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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2026/04/07 (2024-2026) DRAFT Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 31't Session Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii April 7, 2026 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and ORDER: External Affairs was called to order at 9:00 am., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustacey Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba,Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi,Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.) CHR, I AGIWADA: Mr. Clerk, can you please read in Communication 800. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 800: NOMINATION OF JAMES J. CHRISTEN TO THE COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 16, 2026, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 CHR. KAGIWADA: Mr. Alameda, would you please introduce the Mayor's nominee for this position. (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 800: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend confirmation- the nomination (Approved) of Mr. James J. Christen to the Cost of Government'Commission. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galitxmba, Hustace., Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewiez',Onishi, Villegas , and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member,Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Mr. Christen for stepping up and to the Mayor for this nominee. Communication,801 please. Comm. 801: NOMINATION OF JOSHUA "ONIPA`A"ALU TO THE COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION °From:Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 18, 2026, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: May 1, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Page 2 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Vote on Comm. 801: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Joshua"Onipa'a" Alu to the Cost of Government Commission. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Comm. 802: NOMINATION OF ROBERT D. YAGI TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda" dated,March 16, 2026, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time,Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 802:, ,Mr. Hustace moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Robert D. Yagi to the Board of Ethics. Seconded by Mr. Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Mr. Yagi. Communication 803 please. Page 3 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Comm. 803: NOMINATION OF KAPONO KUIKAHI TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 16, 2026, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to' the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 803: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Kapono Kuikahi to the Game Management Advisory Commission. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball;Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member'Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a.brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you very much, Mr. Kuikahi. Alright, Communication 804 please. Comm. $Q4: NOMINATION OF PAUL MONTZ TO THE WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION From Mayer C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 16, 2026, requesting the Council's review andconfirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and the nominee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Page 4 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Vote on Comm. 804: Ms. Galimba moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved) of Mr. Paul Montz to the Windward Planning Commission. Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kimball, Kierkiewicz , Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Mr. Montz. Alright" ','- , Communication 805 please. Comm. 805: NOMINATION OF DANIEL "NIEL"THOMAS TO THE MERIT APPEALS BOARD From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated March 16,2026, requesting the Council's review and confirmation. Requires Council Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaii County Charter) (Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda and thenom gee came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Vote on Comm. 805: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend confirmation of the nomination (Approved)„ of Mr. Daniel "Niel" Thomas to the Merit Appeals Board. Seconded by Mr, Onishi and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Mr. Alameda provided a brief narrative of the nominee's background and experience. Committee Members spoke in favor of the appointment. Page 5 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Mr. Thomas and thank you very much to the Mayor's Office and to you, Mr. Alameda. With that could we please go on to Resolution 497-26. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 497-26: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO RECEIVE GRANTS FOR ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS IN THE 2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN TO BE USED BY THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Allows for the receipt of$2,970,000 in federally derived funds to be used for activities and projects in the 2026 Annual Action Plan. Reference:' Comm. 792. Intr. by: Counci[Member Kagiwada(B/R) and Comm. 792.1: From Housing Administrator Kehaulani M. Costa, dated March 25, 2026, transmitting additional information relating to Res.497-26. Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend adoption of Res. 497-26. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. KAGIWADA: With that, we invite the Office of Housing and Community be'vAopment to please come up and give us some background on this. (Note: Atthis'timo, Office of Housing and Community Development Specialist Royce Shiroma came forward to address the members of the ,Committee,) MR. SHIROMA: Good morning, Royce Shiroma from the Office of Housing and Community Development. We are doing this resolution in order to authorize;the Mayor to enter into an agreement with HUD (Housing and Urban Development) for the use of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and the ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant)funds. In essence, this annual plan is an application to HUD. It maps out what we are going to do, projects and initiatives in order to meet the priorities that we specified in the consolidated plan, which is the five-year plan for the CDBG Home Housing Trust Fund and the ESG. ESG is the Emergency Solutions Grant through HUD. Page 6 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 For this year, 2026, the Office of Housing and Community Development has done an RFP, Request for Proposal for project's proposals to be submitted. We gathered them; we ranked and graded based on the priorities as set forth in the annual plan, and then we made our selection. And the selection is before you guys as submitted. To summarize real quick; we have awarded to Fire, $440,000 to the brush truck in Pahoa; the $445,000 to the Fire Department for the SCA, which is the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, mobile compressor and tow vehicle for the Pahala Fire Station; we have $750,0000 for YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) to develop a preschool; $425,000 to Mental Health Kokua for their Hale Amau ADA (Americans with Disability Act)renovations, which is their transitional housing. And we have $100,000 for the West'Hawai`i Domestic Violence Shelter to improve their security; $540,000 will be kept with us OHCD for administration, planning, and fair housing purposes which total $2,700,000. For the ESG program, we have awarded HOPE Services rapid rehousing, which totals an estimated $270,000 for their initiative,. Those are also federal grants. CHR. KAGIWADA: Are you able to,just for the public and maybe our edification as well,just talk aboutthe bind of broad goals that you have in the plan, because somebody might say, you are a,lobbyist of housing. But these are just are really speakingto some of the community development parts of your department's job. So, could you maybe just speak a little bit to how these projects kind"of fall under some of those broad categories? MR. S14IROMA: Yes, good question. So, every five years, we have public hearings where we ask inputfrom the public on what are their needs; their priorities in the communities. And mainly, it's not only for the low and moderate income areas, census tracks, which this program normally targets. But it can be other areas, because it can be limited clientele persons. Based on those public meetings, inputs, and comments, we gathered their needs and we determine that the priorities for this five-year, which stretches from 2024 to 2029, is affordable housing, which is a top priority. We have public facilities' improvements. We have infrastructure in support of housing. We have federal mandates that we need to do such as ADA, Americans with Disability Act requirements. We have homeless prevention and services. Public services to address community needs. Economic development and disaster relief. Those are all eligible activities that we can utilize with this CDBG and other funds; we've got the federal funds from HUD. Those we couldn't disseminate which are the number one and number two. So, we ranked everything as a high priorities. Page 7 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Low priorities, we have two of them, which is non-housing infrastructure. In other words, we do sidewalks, parking facilities for public spaces. And we also have nonresidential historic preservation, which we need to comply with for federal requirements for laws. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much, Mr. Shiroma. I think that's really helps us to see how this all fits under the Office of Housing and Community Development. Do we have questions or comments from Council Members here? Council Member Kierkiewicz,please go ahead. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. 146 want to make a disclosure for the record. I do sit on the Capital Campaign Committee for the YWCA of Hawaii Island. It's been a few years now. Kathleen McGilvray, she's in the audience, Executive Director. But this body, myself included, had no interaction or influence with Office of Housing in the selection and awarding of these projects. What I do want to make sure that the nature of my relationship with the Y is noted for the record. Mr. Shiroma, thank you and your team for all the work that you do to run this program every year. You guys have it down like clockwork. I'm really curious with all of the uncertainty on'the Federal size, is there anything that may jeopardize our County's ability to receive the allocation of funding? MR. SHIROMA: That's a good question, because initially when usually when President Trump proposes his budget, CDBG was actually eliminated. It was taken off, it wasn't funded at all. However, when Congress, the House and the Senate do their funding appropriation every year, they put it back on the table and they funded it almost 100 percent. So, there's a risk there, and for next year I'm also hearing again; on''the 27t', President Trump is eliminating these same programs. And a lot of them has to do with HUD; they call it Community CPD (Community Planning and Development)programs that he wants to eliminate. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'm glad it was restored. And you mentioned that it's not quite 100 percent. What is our typical annual allocation for this program? MR. SHIROMA: It runs about$2.6 million, depending. It's on a formula with ether jurisdictions nationwide. And it depends on how much congress allocates to fund these programs. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: The formula is based on census data? MR. SHIROMA: Census data, poverty level, population; those kinds of statistics. Page 8 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, I just want to make sure, so that we are doing our part to make sure that folks complete the census, and we can get our fair share of federal funding. I noticed that none of the projects have anything to do with affordable housing production, and I'm wondering if anything came across your desk as far as like a request for construction funding. I'm just wondering project readiness, developer capacity; were those considerations that,you know,you kind of had to work through to think about whether or not those requests should be funded or not? MR. SHIROMA: Okay, so, CDBG eligible activities; one of the things we cannot do is vertical construction. We can do offsite infrastructure work. That's why some of the infrastructure needs priorities are in here,,so, those we tend to not touch. But we can still go in to be a partner in the project. But as far as funding, doing other infrastructure or other needs. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So, putting in another wastewater treatment facility or water system. But not the actual construction': Okay, that's a helpful clarification. MR. SHIROMA: When we do the ranking and rating during the proposal selection, we have different priorities that we are weighing the proposal against. And one of them is spend-down within a ore-year period. Because it's one of the requirements through HUD, that funds needs to be spent in a one-year period; also, other things is a need and the importance of the projects themselves. How much the beneficiaries would be affected. MS. KIERIIEWICZ: Thank you for those details. In full support. Appreciate you being here. I yield. MR. SHIROMA: Can I recognize my staff? Also CHR. KAGIWADA: Yes, absolutely. MR. SHIROMA: So, we have Kyla Lee and Alisa Hanselman. Alisa does CD86 programs. Kyla does the home investor partnership, ESG, and the Housing Trust Fund. My two bosses are in the back there. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you, Mr. Shiroma. Go ahead, Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Madame Chair. My first question would be, how closely do you or your section work with the other departments like Public Page 9 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Works, Parks and Recreation, and Environmental Management on their projects? MR. SHIROMA: In the beginning before we actually solicit applications from applicants and the public notice, we do public hearings also to inform everyone. And go over with a lot of technical assistance. We also send letters out to the departments and you guys, so that we can have you guys give us ideas on what kind of needs you guys have in your communities. Whatkind of needs the departments have that we can probably assist with funding. "That's how we got the Fire Department to submit proposals for the brush truck and the SCB apparatus. MR. ONISHL I always see Fire. It seems like Fire is really prepared, they know what they need, and they're always coming to reach outto you guys. But I know in the past when I was on the Councils Parks and Recreation,you guys gave money for ADA work. Won'tthey come back again, because I know all their facilities are not ADA compliant„ MR. SHIROMA: Years back, the reason we actually did a lot of those projects for Parks and Recreation,public facilities, because there was a lawsuit where the County was sued. One of the remedies was for us or the County to build up that ADA. So, at this time, we haven't gotten anything from Parks and Recreation. MR: ONISHI: But we're still in that lawsuit, right. I mean we're mandated. MR. S14IROMA: We're mandated that all the facilities should be in compliance_ 1VMR. ONISHI, Sox I would think that Parks and Rec would either reach out to you guys or you gins have to reach out to Parks and Rec and continue doing these ADA renovations. But they're not? MR. SHIROMA: Recently, we haven't been talking about this. But we've been asking them if they want, and they haven't come back with requests. MR. ONISHL That's interesting. So, we've got to wait for another lawsuit in order for them to come back to you guys. You know, I had a meeting yesterday about the CIP's (Capital Improvement Projects) and so forth. And we're lucky now we have a person in Finance that is able to crack all the CIP projects. So, this might be able to help too in the future. But also, with the cesspool conversions. Page 10 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 MR. SHIROMA: I think for that, our OHCD administration felt that they wanted to utilize more of the Affordable Housing Production Fund in helping with the rehab and the cesspool conversions. So, one of our divisions is handling that right now. MR. ONISHL Because I would think like, you know, protecting our shorelines, those homes that have cesspools should be one of the key priorities to get those into either septic or connecting to a sewer line, right? And,so, I guess Environmental Management would be the entity to help or would provide you guys that information. MR. SHIROMA: They can come to us, and'we can help, ssist. But for us, like I mentioned, it's targeted more for low'and moderate income families, which I would say would be in need because those residents; those families, you know, it will be difficult for their upgrade or to fulfill their requirements,for cesspool conversations. MR. ONISHL I mean there's one awarded for ADA