HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2026-04-22 2024-2026 Hawaii County Council
371b Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
April 22, 2026
INVOCATION: Pastor Jason Meechan of Kona Faith Center gave the morning's invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:03 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi,
Acting Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair
Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member
Mr. James E. Hustace, Member
Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member (via videoconference from Hilo)
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member (via videoconference from Hilo; came in
later)
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member(via videoconference from Hilo)
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member (came in later)
Absent& Excused: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
PLEDGE OF The Acting 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 Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MEMORIALS, Petitions, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Acting 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: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Acting Chair:
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Jim Dorr: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(See Comm. 744.9)
Shirley David: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
(representing Saint Michael (See Comm. 744.9)
the Archangel Church)
Luana Jones: Res. 495-26 (Comm. 787), in support.
(representing Kipuka Farmacy)
Kaulana Ka`ahanui: Res. 495-26 (Comm. 787), in support.
(representing Kipuka Farmacy)
Roylen Valera: Res. 529-26 (Comm. 836);
(representing D.A.R.E. Res. 531-26 (Comm. 838);
Hawaii) Res. 532-26 (Comm. 839);
Res. 535-26 (Comm. 842);
Res. 536-26 (Comm. 843); and
Res. 541-26 (Comm. 848), in support.
Grace Manipol-Larson: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(See Comm. 744.9)
Dane Kealoha: Res. 513-26 (Comm. 815), in support.
(representing Hawai`i Land
Trust)
Beldon Kealoha: Res. 513-26 (Comm. 815), in support.
Trey Cox: Res. 539-26 (Comm. 846), in support.
(representing MX 808
Association)
Shige Meyter: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(representing Hawai`i Land
Trust)
Renee Rivera: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
Joan Toledo: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
Laura Balai: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
(representing Mental Health
K6kua and HOPE Services
Hawaii)
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Traci Currence: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
(representing HOPE Services
Hawai`i and Mental Health
K6kua)
Marsha Krieger: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(See Comm. 744.9)
Thomas Krieger: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(See Comm. 744.9)
Frederick Burket: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
(representing Hale Kipa)
Kainoa: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
Tyler: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in support.
Ashley Ferraro: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
(See Comm. 744.9)
Peggy Yoshioka: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
Josie Yadao: Res. 475-26, Draft 2 (Comm. 744.4), in opposition.
APPROVAL The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes.
Acting Chair Onishi announced that the Minutes of
February 4, 2026, were approved.
REPORTS: The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
GOEAC-108 NOMINATION OF JAMES J. CHRISTEN TO THE COST OF GOVERNMENT
(Comm. 800): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
Page 3
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-108: External Affairs Committee Report No. 108. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Onishi—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: Chair, my understanding is we are awaiting a memo from the
Mayor's office to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Alu. So if we could come back
to that after that memo has been received or some other determination has been
made.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: No problem.
Change Order As directed by the Acting Chair and with no objection from the Council
of Business: Members, the following items were taken out of order:
GOEAC-110 NOMINATION OF ROBERT D. YAGI TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS
(Comm. 802):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-110: External Affairs Committee Report No. 110. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-111 NOMINATION OF KAPONO KUIKAHI TO THE GAME MANAGEMENT
(Comm. 803): ADVISORY COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
Page 4
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-111: External Affairs Committee Report No. 111. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-112 NOMINATION OF PAUL MONTZ TO THE WINDWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 804): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-112: External Affairs Committee Report No. 112. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
GOEAC-113 NOMINATION OF DANIEL "NIEL" THOMAS TO THE MERIT APPEALS
(Comm. 805): BOARD
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 29, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
Vote on Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Governmental Operations and
GOEAC-113: External Affairs Committee Report No. 113. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 5
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 496-26: ACCEPTS A DONATION OF GRANT FUNDS AND OTHER IN-KIND
DONATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
FOR THE LINCOLN PARK TENNIS COURTS AND EDITH KANAKA`OLE
MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM
The donation from the United States Tennis Association has an estimated value of
$160,000.
Reference: Comm. 788
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-139
Vote on Res. 496-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 496-26 and Finance
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 139. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 149: 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 Parks and Recreation Miscellaneous Contributions
account($160,000); and appropriates the same to the United States Tennis
Association Tennis Court Resurfacing and Installation of SmartAccess System
account. Funds would be used to resurface a tennis court and install a SmartAccess
system.
Reference: Comm. 822
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Bill 149: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 149 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 6
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Comm. 711.11: MAYOR'S VETO MESSAGE REGARDING BILL 127, DRAFT 3, RELATING
TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION
From Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated April 2, 2026, returning Bill 127, Draft 3,
and stating his reason for disapproval.
; and
Comm. 711.12: REQUEST TO RECONSIDER BILL 127, DRAFT 3, RELATING TO THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION
From Council Members Ashley L. Kierkiewicz and James E. Hustace, dated
April 6, 2026, requesting that Bill 127, Draft 3, be placed on the April 22, 2026,
Council agenda for reconsideration and a potential override of the Mayor's
disapproval.
; and
Bill 127: AMENDS CHAPTER 5 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016
(Draft 3) EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION
Establishes a construction code commission to advise the Mayor, County Council,
and Director of Public Works on the adoption, updating, amendment, and
interpretation of the County construction codes.
Reference: Comm. 711.6
Intr. by: Council Members Kierkiewicz and Hustace
First Reading: February 18, 2026
Second Reading: March 4, 2026
Mayor Veto: April 2, 2026
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire membership
to override the Mayor's veto, pursuant to
Section 3-12, Hawaii County Charter
Motion to Mr. Hustace moved to reconsider the vote taken on
Reconsider and Bill 127, Draft 3, during the meeting of March 4, 2026, and
Override: override the Mayor's veto of the bill. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: We also have the department, if you can come up. And
then go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, you're welcome to call the departments up to
review the Mayor's message.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: They're coming right here. I'll let you go first, or do
you want to let them go first?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I think it would be best for them to deliver the Mayor's
message. Thank you, Chair.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, sure. Okay, go ahead, Director.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director Wesley Segawa and Deputy
Building Chief Aaron Spielman came forward to address the members of
the Council.)
MR. SEGAWA: Wes Segawa, Director of the Department of Public Works. Our
testimony today from the department is that the department continues to stand
behind the Mayor's veto of this bill because of associated administrative costs to
establish, implement, and maintain another commission. From the department's
perspective, this commission will require attendance and direct involvement of
our Corporation Counsel and department staff during commission meetings,
preparation of agendas, posting of meetings, preparation of meeting minutes, and
preparation and coordination of communications between commissioners, the
State Building (Code) Council, and possibly other public and private entities.
The department is currently understaffed to perform its core functions. And it
does not have the qualified and trained staff necessary to effectively satisfy the
desired expectations and outcomes represented in Bill 137. Like stated in the
Mayor's veto, we are recommending creation of a temporary task force.
And I'd like to add that there are discussions already going on between the
counties and also at the State level regarding other means and methods to effect
the intentions of this particular bill. And I can turn it over to our Building Chief
Aaron Spielman if he'd like to add a few more comments. Thank you.
MR. SPIELMAN: Acting Building Chief Aaron Spielman. I think the initiating
question was about the Mayor's response. I'll just say I'm here as a nonpartisan,
and we had some concerns at the Building Division level for this bill. We feel
strongly that amendments should go through the State Building Code Council,
which the Governor is trying to stand up now with State funding. So my
understanding is they're looking to hire a deputy AG (attorney general) and
executive for running the State Building Code Council. In the past, that was run
by DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism), and
now we need a permanent position. Hopefully, the State Building Code Council
will be stood up this calendar year, based on the Governor's 18a'Emergency
Proclamation. It's currently on hold.
Also, I'd just point out that amendments at any time by any person or entity can
be submitted to the ICC, the International Code Council. You don't have to be a
registered lobbyist. You don't have to have a special degree. Anybody can
submit amendments to the ICC. So we feel that the proper method of code
adoption under State law would be ICC publishes the document. The State has
two years after that document's published to confirm amendments and adopt or
oppose, and the counties have two years following the State to adopt or propose
amendments. What we'd like is that funneled direction from the ICC to the State
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
to the County. There's some concerns about unintended consequences if the
County were to leapfrog that process outside of the State Building Code Council.
Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, I'm going to open it up to the Council Members.
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Sure, Vice Chair, I'll start but I also just wanted to
acknowledge that Mr. Alameda is here in Hilo chambers. I'm not sure if you
wanted to deliver a message. You were signed up to provide testimony.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. ALAMEDA: Yes. Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. If it's okay,
may I please
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'm not yielding my time to you, but I'm just allowing you
that—
MR. ALAMEDA: No, I would never take that from you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: It's separate.
MR. ALAMEDA: Vice Chair Onishi, if it's okay I'll just provide three minutes'
testimony on behalf of Mayor Alameda.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Yeah, or you can—whatever you need. Go ahead.
MR. ALAMEDA: Mahalo, Vice Chair Onishi.
(Note: At this time, Mr. Alameda provided testimony on behalf of the
Mayor in opposition to Bill 127, Draft 3.)
