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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PCPWMT 2026/04/21 (2024-2026)Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit 131 Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii April 21, 2026 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Policy Committee on Public Works and ORDER: Mass Transit was called to order at 12:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Mr. James E. Hustace, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. James E. Hustace, Chair Ms. Ashley L. Merkiewicz, Vice Chair (via video conference from Hilo) Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Ms. Jean Kagiwada, Member (via video conference from Hilo) Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Meinfelder, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member (via video conference from Hilo) Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Member Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent & Excused: Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak on Bill 132 (Comm. 742), and came forward when called by the Chair: Gregory Ogin: In Opposition. Manuel Martinez: In Opposition. Tyler Senz: In Opposition. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Mr. Clerk, we are back to Bill 132. We do have a motion on the floor. Please read it in, Mr. Clerk. PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances. Bill 132: AMENDS CHAPTER 6 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED) BY ADDING AN ARTICLE RELATING TO PAID PARKING FACILITIES IN KAILUA VILLAGE Adds a new article to regulate parking rates at private parking facilities in Kailua Village. Reference: Comm.742 hitr. by: Council Member Villegas Postponed: March 3 and 17, 2026 (Note: There is a motion by Council Member Villegas, seconded by Council Member Inaba, to recommend passage of Bill 132 on first reading.) CHR. HUSTACE: Council Member Villegas, the floor is yours. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. Wow, we've been around and around and heard from a number of different community members; activists within our community. Both businesses and those who used to frequent the village and shop at the stores and dine at the restaurants, who have consistently over the last number of years say, they no longer do so to the demise of our village ecosystem and economy. My question here today, and I also want to state, we don't have all the testifiers in support of this legislation here, because of an understanding and decisions that need to be made in which way we need to go. I've had lengthy meetings with Corporation Counsel, and I find myself sensitive to the potential of putting the County on a path that would make us vulnerable to potential lawsuits. However, I also still feel very strongly for the need for policy to be created to protect specifically the Kailua Village Business Improvement District and help us to recover from the predatory parking practices. I do hear that yes, the market helped things align, but that was only by the blood, sweat, and tears of the people that have been negatively impacted by the greed that was involved in initial placing of these paid parking facilities in areas that had historically been free. I'm not going to bother to rebut a number of the things that have already been said here today. So instead, my question for the Council, because this depends on our political will as a body to make a decision of whether or not we want to move this piece of legislation forward, as is. As I've stated before, I am open for amendments on changing what the rate would be per hour, as well as the number of free hours; all the different things. Page 2 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 So, I'm looking for comments from my fellow Council Members on how they feel about this, and also spoken to and been notified by a number of community members that, yes, ParkLinQ has removed their prior signs and put up new signs that they are now posting their rates. However, my question to that would be, they still haven't abided by the Planning Department's permitting rules and regulations for placing signs, especially within shoreline management areas, nor have they in this timeframe come into compliance and gotten permits through the Kailua Village Design Committees. So, this kind of stab in the dark to then post the rates. Only in my mind, further is a reflection of the disrespect for the process and procedure of sign placement within the Kailua Village Business Improvement District. So, I want to put this out there to the Council and see where people sit and stand. I have some potential other options but I kind of want to feel how everybody's feeling. So with that, I'd like to put it out to the Council to see how they're feeling. And at this point, you probably have all seen other pieces of legislation that Council Chair Inaba and I have forthcoming as moving forward, as it relates to paid parking in the County of Hawaii. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. To the body. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thanks. So, I haven't actually. So, you have another piece of legislation coming forward. As I understood that you're cowriting with Chair Inaba. