize DPW is not the owner of that bridge; it comes out of Parks and Recreation. Well, Parks and Rec. are used to doing Parks and Rec. So, we're reaching out to them already. We'll help them on the assessment on the failure, what we need to do to move forward, whether there are environmental concerns. Structurally, how do we dismantle what's there. Is it abridge that has been impacted throughout or just a small Page 7 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 section; and how do we rebuild it; how soon and what it will cost. And I think those are things that DPW can help with the skillsets that we have. And that's one example of collaborating with the department. DEM, currently, was short of the technical staff. We're out there with DPW and reached out to them. DPW is providing them with inspectors to get out there to Pahala or Hale Halawai to help us because we don't have the staffing to keep an eye on them. These projects, some of them work at night, or will start to work in the evenings. But we get that kind of cooperation between departments, as being facilitated through the Mayor's structure on how departments operate. So, as far as collaborating, I think the ingredients are in place, and so far it's been working. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz, so just a quick —another example was the fire on Kino`ole and Haili Street. I mean the firefighters were like they haven't seen Public Works that responsive. And to have a cleanup within 24 hours; restored access to the roads; lights were fixed, HELCO (Hawai`i Electric Light Company) came. From what I understand, people working in Fire, they're responsible for the cleanup, if you will. And to have Public Works there helping, collaborating as a team with the police was just incredible. Thank you. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mayor and Managing Director for being here, appreciate it. Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Council Member Galimba, please. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. So, I just wanted to ask you, earlier you talked about having hired 40 folks there. So, that's one of your accomplishments at DEM. I would like you to maybe give us some more details on what you've been doing at DEM this past year. And honestly, I mean, I'll just be kind of a little bit honest with you. I've been wanting and asking for update. So, actually this is an opportunity for me to get that update. We do have another update that's going to be a more formal one in January on the AOC (Areas of Concern), but yes, I would love if you could give me some details on your accomplishments. And difficulties perhaps over the past year on those AOC projects and the other projects at DEM. MR. SEGAWA: AOC projects probably were on the front burner for me throughout my tenure at DEM. It began when we first got on board; within two weeks we had to decide on whether to proceed or not with the Hilo Wastewater Project. Page 8 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 With the deadlines that we are faced with, we were pretty much in a situation where we had to proceed. We did that; the project is moving forward. You may not see work going on on the side. But it takes at least a year to actually fabricate and manufacture a lot of the equipment that go into this Wastewater Treatment Plant. It's special custom-made equipment that must go in, and it's moving along. People may think we're delayed; we're not delayed. We don't foresee at this point, to my knowledge, any time extension or cost impacts. That's one project. Kealakehe has been on our radar. We've been able to work with the Department of Health and moving forward with some kind of agreement on rehabbing that wastewater treatment plant. However, we were faced with a settlement agreement we had to perform to with deadlines that were just almost impossible to meet. However, we found mechanisms that we could use to procure consultant services and construction services. And I think yesterday was the bid opening for that project. And I'm proud to say that project came in under budget, and that doesn't happen too often. And as far as I've known, someone is going to be evaluating the bids that came in. So, we're meeting our commitment on that settlement. What other settlements do we have? We have Pahala. Pahala is moving along; we're putting in sewer lines there; we're getting them inspected; going along smoothly. Bids came in high on the Pahala Wastewater Treatment Plant. We're in the process of negotiating to see ways we can reduce the cost. You know, that's moving forward. In Nd'alehu, we've had challenges with the landowner or the overseers. We've gone through some pretty, I guess, we've gone through some cost -savings on that project. And we were able to save, I would say, millions by redesigning that site. And I think we've come to the point where we can talk story again, and I'm just hopeful that we can move forward. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Council Member Galimba, on the cost -savings too; also, in addition to those, right, so there's Kealakehe, right? And the shift that our Administration made to possibly move the park closer to the treatment center would also be saving millions. And that's amazing to have that shift working with DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) to have that land swap happen. So, these are just examples. Puako, you know we've met with them several times as well. And or course, we're doing Hale Halawai right now. So, there's so much happening already within that department. It's quite incredible. They're doing a good job. MR. SEGAWA: I could go on and on. There's so much going on. Any specific project with wastewater, I'll be happy to respond, but your projects out in KYU are moving along. Page 9 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MS. GALIMBA: Yes, they are. Thanks. My second question is really for the Mayor's Office. Could you just talk us through your search process? MAYOR ALAMEDA: Thank you for asking. You know, it's been over a year, and every name we get, you know, we vet. And I'd say, 80 percent of the vetting process, the response was a "no." Right in the Department of Public Works, we've asked who had that degree, right? And we went, and we've asked and asked. And it was a no, no, no. There was one applicant from the outside that was a director and possibly showed some interest. But after engagement we felt that our vision was different. So, here we are, right? We've asked you folks to help us with names. We've asked prior directors to give us names, and we've vetted those names. I mean, I could share those names now, and I can tell you they refused. And it could be different reasons. It could be the pay; it could be the environment. So, you know, here we are. But luckily Mr. Segawa was one of our first choices. And so, now here he is. And I think the fit matters, so that's why we are where we're at now. Thank you. MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. I'll yield for now. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHI: Thank you, Madame Chair. Good morning, good to see you guys. Thank you for stepping up. Finally got it, I guess, filled which is great. The only thing I have is that, and I will be supporting your confirmation. It's just about monitoring State funding that has been appropriated to our legislators and making sure that we don't lose those monies from the projects that are supposed to be forthcoming. That's the only thing that I would want to see you helping out and getting that under control or getting projects moving forward because when we get that free money, we shouldn't be returning it. And whatever help we can do, please let us know. Okay, thank you. MR. SEGAWA: Alright. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Council Member Onishi, well let me just first clarify, it's not free, because it comes with a match. So, the match is costing us. Alright, so, I wish it wasfree. I wish the whole project was free. So, with your district, it's the Wong Stadium, right? There's some funds from the State. It's probably Keaukaha Gym. There's some funds from the State, hopefully, OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs). But they all come with matches. And unfortunately, our match is bigger than the original funds coming from the State. So, to hold on to that, I hear what you're saying is, you know, hold on to Page 10 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 that. Don't lose that, and we hear you on that. We've just got to make sure we can get the match. MR. ONISHI: Right. The one I was focusing on is the four -mile bridge. That one is about S 12 million that we're getting from the State, right, so that's the main one that I would be really —well, one of couple. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Absolutely. You know, if it's fully supported, we're there. That's the easy answer, or even if it's Federal funding, we're there too. MR. ONISHI: I guess during former Director Ono's time, we found out through Engineering that there were certain permits they were waiting for, and so forth. So, hopefully, we can move that forward. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Absolutely, we have a champion, and that is House Member Sue Lee Loy, prior County Council Member. She's on that and she's very supportive of those funds, making sure that we work together on that. MR. ONISHI: Because it affects at least three different districts, right? So, thank you, that's all I ask. Good Luck. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Thank you. MR. SEGAWA: Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Aloha, Mayor and Managing Director. Thank you for your time this morning being here with us. Director Segawa, thank you. I appreciate the questions from my colleagues to kind of start it off here and talk about your accomplishments with DEM. So, thank you for sharing some insight into that. Could you please share with us a little bit about this transition period, you know, going from DEM; your work there, the experience that you're leaving behind there with a new director. Is there an opportunity through this transition to continue that engagement with a new director of that department, as you're taking on this new role? MR. SEGAWA: I think I'm expected to help with this transition for whatever length of time it takes, I will be involved. MR. HUSTACE: Okay, thank you Director. Mayor, anything on that? Page 11 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MR. SEGAWA: But it is his department. MAYOR ALEMEDA: Yeah, so I mean, that was the team approach going into it. Mr. Segawa was part of this decision, and of course, you'll get to meet Daniel (Girvan), and you'll be very impressed. But it is a warm handoff, and it's not an instant, you know, close the door. So, I expect them to be working together. Both of their deputies are aware that Mr. Segawa could be in Dan's office two days out of the week. You know, just making sure the transition happens. It's not uncommon for me to see both of them at the same meeting because of the transfer of knowledge. So, thank you for bringing that up, Council Member Hustace. But, yeah, we're definitely on to that. Thank you. MR. HUSTACE: Of course, and I think it will continue going forward with the collaboration that you're talking about, Mayor, breaking down the silos. And the departments, so they're not operating in these different spaces. But there is that opportunity for DPW and DEM to be working together on projects going forward. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Absolutely. At one point, it was one whole department, back in the day. MR. HUSTACE: That's right. Thanks Mayor. Director Segawa, could you speak about your engagement so far, and then of course, the internal structure, as Director. We've seen Deputy Director here with us at our meetings, for example, talking about projects; being here as a resource to answer questions. And Neil (Azevedo) has been, as we know, been a champion for the department moving projects forward; trying to tackle projects that have languished. And I've seen the list on his wall; really going after these projects that have been sitting on the shelf for a long time. So, we had that direct engagement with Neil and the team there. Could you speak about, you know, you now being there as the leadership role for the department; your relationship, your engagement with Neil as Deputy there going forward and how that plays out with internal dialogue in the office? MR. SEGAWA: Well so far, I think it's moving along as I expected, two weeks. I've been invited and I've been attending internal meetings. It starts off Mondays with meetings with the different division chiefs. Like you say, he has that list of projects on the wall that he actually goes through them, and he questions each chief on where the progress is. And his expectations, I've seen him just issue orders on setting priorities with the expectation that it's going to get done in the time period that he expects it to get done. Page 12 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 Now, I'm still trying to get my footing in there trying to understand that list and what those projects are. I expect myself to become just as knowledgeable about the projects. I think he might be doing more of the operational portion and, or component of these projects. He's done a good excellent job in my opinion so far. I think everyone is pleased with his responsiveness. Forme, I'm one of those if it works I'm not going to change it unless we can improve it. That's the way I plan to move forward. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Director. The other question I had is about something that Council Member Kierkiewicz brought up. And you know, particularly with regards to housing, and you spoke to the permitting process and the Building Division within DPW. In conversations with a lot of our developers and those wanting to solve some of our housing challenges; some of our bigger hurdles are about infrastructure. And it doesn't have to be an answer today, but it's really maybe a policy shift that maybe we need to make going forward where we're putting a lot of this burden on our developers, and they're passing that buck off to the homeowners down the road, right? So in terms of engagement with DEM, your past work there, what do you see in terms of future opportunities whether they're private -public partnerships. And we've talked about this, you and I, about the Puako community, specifically on the wastewater side. I talked to the Mayor about this as well, and he's worked with the community there. And just curious on your thoughts and position, is that a road we can go down, not literally and figuratively, of course. But we have these large costs that we're taking on right now; repair and maintenance of our facilities; our existing infrastructure, and of course, the tremendous amount of investment we're putting into our wastewater systems across the island. So, is there any room for us to take on more infrastructure and do more; take that leap; work with our State partners to take a bigger stretch, possibly. So, we're not passing the buck off down to future homeowners or future investment of the properties. Is that something we can feasibly do? MR. SEGAWA: Policy call, yes. MAYOR ALAMEDA: That's a good question, right, if we stop having babies maybe. But it's so difficult, I mean, people need homes. So, we're going to have to. And that's why I talk to my directors. It's like, we're going to have to make this happen. We cannot allow our kids to be born and then leave the island. So, we've worked with Public Works, Environmental Management, and the Planning Department to come up with a plan. And I show them, I say, where on Page 13 06)C CW#3 December 2, 2025 the island can we develop? And three things we've got to have; roads, got to have wastewater, and got to have water. Okay, so we came up with 22 places on the island. And that's something that we can share, but that's more out of the Planning Department, and it's from the General Plan and from these mini plans, if you will, Community Development Plans. So, the answer is yes, because we don't have a choice. MR. HUSTACE: Because sometimes those large landowners have these conditions; they want to move forward. But is there a way that we can just help them get across the line. You know, is that something that we need to have a policy shift about, we've having these conversations and trying to encourage them; coming to the table with them; partner with them, so that we can make these things happen? MAYOR ALAMEDA: We have those conversations at least weekly with one developer, because they're trying to cross the line too. And they don't want to give up on development, that's their passion, that's their dream. So, that's why I bring the team together. And that's why I say, Wes, help me with the roads; Water, help me with wastewater; does this fit the General Plan? You now, those conversations are constant, right? Then it's also supply and demand. So, let's look at modular homes; let's revisit it again. You know, just last week the guy from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) said, "Hey, I have these Federal HUD approved homes that could be just sent to you folks. But you got this County requirement for continuous footing. It's messing us up. But the feds don't need continuous footing, but you need it. So, how can we make this work?" So, we had that whole conversation with Mr. Segawa, with Neil, with Jeff (Darrow). You know that was a Zoom meeting with the HUD guy, and we came to a conclusion that we can make it happen. So, we're excited about that. So, it's a case -by -case basis. So, if you have a developer that wants to talk and get to that finish line, just let us know and we'll be happy to engage them. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Mayor. Anything else, Director on that? MR. SEGAWA: No, I think from my experience, we've just got to look for opportunities. I've seen projects where government starts to develop land that's been left undeveloped for too long, and things deteriorate, too, and come back and bite you. So, it takes a lot of collaboration. MR. HUSTACE: I appreciate that. Thank you, Director. Thank you, Chair. Page 14 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Hi, thanks for being here again today in the hotseat. Transitioning departments has got to be a dynamic opportunity and experience. For me, the elephant in the room, I just have to go back to the questions about some of the legal matters that were brought up during your final confirmation hearing still don't sit great with me. And questions about your business contracts with the County and the State, and they are plenty. So, I just have a bit of a —it kind of puts a craw that you have this company that does all this engineering work and gets all these government contracts. And then now you would be the director of the department that then determines contracts. So, there seems to be a space there for conflict of interest. So, my question is how and what is done. Maybe Corp. Counsel can answer this. But at a time when our community has so little trust for government, and when we have seen history repeat itself over and over again with government contracts being given to certain players and whatnot. It's a hard swallow for me that might continue whether or not intentionally, or just because it's the way things have always happened. I just have a quick comment about affordable housing. I suppose there's a part of me that if we continue to build and align with developers and only provide and require of them the current requirements for affordable housing, we will never and can never build ourselves out of this housing crisis. Because there's a 20 percent requirement, but then you have affordable housing credits; and then people start flipping homes. We don't have a scarcity of homes. We have a scarcity of homes that our Kama`aina can afford, and we have a surplus of empty homes, second homes, third homes, and investment homes. So, when it comes to DPW and aligning with Housing and Planning, it becomes a red flag for me. Because until we look at our Building Codes, and I agree with you right now that the codes require that we build fortresses, essentially, which becomes cost prohibitive. Being a long-time Kama`aina here, right, generational. I lived in a coffee shack that made it through every storm, right? In the coffee can on the four-by-four cement block. So, these are just a couple things that are coming forward for me right now. The last one is a more specific question about your involvement in the memo and comments provided on Bill 83 that came from DEM. And as you were navigating this cross -over between departments, just wondering what your involvement was on that. Page 15 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MR. SEGAWA: For Bill 83, I'd like to say probably about zero involvement. I was in meetings at the beginning and before I left. I had not read or been apprised of what was in that memo or who signed off on it. MS. VILLEGAS: We all just got it on Monday. It's a 45-day window. MR. SEGAWA: Okay, yeah. And I don't know the direction that the department was headed in as far as what the recommendations would have been to the Mayor and what was submitted for that. So, total hands off in my opinion as far as my involvement. With Housing, I think that's a call for the Mayor on how he'd like to proceed. And as far as your concerns about my involvement with consultant contracts, I have been following the recommendations or the statements from the Board of Ethics. If you're heard of anyone who said that I violated, I'd like to just know what that violation or concern is. Because to my knowledge, the company has not received any new contracts from the County of Hawaii since my last confirmation. So, I understand your concern, and just so you know, I could have been also hands -off because I've been so busy trying to keep wastewater, you know, our commitments online; and setting strategy and executing. So, just want to tell you that's where things stand. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for answering my questions, appreciate it. I yield. MR. SEGAWA: You're welcome. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you. Director, lately we've been having a lot more trash on the side of the roads, especially in Kona. And I wanted to get your thoughts on whether you would be supportive of a County level, adopt -a -road program to try and get community involved to take care of our roads that are in the County's jurisdiction. MR. SEGAWA: That would be great to start off a new initiative like that. would be supportive. MR. INABA: Great, look forward to your support. Thank you, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright. Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kimball. Page 16 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MS. KIMBALL: Thank you, Mayor; Managing Director; and Mr. Segawa, for being here. I wanted to ask first; have you had an opportunity to review the Planning Permitting Audit that was done by Auditor Benner as well as the Culvert Audit? MR. SEGAWA: I just received a copy this morning, but I'll be reviewing it and if you have any questions you want to ask me about it after that, I'll be glad to answer. MS. KIMBALL: I'm glad you've been made aware of them. The audit in particular of the permitting process, contains a pretty detailed outline of the steps of improvement, which I think were well formulated by the department with the help of the auditor. So, I'd love to have a follow-up discussion about whether or not you intend to follow that roadmap that was indicated as resolution to some of the issues that they identified in the process or not. MR. SEGAWA: So, I need to read the audit. I guess I've had my own experiences, and perhaps I can get again, feedback from the department, as well as constituents who actually use it and see how relevant and whether we can make it better. MS. KIMBALL: I think one of the key indicators was, of course, having sufficient clerk staff, which we've been unable to accomplish. So, that's good. Along those same lines, I just wanted for clarification, are you considering replacing EPIC with another system. I wasn't clear with that. MR. SEGAWA: You know, I just learned this morning that the EPIC system, we have a contract for two years. I'm going to use this time to assess how much progress we've made; when it's beneficial and move on from there. So, I don't have an opinion at this time. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Council Member Kimball, I can add to that, because I was the originator that said, maybe we should not deal with EPIC, you know, when I first started. But then after reading the report, the audit; permitting and the suggestions they had, I began to realize early on, it's not the software, it's the people behind the software. Yes, we lack clerks. So, adding clerks has been phenomenal. If you ask anybody, like I said, in the Big Island article came out and said, we're probably the strongest county right now in getting permits out in time. And so, there's very few unhappy customers when it comes to permitting right now, because of the audit and because of the changes we've made already. MS. KIMBALL: Since you mentioned that you reviewed it, is it your intention to move forward with the recommendations that were in that audit? Page 17 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MAYOR ALAMEDA: Yeah, there were a bunch of recommendations, and I would say close to half I feel we were already implementing. The others, two or three were unnecessary at this point. Unless we continue to have problems, we may go down that route. But I feel the intent of the auditor's report, you know, we have met. And until we see snags in the system again, we'll revisit. But right now, we're at great momentum, and I don't want to mess it up. MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, I mean, I think adopting a new software initially was pretty painful. We've seen how getting people to update our financial system has been. Wanted to follow-up on some of my colleagues' questions about housing. You know, I tend to take a different perspective in the sense that, in my mind, Building Codes prevent, they're avoided costs, right? In terms of buildings that are secure; housing that is safe. There's no reason that poor people should have a substandard house, right? But we do have a lot of folks living in noncompliant buildings or using noncompliant buildings; or they've made improvements that haven't been inspected. And you know, arguably some of the tragic events over the last few days with the fires in Hilo could be the result of noncompliant modifications. What thoughts do you have potentially about strategies to bring people in noncompliant structures into compliance? Do you have any thoughts around that? MR. SEGAWA: First, I think you're going to need staff to do that, because you've got to get out there and police. And then you've got to find ways to enforce, and got to keep in mind that some of these structures were built before we were a State; we were a territory. We had Building Codes back then, but if you look at them, they were type -written with carbons. And they were just a few pages. That was the era that many of these buildings were built in. So, to bring them up to current code, in my opinion, it would be cost prohibitive. And I understand they do repair and maintenance, or they add on and do things like that. Those have to be reported. I think at that point, the department may need to go and investigate. MAYOR ALAMEDA: I'd like to add to that. So, there are nonconforming structures right now. And so, even if you look at the illegal rentals. So, I think the initiative that we're moving forward on, you know, in getting these, let's just say, these illegal vacation rentals up to par will allow funding coming in already, right, if they have paid their property tax and stuff. So, that could allow funding for these positions. So, I think there's a way. MS. KIMBALL: Yeah, it's an area that I'm particularly interested in, because there's so many things that hinge on having a permitted building, right? Whether it's funding, loans, refinancing mortgages, things like that; if we can develop some sort of legislative pathway for folks to come into compliance without an