MR. ALAMEDA: As you know, the Mayor is committed to working
collaboratively with this body to help find ways to work together that will benefit
the entire island. As the EA (executive assistant) charged with facilitating boards
and commissions, I would love to have an opportunity to talk story with you folks
on how we can improve this super vast network.
I've been doing my homework for the last 16 months. I've been getting to know
the secretaries and the deputy corporation counsels in the 20-plus departments,
offices, and agencies, of which all of our boards and commissions are spread.
I've even taken the time to get to know my counterparts in the neighboring
counties. Maui County has 39 boards and commissions. The City and County of
Honolulu has 28. Kaua`i County has 17 boards and commissions. And our
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
County, as of right now, has 36 active boards and commissions. Every county
manages that mission differently. However, it's been super transformative for me
to lean on my counterparts for insights and best practices. So that's been super
awesome.
It's also been really refreshing to hear members on this dais,just as recent as the
budget hearings, talk about a review of our boards and commissions program.
Just yesterday, in the GOEAC (Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Committee) meeting, Council Member Kagiwada asked nominee Kari Clark if
she would consider reviewing the expansive boards and commissions program as
part of their work and in their final report. And I think that is awesome. We are
super aligned on that.
I am really excited and looking forward to a review of this program that every
mayor picks up. We all pick up. No one knows better than you folks. I can see
the frustration. Even Council Member Kagiwada, she's a part of the Youth
Commission, right? She's an ex-officio member of a commission. That speaks
volumes. I know you see the operational challenges that we face. And as the EA
charged with doing this work, I am super happy to have that conversation and
answer any questions that you folks may have.
Mahalo nui loa for the opportunity, Vice Chair Onishi. Once again, testifying in
opposition on behalf of the Mayor to Bill 127, Draft 3. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Thank you, Mr. Alameda. Okay, Ms. Kierkiewicz, you
can go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. For those of us who were serving on
the Council when we reorganized the building code into Chapter 5 and then had to
work through the adoption of updated codes, those that were on the Council, you
may recall how difficult and, frankly, how nightmarish that process was.
Building codes are highly technical documents. And as Council Members, we
have the responsibility to adopt them.
And so, the question here is very simple: Shouldn't we have access to structured
local expert advice when we are making those decisions? And that is the kind of
expertise this construction code commission would lend. I want to be clear that
it's advisory in nature. It's not operational. It doesn't issue permits. It doesn't
interfere with plan review. It does not slowdown any of DPW's (Department of
Public Works) operations. It doesn't even add layers to the permitting process.
It's advisory. Nothing more. Nothing less. And its purpose is to provide
technical guidance and practical expertise on matters that affect how we build.
And our codes are a huge determining factor in how much things cost to build
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
here in Hawaii County. This is not an abstract issue. It affects public health and
safety and affordability. And we need to make sure that the codes we are
adopting make the most sense for our island context.
After our last building code adoption, there were a suite of amendments that were
introduced, because certain requirements that we adopted did not fit our
community. And this is exactly the kind of problem that we would want the
construction code commission to help prevent. It's a prevention tool. It helps us
get things right on the front end. It's not bureaucracy. It's good governance.
And I'm going to urge my Council Members to please override the Mayor's veto.
Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Anyone else in Hilo?
MS. KAGIWADA: Aloha. This is Jen Kagiwada. Do we want to hear from the
co-introducer first?
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: I'm just letting you guys go first. Go ahead.
MS. KAGIWADA: Okay. All right, thank you. I greatly sympathize with the
Mayor's office, especially Mr. Alameda here, who I see working very hard to not
only find the people for our boards and commissions, but also works on several
specific boards and commissions trying to get quorum, agendized, things like that.
And so I get it. I totally get it.
When I hear those numbers for the different islands, the different counties, I
understand we need to give a hard look at what we're doing here. But I don't
necessarily think that this is the place to look at kind of skimping on or not having
a board or commission on. It just seems too important. I feel like we have
several other boards and commissions on the books that could be either made into
task forces or combined, as we discussed before.
I don't know if there's a possibility for this commission to be more of a cyclical
commission, similar to the Cost of Government Commission. That's the other
thing I just thought about, is if there are certain times when we know there are
reviews needed for new code coming, could we maybe enact this on a cyclical
basis instead of continual. But I do think something is needed, because as
Council Member Kierkiewicz just mentioned, I don't have the expertise on the
building codes. I need support. I need technical expertise to make these hard
decisions.
And so, I do really think that this is the way to go. But I am sympathetic and I
will be committed to looking for other ways to kind of reduce that burden and
make government work better through our boards and commissions. So I will be
supporting the override. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other members in Hilo? If not, I'm moving to
Kona. Mr. Hustace, go ahead.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I appreciate the opportunity to bring this
back for a reconsideration by the Council, and look forward to the conversation
here, of course. And I appreciate the support of Council Member Kierkiewicz
and having this dialogue here.
Back in the fall, we had that initial conversation of establishing a department of
building. So, pulling the pieces within the Planning Department, within the
Department of Public Works into a singular entity. And we had a good
conversation about that, about what that looks like in terms of streamlining our
permitting process, what does that look like for the interface for community in
those spaces. How does that really help the intent of expediting our permitting
process and helping community members in businesses and our island grow, and
moving forward.
I'm recognizing that in that conversation we understood the cost of establishing a
new department and some of those pieces and intricacies there. But of that
conversation, this sat in that as well, the dialogue of something that was a little bit
more palatable by the body here to present an idea, an advisory body, to this body,
ourselves here, for future work that would have to do with the building codes. So
this is a good progress and a move forward to really understanding our role and
our place, as well as those in the field and those in the industry that have the
expert knowledge that will provide us and this body going forward on some of
those thoughts.
Happy to support, you know—Mr. Alameda, you talked about some of the cost,
and then Director Segawa also talked about the cost of our boards and
commissions through that conversation. Happy to look at the budget and support
the department on how we can kind of move this forward and make sure that there
is sufficient staffing and those sorts of things. Because that was one of those
smaller costs of the entire building department's sort of projection there.
But myself, hearing the conversations from Council Members that have served on
this dais longer than I have and the challenges of weighing in and knowing those
intricate details on building codes, it is a challenge and is a hurdle and a burden.
And we rely upon our Department of Public Works and the Building Chief for
that guidance as well, but also looking to others in the field that would provide
that expert knowledge. So, really appreciate the consideration of my colleagues
on this, and considering this as a possibility where community can interface with,
in a different space, those that have expert knowledge on building codes, and then
be able to present that in this forum as well moving forward. So thank you for the
consideration. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, Ms. Galimba.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I want to thank Council Members Kierkiewicz and
Hustace for having this conversation. I think there is definitely work that needs to
be done in this area, and appreciate the Mayor and Administration with putting
their idea for a solution in writing, as far as a task force, which I think would be a
good starting point. And I would hope that the task force would include Members
Kierkiewicz and Hustace as well as others who are especially interested in this
topic.
But I do understand and see the reason behind the Mayor's veto message and the
department's thoughts around this, especially sort of the hierarchy of how these
kinds of decisions would be made and how having a county commission may not
be the most effective way to approach this. So I will be not supporting a
reconsideration at this time. And I do want to say that Council Member
Kagiwada's idea of having this be more of a tactical or temporary body might be
something to take up, because there is a lot ofI think that is a very reasonable
idea. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, anyone else in Kona? Okay, anyone else in
Hilo? Okay, go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: I just wanted to ask first, Acting Division Chief Spielman, to
clarify that concern about hierarchical conflict between State and County. I can't
say that I fully understand the nature of that argument.
MR. SPIELMAN: Acting Building Chief Aaron Spielman. So the way I
understand the building codes is they're set up in a certain way to start at the ICC.
Although it's called the International Code Council and the codes are used
internationally, it is a United States company system. So the ICC generates and
combines the different codes, and hears from all of the concerned parties that
want to amend certain bills or add additional life safety measures to bills.
We like the process, or the hierarchy, of the ICC to the State, to the County. The
concern here is that if the County were to leapfrog either the State or the ICC that,
theoretically, we'd be in opposition to State law. But also that, as a County, we
want to follow the State amendments. For example, the easy one to point to is
jalousie windows. Jalousie windows are not in the ICC. They are in the State
code as an amendment. We want, as a County, to be able to follow the State's
lead and adopt that jalousie window amendment. If, for whatever reason, the
State didn't have that and we were to adopt that jalousie window, we are no
longer in compliance with State law. I think that's the overriding concern here,
Council Member Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Okay, thank you for explaining. I'm not necessarily in
agreement, primarily because of the theoretical nature of what you're proposing.
I mean we have, under the State Law HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes), the
authority to make amendments as of right now to the State Building Code when it
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
comes to us, provided that they do not impact or go contrary, I should say, to the
intent of the building code. And I don't think the creation of this body to advise
the Council or propose more localized amendments would run contrary to that. In
order for those amendments to take place, it would still have to come before
Council, who would be advised at that time by Corporation Counsel if anything
that was proposed would in fact contradict the intent and purpose of the building
codes.
Beyond that, given that the argument primarily in the Mayor's veto message has
to do with the obligations imposed because of an additional commission, I will
share with Executive Assistant Alameda that one of the things that we had looked
at in the past, which I think would be a significant way to improve efficiency of
the boards, would be to centralize the secretarial and managerial aspects of
managing the boards and commissions. So, at this point in time, each commission
kind of has a de facto department that they're under, and it ends up being
departmental staff that has to serve that function of being the administrator.