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, it's already been posted in Laserfiche. Council Chair Inaba and I have a piece of legislation coming forward. We worked with Corp Counsel and Planning, and it would prohibit further paid parking lots in the County of Hawaii with a few exemptions. But it removes this from becoming a broader spreading issue throughout our county. MS. GALIMBA: Okay, thanks. Yeah, I think I would want to go and look at that because I wasn't here previously, but I did read the memo. And as you say, there are some problematic elements to the current bill. Leave it at that. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kdneali `i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Just in discussing where we stand, something that I believe was missed at the last hearing. To me, Council Member Villegas is dealing with this issue because the community brought it forward. Page 3 PCPVIMT-13 April 21, 2026 This wasn't a recent decision; this has been an ongoing three-year discussion. As I drove home, as I frequently do from this side to Hilo, I think about what we do in our daytime, and I think about it over the night and the preceding weeks. What was missed, is that in the three years that have gone by as Council Member Villegas has worked on this bill and tried to address community concerns and formed groups to discuss and feel the questions from both sides, nowhere was there ever a move by the folks opposing the bill to actively hear the community and address the concerns. If signage changed in the last two weeks because the bill was brought forward, that speaks highly to an inaction from the lot owners to do anything between here and three years ago. That was missed and that's a portion that we don't have to act at all. But here we are having to find a way forward to hear constituent concerns, and to hear the concerns of the lot owners and to find a middle ground. The middle ground could have been found but it wasn't. Hilo, is Planning in the Hilo Chambers? Thank you. Director Darrow, I have some questions for you when you are ready. (Note: At this time, Planning Director Jeff Darrow came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. DARROW: Aloha, Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Jeff Darrow with the Planning Department. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Hello, Director Darrow. Thank you for being here today. We touched on a number of concerns related to the bill last time and different directions this bill could potentially go. Did the department have time to review any of the current facilities being used for paid parking in the Kailua Village area in regard to their original allowable uses, their usual requirements for parking, and what they are doing right now? MR. DARROW: So, we have been actively reviewing that. There's a lot of background information that has to be done. We have staff assigned to it, and they're putting together a list of potential issues with each of these. We've had to identify each business and do background reports. I don't think it's finalized. Unfortunately, I did not check this morning, but they were putting together that list as we speak. And my understanding is if it's not completed, it's nearly complete in regards to looking at it from a planning standpoint. As I mentioned at the last hearing, I believe all of these particular operations that we're looking at with this bill are located within the Special Management Area (SMA). Page 4 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 So, the focus was going to be on whether or not these facilities received any type of SMA review when they began their commercial parking business. If they were required to get any type of sign permit or any other permit that might be associated with a structure for that particular business. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and then the bill pertains only to Kailua Village. Did you expand your scope to review all paid parking that is not government sponsored or government run? MR. DARROW: No, at this time we were focused on Kailua Village. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I haven't read Council Member Villegas' and Council Member Inaba's bill. But if the scope broadens to the entire island of Hawaii, it may be pertinent to review all paid parking organizations and assorted parcels that are being used for those purposes across the island and to cross-examine with the same information you're looking at in the Kailua Village Design area. MR. DARROW: Yes. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. DPW (Department of Public Works), can you come up? Thank you very much, Director Darrow. I look forward in seeing that report, so we can discuss that at our next hearing. MR. DARROW: Okay, thank you. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you, Director. The concerns brought up in the last meeting. Thank you, Director and Acting Building Chief. The concerns of the last hearing of this bill were revolving around signage, and signage permits, and construction of properties of things that pertain to the Building Department. Has your department reviewed any of the issues we're talking about today? (Note: At this time, DPW Acting Building Chief Aaron Spielman came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. SPIELMAN: Acting Building Chief Aaron Spielman. No, we have not. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, it sounds like Planning is putting together a list of both the parcels, the property owners background information on SMA's , Zoning approvals, parking requirements, and signage. Really, I believe, the only key aspect for you folks is signage. Signs require permits. Anything above six feet requires a permit. So, your department should be actively reviewing what Council Member Villegas brought up at the last hearing, so we'll have better information to gauge how we move forward. Page 5 PCPWMT-13 April21, 2026 MR. SPIELMAN: May I ask a clarifying question? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Of course. MR. SPIELMAN: Is this intended just for the Kailua Village District area or are we looking island -wide? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Currently, this bill addresses parking facilities in Kailua Village. Further legislation is being provided by Council Member Villegas and Inaba and should be reviewed by your department, so you can understand the scope of what that might entail. MR. SPIELMAN: Sorry, one more point of clarification, we're only looking at private parking lots? MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Government parking lots. Hotels provide a service; they require a fee for their parking as part of staying in a hotel. These are paid parking lots that are open publicly and privately that are being charged a fee structure for parking. We have requirements in our County Code for signage for the amount of parking spaces for a businesses. And this begins to cross both Planning and Public Works jurisdictions. So, I would like you to work with Planning to understand what they have and bring whatever Public Works needs to, into the conversation to better address our concerns of the Council. MR. SPIELMAN: Understood, thank you. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Does that clarify? Thank you Mr. Spielman. I yield for now, Chair, thank you. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHI: Thank you, Chair. To that question, Public Works. So, right now in front of us is basically the use of paid parking for the customers of that certain complex. It's not for open customers, right? So, whoever wants to go to this certain business in this complex that has this paid parking, it was implemented so that the parking spaces would be for those customers patronizing those businesses. And it's not for people that can just park there and roam the whole streets all along or whatever. So, that's what's in front of us right now, correct? Have you guys seen this bill, the proposed bill? Page 6 1 "WUVIlM April 21, 2026 MR. SPIELMAN: I haven't read the new bill yet. I just defer back to Chapter 25, Off -Street Parking; it's a Zoning Code for the requirement of off-street parking for businesses that doesn't bridge the Building Division. We can do accessible routes. MR. ONISHI: But I'm just clarifying because what we're talking about is basically, this complex which has paid parking for the use of the businesses in that certain complex. And it's not basically a service to the public just to park there to go and visit other places. So, that's what this bill is about. (Note: At this time, DPW Director Wesley Segawa came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. SEGAWA: This is Director of Public Works, Wes Segawa. As I went through this bill, I didn't read it thoroughly, but I recall reading a section where the public can park and store their vehicle. And it was based on $30 or something like that per hour or per day, and that's the maximum the operator would be able to charge a vehicle owner to be parked at this particular parking lot, is the way I interpret it. MR. ONISHI: Also, going through this bill, the Public Works Director will be the person responsible. MR. SEGAWA: As I interpret it, it sounds like the Department of Public Works would be responsible for administering this particular bill if it becomes law. However, we do have reservations about us being the appropriate department to administer this bill. MR. ONISHI: Okay, good. Thank you. And, you know, maybe yes for the past three years, there was a problem about this situation. But this goes way back when I was on my first term. So, I don't know if it was brought up like in 2012 or so forth that we needed more public parking in Kailua. So, the Council and the Administration, we did do something, and I forgot what we did, but I think we limited the time at that certain public parking lot they call the triangle, right? And I think we put up gates because they didn't want overnight parking. So, I think there are gates there, and if you don't leave by a certain time, your car is stuck in that place. Just today, testimony was brought up about Hale Halawai and that other location. I never heard any discussions about that being mentioned about how that area is closed off to the public, and which is public parking. Now, Hale Halawai, they might be blocking off because they want to use it for the people that uses Hale Halawai. So, now, we're the County restricting parking again, whereas a business does the same thing. So then, what's the difference, right? Page 7 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 So, we need to start looking at other alternatives first or looking at what the County has and provide those parking areas. But also, I was just walking yesterday, and there's some empty lots that maybe the County can purchase and create those into parking lots, or putting up a parking structure. Like Downtown Hilo, they talked about putting up parking structures down by the Hilo Armory and so forth, and it all comes down to money, right? So I have a hard time, especially when government is going to require private businesses or tell them how they