renovations, right? Security improvements was another awarded. My last question is, from the $540,000 that is going to OHCD for I guess for administrative, planning, and fair housing, do you have a breakdown on that amount of where all these money is going to? MR. SHIROMA: We can provide a breakdown for you guys. It's mainly the Salary and Wges; and the various shared expenses among the offices themselves. MR. ONISHIr I think what would be good for us,well for me at least, a breakdown:of what your costs or what your use is going to be with this funding, right, so that we know how this money is being utilized. So, if you can, send an email to all the Council Members showing the breakdown of that$540,000. MR. SHIROMA: Yes. We can do that. MR. ONISHL This emergency one, were there other applicants? MR. SHIROMA: Yeah, I was going to mention that. We have YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) representatives here. And also on Zoom, I think there are other ESG and Hope Services should be on there. MR. ONISHL No, but were there any other applicants? MR. SHIROMA: No, only had one that came in. MR. ONISHI: They're providing? Page 11 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 MR. SHIROMA: Rapid rehousing. MR. ONISHL Meaning, they're going to be providing the Salary and Wages of persons that's actually going to be in the field counseling working with the homeless individuals and those expenses. And the cost of housing also is included in that$270,000. MR. ONISHL Well, I'll send an email to you guys lator asking for more information. Thank you, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Onishi. Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Yes,just a brief question. Thank you, again,for being here and all the information. The Home Improvement Loan Program is not being funded out of these pots this year. Does the Office of Housing intend to fund them out of other resources and keep that program going. MR. SHIROMA: Yes, we are using the Affordable Housing Production Fund for that, which like I mentioned, it can do all this rehab including the sewer conversions. MS. KIMBALL: That's what got the thinking about it when Council Member Onishi,mentioned the cesspool conversion: That program is eligible for that, because it's been pretty successful in terms of people applying and getting the funds for it. ' MR. S14IROMA: Yeah, we have a lot of applicants right now. And it's more advantageous for thatprogram because the income levels can be broader versus this one tends to be more low or moderate income. MS. KIMBALL:, Okay.' I've always been a supporter of this program. And one of the ways to keep people in housing is to allow them to do repairs and these small fixes which help a lot in achieving that. So, appreciate that. Just want to make sure, it's still getting vetted. Thank you. Mahalo. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you. Anybody else? Alright. Thank you very much, Mr. Shiroma. With that, all those in favor of approving Resolution 497-26 and sending it to the full Council, please say "aye." Any opposed? Page 12 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Vote on Res. 497-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 497-26 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Kagiwada—7. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Kaneah'i-Kleinfelder and Villegas —2. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: Can we please go on to Resolution:498-26. Res. 498-26: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI`I, OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, TO RECEIVE A GRANT FOR THE 34 RAINBOW DRIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROPOSAL TO BE USED BY THE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Allows for the receipt of$1,000,000 in federally derived funds to be used for the planning and engineering design for roadways and utility improvements to interior areas. Reference: Comm. 793 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend adoption of Res. 498-26. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR KAGIWADA: Do we have the Office of Housing and Community Development;to please come up and give us some background on this, please. (Note: Af this time, Office of Housing and Community Development Division Manager Anne Bailey came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. BAILEY: Sure, I'd be happy to. Good morning, everyone; Chair Kagiwada and Members of the County Council. My name is Anne Bailey, and I'm the Division Manager of the Community Development Division with the Office of Dousing and Community Development. I'm here before you today to request of Resolution 498-26. And the purpose of the resolution is to accept a grant award of$1 million from the Office of State Planning and Sustainable Development for 34 Rainbow Drive Affordable Housing Project which is under development by our office. Page 13 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Funds from this grant will be used for planning and engineering design for roadways and utility improvements to the interior of this parcel. This parcel that was by Executive Order to the County in 1998 covers roughly 24.7 acres, and we are attempting to bring roadway infrastructure to the interior portion of this parcel. The project will advance State and County objectives for infill development for affordable housing and urban transit corridors and will contribute to the development of initiatives in what we call the regional health corridor up and down Waianuenue Drive. The County is striving to build affordable housing throughout the island. This is a parcel that will allow us to do that. So, we're very excited:to accept this grant and look forward to your positive recommendation to do so. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Ms. Bailey, appreciate that. Just a,clarification there, so that expectations are reasonable, the property is over 24 acres. But the buildable acres are what, about 10 or so? , MS. BAILEY: Roughly seven or eight acres plus infrastructure area. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you. That's just to set our expectation for what and be done with this property`. Thank you so much, appreciate that. Council Members does anybody have any questions for Ms. Bailey. Council Member Onishi MIS. ONISHI: Thank you, Madame!Chair. Are you folks still working with the Governor's Homeless Taskforce with Mr. Jun Yang? MS. BAILEY,: We've heard from them a few times. We're beginning discussions again: Now that we have this grant, we can again open up other parcels or areas for development prior to receiving this award. It was hard for us to do that: So, that work will continue. The Governor's project is something we could definitely consider at this site. MR. ONISHL I thought this project was something to tie in with the Governor's program that he had for housing MS. BAILEY: Right. So, based on our masterplan that was approved in 2024, we indicated there could be roughly 150 plus housing units that could be developed there. They would be rental units because it's an Executive Order property and we are unable to sell it. So, the Kauhale model does fit as a rental project in this area. But I think we have to work with the State for further details on what actually would be developed and how many units that they could develop. They may not be able to develop all 150. Page 14 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 MR. ONISHL So, you're working with the State, correct, on the Kauhale project. MS. BAILEY: Yes. The State has come back to us again. We are now able to move forward with greater discussions now that we have the infrastructure funds to open up additional parcels in the interior of the 24 acres for affordable housing development. MR. ONISHL Are there two separate projects or this is just one big project? MS. BAILEY: The County has jurisdiction over the land through an Executive Order. So, we did the masterplan, which outlined the number of units and possible uses and completed an environmental assessment: And based on that plan, we can now move forward with development. The State, if they choose to enter into an agreement with the County to,develop a Kauhale parcel there, we can accommodate it now because, one, we've completed the Environmental Assessment work acid the masterplan. And two, we now have access to planning funds which will allow,us to develop infrastructure into the parcel to gain access to those potential housing,sites. MR. ONISHL To my understanding, you folks were already in discussion with Mr. Jun Yang about this project"correct? MS. BAILEY: We've had some discussions in the past, yes. But we were not able to move forward at that time because, again,we have to build the infrastructure to move into the parcel because we cannot get access to the land. MR. OMSHL Right, but it would be nice to see you folks keeping in contact with them to<1et them know what's the ongoing process of getting this grant money and set forth. Because I did talk to him about other projects, and he mentioned that; - He mentioned that there was no communication for a while. So, he didn't know what was going on until I sent him this resolution. Then he was going to be reaching out to you guys because I think next month you folks have a meeting. MS. BAILEY: I'm not part of that conversation at this point. MR. ONISHL Okay, then you mentioned about affordable housing. I mean, affordable housing is always being mentioned. So, I just want to know what is the target of what group of income you folks are looking at. MS. BAILEY: The County of Hawaii Office of Housing continues to work with the affordability requirement of anyone we target; under 140 percent of the adjusted median income. All of our projects do that. Here at 34 Rainbow, I think Page 15 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 what you're hinting at, is what project or AMI(Average Median Income) will be targeting here. The intention of this project has always been to look at coordinating services for the at risk and homeless populations. So, those populations will come in AMI level of possibly having zero income to very low and moderate income. MR. ONISHL Okay. I think maybe the term affordable housing should be usedI mean a different word should be used because to me we need to look at how we can get our working families into these homes, right, because I know there was a project in Waikoloa, like a government official like a teacher or some first responder was overqualified to get one of these affordable homes in Waikoloa from what I understood. So, to me, that's who sometimes we've got to start focusing on, is getting those families into homes. And that to me becomes affordable housing or workforce;housing, right? So, to me just something to look at, and hopefully,you folks can do the dialogue with the State and continue that. I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Anybody else? Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Yeah;just three quick questions. In terms of utility planning, Wastewater, Water, Electric, can,you identify the utilities planning that is intended. Any early cost estimations on'the actual development beyond the planning. I know without the planning it hard to get cost estimates. And third, are there any pots of money identified yet for the development once the planning is completed? MS. BAILEY. Good question. We don't have any cost estimates yet. It's part of our contract f6r some of the electrical and utility work. Going in, utilities now are expensive. We're estimatng,that this initial contract will cost the entire one million dollars... From there we'll be able to then pursue other sources of funding. It could be the Affordable,Production Fund, which allows for us to build housing units. It would not be as you heard from Royce, CDBG funds, which is not for vertical builds. It could be State funding if Kauhale monies became available. Ttcbuld be leasing out to a developer that could build a rental project that uses a combination of State funding and Low-Income Housing tax credits from the Federal Government. So, there are a number of funding strains available. I think as we get into it a little bit more detail, we'll be able to come up with a better plan and answer for you. MS. KIMBALL: Yes, I would definitely like to have you come back to us at that point where you have a sense of what that's going to be. You know, I had some Page 16 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 other areas of this particular property that I'm not a fan of. But this actually I support. I think that this is a way to get the most bang for a buck, if you will in terms of providing shelter and housing for people that need it. I do think it is going to be extraordinarily costly, I mean, prior to the recent increases in fuel and energy costs. Wastewater alone was running about a thousand dollars a linear foot. So, that adds up quick. And then we do have water and electric also. So,you know, we'll have to scrounge to find the resources to do that actual infrastructure and development. But I do think that that's key to potentially partnering with other nonprofits that can actually do the housing development if we've got the infrastructure in place for them. One other just quick thing, are you going to need any additional,entitlements or approvals, assessments to complete the infrastructure work once the planning phase has been completed? MS. BAILEY: We shouldn't. We will just need permits, and that's seemed to be what we're good at. We can get the permits done.. We have very good collaborative relationships with all the departments in the County. And all the employees are all for affordable housing. So, I think we're in a good place. Thank you for the question. MS. KIMBALL: Great, excellent. I will be supporting this resolution and hope it's enough to cover everythingwe need. Thanks. CHR.'KAGIWADA: Thank you,Council Member Kimball. Anybody else? Alright, seeing no other lights,thank you, Ms. Bailey, for being here. I just wanted to lend my support for your actions,particularly, when speaking about additional funding,sources. And I think the Kauhale is obviously a model that would draw down State'funding and be really important for this site. I just wanted to ask, is OHCD in communication with our Public Works folks around the project they have to redo the Waianuenue Bridge, which is a key access point for the hospital, the health corridor; but also, this potential additional housing. And are thy aware that this is the proposal to add this many more people in the area as they go forward with that bridge project. Do you know if there's been that connection made? MS. BAILEY: I don't believe so, but it sounds like it's a good conversation we should have soon. CHR KAGIWADA: Could you please take it back to OHCD and make sure you guys reach out and let DPW know your plans, so that, as they're redoing that Page 17 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 bridge project, they really understand what the need is going to be there. Thank you so much. Alright, with that, all those in favor on approving Resolution 498 and sending it to the full Council please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Res. 498-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 498-26 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, ' and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelr— 1. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: Can we please go on to Resolution 504-26,;please., Res. 504-26: REQUESTS THE STATE OF HAWAI`I, BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, TO RENAME KOLEKOLE,GULCH PARK AS "KOLEKOLE PARK Reference: Comm. 799 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to recommend adoption of Res. 504-26. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. °CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: ''eah�just ask for my colleagues' support. This is a procedural item that is meant to resolve the community request. When we reopened Kolekole Park,the signage and everything was changed to read Kolekole Gulch Park, which it has never been called by the community. And it took some doing to figure out exactly what the process is because it is EO'd(Executive Ordered) to us from the State, and there are multiple agreements with the State for this parcel that refer to it as Kolekole Gulch Park. So', the process I have understood, as I understand it is for us to request DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to let us change the name, which is what this resolution does. Ask for your support. We just want to call it what it's been called. Thank you. CHR KAGIWADA: Okay, any comments or questions? Seeing none, all those in favor on approving Resolution 504 and sending it to the full Council please say "aye." Any opposed? Page 18 GOEAC-31 April 7,2026 Vote on Res. 504-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 504-26 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kimball, Kierkiewicz ,Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kaneah'i-Klelnfelder— 1. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: With that, we conclude,our agenda for today. Thank you so much. ADJOURN- Seeing no further business, Chair Kagiwada adjourned the meeting at MENT: 10:48 a.m. Approved: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair (Date) Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs JK/dt Page 19