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Home My WebLink AboutAGE COUNCIL 2026-03-04 2024-2026 ACTIONS HOLEKA GORO INABA t.,OF p MICHELLE M. GALIMBA Chair&Presiding Officer ?�N �k+,, JAMES E. HUSTACE JENN KAGIWADA DENNIS"FRESH"ONISHI MATT KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER Vice Chair — ASHLEY L.KIERKIEWICZ o=— �!,�� of�� HEATHER L.KIMBALL REBECCA VILLEGAS COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawai`i Hawai`i County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 34th Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii March 4, 2026 9:00 a.m. Notice is hereby given that the Hawaii County Council will be conducting this meeting via interactive conference technology (ICT)pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92-3.5. Council Members will be participating via ICT at the: • Kona Council Chambers,West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Members of the public may also attend from this location. Public attendance via Courtesy is available at the following locations: • Ocean View Community Association, 92-8924 Leilani Circle; • Pahoa Council Office, 15-2879 Pahoa Village Road; and • Waimea Council Office, Parker Square, 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Suite 109. If a Courtesy Site is unavailable and/or participation is disrupted,the scheduled meeting will continue. Oral Public Testimony via Zoom: To provide oral testimony via Zoom, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255 to complete the registration process and obtain meeting login information. Please contact our office to register by 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Submitting Written Testimony: To ensure timely delivery to Council Members prior to the meeting,written testimony must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 3, 2026,by: (1) email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov; (2) facsimile to (808) 961-8912; or(3) mail to the County Clerk's Office in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720. All written testimony,regardless of time of receipt,will be made part of the permanent record. Please submit separate testimony for each item. Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 INVOCATION Assistant Pastor Nate Hadley of Calvary Chapel Hilo ORDER OF BUSINESS CALL TO ORDER 9:04 a.m. ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, CERTIFICATES OF MERIT, AND EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Pursuant to HRS §92-3, oral testimony may be provided entirely at the beginning of the meeting, or immediately preceding the agenda item being opened for deliberation by the Council. (NOTE: COUNCIL MAY TAKE A LUNCH BREAK CLOSE TO THE NOON HOUR) APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 3, 2025 —APPROVED REPORTS GOEAC-98 NOMINATION OF DWAYNE T. MUKAI TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL (Comm. 731): ADJUDICATION BOARD Requires Council Confirmation by: March 14, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) CONFIRMED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Villegas —2. Excused: None. Page 2 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 GOEAC-99 NOMINATION OF LOKELANI BRANDT TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN (Comm. 732): SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMISSION Requires Council Confirmation by: March 14, 2026 (Section 2-2150), Hawaii County Code) CONFIRMED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Villegas —2. Excused: None. ORDER OF RESOLUTIONS Res. 459-26: AUTHORIZES THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO AWARD FUNDS FOR (Draft 2) THE KILAUEA RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM Provides $5,977,773 in grant funds to various nonprofit organizations to provide relief, recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience for disaster damages, losses, and suffering caused by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Reference: Comm. 718.2 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz Approve: FC-125 ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 3 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 460-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO (Draft 2) ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY TO BE USED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a three-year lease agreement with two options to extend the lease for an additional three years at an estimated monthly cost of approximately $2,600 with Joy A. San Buenaventura, Trustee of the Joy A. San Buenaventura Revocable Living Trust dated November 26, 2025, for space located at 101 Aupuni Street. Reference: Comm. 719.2 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-126 AMENDED TO DRAFT 3 (see Communication No. 719.3) AND ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—7. Noes: None. Absent: Council Members Kierkiewicz and Villegas —2. Excused: None. Res. 461-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATING TO THE HILO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE PROJECT TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a six-year agreement with an estimated cost of $1,600,000 per year to retain professional construction management services. Reference: Comm. 720 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-127 POSTPONED TO MARCH 18, 2026: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 4 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 462-26: AUTHORIZES AND DIRECTS THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO NEGOTIATE THE DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEY: 7-4-010:044 BY LEASE TO HOPE SERVICES HAWAI`I, INC., FOR HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PURPOSES Authorizes the negotiation of a one-year lease with one one-year option to renew with an approximate annual cost of$10. The property, located at 74-5593 Pawai Place, would continue to be used as an assessment center and emergency shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Reference: Comm. 721 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Approve: FC-128 ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 469-26: AUTHORIZES AND DIRECTS THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ISSUE A LICENSE FOR ENTRY, LANDSCAPING, AND MAINTENANCE OF A PORTION OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY OWNED BY THE COUNTY Seeks to grant Kuakini Makai Association, Inc., a revocable license to enter, landscape, and maintain a portion of Kuakini Highway. Reference: Comm. 733 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) Approve: LAAC-32 ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. ; and Comm. 733.1: From Council Member Heather L. Kimball, dated February 17, 2026, transmitting comments from Interim Police Chief Reed K. Mahuna regarding Res. 469-26. Page 5 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 470-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 33RD ANNUAL WAIMEA CHERRY BLOSSOM HERITAGE FESTIVAL Transfers $3,625 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Culture and Education Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 738 Intr. by: Council Member Hustace ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 471-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KAHUA PA`A MUA, INC., TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR THE KOHALA INTERGENERATIONAL CENTER'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 