can operate on their own properties. I have a hard time on that because to me, we start stepping over our grounds. So, in this bill, the only thing I really like in here is about the signage requirements, which I would think that by having what has been done, signage would have been there already. But then that's where the Planning Department or DPW didn't monitor that part. MR. SPIELMAN: Sorry, Council Member, monitor? MR. ONISHI: Yeah, like to make sure when they created this private parking, signage was supposed to be put up. So, I don't know if it was Building or Public Works or Planning was requiring. I guess that's what Planning is investigating right now. When they got the permit for the use to make it a private parking, that they follow all the County rules. MR. SPIELMAN: I'm actually not sure of the history of the plan approval, but usually, there are conditions in a plan approval. A generic one is to secure required permits; those would be for any building structure or fence over six -feet high for Building Code and Chapter 5, and signage would be Chapter 3. But if the applicant doesn't come in and we don't get a complaint; we're not actively policing buildings and violations. We have to follow that process. MR. ONISHI: Okay, thanks. Now, that other parking lot that was mentioned, who's in charge of that parking? MR. SEGAWA: Councilman Onishi, so, the triangular parking lot, it hasn't been built, right? Well, Hale Halawai, that's under Parks and Rec. They have jurisdiction over that parking lot. However, the current public parking lot that we have, just so you know, we are about to put out to bid, an expansion to that parking lot. And I think, just off memory, I think it's about 23 additional stalls to extend the existing parking lot, and we are looking for other properties that might be available to create more parking for Kailua-Kona. Just so you know, that's in the works. MR. ONISHI: Good for the public to know that the County is reaching out and trying to add more public parking. I yield Chair. Page 8 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. Going to jump over to Hilo if members have any questions or thoughts. MR. KIMBALL: No, thank you Chair, we're good. CHR. HUSTACE: All good in Hilo. Okay, Council Member Villegas, back to you please. MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you. So, it's tough to take a temperature check on a piece of legislation when it's still not sure where everybody stands. But I'd like to correct a couple of things that were stated for the record, and I'm hoping that Planning Director Jeff Darrow is still there. Through navigating this whole process, it ended up coming to my attention that the parking companies have not filed permits for the signage, which is why DPW never would have gotten the applications to put the signage in these parking lots, which has also now been discovered are in SMA zones. Nor did they go through the process which is unique for Kailua Village Business Improvement District. There is a Kailua Village Design Committee that every sign that's put up in the Village has to go through that process. None of those signs went through that process. So, I filed a complaint and provided a list of every paid parking lot within the Kailua Village Business Improvement District and their addresses to Director Darrow. In our conversation, correct me if I'm wrong Director Darrow, but I remembered you saying you were going to share that with DPW so you could follow-up on your end. Because if nothing else, we have policies and laws for a reason, especially within SMA zones. So, I don't know if any of them have done it so far, but I am getting social media for things you might otherwise miss. But getting all kinds of messages that some of the signs were taken down; new signs have been put up. Once again, not going through the process; not getting the permits; not following procedure or policy for our County. So, I just want to clarify that, that they wouldn't know about what happened with these signs because you're not out there policing. And I get that, that's hard to do. But I myself went ahead and made that complaint when I found out what had happened and how far out of alignment it all was. That's why they never would have known, couldn't answer the questions about what they're doing because they're not being a good community participant and following by our specific laws and regulations. So, the representative from Park LinQ today that made claims about what a good job they're doing, you know. We still have policies, procedures, and protocols. Page 9 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 I also want to just point out, in every way, fortunately or unfortunately, government tells private businesses what they can and can't do from point A to point Z; from what you build, how you build it for health, for safety, what kind of taxes you have to pay; what your liquor license is going to entail with. Our Department of Health regulates what restaurants do. I mean there's a litany of explanations. The challenge with this legislation is whether or not the County has jurisdiction or was given jurisdiction by the State, authority to regulate what happens in paid parking lots. So, you know, that's what was shared in a number of different capacities. So, that's what I'm looking for. And it also doesn't say that we can't. That's what I'm looking for a temperature from my colleagues on the Council moving forward. I tried to be bold in my