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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN LAAC 2026/05/04 (2024-2026)Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions 2511 Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii May 4, 2026 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions ORDER: was called to order at 12:12 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Heather L. Kimball Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Chair Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair (via videoconference from Hilo) Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustace, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Member Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member (via videoconference from Hilo) Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak in support of Res. 552-26 (Comm. 965), and came forward when called by the Chair: Kainalu Keli`ikuli-Grace Kanani Enos Reyna Ramolete-Hayashi Keanu Binney-Medeiros Shane Palacat-Nelson LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 864: APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 STEWARDSHIP GRANTS FOR COUNTY LANDS ACQUIRED THROUGH THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND From Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, dated April 2, 2026, presenting five favorable recommendations for qualified nonprofit organizations requesting funding to maintain and provide stewardship for the following parcels acquired through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Fund. Motion to Close File: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 864. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. KIMBALL: We do have members of the Finance Department in the Hilo Chambers if there are questions with regard to their recommendations. Any questions? Yes, go ahead, Council Member Kierkiewicz, thank you. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Mr. Schapiro, if you'd like to come forward? In full support of the recommendations that are contained in the communication. I was just curious to know how many applicants were there for the stewardship program for this cycle. (Note: At this time, PONC Program Manager Benjamin Schapiro came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. SCHAPIRO: Good morning, this is Ben Schapiro, the PONC Program Manager. We received nine applications this year, and moved forward with five of them. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: It's noting here that the amounts requested and recommended, not 100 percent fully funded for all of the requests. Were there certain reasons why some aspects of the requests were not funded? MR. SCHAPIRO: They more or less; we agree with all of the requests. The only differences you'll see are usually quite minor. Some of them for removing transportation related costs, which is not allowable per the Charter and Code, as it's currently written. And there was one, the "Friends of Amy Greenwell," they had written in there $10,000 for a hale, and they decided to remove that from the application. So, that's the most significant change. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, on the transportation side, was this an expense that the County had previously funded? Page 2 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 MR. SCHAPIRO: Under previous grants, there was funding for transportation. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, so, we're just trying to get in alignment with what is in Code, allowable expenses? MR. SCHAPIRO: Correct. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, and then, we have more than five properties that have been acquired through the PONC program. So, I'm curious to know what sort of work is being done to support additional stewards or to identify stewards for properties that don't have a community organization identified to be the caretaker. MR. SCHAPIRO: That's a great question and it's a real concern that you know, we have only five grants coming out next year or this year, and many more properties. So, it's something that we need to work on to help identify and work to identify future stewards or more stewards and share information about this program; how to access this program, when the application timeline is, how to apply, and get the word out there more that there are funds available and we welcome more stewardship partners. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you. And then the projects that are being funded for these PONC properties, do they implement like a management or stewardship plan that has been created for each of these sites? MR. SCHAPIRO: Some sites have management plans, some do not. That is something that we're trying to standardize and formulize through the PONC program overall, including the PONC program taking over ownership of creating management plans and insuring that each PONC property does have a management plan. And that's something that we're working on. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Great. Thank you. I know you're new here, but I'm really excited about all the work that's being done to support this program and all of the community groups that are so passionate about preserving the `Aina in their community. Thank you. MR. SCHAPIRO: Thank you for your support. MR. ONISHI: Madame Chair? CHR. KIMBALL: Yes, Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHI: Thank you. Two questions. First, the PONC was designed to purchase properties to preserve them, right? Anything else added into the Charter Page 3 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 amendment or the Charter to have future maintenance or programs, or was that created just to purchase these properties to preserve? MR. SCHAPIRO: Correct, yes. The PONC program was initially created to purchase lands for preservation. And as I understand, the Charter was amended in 2012 to add stewardship grants or funding for stewardship programs; the maintenance fund. MR. ONISHI: Okay. Then the second question is, I've been on the Council previously, and I did have some issues when it was under Parks and Rec about who or are you folks really maintaining or taking an audit of all the equipment and supplies that they request; these nonprofits? Do you folks do like an inventory check to make sure that they're not just continually purchasing the same stuff. MR. SCHAPIRO: Yes, we are also having these conversations. And so, whenever requests comes in, at least, as I've been reviewing these requests —and they do request equipment. We do a review of how long that equipment may last or should last, and to ensure that stewardship organizations requests equipment as they truly need it when they truly need it. MR. ONISHI: But what about previously? MR. SCHAPIRO: So, that is something that we also were discussing just last week in the Finance Department about conducting some kind of audit or some kind of survey of inventory to see what's been purchased, where it is, what the status is. MR. ONISHI: You know why, for me, I would expect this to happen first before you folks issue more funding and have a plan already in place to make sure that moving forward, you folks would have everything; the is are dotted, the is are crossed, right, instead of continue providing funding, and then now, you've got to go back, right? So, you know, that's how I feel that that's how it should be run. So, what else are you folks looking at trying to improve or trying to create? MR. SCHAPIRO: Well, you make a fair point, and I think what we're trying