Whereas, having sort of, if I may take like the Planning CDPs (Community
Development Plans), for example, you have Planning staff that are doing the
minutes and the agendas and all the items for the CDP Action Committees. Yet
there's no professional planning expertise that's needed to do that aspect of it. So
I would ask the Administration to consider giving you an assistant or two in the
budget that would actually serve the function of centralizing the administrative
actions for the different committees. I'm not sure if any of the other counties do it
that way, but I think it would introduce efficiency because you'd have one person
doing the same thing for all of the boards and commissions. Saves time in the
different departments of staff that really should be focusing on more impactful
work.
With respect to Corporation Counsel, it is a little bit different because they have
expertise in particular areas. So, for example, we wouldn't want to have—having
a specific Corporation Counsel for the planning commissions for example is
important, maybe less so for some of the others. So I think that's something to
factor in, too, is maybe Corporation Counsel could do something similar where,
for the boards that have less of an adjudicatory or that sort of function, they could
have maybe a Corporation Counsel that's a little bit more standardized across all
of them.
I will also say that one of the reasons that I prefer a commission to the task force
is the due process and the Sunshine Law. I do feel like this matter of the building
codes is important enough that I would want to have the opportunity—and given,
yes, that still exists with the Council—but for the public to weigh in on those
conversations for the commission as well as the deliberations of that commission
being available and open to the public. I think in this particular case, given again
the history of how it has gone down here in the past, having that be open and
subject to Sunshine Law I think is valuable. Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MR. ALAMEDA: Vice Chair Onishi, do you mind if I just make a comment?
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Yes, go ahead, Mr. Alameda.
MR. ALAMEDA: Thank you, Vice Chair. Council Member Kimball, thank you
for that acknowledgement of just our own operational challenges here, and thank
you for the quick solutions in how we can better manage our vast system. As
you've said, all of these boards and commissions in our County are housed in
20 different-plus departments, offices, and agencies. So it's kind of kapakahi, if
you ask me.
When I first came into it 16 months ago, all agendas looked different. The
minutes looked different. Some logos are here. Some logos are there. Some
agendas put the full commission and board on their agendas. Some don't. So
there are just real minor ways that we can clean things up. And that's a challenge,
too, with all of these housed in different departments, with some—like Water
Supply, right; they're kind of semiautonomous. I feel like I can only work with
them so much. And after a certain point they can say, "Ah, we no need listen,"
right, like "We're going to do our own thing."
So there are these real kinds of areas that I've got to work at super hard. But I
really love this work. I mean, aside from you folks on this dais, I'm probably the
next biggest advocate for our boards and commissions. This is truly front-facing
work. Our democracy only thrives with more people engaged in this community-
level work. So I'm all for making this system better.
Just for my own role, I'm secretary to four different boards and commission; now,
the Fire Commission because the commission secretary moved on to a new role in
HPD (Hawai`i Police Department). So I'm kind of filling that gap just so that we
don't drop meetings. Whatever I've got to do to get these boards and
commissions to continue to meet, moving the business forward, I am all for it. I
will do all I can. Council Member Kagiwada, you know this. So I really do
appreciate that suggestion. I will take it back to my office and see what comes of
it. Thank you, Council Member. I really appreciate that.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, Director Segawa, on the comments from
Ms. Kimball.
MR. SEGAWA: Wes Segawa, Director of Public Works. Thank you,
Councilman. I'd just like to follow up on a statement that Councilwoman
Kierkiewicz made about her observation on how our system or our code has
changed, because it's a perfect demonstration of how the system is already
working. We have a state building council. And what happened was we found
three instances here where the code did not probably recognize the uniqueness of
the Big Island. As a result, this building code commission at the State level
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
recognized that, heard the arguments to it, and made the appropriate amendments
three times already. So what I'm saying is there's already a system in place that
works that we need to recognize here today.
And so, creating a commission at this level may stymie some of the progress
we're already making. Maybe we should just give the existing system a chance to
work its way through. That's all I have to add. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHL Thank you, Director. Anyone else in Hilo?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair Onishi, if I might address a couple of things?
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you so much. Council Member Hustace and I made
this particular bill very flexible in nature in terms of meeting schedule. And so,
the idea of this commission activating in a cyclical manner based on when new
codes are coming from international, it's something that can certainly be
articulated in the rules for how this commission is governed.
I also want to stress that I—our island is incredibly unique. I believe we have
11 of the 13 climates here on Hawaii Island. And so, our codes really needs to
be reflective of that reality. I see drawing on professionals and practitioners who
use these codes every day to be a significant resource to our County. It adds to
our capacity to advocate at State Building Code Council level what we need for
our County so that we can have the best possible codes for Hawaii County. And
I just think that with this commission, we're able to ensure that our County and
future councils are equipped to make better decisions and avoid costly fixes in the
future. So, going to encourage my colleagues to please override the Mayor's
veto.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, anyone else in Hilo? Okay, go ahead,
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Today, I appreciate the
perspectives and there's a balance of power between the legislative body and the
administrative or executive side of our government. That always exists and
doesn't always get utilized. So, today, appreciating that both the administrative
and executive side of government and the legislative side of government both
have valid points.
I was in the Council when we did the last code change for the building code. It
was sloppy and it was rushed. And there were members of the Department of
Public WorksI don't think they're in any role that I see could be fulfilling right
now—who helped that along, and I don't think worked to the best benefit of the
County at that time.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
And seeing where we are now, and even to your point, Director Segawa, that
we've made amendments three, two, one year later, recognizes the fact that there
were problems with the building code that we had to address later on with
amendments that weren't caught at the time, despite having involvement from the
community with the Council Members, having our own folks look at it, having
Public Works review it, having comments from the State and the County all
involved in crafting a code that would be to the benefit of the public. But
ultimately, a lot of the professionals in the field were not happy with the code
amendments. So, even to this day, I still get complaints about what we've done,
and the changes we've made have increased the cost of housing, and how much
they've increased the cost of housing.
I still—and I've had this concern from the beginning: There were components of
having special interest involved in the building code amendment process. And
that in itself has always been a cause for concern to me, is when you have special
interest in guiding legislation, that can lead to unintended consequences.
To Ms. Kagiwada's point, this commission, I believe, would be better suited to be
in order when we have an actual building code coming in. And I say that because
I have concerns that as an outside commission with a membership comprised of
professionals in the field, but also folks who run supply houses and provide
materials to the County and have an actual benefit from different codes or
amendments that could be brought forward, that we may actually end up creating
a little bit of a conflict of interest point within County government with guidance
from special interest groups on how we should be building homes or providing
codes to protect homeowners. And I'm not quite sold on what we have in front of
us.
So, with that, seeing both perspectives on the table and appreciating each
perspective because they both have a valid point, the Mayor has chosen to flex his
ability to veto the bill, and I'll be supporting the veto. But I'm also looking for an
ability for our professionals in the field, in some form or another, having the
ability to work side by side with the County to make sure that the changes that the
building codes bring to our County are in favor of both homeowner safety, which
is DPW's mission and objective, but also in line with not overbuilding and
creating burdensome codes that weren't really reviewed—take our wind maps, for
example—that actually detract from the ability to build housing and to build good
housing, and increase the cost of housing.
So there's a fine balance there. And I think some good ideas were brought up
today. Thank you for the time to have this discussion. I think this is important to
have. Ultimately, today I will not be supporting the bill moving forward. I'll be
continuing to support the Mayor's veto.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, thank you. Anyone else in Hilo? Okay, hearing
or seeing none, Mr. Clerk, roll call.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Motion to The motion to reconsider the vote taken on Bill 127,
Reconsider and Draft 3, and override the Mayor's veto of the bill failed by
Override: the following roll call vote:
Failed
Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kierkiewicz, Kimball, and Villegas—5.
Noes: Council Members Galimba,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and
Acting Chair Onishi—3.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
MR. HENRICKS: Chair Onishi, may I ask for a recess so we may address some
issues with the livestream? We've lost the livestream and we'd like to get it
operable before we continue.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, sure. Ten minutes?
MR. HENRICKS: Yes, ten minutes for now.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, let's go into recess for ten minutes.
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you so much.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: You're welcome.
Recess: At 10:50 a.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:15 a.m.
STATEMENTS The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
RES. 475-26, The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
(DRAFT 2) the Acting Chair:
(COMM. 744.4):
Kalani Spain: In support.
(representing HOPE Services Hawaii)
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 475-26: AUTHORIZES AND DIRECTS THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO
(Draft 2) NEGOTIATE THE DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY BY
LEASE TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR PERMANENT HOUSING
PURPOSES
Authorizes the negotiation of six one-year leases with four one-year renewal
options at an approximate annual cost of$10 for six residential properties to be
used as long-term permanent housing for underserved populations.
Reference: Comm. 744.4
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-136
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 475-26, Draft 2, and
Finance Committee Report No. 136. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Discussion? In Kona, anyone? Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: If I could ask Housing Administrator Kehau Costa to come up?
(Note: At this time, Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa and
Assistant Housing Administrator Keiko Mercado came forward to address
the members of the Council.)
