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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: April 21, 2026 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:04 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 852 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 852, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 852, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 2, 2026, requests <br />the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Kari Clark to the Cost of Government <br />Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to <br />introduce Ms. Clark, who was also present via remote technology. <br />Committee Members James E. Hustace, Rebecca Villegas, and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz spoke in <br />favor of the appointment. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked about investigating ways to make our Boards and <br />Commissions more efficient and effective. Ms. Clark highlighted her background and experience <br />and explained that she has a focus on efficiency and would be looking for solutions in that regard. <br />Jenn mentioned that some of the rules and sunshine law can be somewhat restrictive for groups <br />that don't have any power and are just advisory. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder mentioned that budget hearings were last week <br />and highlighted some of the current concerns about large wastewater projects and the cyclical real <br />estate bubble. Ms. Clark responded by saying that the biggest challenge is to balance the current <br />budgets and she will do her best to consider all those things. <br />Pursuant to Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5-2.2 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the <br />Cost of Government Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />GOEAC Report No. 118 <br />