HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2026-03-18 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council
351b Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
March 18, 2026
INVOCATION: Pastor Heather Moore of Hope Chapel Kona gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:04 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba,
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair
Mr. James E. Hustace, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
Absent& Excused: Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, County Clerk Jon Henricks led the Council in
the Pledge of Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (Note: At this time, Mr. Inaba presented the March 2026 Haweo Award to Water
EXPRESSIONS OF Safety Officer Kalani Awo of the Hawaii Fire Department. In addition, Mr. Inaba
CONDOLENCE: presented a certificate in recognition of the month of March as "March4Water"
Month.)
Recess: At 9:26 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:30 a.m.
Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.)
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Chair Inaba announced that the Minutes of December 17,
2025, were approved.
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
GOEAC-100 NOMINATION OF EDWIN B. GUZMAN TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY
(Comm. 750): COMMITTEE
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-100: External Affairs Committee Report No. 100. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-101 NOMINATION OF REGINALD G. ALEXANDER TO THE VETERANS
(Comm. 751): ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-101: External Affairs Committee Report No. 101. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 461-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATING TO THE HILO
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE PROJECT TO BE USED
BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a six-year agreement with an estimated cost of
$1,600,000 per year to retain professional construction management services.
Reference: Comm. 720
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-127
Postponed: March 4, 2026
(Note: There is a motion by Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, seconded by
Council Member Hustace, to adopt Res. 461-26.)
; and
Comm. 720.1: From Environmental Management Director Daniel Girvan, dated February 26,
2026, transmitting information regarding Res. 461-26.
(Note: Comm. 720.2, from Environmental Management Director Daniel Girvan
dated March 11, 2026, transmitting information regarding Res. 461-26, was
circulated.)
CHR. INABA: Good morning, Director. If you'd like to cue us off here this
morning?
(Note: At this time, Director Daniel Girvan and Business Manager Robin
Bauman, Environmental Management Department, came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. GIRVAN: Good morning. I believe that Council has an additional
document that we sent out last week that gives additional information on what we
intend to do and how the cost was divided. So I guess I would entertain any
questions at this time.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Opening it up. Again, this is Communication 720.2,
which was provided in our pinkies (folders) for today's meeting. And this
information was provided from the department to try and address some of the
questions that we were asked during both Committee and Council. I believe some
of the information is familiar, as it was part of the original submission. But there
are also additional sections here to answer some of the questions as to the scope
and breakdown of the funding as well. So, opening it up to the Council at this
time. Checking in Hilo first. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Thank you for being here today,
you and your team. I asked the question at the last hearing, and I don't know that
it was answered correctly: The $337 million that has been pulled via bond to
cover the Phase 1 Hilo Wastewater Treatment Facility Project was inclusive of
this funding, or was not inclusive of this funding?
MR. GIRVAN: That original amount did include the funding. At that time, that
funding was budgeted at $18 million. So the original budget included $18 million
for construction management. Fortunately, we're only asking for the $7.2 million
to actually do it.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, so the $337 million bond that was
pulled is not separate from this resolution's ask for $1.6 million
MS. BAUMAN: Just to clarify, the $337 million is the actual construction
contract. What was budgeted was more than that,which included this
construction management work. The appropriations included this.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I think the last meeting I may have
misunderstood, but my takeaway was that this was another ask on top of the
$337 million. The $337 million included this construction management
component.
MS. BAUMAN: Well, the $337 million is just the construction contract. So this
contract is on top of that, but it was included in the previous appropriations for
this project.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So this isn't a new funding request. This is
carving out a section of the 337 for construction management?
MS. BAUMAN: I think that the total appropriation was higher than $337 million.
MR. GIRVAN: It is not a new request. The 337 was the construction portion.
I'm just searching for the piece of paper and I'm not finding it, but the amount
originally appropriated was greater than 337. And it included an amount of
money for the construction management.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. The resolution is asking for the
County to allow DEM (Department of Environmental Management) to enter into
an agreement with the construction management company. The funding is being
carved out of the original bond that we've already pulled.