739 Intr. by: Council Member Hustace ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 6 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 472-26: APPOINTS THE HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HAWAI`I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES Designates Council Members Heather L. Kimball as Representative and Jennifer Kagiwada as Alternate Representative. Reference: Comm. 740 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Waived: GOEAC ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 473-26: APPROVES THE HAWAI`I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES' EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SLATE OF OFFICERS Ratifies the slate of officers approved by the Hawaii State Association of Counties' Executive Committee on January 21, 2026, as follows: Maui County Council Members Tamara Paltin, President(Shane Sinenci, Alternate); Hawaii County Council Members Heather Kimball, Vice President(Jennifer Kagiwada, Alternate); Kauai County Council Members Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., Secretary (Felicia Cowden, Alternate); and Honolulu City Council Members Matt Weyer, Treasurer (Esther Kia`aina, Alternate). Reference: Comm. 741 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Waived: GOEAC ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 7 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 476-26: ACCEPTS A DONATION OF A PRE-TRAINED NARCOTICS CANINE AND ASSOCIATED HANDLER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION TO THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT The donation from the Hawaii Island K9 Association, with a total estimated value of$31,000, would be utilized by the department's Canine Program on the west side of Hawaii Island. Reference: Comm. 747 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Res. 477-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE MULTIFUNCTION COPY MACHINE TO BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an approximate monthly cost of$105, to be used by department personnel at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Reference: Comm. 748 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R) Waived: FC ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 8 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Res. 479-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HILO FOUNDATION FOR ITS "HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING, HANDS ARE FOR HELPING"NONVIOLENT EDUCATION AND BOOK PROJECT Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account (Council District 1); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 753 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. BILLS FOR ORDINANCES (FIRST READING) Bill 129: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, SECTION 24-280, SCHEDULE 28 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO NO PARKING AT ANYTIME Prohibits parking at any time for certain portions of Ali`i Drive fronting Kahalu`u Beach Park. Reference: Comm. 722 Intr. by: Council Member Hustace (B/R) Approve: PCPWMT-11 POSTPONED TO MARCH 18, 2026: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 9 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 ORDER OF THE DAY(SECOND OR FINAL READING) Bill 122: AMENDS THE STATE LAND USE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES MAP WITHIN THE COUNTY BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM THE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT TO THE RURAL DISTRICT AT WAIMEA, SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 6-2-009:018 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Bill 123: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-7 (NORTH & SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—5 ACRES (A-5a) TO RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL—2.5 ACRES (RA-2.5a) AT WAIMEA, SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 6-2-009:018 (Applicant: Joseph Ga Ig lone) (Area: 6.063 Acres) The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for this amendment to the State Land Use Boundaries Map for the requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide his property into two lots. The property is located at 62-2239 Kanehoa Place. Reference: Comm. 696 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) First Reading: February 18, 2026 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba—8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Page 10 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 Bill 127: AMENDS CHAPTER 5 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 (Draft 2) EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION Establishes a construction code commission to advise the Mayor, County Council, and Director of Public Works on the adoption, updating, amendment, and interpretation of the County construction codes. Reference: Comm. 711.3 Intr. by: Council Members Kierkiewicz and Hustace First Reading: February 18, 2026 AMENDED TO DRAFT 3 (see Communication No. 711.5) AND PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, and Chair Inaba—7. Noes: Council Member Onishi — 1. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Bill 128: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 6, SECTION 19-46.1, AND ARTICLE 11, SECTION 19-90, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXES Adds a new "Residential Tier Three"real property tax classification for certain properties with a net taxable real property value of more than $4,000,000. Reference: Comm. 713 Intr. by: Council Members Kagiwada and Hustace First Reading: February 18, 2026 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kimball, and Onishi—5. Noes: Council Chair Inaba— 1. Absent: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, and Villegas —3. Excused: None. OTHER BUSINESS (Including but not limited to reconsideration of vetoed items, if any, or reconsideration of actions on agenda items.) Page 11 Hawaii County Council-34 March 4,2026 ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT: 12:08 p.m. Note: B/R, when listed next to the name of an Introducer, signifies that the Council Member has agreed to introduce legislation `By Request" on behalf of the requesting parry. It does not necessarily signify support of or opposition to the proposal. Live Stream of County Council Meetings: To view the live stream of this meeting, at the scheduled meeting start time, type the following into the address bar of the browser: http://hawaiicounty.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1. Please call (808) 961-8255 if the Council's streaming location is not functioning. If the Council's stream is deemed inoperable, the following address will be provided for the live stream and should be typed into the browser: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJNalwg40oK7a-7nGnEtGPA. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, call (808) 961-8255 as soon as possible, preferably by March 2, 2026. If a response is received after this date, every effort will be made to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but there is no guarantee the request can be filled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. Agenda items are available on the County website at www.hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Records to navigate to current agendas. For any questions, please contact Council Services at (808) 961-8255. Page 12