REP GOEAC 090 2026-01-06 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: January 6, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:01 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 662/Res. No. 428-25 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution No. 428-25, reports as follows: Resolution No. 428-25, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz via Communication No. 662, dated December 17, 2025, urges the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize and expedite the restoration of Isaac Kepo`okalani Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki in Puna. Member Kierkiewicz shared that this resolution came about due to the lava flow that occurred and impacted this area seven and a half years ago and that there is still not a clear timeline on the restoration of the Isaac Kepo`okalani Hale Beach Park. She shared that the prior administration shared their vision of what the restoration of the park would look like and it was unacceptable to the community. In response, her office worked over the course of a year by doing outreach with the community to develop a new plan with their priorities. Next, she shared the details on how the timeline for implementing this plan continued to be postponed, to where it is now being estimated to be 2028. Member Kierkiewicz asked for an update on the documents that are outstanding that the consultant is awaiting from the Department. Parks Planner James Komata stated that the Department of Parks and Recreation was in receipt of the needed documents and that their final comments on those documents should be completed within the next week or two. Member Kierkiewicz asked if this pertained to all three of the documents. Mr. Komata said yes and emphasized that the restoration of this park is still a priority for the current administration, and they have been working on various parts of this park. He also stated that it is not just a restoration, but additionally includes enhancements, such as a large pavilion with off grid capabilities and additional structures. He added that they would not be working on access to the ocean as that is the responsibility of the state. Member Kierkiewicz asked about creative funding solutions and mentioned that phasing was out of the question. Mr. Komata said that phasing has to be an option and revisions are helping to reduce some of the costs. He said that weighing in on the creative funding ideas that Member Kierkiewicz suggested were out of his scope of work. Member Kierkiewicz asked about the expenditure of funds and the management of the large amount of visitors that are already attending the park potentially being increased when the road reopens. Mr. Komata said that they are a pass through for what is happening at the state managed land and that they are already working on a management plan with the community partners. Member Kierkiewicz asked about the funding support for the community management plan that is already in existence. Mr. Komata said that was something to discuss with the Director of Parks and Recreation. GOEAC Report No. 90