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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2026-01-23 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council 31" Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii January 23, 2026 INVOCATION: Kahu Kealoha Ka`opua of Calvary Community Church in Kona gave the morning's invocation. CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at ORDER: 9:06 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 Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent& Excused: Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, 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 (Note: At this time, Mr. Inaba presented the January 2026 Haweo Award to Fire EXPRESSIONS OF Medical Specialist Imiola Lindsey of the Hawaii Fire Department.) CONDOLENCE: Recess: At 9:23 a.m., the Chair called for a recess. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:26 a.m. Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 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 individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Luana Jones: Res. 442-25 (Comm. 677), in support. (representing Puna Community Medical Center) Kaimi Kaupiko: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Alohi Nakachi: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Pilimai Traub: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Robert Stahl: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.244) Kaikea Nakachi: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Mike Nakachi: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Sandra Kamaka: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Kekoa Alip: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Taha`a Kahele: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.185) James Elder: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Inga Gibson: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.158) Kehaunani Springer: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.242) Shane Palacat-Nelsen: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (representing Hoala Kealakekua Nui, Inc.) Maki Morinoue: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (representing HULI PAC) (See Comm. 656.179) Charles Young: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Page 2 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Kawika Ruddle: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.232) Uilani Naipo: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. (See Comm. 656.211) Dwain McKeague: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Malia Kipapa: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. Wilfred Kaupiko: Res. 422-25 (Comm. 656), in support. 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 October 22, 2025, were approved. REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports. GOEAC-88 NOMINATION OF COLIN E. MIURA TO THE WATER BOARD (Comm. 664): Requires Council Confirmation by: January 30, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 88. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. (Note: At this time, Colin E. Miura, nominee, came forward to address the members of the Council.) Vote on GOEAC-88: The motion to adopt Governmental Operations and (Adopted) External Affairs Committee Report No. 88 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. (Council Member Hustace thanked Mr. Miura for his willingness to serve.) Page 3 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions. STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public. PUBLIC ON RES. 422-25 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by (COMM. 656): the Chair: Tim Stewart: In support. Lisa Hua: In support. Res. 422-25: URGES THE HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROHIBIT THE HARVEST OF AQUATIC LIFE FROM STATE MARINE WATERS FOR COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM PURPOSES Reference: Comm. 656 Intr. by: Council Members Inaba and Galimba Approve: GOEAC-89 Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 422-25 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 89. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. INABA: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: I just want to thank everyone for coming out and testifying, and telling your stories. I actually really—well, everyone's testimony is beautiful. I actually want to especially thank those who were involved in the trade and have changed their minds, because that is not an easy thing for us humans to do, to change our minds. So just thank you for that and I yield. CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Wow! What a morning! I find myself in tears of gratitude, of humble vulnerability, and just such appreciation for each and every one of you, to be able to have the privilege and the honor of sitting in this seat and serving all of you, that you would take the time to have the courage. It's intimidating to sit in this room. It is weird to speak in these kinds of forums. But every single one of you, your words that have come from the heart, from your na`au, to hear `61elo spoken with such fluidity and poignant pono intentions. Just what a privilege to be able to sit here today and support you and the work that you have done for decades. Page 4 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 I'm in full support of this resolution. I look forward to continuing to, for lack of a better term, harp on our State legislators to get their skit together and take a stand, to lean in, have the courage, and hold themselves accountable. We don't have the time or the luxury to continue to support an industry that is frivolous, and makes its money off of a luxury of looking at a small fish that does not belong there. Nowadays, we have computer TV(television) screens. You can put a yellow tang on your screen if you really want to see one. I love the term "kuleana over cash." When I look at these i`a and what they reflect in the physical formation of being connected, of working collaboratively for the benefit of a collective ecosystem, and that is something we, as humans, unfortunately especially western colonial thinkers, struggle with where the wisdom of our host cultures have so much to teach us in the returning to a regenerative, restorative, and resilient interaction, recalibration, reconnection, and remembering so that our great, great, great, great, great grandchildren can remain connected and the resources remain available. Talking about legacy. I am so grateful for each and every one of you for the legacy that you are creating, and the leadership you have in our community, and