MR. GIRVAN: That is correct, yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you for clarifying that.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MS. BAUMAN: Correct. This resolution authorizes the multi-year contract,
because we're spreading it over multiple years.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Anyone else in Hilo? All right, seeing none, thank you, Director,
for this communication to help outline some of this information the Council has
been requesting. With that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 461-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 461-26: The motion to adopt Res. 461-26 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 127 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 474-26: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI`I, HILO BENIOFF MEDICAL
CENTER, TO AUTHORIZE PRIVATE OFF-STREET PARKING AT GILBERT
CARVALHOPARK
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement not to exceed December 31, 2026,
with no expenditure or receipt of funds, with Hilo Benioff Medical Center, to use a
portion of land for parking purposes.
Reference: Comm. 743
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-102
and
Comm. 743.1: From Council Member Jenn Kagiwada, dated March 9, 2026, transmitting proposed
amendments to Res. 474-26.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 474-26 and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 102. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kagiwada moved to amend Res. 474-26 with the
contents of Comm. 743.1. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Chair. Just that there were a couple of minor
things. One was the year date was supposed to be out to 2027, so we amended
that and there was a typo. Other than that, it's still the same content. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of amending Resolution 474-26
with the contents of Communication 743.1,please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Res. 474-26 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 743.1 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Onishi moved to suspend Council Rule 23 to waive the
Suspend Council holdover for the substantive amendment of Res. 474-26.
Rules: Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following roll
(Approved) call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—6.
Noes: Council Members Hustace and Kimball—2.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Res. 474-26: The motion to adopt Res. 474-26, as amended to Draft 2,
Draft 2 and Governmental Operations and External Affairs
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 102 was carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 478-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS AND
AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR TWELVE
FIREFIGHTER POSITIONS
Allows for the receipt of$2,678,274.60 in Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response grant fund from Federal Emergency Management Agency to
fund twelve firefighter positions.
Reference: Comm. 749
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: FC-129
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 478-26 and Finance
Committee Report No. 129. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just want to mahalo nui my
colleagues for moving this SAFER(Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response) grant forward, and for the hard work and efforts of the Hawaii Fire
Department for securing these really important Federal resources. They will bring
additional capacity 12 fire fighter positions to rural communities that have large
fire exposure, strengthening response time to particular communities.
As we move this forward, I would just respectfully encourage the Administration
to begin planning for what comes next. I'm really concerned about when these
positions expire because they are temporary to the grant period. There really is a
need to ensure that we are meeting community needs with growing population
and just more wildfire risk. So I hope that the Administration can plan to convert
these positions from temporary to permanent over the next three years. Thank
you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. We do have Chief Carvalho here in Kona chambers
if there are any questions. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 478-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 478-26: The motion to adopt Res. 478-26 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 129 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 481-26: ACCEPTS A DONATION OF FOOTWEAR AND REUSABLE BAGS FOR THE
HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT
The donation of 207 pairs of footwear and 150 reusable bags from OluKai Retail,
LLC, with a total estimated value of$16,500, would be utilized by the department's
Water Safety Officers.
Reference: Comm. 762
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 481-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Chief?
(Note: At this time, Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Carvalho came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. CARVALHO: Aloha again. Chief Ola`i Carvalho, Assistant Chief of
Hawaii Fire Department. I just wanted to mahalo OluKai. Through the years,
with their partnership with the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, they continue to
provide two pairs of slippers and one shoes annually for our lifeguards. And not
only do they provide these shoes and slippers, but they also provide their
proceeds, about 20,000 a year, to our junior lifeguards. So this OluKai continues
to support and grow our program, and put the interest of youth to get them out
into our Ocean Safety Division. And we recognized one of those junior lifeguards
this morning named Kalani.
So again, we just want to mahalo OluKai, Chantell Ezarbro, Archie Kalepa,
Leiana for their time and effort in coordinating all of this. Because not only do
they give these items and donate money, but they also put a ceremony together
and have a dinner celebration in honor, recognizing our(inaudible). Just want to
mahalo again to the members, to OluKai for their continued support and, most
important, serving our community. Thank you very much.
CHR. INABA: Thank you, Chief, and thank you for being here today to mahalo
the organization directly from the department. And again, our thanks go out to
OluKai as well on behalf of the Council. All those in favor of approving
Resolution 481-26, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Vote on Res. 481-26: The motion to adopt Res. 481-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 482-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO NA PULAPULA INC. TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE KEA`AU FAMILY FUN DAY
Transfers $3,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 763
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 482-26.
Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Just for the community,
this is occurring March 29t' at the Shipman Park in Kea`au. It's a beautiful
family fun day put on by the Jarneskis. And we have supported this year over
year. We did have some hiccups last year just due to the nonprofit and the
organization being separate entities. But this year, happy to say we are able to
fund, and I'm hoping for good weather. It's always a fun event. And just a big
mahalo to the Jarneski family for making this what it is, and for Parks and
Recreation.
Actually, yeah, I need to note Parks and Recreation and Public Works have been
doing some amazing improvements for the Shipman Park. And hopeful—the
weather's been bad—but the hope is that all of our work to add parking spots and
everything else that have been on the books for years, that the Administration has
finally gotten to. And I'm really proud of them for what they're doing.
Hopefully, that work will be finished so that the event can house more people
safely and in a non-muddy,paved area.
So I just wanted to mahalo the Alameda Administration for their work to make
Shipman Park better, so events like this can happen in a very nice space. And I
look for my colleagues' support. Thank you, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 482-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 482-26: The motion to adopt Res. 482-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 483-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE MERRIE MONARCH
FESTIVAL FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE 63RD ANNUAL MERRIE
MONARCH FESTIVAL
Transfers $8,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 764
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 483-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just happy to contribute in a small way to help
with this amazing festival. This money will go to fulfill the request by the festival
to fund the off-duty police officers needed to make sure that traffic runs smoothly
and everything else goes well too. So, I'm happy to be able to do this, and
looking for everybody's support. Mahalo.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 483-26,
please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Vote on Res. 483-26: The motion to adopt Res. 483-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 484-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO LYDIA8 TO ASSIST WITH
EXPENSES FOR THE KONA TOWN NIGHT MARKET'S LEI DAY BLOOM
EVENT
Transfers $8,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 765
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 484-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. This is a resolution for CRF (Contingency Relief
Fund) from my office. And this event is set to happen on May 2nd, I believe, here
in Kona at the brew block. And this is an opportunity for community to come out,
listen to free music. There are different classes that folks can take as well. I
believe Council Members Villegas and Kierkiewicz got to participate in some fun
events there last year, or at a similar event. So I ask for your support. All those in
favor of approving Resolution 484-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 484-26: The motion to adopt Res. 484-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 485-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAMAKUA HEALTH
CENTER, INC., FOR THE 2026 HONOKA`A WESTERN WEEK FESTIVAL
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 766
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 485-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just asking for my colleagues' support to fund this fantastic
community event that will take place the third week of May, the 17fl'through the
23rd. I hope you can make it up for some of those events. Mahalo.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 485-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 485-26: The motion to adopt Res. 485-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 486-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2026 OUTSTANDING OLDER AMERICANS
MONTH AWARD LUNCHEON
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of Aging, Other Current Expenses
account.
Reference: Comm. 767
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 486-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. We have a representative here from the Office of
Aging, and just would like to invite her to say a few words.
CHR. INABA: Sure. Go ahead.
(Note: At this time, Aging Program Planner Mary Kenoi came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. KENOI: Aloha, County Council Members, Council Member Heather
Kimball. The Office of Aging extends our gratitude for your support for this
year's Older Americans luncheon. I wanted to also share we are grateful for all of
the County Council and their support during the years. And we want to invite
everyone out. It's going to be in Hilo this year. We will keep you posted and
send information to you all. Thank you again for your support.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you so much for being here. We appreciate it. And
yeah,just ask for my colleagues' support to fund this important activity for our
seniors. Mahalo.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. Thank you for being here to share about this luncheon.
All those in favor of approving Resolution 486-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 486-26: The motion to adopt Res. 486-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 487-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE SHAC FOUNDATION
FOR `ULU AGROFORESTRY PRODUCER EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 768
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 487-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Thank you. Just excited about this one and the educational
tools that are going to be provided for technical assistance for producers across
the County. So I ask for my colleagues' support.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 487-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 487-26: The motion to adopt Res. 487-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 488-26: ACCEPTS AN AWARD OF GRANT FUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Allows for the receipt of$12,500 from Hawaii Community Foundation to be used
for the West Hawaii Food Systems Network Specialist position.
Reference: Comm. 778
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Res. 488-26: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 488-26.
(Adopted) Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 489-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE MERRIE MONARCH
FESTIVAL TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 63RD ANNUAL
MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 779
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 489-26.
Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. There is no more
amazing celebration of Hawaiian culture than the Merrie Monarch Festival. And
there's also no other more amazing person than Aunty Luana. So, happy to have
worked with Aunty Luana to provide $10,000 towards the background and
support services for Merrie Monarch because it takes an entire community to keep
this event going.