almost eight years sitting in this position; never wanted this job more than I wanted to do what's right for our community. Hundreds of volunteer hours have been put in to drafting the legislation that's here. Tons of more hours to potential amendments. And I still return to the principle, what's good for the long-term future of our community are small businesses and our village as a model. People have suffered, businesses have closed, our economy have really struggled, and of a lot of this is due to a new algorithm for charging for paid parking and having it all be digital. I kind of miss the person who sat in the little booth, and I remember Diamond Parking being in our community for decades. One of the big parts of their parking business is security to insure that people that utilize the parking facilities that they manage for their clients, and buildings, and commercial enterprises, is that those people go and check up and make sure they are parking there and visiting the businesses that that parking is allocated to. So, that's like a whole another model, right? A lot of them, people didn't have to pay to park there. But they went ahead and made sure that those parking in those spaces were actually visiting the businesses legally supported by that parking. So, I don't necessarily feel that I've gotten a viable take on the will of this body. So, I'm on the fence to postpone again and to continue to move forward with what is going to be most beneficial to the community as a whole. But I am kind of disappointed that there's such lack of understanding of the overall everything when it comes from DPW. So, I would love to be able to work more closely with you guys to get a better understanding. The water is getting muddy by everybody saying, well, government should just build a parking lot. That hasn't happened for decades. The price of land in Kona is astronomical. Anyway, I yield at this point. Page 10 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 CHR. HUSTACE: Thanks, Council Member. Just a couple thoughts, unless anyone else wants to chime in? Okay, thank you, Council Member Villegas, appreciate the intent here. I still think that there's an issue with the pertinent departments within the structure of the bill. So, that needs to be resolved because now we'll also need to also have Parks and Rec in the conversation too, with Hale Halawai. I mean there's all these different pieces, right? So, trying to find that right pertinent department for that conversation about managing those facilities is important. I appreciate the conversations with bringing in Director Darrow about Zoning and Planning requirements for these spaces, especially in the Special Management Areas. The signage requirements, I think that is a really valid concern you have in providing transparency in the community, in these spaces. And we need to kind of resolve that with DPW and kind of see what's being put in place now and what is allowed in those spaces and what is required of those property owners there in that area. I do like hearing about the potential purchasing of spaces or expanding existing facilities to accommodate more. I think that's definitely needed. We definitely had the conversation, Council Member Villegas, about what is a possible addition we could bring in from the County side as a municipal lot. I think we need to have a really serious consideration about what is out there. And I do recognize that the purchasing prices are going to be challenging, but I think we need to provide some of those services here. Director Segawa, in terms of the facilities that DPW, that your department manages, what is the enforcing mechanism that you have right now for those sites and lots? MR. SPIELMAN: We have one Parking Control Officer working out of DPW in Hilo. That person manages the Aupuni Center Parking Lot, which is DPW, Planning, Prosecutor's Office, and RPT (Real Property Tax) -Finance. She also manages the County Building which has the Mayor's Office. So, that's like an open parking lot without gates. Those are the two in Hilo. Plus, outside the United States Postal Service Federal Building. I think it's off Kino`ole, mauka from the Armory, there's metered parking along that road. So, our Parking Control Officer also manages that area; collects, issues fines, and takes notes. CHR. HUSTACE: We have no facilities over here that we're enforcing then on the West side? MR. SPIELMAN: That's my understanding, correct? CHR. HUSTACE: But we do have some lots that are under the jurisdiction of DPW on the West Side? Page 11 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 MR. SPIELMAN: The West Hawaii Civic Center, which parking is managed by a third -party security firm. CHR. HUSTACE: But nothing in the Kailua Village area, along Ali`i Drive or in that vicinity? MR. SPIELMAN: I'm not aware of any County facilities in that area. CHR. HUSTACE: Okay. I think we do have some, though, alright. Thank you, Chief Spielman. So, I think we need to figure it out, Director Segawa, thank you, Chief Spielman, who is our enforcing body for these lots that are seen as County properties; ones that are kind of more in the business districts. You recognize the Civic Center and our other County government buildings, but I'm still unclear. And community is concerned as well about the enforcement in some of these other spaces that are seen as municipal lots and who's responsible; who's making sure the cars rotate, who's making sure that people are not