your continued commitment to transitioning from extraction practices in our islands, and the returning to the cycles of circular economy. And so, I'm in full support. And I'm so grateful for each and every one of you being here, and inspiring me and teaching me and directing me so we can return to these pono practices. So, with that, I yield. CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I just want to mahalo the authors once again for this resolution and moving this forward. Of course, I want to mahalo the stewards and those first-hand experiences and the storytellers in our reef environments. This resolution is definitely one cog in the wheel for discussion and legislation moving forward. So, grateful for the conversation here and moving us forward to improve our aquatic community. So thank you, Chair. CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Just one more quick statement. Council Member Kimball had to leave for another meeting related to renewable energy, which it's all tied together, right, that circular renewable cycle. So she just asked that I express her support, and ask your apology for having to leave but she had that prior commitment. With that, I yield. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. Page 5 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. I just want to also express my gratitude to the community for coming out and for sharing your stories. I think that just really drives home what this issue has done to our nearshore ocean. I'm in full support of the resolution. Thank you, Chair. CHR. INABA: Thank you. Mahalo, everyone, for being here. I did get an update from Representative Lowen, saying that they are finalizing signatures on the House draft today. So we're hoping that the bill will either be introduced today or early next week and that we can see that through together this year. So, with that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 422-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 422-25: The motion to adopt Res. 422-25 and Governmental (Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 89 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. CHR. INABA: We're going to take a brief five-minutes recess for a bio break and a quick photo. Thank you. We'll be back at 10:45. Recess: At 10:39 a.m., the Chair called for a recess. Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:48 a.m. Res. 426-25: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI`I, HAWAI`I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, TO RECEIVE A HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT Allows for the receipt of$68,000 of federally-derived funds to support Phase 1 (planning and preparatory activities) of the Community Wildfire Fuels Reduction and Defensible Space Project. Reference: Comm. 660 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-116 Page 6 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Vote on Res. 426-25: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 426-25 and Finance (Adopted) Committee Report No. 116. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Res. 428-25: URGES THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO (Draft 2) PRIORITIZE AND EXPEDITE THE RESTORATION OF ISAAC KEPO`OKALANI HALE BEACH PARK AT POHOIKI IN PUNA Reference: Comm. 662.2 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz Approve: GOEAC-90 Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 428-25, Draft 2, and Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 90. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Is somebody from Parks and Recreation in Hilo chambers or online? (Note: At this time, Director Clayton Honma and Park Planner James Komata, Parks and Recreation Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.) CHR. INABA: Director Honma and Mr. Komata, is there any update that you can provide us for the information requested by Council Member Kierkiewicz? MR. HONMA: Hi, Chair Inaba and the County Council. Director Clayton Honma here, along with Parks Planner James Komata. Basically, we prioritized the project as well, as well as the Mayor. So going forward, we support this resolution. We do have some updates that James maybe can share just a little bit. So I'll pass it over to him right now. MR. KOMATA: Yeah, so in follow-up to the questions that were asked at the last meeting, we did complete the review and returned the archeological inventory survey. The draft environmental assessment, the archeological monitoring plan, and the archeological preservation plan were all returned to the consultant with our review comments last week. We've had two meetings with them to discuss the scope and breadth of the comments that were provided. So those are in the process of being finalized now. Page 7 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 We have had conversations with Finance and their CIP (Capital Improvement Project) manager about potential funding sources for the project in order to move forward once they get the construction. And we do have a meeting scheduled with Council Member Kierkiewicz next week to discuss the project in more detail. And we do have a meeting with the Mayor to go over the project also in more detail. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Komata. And regarding my question on additional planning staff in your department, Director Honma, if you could just speak to that and what initiatives are happening in your department. MR. HONMA: Currently, Chair Inaba, we had that meeting with the Mayor. We're having another one this afternoon, and we have a couple more coming up next week in regards to that. We also had a meeting with HR(Human Resources) to discuss potentially getting a couple planner positions. We're looking into that currently. They need some definitions for some of the positions that we're looking at. We also inquired about possibly contracting one planner position immediately, but we can't contract a planner's position. But somebody maybe under James that could help is a possibility. So, looking into all of those aspects right now. We do need that help. So I'm happy that everybody's looking at that. And again, we haveI had a discussion with Finance as well too. So we had Finance, HR, and the Mayor's office all working together with our HR department and James here at Planning to move forward in getting some help there. So thank you for that. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Director. I appreciate you both being there today to provide the public update. And look forward to hearing how this progresses from Council Member Kierkiewicz. So all those in favor of approving Resolution 428-25, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 428-25: The motion to adopt Res. 428-25, Draft 2, and Draft 2 Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee (Adopted) Report No. 90 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Page 8 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Res. 442-25: 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 PUNA MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION FOR THE KIPUKA FARMACY PROJECT Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 677 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz Vote on Res. 442-25: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 442-25. Seconded by (Adopted) Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Res. 443-25: 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 LIONS CLUB OF KONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC., FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 40TH ANNUAL KUPUNA HULA FESTIVAL Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Administration Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 678 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 443-25. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Chair. Just asking for support. This is, I guess, the start of the funding for the 2026 kupuna hula festival. This will be helping them with securing the facility. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Vice Chair Onishi. All those in favor of approving Resolution 443-25, please say "aye." Page 9 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Vote on Res. 443-25: The motion to adopt Res. 443-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Res. 444-25: 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 SANCTUARY OF MANA KE`A GARDENS FOR ITS 20TH ANNUAL AVOCADO FESTIVAL Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Agriculture Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 679 Intr. by: Council Member Villegas Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 444-25. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I just ask for my colleagues' continued support and express my gratitude for this organization. As we look to and recognize the need for food resilience on our island, avocados are the most cherished and prized fruit that provide great sustenance for all of us. So, definitely something to be celebrating. I yield. CHR. INABA: All those in favor of approving Resolution 444-25, please say aye. Vote on Res. 444-25: The motion to adopt Res. 444-25 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Page 10 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Res. 446-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY HAWAI`I FOR ITS BUILD GREEN, BUILD LOCAL CONFERENCE Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Energy account. Reference: Comm. 690 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada MS. KAGIWADA: Chair, motion to withdraw Resolution 446-26. CHR. INABA: No need. If we're not going to introduce it,you can just withdraw. Withdraw MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. I withdraw Resolution 446-26. Res. 446-26: CHR. INABA: Okay, thank you. MS. KAGIWADA: I just want to say that the conference has been postponed at this time. Thank you. CHR. INABA: Okay. Thank you, Council Member Kagiwada. Res. 447-26: ACCEPTS A DONATION OF AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS FOR THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT The donation of 82 automatic external defibrillators from Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, with a total estimated value of$130,000, would be used by police officers during cardiac events. Reference: Comm. 693 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 447-26. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Just want to mahalo the Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation with their generous donation to be used by our Hawaii Police Department. Thank you, Chair. CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 447-26, please say "aye." Page 11 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Vote on Res. 447-26: The motion to adopt Res. 447-26 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Res. 448-26: URGES THE HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND FUNDING OF PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND GOVERNMENTAL (PEG) ACCESS MEDIA IN HAWAI`I Seeks statutory protections to ensure PEG Access providers receive no less than three percent of gross cable revenues funded through franchise and access fees paid by cable subscribers. Reference: Comm. 694 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Waived: GOEAC Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 448-26. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada. MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. This resolution is in response to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs', DCCA's, notice of intent to reduce funding to our operating agreements with our public education and governmental access media in all four counties. I believe all four counties will be submitting similar resolutions. Also, we just want to state our support for the importance of this noncommercial, free local media which really has the impetus of working on community news, educational and cultural programming, government transparency, and emergency communication. So just looking for everybody's support. CHR. INABA: All those in favor ofoh, excuse me. Council Member Villegas, please go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Just want to express my gratitude for bringing this forward. As a child who was raised on public television without access to cable TV, having access to those educational programs benefited my life deeply and truly. And so, I am in full support. Page 12 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 CHR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. All those in favor of approving Resolution 448-26, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 448-26: The motion to adopt Res. 448-26 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Res. 449-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR REVOCABLE RIGHT-OF-ENTRY AGREEMENT WITH THE TRUSTEES OF THE ESTATE OF BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP FOR LAND IDENTIFIED BY TAX MAP KEY NOS. 4-4-002:005, 4-4-002:006, AND 4-4-009:008, SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF HAMAKUA, TO BE ACCESSED AND USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS The Department of Public Works seeks to maintain temporary alternate road access while the one-lane bridge over Waika`alulu Gulch is being repaired. Reference: Comm. 695 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) Waived: LAAC Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 449-26. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. INABA: I believe we have members from the Department of Public Works joining us in Hilo chambers. (Note: At this time, Public Works Deputy Director Neil Azevedo came forward to address the members of the Council.) CHR. INABA: Deputy Director Azevedo, would you like to give some background on this? MR. AZEVEDO: Good morning, County Council. Neil Azevedo, Deputy Director of Public Works. So the two bridges there go up to the road. It's six tons. One bridge we're going to have to repair really soon. But the only access up there, we've got two six-ton bridges, then we've got an eighteen-ton bridge about a mile and a half up. So we wanted to improve that access where Page 13 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 (inaudible) Kamehameha Schools would give us. Then from there, they can trucks can go up that road. We would make it drivable and make it safe for them. And really think that would help the community above Kalopa. CHR. INABA: Thank you, Deputy Director. I just wanted to give you that opportunity, since this was waived from Committee straight to Council. Any questions? All those in favor of approving Resolution 449-26, please say "aye." Vote on Res. 449-26: The motion to adopt Res. 449-26 was carried by the (Adopted) following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. 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): Bill 112: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act account($1,600,000); and appropriates the same to the following Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 2025-2026 accounts: Administrative/Planning ($200,000), Adult Program ($650,000), Dislocated Worker Program ($300,000), and Youth Program ($450,000). Funds would be used to provide services that enhance employment opportunities,job retention, earnings, skill development, and literacy. Reference: Comm. 655 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-117 (Note: Comm. 655.1, from Research and Development Deputy Director Dennis Lin dated January 14, 2026, transmitting information regarding Bill 112, was circulated.) Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 112 on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 117. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. Page 14 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 CHR. INABA: Questions? Mr. Mercado, was there anything that you needed to provide an update on? Or are we good to proceed? Good to proceed? All right. (Note: At this time, Economic Development Specialist Clinton Mercado, Research and Development Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.) MR. MERCADO: Thank you, Chair Inaba. We are good to proceed. CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Bill 112 at first reading, please say "aye." Vote on Bill 112: The motion to pass Bill 112 on first reading and adopt (Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 117 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Bill 113: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Hazard Mitigation Grant Program account($68,000); and appropriates the same to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program account. Funds would be used to support Phase 1 (planning and preparatory activities) of the Community Wildfire Fuels Reduction and Defensible Space Project. Reference: Comm. 660 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-118 Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 113 on first reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 118. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: I just want to mahalo Chief Todd for this one. Thank you, Chair. Page 15 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Bill 113 at first reading, please say "aye." Vote on Bill 113: The motion to pass Bill 113 on first reading and adopt (Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 118 was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. 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 110: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 Increases revenues in the State Grants —Hawaii County Food Access Summit Program account($40,000) and appropriates the same to the Hawaii County Food Access Summit Program account. Funds will be used to plan and facilitate two Food Access Summits that will be used to collect data, support community collaboration, and showcase successful projects. Reference: Comm. 631 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) First Reading: January 7, 2026 Vote on Bill 110: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 110 on second and final (Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Kagiwada and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Page 16 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 Bill 111: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP) ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—3 ACRES (A-3a) TO SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) AT WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-4-080:014 (Applicant: Mailani Development, LLC) (Area: 4.4669 acres) The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for the requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property into 14 house lots and a road lot. The property is located at 1077 Ahe Street. Reference: Comm. 638 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) First Reading: January 7, 2026 Vote on Bill 111: Ms. Galimba moved to pass Bill 111 on second and final (Adopted) reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other BUSINESS: Business. (There were none.) ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, MENTS: Announcements. CHR. INABA: Next Thursday, January 29 h, here in our Kona Council chambers, our Police Commission will begin the interview process for eight candidates for the new Chief of Police for our County. Depending on if it goes over, it would also roll over into Friday, January 30'', at 9 a.m. So, encourage the public, if you search "Hawai`i County Police Commission" on Google, the first link will take you to their website and you will be able to review the documents that had been submitted, and the agenda as well. So thank you all. Page 17 Hawaii County Council-31 January 23,2026 ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting at 11:14 a.m. MENT: Council Approval: APR 0 8 2026 COUkXY LE JH/dg Page 18