HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 106 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. 776
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 776, reports as follows:
Communication No. 776, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated February 27, 2026,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Maile Ann Lu`uwai to the Cost
of Government Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present at the West Hawaii Civic Center to
introduce Ms. Lu`uwai, who was unable to attend in person due to an unforeseen circumstance.
Mr. Alameda requested that Communication No. 776 be forwarded to Council with a favorable
recommendation, noting that further discussion will take place at Council when Ms. Lu`uwai is
present.
Committee Member James E. Hustace asked Mr. Alameda to explain what the administration is
looking for and how they are actively working to fill the positions. Mr. Alameda responded that they
plan to fill all nine committee positions. He also mentioned that he is working with Corporation
Counsel to clarify whether the Cost of Government Commission must have all seats filled to be
considered active, or if it can operate as long as it has the required five members for quorum. He
added that, regardless, filling all seats is a priority, though it may affect the timeline since he is only
able to bring five nominees to each Government Operations and External Affairs Committee meeting.
Member Hustace encouraged Mr. Alameda to reach out to the Committee Chair and Council Chair to
explore the possibility of expediting the process of filling the board due to the limited timeline
requirement.
Committee Members Dennis "Fresh" Onishi and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz spoke in favor of the
appointment.
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. 106
GOEAC-106
Page 2 March 17, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 776, and recommends the confirmation of the appointment of
Maile Ann Lu`uwai to the Cost of Government Commission.
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
XTERNAL AFFAIRS
JE KAGIWADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 106
ADOPTED: ARR 0 8 2026