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you, Keiko, for joining her. Just a few questions I'm
hoping to clarify. And I'm hoping to assuage some concerns that have been
expressed by community. Would any of the people placed in this housing through
the homeless service providers be pedophiles?
MS. COSTA: No.
MS. VILLEGAS: Would any of them be convicted predators?
MS. COSTA: No.
MS. VILLEGAS: Would any of them be considered dangerous criminals?
MS. COSTA: No.
MS. VILLEGAS: So the prioritization and the intention for housing in this
format, is the priority placed on families?
MS. COSTA: Families, children, individuals with disabilities.
MS. VILLEGAS: Will they be thoroughly vetted?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. COSTA: Yes.
MS. VILLEGAS: Will they have already gone through treatment programs and
protocols for substance abuse, mental health issues, and navigating the reasons
why they may have found themselves homeless to begin with?
MS. COSTA: The intention is that they have.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. Will that responsibility reside with the homeless service
providers managing these facilities?
MS. COSTA: The homeless service providers, yes.
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. And will this provide stable housing to people who
have already participated in multiple levels of homeless service providers? Just
for an example, somebody who may have already been sleeping on a cot, let's
say, at the Salvation Army service center. This provides what we sometimes here
call continuum of care.
MS. COSTA: Correct. So these are not transitional programs. This is permanent
housing with supportive programs.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sothis is not just a Housing First model, but this is what I have
always personally looked for, is housing with wraparound services.
MS. COSTA: Correct.
MS. VILLEGAS: Is there a time frame that people living in these homes would
be allowed to stay in those homes?
MS. COSTA: It's permanent. So there is not an end to their tenancy. It's meant
to be long-term.
MS. VILLEGAS: Meant to be long-term for them. Okay. Thank you for
answering those questions, because I understand the concerns of the neighbors. I,
myself, watched in my neighborhood a home that had been a residence for
squatters, been a drug den with Child and Family Services there, stolen vehicles,
all kinds of things,just two lots over from mine, get purchased and transitioned,
and then purchased by someone now utilizing it as a rehab facility.
So, in my own life, I've watched and navigated knowing the illegal activities
happening on a piece of property, and the police having very little to no impact on
that, to now it becoming a space that I'm very aware of the people going through
the program on that property and having the opportunity to meet them and create
relationships. And in doing so, there's also points of accountability because we
all know big island, small world, right?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
So I feel for the communities that have these concerns, but that's why I wanted to
vet these questions so that there would be a greater understanding of all the efforts
being placed to ensure that the people that would be introduced to your
neighborhoods had been vetted. In today's world,unless you do a search online,
in the private sector you don't know if there's a pedophile living in your
neighborhood. You don't know if there's someone experiencing domestic
violence in your neighborhood. Unless you're leaning in and getting to know the
people on a human contact level, and only by establishing those relationships can
we authentically hold one another accountable.
And so, I feel empathy but I also, from my own life experience, see the irony in
making statements and having prejudicial statements opposed to homes like this
being provided just one more statement—for people who have gone through the
process who have been vetted, who are being provided the support and for there
to be opportunity for re-inclusion and understanding. And if ever there is a
concern, your neighborhood will have the opportunity to go directly to that
organization, and also ideally have the relationship with those people who have
now, from maybe the first time in many years, having stable housing.
So I hope that helps in some way to assuage concerns and also hold the homeless
service providers accountable for the privilege and opportunity to be entrusted
with these homes in order to please make sure this works. I yield.
MS. COSTA: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other members in Kona? Okay, anyone in
Hilo?
MS. KAGIWADA: Yes, Vice Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. First of all, thank you to my colleague Council
Member Villegas. Agree with your statements. Second, I want to be very clear,
especially to the testifiers who continue to speak specifically about the property
on Makani Circle, that that property is no longer in this resolution. We don't
know exactly what's going to happen with that property. That will have to be
dealt with in a separate way, but it is not a part of this current resolution before us,
Resolution 475-26. So I want to be very clear about that because several people
who spoke against this resolution spoke, specifically, speaking to issues they have
with the property on Makani Circle.
And I just want to say that we are in a crisis. This isas somebody who
represents the areas both of Makani Circle and Downtown Hilo, I am very
sympathetic to fears and concerns of the folks in the neighborhoods where these
homes were purchased, but I agree that they will be well-supervised and there will
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
be people to be accountable for any actions. But the Downtown Hilo area, as well
as our entire island, has seen such devastation for people who are experiencing
often all three of unattainable housing, mental health concerns, and addiction
issues—sometimes two out of three and sometimes one out of three. But those
three issues were highlighted by several testifiers today, as well as are really at the
crux of our crisis.
And the Council and the County, the Administration, we are doing our very best
to try to address the issues. But I think somebody testified last time saying, for
every one person we're able to get into stable housing and health or get even
housed in any way, we've got two more becoming homeless. And so, we've got
such issues we have to deal with. We really need to try multiple things. And
some of the things we've been trying may not be the best solution, that maybe we
decided to change course on a couple of those, but there is no silver bullet. And
there is no way to help people without providing a multitude of both housing and
those strategic supports.
Our County does not have a health department. We rely heavily on the State and
the Health Department at the State level. And frankly, in my opinion, they do not
seem to have either the funding, the personnel, or even the focus to really help us
on this island. So it has really fallen to us. And without a health department at
the County level, we have relied heavily on our nonprofits to do this work.
And so, I'm very concerned with some of the rhetoric that I'm hearing, because
we have to be in this together to help everybody. And we can see it every day:
We are in a crisis. We have to do something. And I commend the Administration
for trying something new, and I will do anything I can do to try to make it
successful and to not be burdensome in the neighborhoods where these homes are
located. But I will absolutely be supporting this resolution, and always happy to
talk to folks about why I make the decisions that I make. So thank you, Chair, I
yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Anyone else in Hilo? Okay, go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. To the Administrator of
Housing, although we've removed the Makani Circle property, it's still a Couty-
owned asset. Correct?
MS. COSTA: Correct.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And is there a plan for that in the future?
MS. COSTA: Yes. It will go under property management as an affordable rental.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: What was the cost for the Makani Circle
property again?
MS. COSTA: 809.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: $809,000. Is there a cost to improve?
MS. COSTA: It's out to bid, yeah. There's a toilet pipe leak, and so flooring
does need to be replaced.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: A testifier spoke to an offer on the home for
$555,000. We bid $809,000. That's a substantial difference. I don't know
anything about the property, but is there outstanding repairs needed to the home to
be livable beyond the floor repairs and the toilet?
MS. COSTA: No.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. The testifier also spoke to a County
employee who's also a realtor who was the realtor for the property. Is that
correct?
MS. COSTA: That's unbeknownst to us. The property was shown to us by the
owner, the seller.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Do the other properties that we
bought need repairs?
MS. COSTA: Minor, very minimal. And that's just very basic deferred
maintenance. I would say that simple things to ensure that we are putting the
house in best possible condition prior to lease, very minimal.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And where will the funds come from
for the repairs that are needed for all the properties?
MS. COSTA: They come from our Affordable Housing Production Fund.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: These are all going to be what we consider
group living facilities?
MS. COSTA: No.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: What is the correct term for these homes?
MS. COSTA: They are permanent housing. They are long-term rentals. In the
County Code, in our zoning ordinance, five unrelated individuals are considered a
family and are able to rent together. Within our zoning code, six or eight
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
individuals living together would be considered a group living facility. There's
additional requirements for that with the Department of Health. And those are
also allowable within our zoning code.
So it would depend on the organization, whether they're going to—and some of
our organizations do already have group living facilities within neighborhoods
across the island, across the State. So if they are going to use it as a group living
facility, meaning six to eight unrelated individuals with 24-hour staffing, then
they would go through the steps to do so.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The property in Kona, was the testifier
correct in saying that there's preschools across the street, two preschools?
MS. COSTA: There are,yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And did the County know that when we
purchased the property?
MS. COSTA: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I received an email and I verified the
information that one of the group living facilities in `Ainaloa, which is not
represented in this resolution but is run by one of the contractors in the resolution,
does have a registered sex offender living in a residential neighborhood in a group
living facility. So, as I look at this resolution, as I listen to public testimony, as
we have removed Makani Circle because of community concerns, although the
County asset remains, although some Council Members strongly believe this is
the best way to move forward, I have concerns about how these are going to be
maintained in the future with or without oversight from the County given what
I've learned in the past 48 hours.
MS. COSTA: I'm not familiar with the group living facility in `Ainaloa. I'm not
sure of the ownership of that property, if it's privately owned. It is not a County
property. So I will say that with the program and the oversight that the office of
housing will have with our six facilities that are part of this resolution today, there
will be greater oversight for those properties.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I appreciate that, Administrator Costa. I
believe in you and Keiko and your abilities. In this instance, what I cannot do is
say yes to providing these facilities as low cost $10 a year leases, given the
background of what I've learned of the properties and how I'm seeing other
parcels not County-owned being managed currently by some of the same groups
listed in our resolution in front of us today. Thank you. Chair, I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Any other members in Hilo?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. KAGIWADA: Chair, one quick thing.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MS. KAGIWADA: I need to be very clear that when I made the amendment to
take the Makani Circle property off the list, it was not due to testimony. It was
due to the fact that the organization that had been mentioned as the organization
that would have the lease for that property said they were no longer interested in
leasing that property. That is the reason that I put the amendment forward. I need
to be very clear about that. It was not because of what—my intention was not at
all because of what was testified about. It was because the potential lessee was no
longer interested in the property. Thank you, I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, anyone else in Hilo? Okay, hearing or seeing
none, anyone else in Kona? No? I'm just going to make a comment on why I'm
voting the way I'm voting, then we'll take the vote. So I will not be supporting
this resolution because of the process of how it was done. So, Mr. Clerk, roll call.