storing their car over an extended period of time. So, I would appreciate some look into that, if possible, to see those other municipal lots in our commercial sectors. So, I think that's part of the challenge here. The community is looking for us to enforce private facilities, but we're not even managing our own public facilities. So, we need to get to the bottom of that. I know Council Member Villegas, you know them in the community here, specifically, which ones they are. Could you just list off the ones that you know, that are the municipal lots off the top of your head in the Kailua Village area? MS. VILLEGAS: The only lot is the one that is sometimes termed the Triangle lot, and it's right off of Kuakini Highway just south of the juncture of Kuakini and Palani. Community has rallied together to take care of that lot over the last, at least five to six years working with University of the Nations, the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, volunteer days in planting, changing the landscaping to ensure that it remains a clean, safe, and healthy parking lot. In my first term, I chased down how and why DPW didn't have a contract with a towing company to actually tow cars from there. I will also humbly admit and recognize we've been through three Administrations in the last seven years. So, there's plenty of room for improvement there and expansion on that. And community has stepped in to manage those spaces and keep them healthy and safe and ensure turnover of parking there in those spaces. But that is our one County lot in Kona. Page 12 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. So, Director Segawa, you mentioned that you'll be adding additional stalls in that triangle lot, correct? That is something you're considering to put out to bid? MR. SEGAWA: That's correct, Councilman Hustace. CHR. HUSTACE: Should we, as you make the improvements there, be bringing on in an enforcement capacity to then police that space? For example, one was just to make sure that we have a contracted towing agency. I welcome your thoughts. MR. SEGAWA: Yes. You know, a lot of that is already codified in the ordinance on municipal lots. It's just that, I don't think we have a person designated for Kailua Kona. CHR. HUSTACE: That's what Chief Spielman was saying. We have someone that is designated to our East Hawaii and then we have a third party on this side here at the facilities where we're in right now, but those other additional lots, we don't really have someone that is actively checking in on those spaces and insuring that people are not staying beyond their intended time there, correct? So, I think, that's something we need to figure out for these other spaces. Yes, Chief Spielman. MR. SPIELMAN: Yes, Chief Spielman. Just curious on the question. So right now, we have a Parking Control Officr in Hilo; hundreds of stalls on these three properties. Are we talking about hiring one Parking Control Officer for dozens in Kona for one lot? CHR. HUSTACE: I don't know, it's a good question that I can pose to you and the department as well. Because if we're adding spaces to that area, but the community is asking us to properly manage these areas and we don't have anyone, then we either have to contract someone or bring in another third party of whatever the case may be. If our Control Officer is geographically bound to the Hilo side, I mean it doesn't make sense for them to come over here to check on one lot. I mean, by the time they come over here that whole thing could be turned over. So, it doesn't make sense. So, it'll have to be a geographically based Control Officer or a third -party capacity. And that's a conversation we can kind of keep happening. Yes, Chief. MR. SPIELMAN: Not to volunteer other departments, but parking in general I tend to immediately think of the Police Department. And with proximity nearby, they could be a good fit to overlap that regulation of the coordination with towing companies and oversight, because we're also talking, it's a 24-hour lot or is it closed at night? Page 13 IEel WNkyjIa19? April 21, 2026 CHR. HUSTACE: It's 24; 24-7. MR. SPIELMAN: I remember parking there as a kid. There was never a control officer; there was never a meter; there was no signage. We were lucky if you found a stall. CHR. HUSTACE: Council Member Villegas, kind of back to that point about enforcement, I mean, Chief Spielman says maybe we need to bring in HPD (Hawai`i Police Department) as well. So, I don't know. The bill lays out for DPW to be the enforcing body, and they don't seem to have the capacity to do it on the West Side. Hale Halawai is Parks and Rec. Director Darrow is thinking about the Zoning side of things and enforcing it through that regulation, but it's definitely not that active regulation on the space. And the police, we really haven't pulled them into the conversation yet either. Please, Council Member Villegas. Point of Information: MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Could I make a point of information? MS. VILLEGAS: Go ahead. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For our public parking lots, specifically, triangle parking, we have to inform the police. And we can tow once the police marked them abandoned. That's how it works for us, but it's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) that's doing the towing, yes? MR. SPIELMAN: That's a lot of departments. CHR. HUSTACE: Or a third -party towing agency that we've contracted for that particular lot, which would be through DEM. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I appreciate this conversation, it definitely exemplifies the complexities. But I want to bring this back to the purpose of the original legislation; it was to create policy that created specific rules, caps, and protocol for paid parking lots in Kailua Village, regardless of whether or not the County could, should, can, or will be able to provide municipal parking lots within Kailua Village and the history of these lots and how they've been managed. One of the challenges historically is the seat of power has been in Hilo. A lot of the resources, its human nature, get allocated to us there. And Kailua Kona and the Village have historically suffered with inequity of distribution of resources and oversights and even understanding and knowledge of what properties are managed or owned by the County within the Village, which has left us vulnerable to predatory parking practices which has directly impacted the economy, the overall feel of the Village, and people being able to come down and visit. Page 14 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 So the intention of this legislation to bring it back to that was to create the protocol and the policy and the caps for management in what's allowable in paid parking facilities within Kailua Village. So, you know, I'm not sure how long you've been in the role, but I don't know everything about the properties in Hilo, because that's not the area, and you guys have to manage the whole island. So, the intention of this legislation is to draw it back down to that issue and try to create policy that would protect the longevity and economic viability of Kailua Village by bringing it back to what it's been for decades. And I think people's expectations about parking being available when you go and be a patron for a restaurant or a store. I also want to kind of —I've had it thrown out a million times, why don't we do a trolley from Old Airport? Tried it; it didn't work. Why don't they open a Pale Halawai? It was for years; it didn't work. And there are enough events happening at that park, consistently that leadership has decided that it's not a viable model to open it up to public parking in that area. Otherwise, those who rent the park facility have no parking. So, this goes back to historical lack for infrastructure planning for the village. So, I just want to bring it back to this bill. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. And look forward to seeing the other piece that you're working on with Council Member Inaba. It has not been formally transmitted through Laserfiche yet, so, it's still pending. So, we'll hold that conversation until it drops for public review there. At that point, any other conversations or questions. Council Member Villegas, this is your legislation piece. I'll give you the opportunity, what would you like to do going forward? MS. VILLEGAS: Sure, at this time, I would like to postpone Bill 132 to the May 19a` Committee meeting in Hilo. Motion to Postpone: Ms. Villegas moved to postpone Bill 132 to May 19, 2026. Seconded by Mr. Onishi. CHR. HUSTACE: Any discussion on the postponement? Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you for offering the postponement. There is good intention in the bill, and there's good resolve through community and Council and hopefully, the private parties. Given you have other legislation coming in, we'll get to review that, and we can make a decision on how we want to proceed So thank you. Page 15 PCPWMT-13 April 21, 2026 CHR. HUSTACE: Any other discussion, Council Members? MS. VILLEGAS: No, I just thank everybody for your willingness. And I want to thank all the testifiers who showed up over and over again; and also sent in written testimony to support the legislation and have other recommendations. I also think it would be interesting if the Property Management and the managers of the paid parking lots had some more specific recommendations on what potential cap, or hours, or what those kinds of things might entail. Because at this point community doesn't have trust because rates have gone all over the place and free hours have gone up and down and everything has been so all over the place that there really isn't trust. So, I also look forward to meeting with DPW and Planning to review where we're at with those signs and signage, and get an update from Property Management on what is happening on the lands you're responsible for in SMA zones with signage being there in the first place, but now taken out and then put back without the appropriate permitting process. So, thank you, I yield. CHR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Council Member. All those in favor of postponing Bill 132 to the May 19, 2026 meeting, please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Motion The motion to postpone Bill 132 to May 19, 2026, to Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote: (Approved) Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Hustace — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Inaba —1. Excused: None. CHR. HUSTACE: Motion carries. That brings us to the end of our agenda, and we are adjourned at 12:57 p.m. Thank you, everyone. Page 16 PCPWMT-13 ADJOURN- MENT: Approved: April 21, 2026 There being no further business, Chair Hustace adjourned the meeting at 12:57 p.m. r. J es E. Hustace, Chair Policy Committee on Public Works, and Mass Transit JEH/dt (Date) Page 17