As a side note, we as a Council and as a County need to ensure that this event
stays here in Hilo. It is one of the biggest economic drivers that we have here, as
well as just being an amazing event that brings the whole State, if not the whole
world, together to celebrate hula in our own hometown of Hilo. So mahalo and I
look forward to your support. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of approving Resolution 489-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 489-26: The motion to adopt Res. 489-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Res. 490-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2026 EASTER FUN DAY IN THE KA`U
DISTRICT
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 780
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 490-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Any discussion? Seeing none,just for the record, this event will
be happening on April 3rd down in Ka`u. So, encouraging those down in Ka`u to
attend. All those in favor of approving Resolution 490-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 490-26: The motion to adopt Res. 490-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 491-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE FANS FOR THE MAKA`EO EVENTS
PAVILION
Transfers $9,520.83 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Parks
Maintenance Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 781
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 491-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Another resolution from my office. I do want to share quickly
about this one. As you folks know, Kailua is a super hot place, especially in the
summer. And with the whole parking shenanigans happening in Kailua these
days, a lot of the bigger parties only can happen at Maka`eo Pavilion, and you are
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
seeing people bringing their fans and their battery fans to parties. So I just want
to thank the Department of Parks and Recreation for working quickly to identify,
and we're going to be able to install one of those big plank fans up there, a
20-foot fan, to provide some relief for one of the most used facilities in
West Hawaii. Council Member Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Chair,just to, I guess, let you know that you should really keep up
with them, because I had purchased some fans for our rec center in Hilo, and it's
like over eight months now and we still haven't gotten the fans.
CHR. INABA: Thank you for the heads up.
MR. ONISHI: So yeah, keep updated on that.
CHR. INABA: Okay. Very well. All those in favor of approving Resolution
491-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 491-26: The motion to adopt Res. 491-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 492-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION, INC., TO PURCHASE A GAZEBO AND PICNIC TABLES
FOR USE AT ITS COMMUNITY GARDEN
Transfers $3,332 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 782
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 492-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This is on behalf of Council Member
Galimba. Supporting her efforts in the Ocean View community as they establish
a community garden in Ocean View. Thank you, members.
CHR. INABA: Wonderful. All those in favor of approving Resolution 492-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 492-26: The motion to adopt Res. 492-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 493-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM THE
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO RETURN GRANT FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED
BY RESOLUTION NO. 248-25
Transfers $5,000 from the Department of Research and Development—Agriculture
Other Current Expenses account and returns funds to the Clerk-Council Services—
Contingency Relief account.
Reference: Comm. 783
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 493-26. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This is actually—these are funds coming
back to the District 9 office, contingency relief funds, for some unfortunate news.
We awarded these funds in the fall to Kohala Cares, through the North Kohala
Community Resource Center. Unfortunately, that organization closed because
their lead and pillar of the Kohala community, Peter Pomeranze,passed away
pretty recently and suddenly who had been just a steadfast community member in
supporting those in need through feeding efforts throughout the pandemic, and
ensuring that people have access to food fairly and freely in the North Kohala
community.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
So, very much a sad sentiment in terms of these funds coming back, because that
operation is no longer happening for the community. Looking for other ways to
support community as they kind of continue that legacy of Mr. Pomeranze and his
efforts in the Kohala community. So thank you for your consideration. Mahalo.
CHR. INABA: Mahalo. All those in favor of approving Resolution 493-26,
please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 493-26: The motion to adopt Res. 493-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
Bill 130: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 09-44, WHICH AMENDED SECTION 25-8-33
(CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF
THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION), BY CHANGING THE
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL—
10,000 SQUARE FEET (CN-10) AT WAIAKEA HOUSELOTS, WAIAKEA
SOUTH HILO, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-034:036
(Applicant: CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union) (Area: 22,500 square feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this request to change of zone amendment for a ten-year extension to Condition C
(Complete Construction), amendment to Condition D (Dedication of Road
Widening), and deletion of Condition E (Roadway Improvements)which would
allow the applicant to construct a new credit union branch facility. The property is
located at 533 Manono Street.
Reference: Comm. 736
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-33
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to pass Bill 130 on first reading and
adopt Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee
Report No. 33. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MR. ONISHI: We do have the consultant if anybody has any questions but I
don't, so I will ask my colleagues to support this. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any discussion in Hilo? Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just a reminder I'll be recusing myself from this decision.