Vote on Res. 475-26: The motion to adopt Res. 475-26, Draft 2, and Finance
Draft 2 Committee Report No. 136 was carried by the following
(Adopted) roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kimball, and Villegas—5.
Noes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, and Acting Chair Onishi—3.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 494-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS TO
ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY
TO BE USED BY THE HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with Maui Varieties
Investments, Inc., with an estimated cost of$2,547.23 per month, for two units
located at 95-1163 Ka`alaiki Road.
Reference: Comm. 786
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-137
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 494-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 494-26 and Finance
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 137. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 495-26: AUTHORIZES THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO AWARD FUNDS FOR
THE KILAUEA RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM
Provides $501,100 in grant funds to various nonprofit organizations to provide
relief, recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience for disaster damages, losses,
and suffering caused by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Reference: Comm. 787
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Approve: FC-138
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 495-26 and Finance
Committee Report No. 138. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just want to mahalo nui the Recovery
Division for their hard work to get this application process completed and money
out to community. Very appreciative of the support that was provided by the
State to our County, and the wisdom of this Council to create a program that
allows us to empower community members to identify issues and solve for them.
It was nice to see Aunty Luana this morning kind of talking a little bit more about
the mala project and what that means for community resilience and keiki
engagement. Just looking for everyone's support. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any others in Hilo? No? Okay. Anybody in Kona?
Okay, all those in favor of approving Resolution 495-26, please say "aye."
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 495-26: The motion to adopt Res. 495-26 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 138 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
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: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R)
Approve: GOEAC-114
(Note: Comm. 792.2, from Housing Administrator Kehaulani M. Costa dated
April 20, 2026, transmitting information relating to Res. 497-26, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 497-26 and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 114. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just to note for Council Members, we have
Communication 792.2 for information, which I had requested at the last meeting.
In Hilo, any discussion? Hearing or seeing none,we're going to Kona.
Mr. Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I appreciate the inquiry here, Vice Chair
Onishi, on the office of housing portion of the CDBG (Community Development
Block Grant). I was wondering, Mr. Shiroma, if you could come and speak to the
funds here that are allocated, the 20 percent for the County portion.
(Note: At this time, Housing and Community Development Specialist
Royce Shiroma came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. SHIROMA: Good morning. Royce Shiroma from the Office of Housing
and Community Development.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you for providing the breakdown here of the County
portion. Could you talk to us a little bit more in detail about some of this funding,
like the salaries goes to whom and where some of these services are being used
for?
MR. SHIROMA: I apologize. For some reason, I didn't bring the budget.
However, it's actually salaries and wages covers direct staff. There's about two
that are a hundred percent funded. And in addition, we have three more other
persons that are part-time, not part-time but it's a portion of the hundred percent
of their salary; and also their support staff, which includes the accountants,
everyone that plays a part in contributing to the CDBG program. So there's a
shared cost throughout the administration, down to the accountants and the
account clerks.
MR. HUSTACE: So it's anyone involved with these block grants.
MR. SHIROMA: Yes, exactly. Those are the salaries and wages. As far as the
other expenses, these are also shared costs that are part of the entire OHCD
(Office of Housing and Community Development) for the Hilo and the Kona
offices. So we have various direct expenses that we allocate to those expenses,
and it's based on the formula that the accountants determine over the hundred
percent of the overall cost.
MR. HUSTACE: Okay, so some of these are just shared services here. For
example, rent of land, building, and office. What's the basis of being used for
rent purposes there?
MR. SHIROMA: Yeah. So we, at our location at 1990 Kino`ole Street, we are
leasing that space. I'm not sure what's the total square footage, but it's a large
space with the entire OHCD, the Hilo office. So this is just part of the cost.
MR. HUSTACE: Okay, because some of that is also repair to the facilities. So
this is coming—this is just supporting the offices' other investment and repairs,
then.
MR. SHIROMA: Yes, correct.
MR. HUSTACE: And then you also have $50,000 for miscellaneous contractual
services. What might that entail?
MR. SHIROMA: Those include—we contract, for example, Neighborly, which
provides us with a grant management software. And we also have various other
subscriptions and other costs that we associate in there.
MR. HUSTACE: And then the last one on travel and conferences, kind of a
sizable number there, I would consider. So that's specifically people that are
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MR. SHIROMA: Funded in my division, yeah, that obtain knowledge and obtain
experience with traveling overseas to different conferences.
MR. HUSTACE: Okay. And that's within the one year?
MR. SHIROMA: Within the one year, we try to budget. There's a limit now of
two personnel to travel out of state. So there's various combinations of those
travel expenses.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you for providing more details on this. I really
appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Shiroma.
MR. SHIROMA: You're welcome.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other members? In Hilo? No? Okay, I
have a couple questions. For your salaries, you mentioned out of the $269,126
two positions are paid 100 percent, three positions are paid 50 percent.
MR. SHIROMA: It is paid partially. How the CDBG program allocates the
admin funds is by how these employees directly benefit the CDBG program. So
when they do—we have various functions that these employees do. And if they
work on the CDBG projects, then they charge.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: But then, basically, you have five members in this
group, right?
MR. SHIROMA: Yeah. We have other sources of funds also that they are
actually staffed to, such as the Affordable Housing Production. We have other
HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) Federal
funding. So the focus is that, but sometimes they assist with the CDBG program.
So when they do that, they charge.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: So other employees from other sections might help
CDBG?
MR. SHIROMA: Yeah.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: So that's when they get—this funding helps pay for
their time that they
MR. SHIROMA: Yes.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: So now, if those other employees who do not—say the
whole year they do not participate in helping CDBG, who pays for their salaries?
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. COSTA: So our department is primarily federally funded. Depending on
so, for example, an account clerk may be working on five different federally-
funded programs throughout the year, and then they allocate their time. When
they enter their timesheets, they allocate their time based on the Federal program
that they are working on. If we had no CDBG funds, then we would be looking at
staffing reductions.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, so that means not only do you have the five that
basically takes care of CDBG, you have also supporting staff that also helps with
the CDBG. For example, like you're saying the clerks that's got to do certain
account work or whatever, right?
MS. COSTA: So we have a division manager for our grants division, which is
Royce. He has four members of his team. They all work on Federal funds, two
primary for CDBG. And then within our accounts department, I would say we
have two or three account staff that may code their time to CDBG, depending on
what area of the project they're working on.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: So, again, what is the total amount of employees that
helps with CDBG? Is it five or is it more?
MS. COSTA: So, bodiesI mean
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Yeah, because you're saying a portion of the funds
goes towards those who help support CDBG.
MS. COSTA: So, bodies for CDBG, six or seven bodies, eight or nine bodies,
individuals. But the allocation of their time varies.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. And is it something common that funds from
this funding also pays for fringe benefits, pension, and FICA (Federal Insurance
Contributions Act)?
MS. COSTA: Yes. Of our staff, yes.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Why isn't it taken out of the salaries and wages, like
how normal County employees do that?
MS. COSTA: That's just how our chart of accounts is broken out. So, salary
MR. SHIROMA: Budget.
MS. COSTA: Our budget, yeah, our County budget. Salary and wages and fringe
are separated out. So this just follows our County budget. We don't include
fringe into salary and wages on the budget.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: So, with the $540,000, close to $375,000 goes towards
salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, pensions, and FICA. Right? Kind of roughly
an estimate, if you add the two up.
MS. COSTA: And what is your question?
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: No, no, I'm just saying the total, that out of the
$540,000, $375,000 goes towards salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, pensions,
and FICA.
MS. COSTA: Yeah. Administrative, yes.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. You know what, when I got this I looked at it
and, my god, I was like, this is how the nonprofits fill out their applications and
submit to us. I don't know if this is the model of how all these grants are written
out, but it's kind of—to me, the funds should go towards programs, right.
Basically, these funds, $540,000,just goes towards operations.
MS. COSTA: Yeah. CDBG is a $3 million grant, and these are the
administrative costs of administering the $3 million grant. So the rest goes to
programs.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Right. And the—like sometimes it's purchasing of fire
trucks or tankers. Correct?
MS. COSTA: That's program.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Yeah, right. Part of the program, right?
MS. COSTA: Yes.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: And basically, Fire is the one that kind of gets those
quotes or getting, I guess, the detail of what they want, correct, and then they
provide all that information to CDBG, your section. And you just process the
papers. Correct?
MS. COSTA: I would say it's more than processing papers.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: No, I know. But what I'm just saying is you guys at
least don't have to do the legwork of getting quotes for the equipment or so forth,
right, or what the specs are going to be.