Page 18 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 overdue burden of costs. You know, that's something that I hope in your tenure here you'll explore. One of the things that have come up pretty frequently is we talked a little bit about State funding. It's Federal funding, particularly through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) related projects. And I can speak for my district in particular, several projects that have a FEMA funding component that have just delayed, and delayed, and delayed. What are your thoughts on working with the feds? It seems like FEMA is going to stick around as of right now. But any thoughts in terms of your past experience and how we might expedite some of these projects that involve their participation? MR. SEGAWA: Council Member Kimball, that's an area I need to do some studying on. MAYOR ALAMEDA: That's why we work as a team. So, I talked to Congresswoman Tokuda just last week Monday, regarding our bridge. And I talked to Congressman Case, Shatz, and Hirono. So, our office is very connected, I feel, with the congressional delegation. And you're right, you know, their answer to me is like the State's answer to me. It's like, there's no funding. You have to look for it; you have to ask for it. There might be earmarks, might be grants. You know, but it's all might be, right? And there's the green fee that, you know, it doesn't seem like we'll have too much control over how that plays out too. So, that's why I say, you know, home rule is really important. And it's like I feel like we've got to figure it out. It's better to figure it out here, because this is what we have control over for sure. We don't have control over whether the feds give us funds or not, or if the State gives us funds or not. You know, we have some control more over the State, but the Federal government, that's a tough one right now. So, any help that you guys can provide on the Federal level; a connection, you know, a relationship maybe. We're all ears. I'll be happy to meet with them. MS. KIMBALL: Great. And that's a good opportunity for me to just remind my colleagues on December 4a', we have a presentation through HSAC (Hawai`i State Association of Counties) from Shatz's Office on Federal funding; and a look at that. And of course, Mayor's Office, you're welcome to have somebody join us, you're a member of HSAC as well. I think in terms of the situations that I'm aware of, some of the key things have been good record -keeping on our side of maintenance to ensure that, if the damage is from some sort of disaster event, we showed that we have kept up our maintenance, as the failures are not due to the lack of maintenance on our part. So, that's critical. Page 19 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 Then, the other part was just that quick turnaround on communication, you know. For example, FEMA will propose a solution to a particular situation like the covert repair or something like that, but needs to have another ground here. So, those points are where it can just get delayed. So, that's important. Since our colleague, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder isn't here, I'll ask this for him. Last question, Chair. We passed a bill a while ago that allowed for the County to do repair work on public roadways that were, you know, served for the public bus system or we utilize on a regular basis. Have you had a chance to look at that and see if that's something that we can get moving forward on? MR. SEGAWA: I have not. MS. KIMBALL: Okay. MAYOR ALAMEDA: I have, and so you know, I haven't had this discussion yet, but that's the private roads, right? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, you know, he wanted to pay attention to those roads, because many of them have been a safety issue. You know, if something happens, the ambulance can't get in and can't get out. And so, the prior director, Mr. Hugh Ono, came up with some kind of criteria, if you will. And then we shared it with Mr. Azevedo, and we think there's a faster, better way to streamline that process. Kind of like the roads in limbo, you know, these private roads could become like the roads in limbo where folks apply, and then we look at the kind of criteria, the safety risks, of course, then they make a recommendation. Then you know, we decide on which roads, because we've already had a few property owners come up to us and say, "Hey, you got that bill, yeah, I get one road." So, Bill and I actually went out to Laupahoehoe, as an example. And we went to the road, and it was like, no, this road is fine. Pothole here, one little bump there. This is not the intent of the bill. So, we had to tell the two kupuna sorry, this probably not going to make the list. Then we have other requests from Puna, which probably fits more of the intention. And we're like, yeah, okay, if we say, "yes" to this road, then we might have to say "yes" to that road. So, I got kind of nervous and we're bringing it back to the table again and say, hey, this is a good draft, but let's improve it. Because I know the community is going to be asking, "What about my road?" MS. KIMBALL: So I'm clear; you're reviewing the criteria for selection at this point? Page 20 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MAYOR ALAMEDA: Yes, we're having the discussions now, and I don't feel comfortable saying, "yes" to this criteria yet. And so, it's been under review right now, because we say, "yes" to one and that's going to open up Pandora's box. So, we better know how it all plays out first. Got my recommendation. CHR. KAGIWADA: Alright, thank you so much. Anybody else. Alright, everybody's got a chance. Thank you. A couple things for me. Permitting for building affordable housing has been a huge issue, but also permitting for our small businesses, who really have been hurt very badly. Their businesses have been hurt by our slow permitting process. I know of at least three businesses in Downtown Hilo that have been waiting for years for permitting so that they can expand or reopen their businesses. And we are just preventing our small businesses from having any success in our towns. So, is there anything you can speak to that will help us address these issues? MR. SEGAWA: I think for this I need to look at the specific case. You know there's many reasons why it might have been held up. And sometimes, it's surprising to find out why. MAYOR ALAMEDA: Let me add to that. In fact, I put a public post out, Council Member Kagiwada, and I said pretty much to the public that here's my number, and if your permits are slow and it's our fault, please call me directly, right? I don't care who it is. It not preferential treatment. Just call me directly, we'll fix it. I had one call. And so, my guess is that it's the drafter, or the engineer, or not being up to code. And when they are up to code, they get it in a timely fashion. So, again, I extend that same offer to you folks. If you know of small businesses where their permits are getting tied up, you got my number, just give me a call. I'll contact them, and if it's our fault we'll fix it. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay. So, one of them has been at least eight years; and two of them have been years. I don't know how many years. But years, plural. So, this isn't like one example, these are many examples. And so, thank you, Mayor for that offer. I appreciate that. But other than it's an individual thing, is there anything, vision -wise you can share with us as far as doing a better job to support our businesses. MR. SEGAWA: Whether it's small business or residential construction, I think the DPW Permitting Clerks have implemented an excellent strategy. They pretty much triage a drawing that comes in; a design; an application. And immediately would be able to turn it around and continue to the plan -review process or return it to the applicant for certain deficiencies, and they would be specific as to what Page 21 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 the deficiencies are, which I commend them for doing. And that has greatly enhanced and speeded up the permitting process. MAYOR ALAMEDA: It must be a regulatory issue because eight years, six years, two years, six months; could we fix those quickly. Unless there's a code violation or something they're trying to get exempt, or they need a special permit, and they don't want to go through that other process. So, they're just going to keep setting up meetings with us until we say, "yes," but same problem. So, I can bet you it's something like that. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay, like I said, these are multiple, and these are just the ones that, you know, I have heard about. So, I just hope that we can continue to try to get those times and responses as more efficient. I guess, my last issue is around and going back to vision. So, you know, the Mayor similar to us, we very much have to be generalized, right? Because we have so many things that we have to vote on; we have to understand; we have to learn about quickly. But then we have to also learn about the next thing, right? The directors of department and those specific issues to perform legislation; to inform the Mayor. So, I just really want to go back to the very beginning after, I think, several people have tried to get at this, including Council Member Kierkiewicz at the very beginning around your vision for this department. The reason why I'm kind of, I guess, drilling down on this a little bit more is because your answer about the letter regarding Bill 83 from your current department that you are head of. I believe it's not that I expect that you will write that letter necessarily, or be super involved in it. But your vision for that department informs the direction of everything done in that department, including that letter, which in my opinion, did not speak well for the Department of Environmental Management, as far as a direction a community would want to go in. So, I guess that I'm just hoping that maybe when we come back to full Council with you, that you will have a more articulated vision for the Department of Public Works. So, that we can understand where it is that you see this department going and how you're going to get there, okay. So, once again, appreciate everybody being here. But you are the, you know, the buck stops here when you go into this position in the Department of Public Works. So, we want to hear from you what.your vision is for the department, alright. Council Member Villegas. Page 22 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MS. VILLEGAS: Apologies. Just one more question. I'm afraid I may not have asked it as specifically as I intended to, but if your company is in line for any government contracts moving forward, will you go to the Board of Ethics to get their opinion before signing off and moving forward with any contracts? MR. SEGAWA: You're talking about County of Hawaii Government contracts? MS. VILLEGAS: I think it would be wisest if there were any government contracts, State or County, that you being an owner of a company involved in those potential contracts take it to the Board of Ethics in order to get an answer. MR. SEGAWA: So, I'd like to respond this way, I think the Board of Ethics' requirements were specific to the County of Hawaii. And I believe the procurement laws in the State require certain disclosures from people in my positions to be, and I think it's published for public input. So, I think there are mechanisms in place that prevent or mitigate your concern, especially, when it's beyond the County of Hawaii. But I believe the Board of Ethics was specific to the County of Hawaii. MS. VILLEGAS: So if it was a State contract, you would not go the Board of Ethics for greater transparency? MR. SEGAWA: This was never brought up before, your question. But I'm just saying I think there are rules or laws in procurement for certain positions in the State that require publication. Whether you're on a board or a commissioner also, you know, that they too. When they receive a State or perhaps even a County reward or contract, it must be published. MS. VILLEGAS: So, if I'm understanding correctly, if there is an opportunity for the company that you own in some capacity to get a County contract, the you would abide by our County Code and go to the Board of Ethics to get an opinion that there's no conflict of interest. MR. SEGAWA: I think that's a reasonable request. MS. VILLEGAS: That's not an answer. Yes, it is a reasonable request. I need to hear a "yes" or a "no." MR. SEGAWA: Is that what you want me to do? MS. VILLEGAS: Well, that's what the law requires. MR. SEGAWA: If it's required then I will do it. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. But if State is not required — Page 23 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 MR. SEGAWA: I would need to seek counsel from Corp. Counsel; I guess on the interpretation of the Board of Ethics ruling to me and abide by that. Is that okay? MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Alright, it looks like everybody's had a chance to speak. So, at this point, we will take a vote. All those in favor, please say, "aye." Any opposed? Can we have a roll call, please. Vote on Comm. 622: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment (Approved) of Mr. Wesley Segawa as Director of Public Works was carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Kagiwada — 7. Noes: Committee Member Villegas —1. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder-1. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you very much. Thank you. We'll see you in full Council. Alright. On to Communication 623, please. Comm. 623: APPOINTMENT OF DANIEL GIRVAN AS DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated November 12, 2025, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: January 16, 2026 (Section 13-8, Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Managing Director William "Bill" Brilhante, Jr., and the appointee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 623: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the appointment (Approved) of Mr. Daniel Girvan as Director of Environmental Management. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder-1. Excused: None. Page 24 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 Mr. Brilhante, Jr., provided a brief narrative of the appointee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Director Girvan, we'll see you at full Council in two weeks. Thank you, Managing Director. Okay, with that, let's please go on to Resolution 398-25. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 398-25: AUTHORIZES THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION MATTERS AND AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO ENTER INTO A MULTI -YEAR AGREEMENT THEREFOR Authorizes the employment of Leong Kunihiro Brooke and Kim as special counsel for workers' compensation matters for a three-year period with an estimated total cost of $720,000. Reference: Comm.624 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada (B/R) Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend adoption of Res. 398-25. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR. KAGIWADA: We have our Corporation Counsel here to give us some background on this and provide all the information. Please J. (Note: At this time, Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto and Workers' Compensation Specialist Corinne Sato came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. YOSHIMOTO: Good morning Madame Chair, Council Committee Members. J Yoshimoto, Assistant Corporation Counsel here with Corinne Sato from Workers' Compensation Division, HR (Human Resources). Basically, what you see in the resolution is a situation that we're wanting to move forward on, which is to enter into another agreement with the Law Firm, Leong Kunihiro Brooke and Kim, which we have used for several years in the past. We've been pleased with their work. As you can see from the resolution, they were the only applicants for the procurement process. But still, they're well qualified, nonetheless. Page 25 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 We're looking at a three-year agreement. Their fees are reasonable. So, if the Council approves this then we will be hopefully executing that agreement before January I". CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Do you have anything to add? MS. SATO: No. CHR. KAGIWADA: Okay. Council Members any questions or comments on this resolution? Okay, seeing none, I think we're ready for the vote. All those in favor on approving Resolution 398 and sending it to the Council with a favorable recommendation, please say, "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Res. 398-25: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 398-25 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Kagiwada — 7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Villegas — 2. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Please go on to our last item here which is Resolution 399. And I want to let it be known that since I am the co-author of this legislation, I will be passing the Chair over to Council Member Kimball. Relinquish Chair: At this time, the Chair relinquished the chair to Ms. Kimball. Res. 399-25: URGES THE STATE OF HAWAI°I TO PROTECT ITS CITIZENS AGAINST UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACTS COMMITTED BY FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENCIES Reference: Comm.625 Intr. by: Council Members Kagiwada and Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to recommend adoption of Res. 399-25. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kagiwada. Page 26 CK7 WWWAI December 2, 2025 MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. So, this resolution really came about after we passed Resolution 320, because so many of the things that we talked about on the dais and was talked about by the community on that particular resolution wasn't really anything the County could do. They were more State issues; things that the community hoped the State would do. So, this resolution really looks at addressing those issues that are actually State purview. So, you know, as you remember, we had quite a lot of testimony on Res. 320. We also have quite a lot of written testimony on this Resolution 399. I don't think we had any testimony against this resolution. I think the public is very much feeling like there are things going on now and things potentially in the future. But it's what we see and what's happening on the mainland, and also just conversations with people who have been doing work with immigrants for a very long time with the legal community. And others who see, you know, the makings of some very troubling situations that could be popping up. So, this is really you know, we don't have the ability to do this as a County, but we could send a request or strong suggestions and thoughts to the State level, which we've done before; saying that we'd like them to really consider putting in place some of these things that could protect our community here on this island and around the State. So, the primary `Be it Resolved" clause is the first one that has eight actions that are recommended. And if you don't mind, I'm not going to read the whole thing, but I'm going to just summarize those eight actions very quickly here. The first one is asking that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officials who are doing civil events here on our Island in our State, do not wear masks that cover their faces and hide their identities, unless it's for medical reasons or something like that. Number two is looking at letting people who are picked up by ICE understand what's going on by using the language that they understand. Number three is protecting sensitive community spaces. That was something that was in effect up until the beginning of this year, which was places like churches, schools, things like that were seen as sacred and so important that the community access those spaces that they were protected as sensitive community spaces. Number four is prohibition of State Law Enforcement from providing privilege or confidential information to ICE or DHS (Department of Homeland Security). Page 27 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 Number five is prohibiting the fulfillment of retainer requests on behalf of ICE or DHS. And that's, you know, holding people for long periods of time without any action. Number six is requiring that all immigration officers identify themselves, so they have displaying their name badge, just like we require for all law enforcement when they're doing it. As long as it's not an undercover issue or something like that, of course we wouldn't say that. But for something that is out in public, we require generally that people do identify themselves. Similarly, number seven is prohibiting unmarked vehicles for being used. This has caused enormous fear and anxiety in our community where people are just like whenever they see an unmarked van, they're very concerned and worried that this may be immigration ICE officials in the community. And the last one, number eight is prohibiting law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with the Federal government which are considered the 287(g) agreements. Once again, these are things, I believe there was State legislation proposed last year that did not pass on this issue. And once again, it is really just us as a County saying, we hope that the State will take a hard look at this during their Legislative Session this year and really consider what's needed for our community overall. So with that, I'll pass it over to my colleague with the Chair, so that she can add to that. I yield. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. And thank you especially for working with a number of different people who work intrinsically connected to community throughout the State, as we have seen the occurrence of ICE raids here on the Big Island and the devastation caused to families; the fear, it's invoked and the way in which HSIN (Homeland Security Information Network) has been operating. Anyone watching the news, as we have seen the escalation of violence associated with this and the perpetuation of Executive Orders from the highest office in our land, essentially providing —I don't know if I call it legal, but in whatever sense that position of power thinks they have the authority to remove the rights of not only people who have come into our country seeking asylum and seeking the opportunity to become citizens. But also, our citizens being attacked and physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially directly banned. And so, this piece of legislation, as Council Member Kagiwada mentioned, is the attempt we can make as a Council to send a message of what resoundingly is the voice of the people in our County. Page 28 GOEAC-23 December 2, 2025 I don't think I have heard of anyone who is in support of the actions that have been taken. The level of anxiety is high, and the communities that need our support most are most vulnerable. So, I ask for my colleagues support in voting for this resolution. For the testifiers that asked for more and asked for us to be requesting the severance of MOU's (Memorandum of Understanding) that were made prior, that's a process that we have been trying to navigate and haven't figured out at this point how to do. So, as is unfortunately the case with legislation here done by this body, we have to keep something simpler in order to move them forward and keep them focused on one specific arena or issue. This one is intended to send a message to our State Legislature and the Governor of where we stand as an island, what our values are; recognition of our history and the truth and reality of the community of this place and how we are all connected by being immigrants in some capacity to this place. So, I ask for your support. I yield. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. Thank you to the authors. I think it's a good thing to send that message very clearly to the State to ask them, especially like the first one. It's just so unamerican to have masked people working, you know, supposedly working for the government, but they're wearing —can't see their faces. It's just not acceptable, and the other seven are also worthy messages as well. So, thanks very much. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Anyone else? Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Appreciate the language in here and bringing this resolution forward. I think there is still something that we need to have a discussion about, and things that we can do here at the County in regards to supporting our immigration services through the Administration. So, it's something that we need to kind of visit during the budget season. So, I'm just going to leave that there for now. But thank you. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Hustace. Anyone else? Council Member Kagiwada, go ahead. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. The one other thing I guess I just want to communicate is that I think one of the biggest issues on the grand horizon is that ICE received the largest budget in history ever at the Federal level, $170 billion. Page 29 CrOW W191 December 2, 2025 And there's a lot of talk and a lot of concern that we may be pressured because money may be taken from some areas that are currently being funded at the Federal level; then offered some of this money in order to comply. And some of these things I think protect our departments and our workers at the State level; Sheriff s Departments and other departments. Really it's just also if they can put in some places where they're protected and they don't have to make individual decisions about some of these things, because the State already has the Legislature, and the State has already made some decisions. I think that's key for both the local level and the State level that we act as one in order to support some people who might otherwise be put in very challenging decision -making positions in the future. So, thank you, and hope for all your support. I yield. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you. Anyone else? Alright, I will just add to the conversation briefly to mention, you know, there was some discussion or comment about having an ordinance as opposed to just a resolution. There is an Executive Order on there called, "Protecting American People Against Invasion from the Federal Government. And in that Executive Order, Section 17 identifies sanctuary jurisdictions. "The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, to the maximum extent possible under law, evaluate and undertake any lawful actions to ensure that so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions, which seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations, do not receive access to Federal funds." That Executive Order from the President's Office uses this terminology of Sanctuary City and threatens the access of Federal funds, similar to what you were talking about. There isn't a specific definition of Sanctury City, but it does, under the Department of Justice, they have characteristics, which include counties that have ordinances that obstruct or limit laws, local law enforcement, cooperation with ICE; among other things. So, I only raise this to highlight the fine line that we do have to walk here with the constraints under the current Federal guidelines and the similar constraints that will fall on our State partner. So, I support the resolution, but want to also make sure that the public is aware that there are constraints that we need to make judicious choices about. So alright, with that, all those in favor, please say, "aye." Any opposed? Page 30 GOEAC-23 Vote on Res. 399-25: (Approved) ADJOURN- MENT: Approved: December 2, 2025 The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 399-25 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Acting Chair Kimball - 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder -1. Excused: None. ACTING CHR. KIMBALL: Seeing no further business on the agenda, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you. Seeing no further business, Acting Chair Kimball adjourned the meeting at 12:00 p.m. Ms. Yerm Kagiwada, Chair Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs JK/dt JAN - - 2026 (Date) Page 31