to do here is we're trying to balance the timelines of the stewardship grants and the stewardship program as written and as we've been directed to do so to insure that we are able to maintain stewardship and lease of the properties that we're able to do so, while continually working to improve the program where we can and how we can. So there's a number of areas, as I mentioned, taking new ownership of management plans; possibly doing an audit of equipment, working on developing quick management programs for newly acquired lands or Page 4 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 organizations outside of the grant program are able to access the properties to conduct stewardship programming, improving or auditing reporting requirements; templates and forms, working with stewards to better fill out the applications. MR. ONISHI: Just for the public's knowledge, can you explain to the public how much money from our revenue source that is going into PONC and how much percentage of that is going towards maintenance? MR. SCHAPIRO: Sure, the PONC program for the acquisition fund is two percent of real property taxes. For the maintenance fund, it's a quarter percent of property taxes. MR. ONISHI: Okay, thank you. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Going over here to Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you. Are we going to be seeing a resolution from the Finance Department with all of these grant awards? CHR. KIMBALL: It's in the Finance Committee agenda. MR. INABA: Understood, thank you. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ben, you were recently at a Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee meeting providing information to the public. I just want to commend you for doing a good job. So, thank you for being so informative and providing information at your fingertips for different items as they came up. But you really were a wealth of information at that community meeting, as well as being very helpful today in keeping us on task and having all the information regarding our Preservation and Open Space fund and Maintenance Stewardship fund. So, thank you. MR. SCHAPIRO: Thank you, I appreciate that. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: So, yes, I just wanted to jump on the Ben Schapiro awesome bandwagon. He came out to Ka`u for an event and did a great job there, as well as handling some other things that are coming up around Punalu`u, which is our favorite thing to talk about there in Ka`u. So, thank you so much, Ben. Page 5 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 MR. SCHAPIRO: Thank you, my pleasure. CHR. KIMBALL: Any further comments? Seeing none, I will agree with my colleagues. You've been a great addition to the County, Mr. Schapiro. Glad to have you guiding us through the PONC program. It's been something that's been needed for a while, and you've been doing an excellent job so far. With that, I will take the vote. All those in favor of closing file on Communication 864, please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Comm. 864: The motion to close file on Comm. 864 was carried by the Filed following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kimball — 8. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Member Kagiwada —1. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Next item please. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 503-26: ACCEPTS THE DEDICATION OF A ROADWAY LOT IDENTIFIED AS LOT 7-A-2, BEING A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEY: 2-8-007:085, SITUATED AT PEPE`EKEO AND MAKAHANALOA, DISTRICT OF SOUTH HILO, ISLAND, COUNTY, AND STATE OF HAWAI`I The landowners seek to dedicate the roadway and all improvements for public road purposes. Reference: Comm.798 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend passage of Res. 503-26 on first reading. Seconded by Mr. Hustace. CHR. KIMBALL: This is in my district, but Director (Wes) Segawa is here to answer any questions. It is a piece of roadway that connects Old Mamalahoa to Highway 19, that we kind of need to fix and to maintain that public access. So, I'm supportive. But if there are any questions, please direct them to Mr. Segawa. Alright, seeing none, all those in favor please say "aye." Any opposed? Page 6 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 Vote on Res. 503-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 503-26 on first (Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kimball — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: On to the next item, please. Res. 552-26: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LANDS OR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS FOR ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEYS: 8-1-009:007 AND 008, ALSO KNOWN AS KOKUA KEALAKEKUA, SITUATED IN THE AHUPUA`A OF KA`AWALOA, DISTRICT OF SOUTH KONA, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND The County seeks to acquire approximately 1.26 acres of land listed as the highest priority in the 2025 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Reference: Comm.865 Intr. by: Council Member Galimba Motion to Approve: Ms. Galimba moved to recommend passage of Res. 552-26 on first reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas. CHR. KIMBALL: Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: I'm just going to keep this brief, since we're sharing the microphone here, and I think our testifiers did a great job of making the case. I'm just so honored. It's such a privilege to get to be a part of this effort. It is a small but strategic piece of property that we're going to get a lot of benefit. And this is just an amazing example of community -lead, government supported initiative to make Kealakekua and the world a better place. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Any further comments? Council Member Villegas. Page 7 LAAC-25 May 4, 2026 MS. VILLEGAS: Just quickly. I want to echo the sentiments and say mahalo to you folks for showing up today for your testimony and for sharing with us the `Oli. I found it personally, very soothing and kind of cleansing after some of the challenges this morning, and I'm just so grateful for cultural practices; `Olelo Hawaii and this opportunity to return, remember, realign, and recalibrate. Just thank you so much. I yield. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. Just also want to express my mahalo. Many of the folks here in chambers today, beyond advocating for this parcel, have been integral in showing up at the State Legislature this year as part of our efforts to ban aquarium fish collections statewide. And folks like Keanu and I went to school together when we were kids and we're still here today doing this good work. So, mahalo to you all. CHR. KIMBALL: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Anyone else? Alright, seeing none, all those in favor of forwarding Resolution 552-26 to Council with a favorable recommendation, please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Res. 552-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 552-26 on first (Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kimball — 9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KIMBALL: Measure passes. With that, we are finished with our agenda. The time is now 12:41 p.m. We are adjourned. Thank you. ADJOURN- There being no further business, Chair Kimball adjourned the meeting MENT: at 12:41 p.m. Approved: Aleal—er L. Kimball, hair (Date) Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee HK/dt Page 8