HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCHSW 007 2026-03-17 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE
ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING
DATE: March 17, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 1:20 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 761Bill No. 138
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 138,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 138, transmitted by Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba via Communication No. 761,
dated February 26, 2026, amends Chapter 15, Article 2, Division 1, Section 15-20 of the Hawaii
County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to commercial activity in County park
areas.
Bill No. 138 prohibits the issuance of permits, licenses, or other authorizations for commercial
activity within Kohanaiki Beach Park.
Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba provided a brief overview.
Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Melissa Samura was present in the Hilo Chambers and
provided a brief background on the bill. Ms. Samura also expressed support for the bill on
behalf of Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Houma.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed gratitude to Ms. Samura and Member Inaba for
drafting Bill 138 and offered her support.
Committee Chair Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked if there was an event at Kohanaiki, would
vendors be permitted to operate. Ms. Samura confirmed that any commercial activity would not
be permitted.
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well -Being is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill 138, and recommends its passage on first reading.
bm
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,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
a
UZ L-BEING
DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR
PCHSW REPORT NO.: 7
ADOPTED: APR 0 8 2026