MS. COSTA: We have some programs that are under 20 years of monitoring, and
other programs that are under—previous grantees that are under 10 years of
monitoring. And I believe we have over 70 grantees that we are monitoring. So
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
more than just giving out programmatic funding, it's ensuring the program is
being administered properly, expended properly, and then 10 years of monitoring
that program.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: And this is just one funding source for the program,
right? You folks also monitor the homeless and housing fund. Is that correct? Or
is that separate?
MS. COSTA: Separate.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: But do you folks get involved in that?
MS. COSTA: No, this is just CDBG.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Oh, I'm sorry. But then you folks are involved with
the affordable housing funds, right? And you folks take a portion of that for
administrative costs. How much is that? Twenty percent too?
MR. SHIROMA: Comes out to about maybe 5 or 6 percent because that one, we
technically had one body.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. And that kind of has a list like this, too, in front
of us, the breakdown?
MR. SHIROMA: It should have. Yeah, it's all in the County budget.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. And that is a separate personnel that takes care
of those funds?
MR. SHIROMA: Yes.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. All those in favor of approving
Resolution 497-26, say "aye."
Vote on Res. 497-26: The motion to adopt Res. 497-26 and Governmental
(Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 114
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 32
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
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)
Approve: GOEAC-115
Vote on Res. 498-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 498-26 and
(Adopted) Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 115. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 499-26: AUTHORIZES AND DIRECTS THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO
EXCHANGE REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS PORTIONS OF TAX
MAP KEY: 2-8-010:999, SITUATED AT HONOMU, SOUTH HILO, FOR
PUBLIC ROADWAY AND PUBLIC ACCESS PURPOSES
The County seeks the exchange of property with the Stella May Swain Trust to
align and straighten Wailele Road and ensure public access to the Hilo Forest
Reserve.
Reference: Comm. 794
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R)
Approve: LAAC-36
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 499-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 499-26 and Legislative
(Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 36.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 500-26: URGES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO AWARD A GRANT TO
MAKAHANALOA FISHING ASSOCIATION FOR THE MAINTENANCE
OF CERTAIN PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENTS IN PEPE`EKEO
Reference: Comm. 795
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Approve: LAAC-37
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 500-26 and Legislative
Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 37.
Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any discussion? Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: No, I just ask for my colleagues' support. As I said before, the
purpose of this resolution is twofold. One is to urge the granting of funds to
Makahanaloa Fishing Association for this important maintenance. But the other
is to sort of memorialize the entire history that created these public access
easements. So there's a single document to go to in the future to confirm whose
responsibility is what across the area. But happy to answer any questions, and we
have folks from Finance and public lands here if there are any other questions for
them.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any discussion in Hilo? Kona? Hearing or seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 500-26, please say "aye."
Page 34
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 500-26: The motion to adopt Res. 500-26 and Legislative
(Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 37 was
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
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
Approve: GOEAC-116
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 504-26 and
Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee
Report No. 116. Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support, and wish me luck with
BLNR(Board of Land and Natural Resources).
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other members? Okay, all those in favor of
approving Resolution 504-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 504-26: The motion to adopt Res. 504-26 and Governmental
(Adopted) Operations and External Affairs Committee Report No. 116
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 35
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 513-26: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CONSERVATION
EASEMENTS FOR ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED
AS TAX MAP KEYS: 5-2-009:025 AND 026, ALSO KNOWN AS THE
KEALOHA FAMILY LO`I, SITUATED IN THE AHUPUA`A OF NIULI`I,
DISTRICT OF NORTH KOHALA, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN
SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND
The County seeks to acquire approximately 2.39 acres of land to protect and
preserve cultural and natural resources and open certain areas of the property for
education, gathering, and cultural practices. The parcel is listed as priority number
two in the 2025 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission.
Reference: Comm. 815
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Approve: LAAC-38
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 513-26 and Legislative
Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 38.
Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Mr. Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. I just want to, first of all, thank Uncle
Beldon Kealoha and his `ohana for the work they've done to preserve this space,
one of our last remaining intact historic lo`i kalo. It's amazing that the family is
continuing that process and perpetuity of the work in preserving that land, caring
for the streams in that area, and really providing a space for future generations to
step in for educational purposes, and really continue that cultural space. It's
amazing what they're doing there.
I also want to mahalo Dane Kealoha for his work with the Hawaii Land Trust
and their efforts in providing these matching funds, and working with the County
on that conservation easement for that space. It's amazing progress there, and it
did rank very high on the PONC (Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Commission) list in the last year. So I encourage my
colleagues to support this effort in preserving this space going forward. Thank
you very much.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Ms. Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I just want to thank my colleague Council Member
Hustace for bringing this forward. I think this is a wonderful project. Definitely
will be supporting and urge the Administration to act upon with all speed. I
admire the fact that they are working with NRCS (Natural Resources
Conservation Service) agricultural land easement program. Working with the
Page 36
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Federal Government is not an easy task, and this is a program that I've looked at
myself in my conservation efforts, and was a little daunted by the red tape
involved. So, yeah, kudos to help for getting that to happen. Thanks.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Anyone in Hilo? Okay, go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I appreciate this legislation, but more so I
appreciate the testifier. I don't have his name, but there is a beautiful sentence he
said, which was "My mother told me not to sell this property, and I promised her I
wouldn't do so. And I have maintained my kuleana to my `ohana and to the
`aina." And that statement, you hear it a lot, but to see it actually done. It
preserves generational equity, and it preserves culture. And that was a beautiful
statement by the testifier this morning, and I wanted to recognize that.
We say the same thing to our children: "Do not ever sell this property." Because,
the equity and the ability to have a home over your head and to have land that
feeds you in the future is a step up that you may never be able to attain again. So
to hear that that was a multigenerational family that's done lo`i kalo, among other
things, no matter what they're doing till today, he has held true to his family
wishes to perpetuate that land in that `ohana. So mahalo to Mr. Hustace, and a
big mahalo to the family and the `ohana driving this. I really appreciate hearing
that this morning. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, anyone else in Hilo? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 513-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 513-26: The motion to adopt Res. 513-26 and Legislative
(Adopted) Approvals and Acquisitions Committee Report No. 38 was
carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
STATEMENTS The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public.
PUBLIC ON
RES. 519-26, The following individual registered to speak and came forward when called by
(COMM. 826): the Acting Chair:
Page 37
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Marcia Timboy: In support.
(representing Grassroots Community
Development Group; Ms. Timboy also spoke
in support of Res. 533-26 (Comm. 840))
Res. 519-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE 2026 HILO LEI
DAY FESTIVAL
Transfers $2,700 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. 826
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 519-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you so much. Just looking for everybody's support. I
think our testifier said it very well. Just a reminder: The event is at Kalakaua
Park on Friday, May 1st, and is free and open to the public. I hope people can
stop by. Thank you so much.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 519-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 519-26: The motion to adopt Res. 519-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 38
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 520-26: 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 GG FOUNDATION TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS 2026 EASTER
EXTRAVAGANZA
Transfers $1,100 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 827
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 520-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Ms. Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Just looking for everybody's support. I do enjoy
supporting some of these free events that community members are putting on, and
this is a really fun one. So, really great for the keiki to get out there and get those
Easter eggs. Anyway, looking for everybody's support. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 520-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 520-26: The motion to adopt Res. 520-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 521-26: 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 PAHOA LAVA ZONE
MUSEUM FOR THE 2026 ACTIVATE PUNA TOWN PARTY AND BENEFIT
CONCERT
Transfers $9,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 828
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Page 39
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 521-26. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Festivities are going to happen in Downtown
Pahoa on Saturday, May 9t'. There's going to be a road closure in Pahoa town, so
come and shop unique vendors and taste `ono grinds, and a really great musical
lineup featuring Small Axe, Kapu System, Nick Kurosawa, and more of Hawai`i's
hottest artists. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 521-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 521-26: The motion to adopt Res. 521-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 522-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FULL LIFE FOR THE ABLED
HAWAI`I ARTISTS ART IMMERSION EXHIBITION
Transfers $1,975 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 829
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 522-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Any discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 522-26, please say "aye."
Page 40
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 522-26: The motion to adopt Res. 522-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 523-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO WAIAKEAWAENA SCHOOL
PTA FOR WAIAKEAWAENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S MAY 2026
CELEBRATIONS
Transfers $897 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 830
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 523-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Any discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 523-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 523-26: The motion to adopt Res. 523-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 524-26: ACCEPTS A DONATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL DISHWASHER AND DISH
COLLECTION BIN FOR THE HO`I RETURNABLE DISH PROGRAM TO BE
USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The donation from Perpetual Use Inc. has a total estimated value of$248,571.
Reference: Comm. 831
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 524-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Members, I guess this was waived at the Finance
Committee, and we have in the audience Alex. Yeah, you can come forward.
(Note: At this time, Recycling Specialist Alexander White,
Environmental Management Department, came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Ms. Kagiwada, do you want to start us off?
MS. KAGIWADA: I just wanted to also let you know that I believe we have
somebody from Perpetual on Zoom if needed.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Any discussion, Members? Hearing or seeing
none, all those in favor of approving Resolutionoh, do you want to say
something?
