HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPWMT 012 2026-03-17 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE
ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT
DATE: March 17, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 772Bill No. 142
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill No. 142,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 142, transmitted by Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 772,
dated February 25, 2026, amends Chapter 14 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition,
as amended), by adding a new article relating to the establishment of an Adopt -A -County -Street
program.
Bill No. 142 establishes an Adopt -A -County -Street program in partnership with the Department
of Public Works to enable volunteers to assist in maintaining clean and safe County streets,
roadways, and right-of-ways.
Member Inaba provided background information.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi expressed concern with the Department of Public
Works' budget to provide the supplies for community members. Public Works Deputy Director
Neil A. Azevedo stated that the department is there to support what needs to get done. Member
Onishi reiterated the need to include supplies for this bill in the department's budget.
Committee Vice Chair Ashley L. Kierkiewicz expressed her appreciation for the bill and asked
if minors could be included. Council Chair Inaba replied that there is no clear prohibition on
minors doing the work.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commended Mr. Azevedo for the work he is
doing. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada expressed her appreciation for the bill and the work
of the department.
Committee Chair James E. Hustace expressed his appreciation for the bill and community
members already doing this work. Chair Hustace asked if County trails could be included in this
work. Mr. Azevedo said the department already works with community members doing stream
and trail cleanups. The main concern is that community members notify the department where
the rubbish is piled so the department can haul away later. Waimea Trails works with the
department regarding large trees needing removal to ensure proper stream flow.
PCPWMT Report No. 12
PCPWMT-12 Page 2 March 17, 2026
Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill No. 142, and recommends its passage on first reading.
of
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 PUBLIC
WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT
�JAM5S E. HUSTACE, CHAIR
PCPWMT REPORT NO.: 12
ADOPTED: APR 0 8 2026