CHR. INABA: Understood. All those in favor of approving Bill 130 at first
reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 130: The motion to pass Bill 130 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report
No. 33 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: Council Member Kimball— 1.
Bill 131: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 10,000
SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL— 10,000
SQUARE FEET (CN-10) AT WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI`I,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-034:045
(Applicant: CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union) (Area: 22,500 square feed
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to construct a
41-stall parking lot for the proposed new credit union facility to be located on Tax
Map Key: 2-2-034:036. The property is located at 494 Hinano Street.
Reference: Comm. 737
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-34
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to pass Bill 131 on first reading and
adopt Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee
Report No. 34. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: In light of our intensive conversations yesterday about paid
parking, I just might want to put in there and suggest that perhaps something be
included in this piece of legislation that prohibits them from charging for parking
at any point going forward.
CHR. INABA: Vice Chair Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Can we have the consultant? Daryn Arai is coming up. You can
introduce yourself, and then maybe you can answer that question.
(Note: At this time, Land Use Planning Consultant Daryn Arai and James
Takamine, President and CEO of CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. ARAI: Good morning, Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, members of the
Council both in Kona and in Hilo. My name is Daryn Arai. I'm assisting CU
Hawaii Federal Credit Union with this application.
Obviously, the intent of CU Hawai`i is to make its self-parking available
primarily to its members. And to show you what a wonderful neighbor CU
Hawaii has been, during non-business hours they have made their parking
available to adjoining businesses, primarily Don's Grill, when there's a need for
additional parking. And over the years, they have never charged anyone for that
privilege.
As far as paid parking, I don't have the zoning code in front of me, but it would
have to be like a commercial parking lot. And maybe someone who has access to
the zoning code can tell us whether or not such a facility is permitted within the
neighborhood commercial zoning district that is being requested. I'm sure the
applicant would have no objections to including a restriction in its zoning
ordinance that would prohibit those types of commercial parking lots. I just want
to make sure that it's deemed appropriate. Because if it is deemed a permitted
use, then normally once the zoning is approved, it should allow for all uses
allowed within that zoning district.
But from the applicant's standpoint, I don't believe they will have any objections.
You may wish to qualify my statement with Mr. James Takamine who is available
via Zoom. He is the president and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of CU Hawai`i
Federal Credit Union.
MR. ONISHI: Mr. Takamine, would you like to make any comments on this?
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MR. TAKAMINE: Sure. Thank you. Aloha, Council Chair, Vice Chair,
members of the Council. My name is James Takamine. I'm the president and
CEO of CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union.
To address the question by Council Member Villegas, yes, as mentioned by
Mr. Arai, we do not have any plans to charge for parking. We do allow for
parking for, again, neighboring businesses as well as during Merrie Monarch and
things like that. So yeah, there's no plans on our part for sure to require paid
parking.
MR. ONISHI: I yield.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for that answer and for your generosity and
willingness to allow the resources that CU Hawai`i has, as it relates to parking
spaces, to benefit the collective good of community in Hilo. I love the fact that
there's no plan for it. But Council Member Inaba and I will be working towards
ensuring, going into the future, that other people that end up in positions of
leadership don't then change that agenda and what happens and negatively impact
community. But thank you for sharing your intentionality as the leader of this
enterprise. Appreciate it. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion?
MS. KIMBALL: Chair?
CHR. INABA: Oh, yes, Council Member Kimball. Recusal, yeah.
MS. KIMBALL: Yes, thank you. Recusing myself again. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you for the reminder. All those in favor of approvingoh,
Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Given our extensive conversation yesterday,
my question for the applicant or the applicant's consultant, is the commercial
parking area to be paved?
MR. TAKAMINE: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. I refreshed myself during
one of the bills we heard yesterday, and one of the requirements. I believe, and
you can check with the Planning Department and you have your own team behind
this project as well, I think it's a requirement that commercial parking lots are
allowable in your zoning type, but they do need to be paved. And then the runoff
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
needs to be mitigated, and x, y, and z needs to be buttoned up. So thank you for
your answer. I appreciate you being here today and taking the time to answer our
questions. I yield, Chair.
MR. TAKAMINE: Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of
approving Bill 131 at first reading, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 131: The motion to pass Bill 131 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report
No. 34 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: Council Member Kimball — 1.