MR. WHITE: Yeah. Alex White, Recycling Specialist with DEM (Department
of Environmental Management). Thank you for considering this. This is a
critical component of the Ho`i reusable dishware product program, and it's really
a first of its kind in the United States. It's going to be an open loop stainless steel
food ware system that will be a major step towards getting us off of disposable
food ware. And this dishwasher is critical for the construction of a central wash
facility located in Hilo. It's currently in development. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? One question. All that water,
the waste, will it go into a sewer system?
MR. WHITE: Correct, with all the necessary pre-treatment components.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, thank you. Okay, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 524-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 524-26: The motion to adopt Res. 524-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 42
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 525-26: 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. 468-26, Draft 2
Transfers $2,000 from the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account
and returns funds to the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account.
Reference: Comm. 832
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Res. 525-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 525-26. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 526-26: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL YEARS
TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ONE
MULTIFUNCTION COPY MACHINE TO BE USED BY THE OFFICE OF
THE COUNTY AUDITOR
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an estimated
annual cost of$2,000, to be used by department personnel in Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 833
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Res. 526-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 526-26. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 43
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 527-26: 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 GG FOUNDATION TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 2026 EASTER
EXTRAVAGANZA
Transfers $2,300 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 834
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 527-26.
Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just a special mahalo to Gary Napoleon,
lovingly known as "Gigi" or"Gary Girl" and the GG Foundation. He truly is a
blessing for our community in what he does behind the scenes and in the scene.
But he's an amazing individual. So a special shout-out to Gary and everything he
does for us. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 527-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 527-26: The motion to adopt Res. 527-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 44
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 528-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOSPICE OF HILO TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS 22ND ANNUAL
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Transfers $1,400 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 835
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 528-26.
Seconded by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We all know Hospice of Hilo and we all
know Lani. She's amazing. This event is beautiful. Every year they do this. It
just gets better and bigger, and the Celebration of Life I think holds a special
place for everybody in Hilo, if not the whole island. So mahalo to Hospice of
Hilo, formerly known as Hawaii Care Choices, and Ms. Lani Weigert. Thank
you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh, Mr. Onishi, sorry. Let me rephrase that.
Hospice of Hilo, which is currently called Hawaii Care Choices. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Right. Okay, all those in favor of approving
Resolution 528-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 528-26: The motion to adopt Res. 528-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 45
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 529-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR THE 2026 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION
IN WEST HAWAI`I
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 836
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
Vote on Res. 529-26: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 529-26. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 530-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HO`OULU-LAHUI FOR THE
NIU OLA PROJECT
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 837
Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 530-26. Seconded
by Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. This project is going to support the purchase
of Fijian coconut seedlings so that a coconut grove can be established in Puna.
The lead organization, the Keli`ipio-Kuamo`o Foundation is so good at making
Hawaiian kulolo, and that requires a lot of coconut milk. And so, the cultivation
of this product will help to support that practice.
Page 46
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Keiki and community are going to be provided with hands-on learning
opportunities so that they can be involved in planting and harvesting, and
perpetuating Hawaiian cultural knowledge. Looking for everyone's support.
Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 530-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 530-26: The motion to adopt Res. 530-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 531-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE 2026 D.A.R.E. DAY
CELEBRATION IN WEST HAWAI`I
Transfers $4,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 838
Intr. by: Council Member Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 531-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: Just thankful for everything that our Police Department does to
work with, connect with, integrate, and involve our young people at this event. It
has a really profound impact. So thank you for all the many hands and
organizations that come together to make this event so successful. I ask for your
support. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 531-26,please say "aye."
Page 47
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 531-26: The motion to adopt Res. 531-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 532-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS 2026 D.A.R.E. DAY
CELEBRATION IN EAST HAWAI`I
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 839
Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kagiwada moved to adopt Res. 532-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kagiwada.
MS. KAGIWADA: Just asking for my colleagues' support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 532-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 532-26: The motion to adopt Res. 532-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 48
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 533-26: 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 GRASSROOTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR THE 2026 HILO LEI DAY
FESTIVAL AT KALAKAUA PARK
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 840
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 533-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 533-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 533-26: The motion to adopt Res. 533-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 534-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT TO KU`IKAHI
MEDIATION CENTER INC. FOR ITS "FINDING SOLUTIONS, GROWING
PEACE" BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES
Transfers $3,200 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 841
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 534-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
Page 49
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 534-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 534-26: The motion to adopt Res. 534-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 535-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I FOR THE
2026 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION IN EAST HAWAI`I
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 842
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kimball moved to adopt Res. 535-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Kimball.
MS. KIMBALL: Just ask for my colleagues' support. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Resolution 535-26,please say "aye."
Page 50
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 535-26: The motion to adopt Res. 535-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 536-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I FOR THE
2026 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION IN EAST HAWAI`I
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 843
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 536-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Any discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, motion to approve Resolution 536-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 536-26: The motion to adopt Res. 536-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 51
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 537-26: 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 GG FOUNDATION FOR
THE 2026 EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 844
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 537-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just for information, this is an interesting way they
hold the event. The stadium is called Wong Stadium, and the field that they use
to have the eggs and so forth is the (James) "Jimmy" Correa field. And so, we
must thank those two families. So, asking for your guys' support. All those in
favor of approving Resolution 537-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 537-26: The motion to adopt Res. 537-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 538-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KEAUKAHA ONE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT FOR ITS COMMUNITY HUB ACTIVATION
Transfers $2,275 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 845
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 538-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for your guys' support. Any discussion?
Hearing or seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 538-26, please
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 538-26: The motion to adopt Res. 538-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 539-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MX808 ASSOCIATION FOR
MOTOCROSS TRACK IMPROVEMENTS AT THE HILO DRAG STRIP
Transfers $2,800 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 846
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 539-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Any discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 539-26, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 539-26: The motion to adopt Res. 539-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Res. 540-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT TO
PURCHASE MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY COMMUNITY
POLICING AND HI-PAL
Transfers $4,796.32 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Police Department, HI-PAL Other Current
Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 847
Intr. by: Council Member Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 540-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Just asking for your support. Any discussion? Hearing
or seeing none, all those in favor of approving Resolution 540-26, please say
aye.
Vote on Res. 540-26: The motion to adopt Res. 540-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 541-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO D.A.R.E. HAWAI`I FOR ITS
2026 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION IN WEST HAWAI`I
Transfers $606 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 848
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 541-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Ms. Galimba.
Page 54
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. GALIMBA: Just asking for my colleagues' support for my help in this
wonderful event.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 541-26,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 541-26: The motion to adopt Res. 541-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 542-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO SOUTH HAWAI`I
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR A SUSTAINABLE ORCHESTRA IN KA`U
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 849
Intr. by: Council Member Galimba
Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to adopt Res. 542-26. Seconded by
Mr. Hustace.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Ms. Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I ask for my colleagues' support of this fledgling
new orchestra down in District 6. It's not only an orchestra, but a sustainable
orchestra. So (inaudible).
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 542-26,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 542-26: The motion to adopt Res. 542-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Res. 543-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED
FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE FUTURE
TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES FOR THE NORTH KOHALA TOOL LIBRARY
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 850
Intr. by: Council Member Hustace
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to adopt Res. 543-26. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Mr. Hustace.
MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. This is a fantastic community resource in
the North Kohala community. It's a lending library for new and used tools that
the community can kind of have an opportunity to share, rather than buy new
equipment all the time if you need to do repairs around the house and those sorts
of things. So it's an amazing resource the community is providing there. This is
going to support their efforts. They also do provide educational outreach and
opportunities to teach people how to use some of these one-time use tools as well.
So it's a great space. So, appreciate the support. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all
those in favor of approving Resolution 543-26,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Res. 543-26: The motion to adopt Res. 543-26 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 144: ADOPTS A PAY PLAN FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY
OTHER THAN THOSE WHOSE PAY IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR,
DESIGNATING PAYROLL PERIODS, PAY DAYS, PRESCRIBING
REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OFFICIAL FIDELITY BONDS, AND
REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 25-39 AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO,
SAID ORDINANCE TO BE KNOWN AS THE SALARY ORDINANCE OF 2026
Establishes rates of compensation for appointed employees in the Legislative
Branch and the Office of Housing and Community Development, the County
Physician, Student Helpers, and Senior Community Services Aids for various
County agencies.
Reference: Comm. 789
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-140
Vote on Bill 144: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 144 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 140. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
and Acting Chair Onishi—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Villegas—2.
Excused: None.
Bill 145: 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 Federal Grants—Housing Choice Voucher Program
account($1,000,000); and appropriates the same to the Choice Voucher Rental
Subsidies account.
Reference: Comm. 790
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-141
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Bill 145: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 145 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 141. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
and Acting Chair Onishi—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Villegas—2.
Excused: None.
Bill 146: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JUNE 30, 2026
Increases revenues in the State Grants—Transit-Oriented Development Capital
Improvement Program for 34 Rainbow Affordable Housing Project account
($1,000,000); and appropriates the same to the Transit-Oriented Development
Capital Improvement Program for 34 Rainbow Affordable Housing Project
account.
Reference: Comm. 791
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-142
Vote on Bill 146: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 146 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 142. Seconded by
Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
and Acting Chair Onishi—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Villegas—2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Bill 137: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-22 (PUNA DISTRICT ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL—20 ACRES (A-20a) TO
FAMILY AGRICULTURAL— 1 ACRE (FA-la) AT `OLA`A, PUNA, HAWAI`I,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 1-7-016:010
(Applicant: Benjamin and Olimpia Love) (Area: 5.79 Acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this requested change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the
property into five lots. The property is located at 17-4050 Kua`aina Road.
