HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 127 2026-05-19 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: May 19, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 895
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 895, reports as follows:
Communication No. 895, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 30, 2026, requests
the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of George Applegate to the Banyan Drive
Hawaii Redevelopment Agency.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Mr. Applegate, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers.
Committee Members Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Rebecca Villegas, and
Heather L. Kimball spoke in favor of the appointment.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked Mr. Applegate to describe what co -management of
this area with the state may look like. Mr. Applegate shared history of the area and he responded
that he doesn't know exactly but that he wants to try to make things work between the state and
County.
Member Kierkiewicz additionally described state legislation and recent state funds that had been
approved for revitalizing this area and asked him if he would be advocating for the County
administration to be allocating funding for this purpose as well. He said he would be. She
encouraged Mr. Applegate to prioritize keeping Banyan Drive as a place that serves recreational
opportunities and community gathering spaces for local residents.
Pursuant to Chapter 53-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, members of the Banyan Drive Hawaii
Redevelopment Agency shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
GOEAC Report No. 127
GOEAC-127 Page 2 May 19, 2026
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 895, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
of George Applegate to the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency.
shn
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
Lai»Ic7_��[GUIW�l�:
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
I
JENN KAGIWADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 127
ADOPTED: JUN 0 3 2026