Bill 133: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DUNE 30, 2026
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants—Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response account($271,447); and appropriates the same to the Staffing
for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response account. Funds would be used for
twelve temporary slit-funded Fire Fighter positions.
Reference: Comm. 745
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: FC-130
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 133 on first reading
and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 130. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. This is the companion measure to
Resolution 478-26, authorizing the creation of these positions. Looking for
everyone's support. Thank you.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor of approving Bill 133 at first reading, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Vote on Bill 133: The motion to pass Bill 133 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 130 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 134: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DUNE 30, 2026
Appropriates revenues in the Housing Production, Program Income - Repayment
account($16,100); and appropriates the same to the Housing Production,
Miscellaneous Contractual Services account.
Reference: Comm. 746
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-131
Vote on Bill 134: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 134 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 131. Seconded by
Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 143: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DUNE 30, 2026
Appropriates revenues in the Contribution from Private Sources—Research and
Development Miscellaneous Private Contributions account($12,500); and
appropriates the same to the Research and Development Salaries and Wages
account. Funds would be used for the West Hawaii Food Systems Network
Specialist position.
Reference: Comm. 778
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Vote on Bill 143: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 143 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. INABA: We're going to take a short ten-minute recess. We'll be back at
10:27. Thank you.
Recess: At 10:17 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:28 a.m.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Bill 129: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, SECTION 24-280,
SCHEDULE 28 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
AMENDED), RELATING TO NO PARKING AT ANYTIME
Prohibits parking at any time for certain portions of Ali`i Drive fronting Kahalu`u
Beach Park.
Reference: Comm. 722
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace (B/R)
Approve: PCPWMT-II
Postponed: March 4, 2026
(Note: There is a motion by Council Member Hustace, seconded by Council
Member Kierkiewicz, to pass Bill 129 on first reading.)
(Note: The following from Council Member James E. Hustace dated March 18,
2026, were circulated:
1) Comm. 722.1 transmitting a map regarding Bill 129; and
2) Comm. 722.2 transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 129.)
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I appreciate everyone's patience here. You
also have in front of you two pieces of communication. You have 722.1 from our
office here, District 9 office. And in conversation with Department of Public
Works,just highlighting the area for potential changes. And then 722.2, these are
both administrative amendments here for Bill 129.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Hustace moved to amend Bill 129 with the contents of
Comm. 722.2. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. And I believe Mr. Takaba is there in the
Hilo chambers to kind of give us some insight into the changes and what we're
seeing with 129 at this time. Mr. Takaba, the floor is yours if you want to talk to
us a little about this.
(Note: At this time, Civil Engineer Aaron Takaba, Public Works
Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. TAKABA: Hi, my name is Aaron Takaba. I'm the Division Chief of the
Traffic Division. The intent of Bill 129 is to address traffic safety concerns on
Ali`i Drive in certain parts by Kahalu`u Beach Park. The concern being when the
cars are parked in certain areas, the pedestrians have to walk in the roadway,
making it unsafe for passing cars. So the intent of the bill, the first item, is to
address an existing "no parking" zone that we just remeasured and updated to
match field conditions. And the second item is to propose a new"no parking"
zone on the north end of Kahalu`u Beach Park.
MR. HUSTACE: No further questions at this time.
CHR. INABA: Council Member Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to express my gratitude to Council Member Hustace
and the Administration and Mr. Takaba for continuing to work so diligently to
listen to the cries of not only the community, but community policing to create
parking signage and policies that ensure the health and safety of people in this
area. There have been a number of complex issues that we continue to try to
navigate and have commit them from all different angles over the last seven years.
So thank you for your continued vigilance and bringing this forth. I'm in full
support today. I yield.
CHR. INABA: Thank you. All those in favor of amending Bill 129 with the
contents of Communication 722.2,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-35 March 18,2026
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 129 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 722.2 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
K5neali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Bill 129: The motion to pass Bill 129, as amended to Draft 2, on first
Draft 2 reading and adopt Policy Committee on Public Works and
(Approved) Mass Transit Committee Report No. 11 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Galimba— 1.
Excused: None.
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(Note: At this time, Council Members made announcements regarding
community events, activities, and other unofficial business.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Inaba adjourned the meeting at 10:35 a.m.
MENT:
Council Approval: JUN 0 3 2026
C LERK
JH/dg
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