Reference: Comm. 760
Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2026
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 137 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any discussion?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Chair, I have a question.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, go ahead, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is anyone from Planning on the Zoom call
right now?
(Note: At this time, John Pipan, applicant's representative, came forward
to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Maybe, Mr. Pipan, you might be able to
help me with my question. Thank you for being here.
MR. PIPAN: I'll do my best. Thank you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Specifically for this parcel for the
subdivision, the requirement for road access, there was some discussion about
that. Can you reiterate what we talked about previously?
MR. PIPAN: The road system—thank you, Council Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder. John Pipan here today assisting applicants Ben and Olimpia Love
with this rezone application. The road system along Kua`aina North Road is a
little complicatedI think you are familiar with it—and I mentioned so at our
previous meetings.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
So Kua`aina, to be short, is the County-owned and maintained right-of-way. That
is the proposed access to all the lots via new,private right-of-way. North Road on
the north side of the subject property is a private road. There is a portion of North
Road that exists on the subject property, and there's a condition in this bill to
include that in the future subdivision. The applicants have expressed their
willingness to dedicate that portion, or convey that portion, to the private owners
of North Road to just kind of clean that up.
As well, of those two rights-of-way on either the north and south side of the
subject property, there's an undeveloped right-of-way, very narrow, on the east
side of the subject property. That is not proposed to be used or developed. It just
doesn't align with the layout that the Loves intended with their subdivision.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So North Road being private, was the
Planning Department's decision to not allow access onto that road because of the
private ownership?
MR. PIPAN: No. Just due to the fact that the Loves don't currently have legal
access over North Road, and they currently have their home and driveway served
by Kua`aina on the subject property.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. So, because North Road is private
and because they currently access from Kua`aina, the decision was made to use
Kua`aina as the main access for all lots being developed by this subdivision?
MR. PIPAN: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: If they wanted to access North Road, they
would have to have an agreement with the private owner of that roadway.
Correct?
MR. PIPAN: Exactly. Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. That was my only
question. Thank you for being here to answer my questions. I appreciate it,
Mr. Pipan.
MR. PIPAN: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Anyone else in Hilo? Okay, Mr. Hustace, you had
something? No? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all those in favor of approving
Bill 137 at second and final reading, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Bill 137: The motion to pass Bill 137 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
and Acting Chair Onishi—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Inaba and Villegas—2.
Excused: None.
Bill 138: AMENDS CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 2, DIVISION 1, SECTION 15-20, OF THE
HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING
TO COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN COUNTY PARK AREAS
Prohibits the issuance of permits, licenses, or other authorizations for commercial
activity within Kohanaiki Beach Park.
Reference: Comm. 761
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
First Reading: April 8, 2026
Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 138 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any discussion? Ms. Galimba.
MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. I'm addressing this to my colleague here next to me,
Council Member Villegas, who I know has strong associations with this beach
park. There was one piece of testimony about this, and I was just wondering if
you could address some of those concerns that were brought up from Ranalynn
Naipo. I don't know if you saw that. She was just concerned about sort of very
small scales were family commercial activity and whether that would be
disallowed by this or not.
MS. VILLEGAS: I suppose I would need more specifics about what a family
commercial activity would entail.
MS. GALIMBA: It was in her testimony. Maybe we could just table this for now
and I could show you the testimony. We could come back to it in a few minutes.
Would that be okay?
MS. VILLEGAS: That's great.
Page 61
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Motion to Ms. Galimba moved to table Bill 138. Seconded by
Table: Ms. Villegas and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 139: 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 Federal Grants—Benefits Enrollment Center—
National Council on Aging account($150,000); and appropriates the same to the
Benefits Enrollment Center—National Council on Aging account. Funds would be
used to help enroll Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources
to access available benefits.
Reference: Comm. 769
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2026
Vote on Bill 139: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 139 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Page 62
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Bill 140: 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 following accounts: Housing Choice Voucher—
Dolphin Bay ($23,912), Dolphin Bay Rental Income ($50,000), Department
Charges ($176,610), and Sundry Revenues Current—Dolphin Bay ($8); and
appropriates the same to the Housing Dolphin Bay accounts: Other Current
Expenses ($243,986) and Equipment($6,700). Funds would be used for
operating and maintenance activities.
Reference: Comm. 770
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2026
Vote on Bill 140: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 140 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 141: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 25-45, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JUNE 30, 2026
Appropriates revenues in the following accounts: Hale Kikaha Rental Income
($36,000), Department Charges ($110,000), and Sundry Revenues Current—Hale
Kikaha($18); and appropriates the same to the Housing Hale Kikaha accounts:
Other Current Expenses ($139,298) and Equipment($6,720). Funds would be used
for operating and maintenance activities.
Reference: Comm. 771
Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: April 8, 2026
and
Comm. 771.1: From Housing Administrator Kehaulani M. Costa., dated March 20, 2026,
transmitting information regarding Bill 141.
Page 63
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
Vote on Bill 141: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 141 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Bill 142: AMENDS CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016
EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADOPT-A-COUNTY-STREET PROGRAM
Establishes an Adopt-A-County-Street program in partnership with the Department
of Public Works to enable volunteers to assist in maintaining clean and safe County
streets, roadways, and right-of-ways.
Reference: Comm. 772
Intr. by: Council Member Inaba
First Reading: April 8, 2026
Vote on Bill 142: Mr. Hustace moved to pass Bill 142 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Galimba and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Galimba moved to remove Bill 138 from the table.
Remove from Table: Seconded by Mr. Hustace and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Go ahead, Ms. Villegas.
Page 64
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you to Council Member Galimba for pointing that out to
me. I did miss that piece of testimony that was sent. Appreciate the author's very
detailed and broad strategic analysis of the legislation. In the absence of Council
Member Inaba, although having been very aware of the issue, the location, the
particular sensitive needs of the space and the intention of the good faith
agreement and its specific designation of this park as not allowed for commercial
activity, the terminology utilized in this legislation is intentionally simplified. So
I'm fully comfortable with allowing it to move forward, but appreciate the
statements made and the testimony. However, I don't think they are necessary to
take up at this time. I yield.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none,
all those in favor of approving Bill 138 at second and final reading,please say
cc n
aye.
Vote on Bill 138: The motion to pass Bill 138 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Comm. 820: JUSTIN ARNOLD, ET AL. V. COUNTY OF HAWAI`I CIVIL NO. 26-00064-
SASP-RT
From Deputy Corporation Counsel Steven K. Idemoto dated April 2, 2026,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
regarding the above-entitled matter filed by Kevin Gerald O'Grady and Alan
Alexander Beck, Esquires, on behalf of their clients Justin Arnold, Bryan Garland,
James Grell, and Andrew White.
Motion to Close Mr. Hustace moved to close file on Comm. 820. Seconded
File: by Ms. Galimba.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Any discussion? Corporation Counsel, do you want to
come up?
(Note: At this time, Assistant Corporation Counsel J Yoshimoto came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. YOSHIMOTO: Good afternoon, Council Members. J Yoshimoto, Assistant
Corporation Counsel. Mr. Idemoto should be in the Hilo chamber. Maybe we
can check with them.
Page 65
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
MS. KIMBALL: He is not here yet, but I will tell you that the Council Members
over here in the Hilo chambers are comfortable with the recommendation of
Corporation Counsel provided in our confidential packet.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Members here, we're all okay? Okay.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Hustace moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 820. Seconded by
(Approved) Ms. Galimba and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Vote on Comm. 820: The motion to close file on Comm. 820 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Onishi— 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Inaba— 1.
Excused: None.
Return to Order The Acting Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
GOEAC-109 NOMINATION OF JOSHUA "ONIPA`A"ALU TO THE COST OF
(Comm. 801): GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: May 1, 2026 (Section 13-4(k),
Hawai`i County Charter)
(Note: Comm. 801.1, from Finance Director Diane Nakagawa dated April 22,
2026, withdrawing Mr. Alu's nomination, was circulated.)
MR. HENRICKS: I would make Council Members aware, and the Chair is aware
too, we are in receipt of Communication 801.1 from the Mayor's office, requesting
or that the, excuse me, that the Mayor's withdrawing the nomination of Mr. Alu to
the Cost of Government Commission.
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Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Anybody has any discussion? Okay, so this nomination
is withdrawn.
MR. HENRICKS: Yes. Provided there's no objections from the Council, then
accept the withdrawal. The Council then will consider Mr. Alu's nomination
withdrawn.
ACTING CHR. ONISHI: Okay. Does any Council Members have any
objections? Hilo? No? Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: So then you can just announce Mr. Alu's nomination is
withdrawn.
Withdraw Acting Chair Onishi announced the withdrawal of
GOEAC-109: Mr. Alu's nomination.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
BILLS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
THE DAY Order of the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
OTHER The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
ANNOUNCE- The Acting 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.)
Page 67
Hawaii County Council-37 April 22,2026
ADJOURN- There being no further business,Acting Chair Onishi adjourned the meeting at
MENT: 12:59 p.m.
Council Approval:
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Page 68