HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 118 2026-04-21 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: April 21, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:04 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 852
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 852, reports as follows:
Communication No. 852, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 2, 2026, requests
the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Kari Clark to the Cost of Government
Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to
introduce Ms. Clark, who was also present via remote technology.
Committee Members James E. Hustace, Rebecca Villegas, and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz spoke in
favor of the appointment.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked about investigating ways to make our Boards and
Commissions more efficient and effective. Ms. Clark highlighted her background and experience
and explained that she has a focus on efficiency and would be looking for solutions in that regard.
Jenn mentioned that some of the rules and sunshine law can be somewhat restrictive for groups
that don't have any power and are just advisory.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder mentioned that budget hearings were last week
and highlighted some of the current concerns about large wastewater projects and the cyclical real
estate bubble. Ms. Clark responded by saying that the biggest challenge is to balance the current
budgets and she will do her best to consider all those things.
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. 118
GOEAC-118 Page 2 April 21, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 852, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
of Kari Clark to the Cost of Government Commission.
slm
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
JENN Y-XGfWAbA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 118
ADOPTED: MAY 0 5 2n28