HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 105 2026-03-17 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: March 17, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 775
Your Committee on Governm6ntal Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 775, reports as follows:
Communication No. 775, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated February 26, 2026,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Steven Pavao to the Cost of
Government Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the West Hawaii Civic Center to
introduce Mr. Pavao, who was present in the Hilo Council Chambers.
Committee Members Jenn Kagiwada and James Hustace spoke in favor of the appointment.
Acting Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder referenced a previous recommendation from the Cost of
Government Commission to increase salaries for several positions within the County of Hawaii
over the next five years. He then asked Mr. Pavao, in light of debt servicing obligations and major
upcoming projects, how these factors would influence future discussions and decision -making to
address the need to provide competitive wages while managing the projected debt over the next five
years. Mr. Pavao responded that he agreed on the importance of considering both the County of
Hawai`i's debt obligations and its revenue and cost capacity. He noted that during his time on the
Salary Commission, the group examined positions requiring specialized licenses and worked to the
best of their abilities to make compensation more competitive with the private sector. He clarified
that the Salary Commission did not take the County's overall budget into account, focusing solely on
salary matters. He emphasized that the Cost of Government Commission must consider both debt and
wage impacts in its recommendations.
Pursuant to Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5-2.2 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Cost
of Government Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 105
GOEAC-105 Page 2 March 17, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Communication No. 775, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Steven Pavao
to the Cost of Government Commission.
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AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JE KAGI AD , CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 105
ADOPTED: APR 0 8 2026
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