The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAGE COUNCIL 2026-07-23 2024-2026 ACTIONS HOLEKA GORO INABA tY OF p MICHELLE M. GALIMBA oN.• �`� Chair&Presiding Officer �?•' �, JAMES E. HUSTACE JENN KAGIWADA DENNIS"FRESH"ONISHI MATT KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER Vice Chair — ASHLEY L.KIERKIEWICZ o=— �),�� OF NF' HEATHER L.KIMBALL REBECCA VILLEGAS COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawaii Hawai`i County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 45fl' Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii July 23, 2026 9:00 a.m. The Hilo Council Chambers at the Hawaii County Building,25 Aupuni Street,will be closed. Public attendance via Courtesy Site is available at the following locations: • Ocean View Community Association, 92-8924 Leilani Circle; • Pahoa Council Office, 15-2879 Pahoa Village Road; and • Waimea Council Office,Parker Square, 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Suite 109. If a Courtesy Site is unavailable and/or participation is disrupted, the scheduled meeting will continue. Oral Public Testimony via Zoom: To provide oral testimony via Zoom, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255 to complete the registration process and obtain meeting login information. Please contact our office to register by 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 22,2026. Submitting Written Testimony: To ensure timely delivery to Council Members prior to the meeting, written testimony must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday,July 22, 2026, by: (1) email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov; (2) facsimile to (808) 961-8912; or(3) mail to the County Clerk's Office in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720. All written testimony, regardless of time of receipt, will be made part of the permanent record. Please submit separate testimony for each item. Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 INVOCATION Kahu Kealoha Ka`opua of Calvary Community Church in Kona ORDER OF BUSINESS CALL TO ORDER 9:04 a.m. ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, CERTIFICATES OF MERIT,AND EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Pursuant to HRS §92-3, oral testimony may be provided entirely at the beginning of the meeting, or immediately preceding the agenda item being opened for deliberation by the Council. (NOTE: COUNCIL MAY TAKE A LUNCH BREAK CLOSE TO THE NOON HOUR) APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 5, 2026—APPROVED REPORTS GOEAC-144 NOMINATION OF SHAWNA KAULUKUKUI TO THE HAWAII COUNTY (Comm. 946): CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION CONFIRMED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. GOEAC-145 NOMINATION OF JONATHAN ZEICHNER TO THE HAMAKUA (Comm. 947): COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Requires Council Confirmation by: August 1, 2026 (Section 13-4(k), Hawai`i County Charter) (Vote on GOEAC-145 is on the next page.) Page 2 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 CONFIRMED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. ORDER OF RESOLUTIONS Res. 594-26: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, WILDLIFE SERVICES, RELATING TO A WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE HILO SOLID WASTE AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES Reference: Comm. 944 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Approve: GOEAC-146 ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 595-26: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, FOR COST SHARING TO PURCHASE A CONSERVATION EASEMENT FOR THE KEALOHA FAMILY LO`I IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEYS: 5-2-009:025 AND 5-2-009:026 THROUGH THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION PROGRAM Allows for the receipt of federally-derived matching funds for the acquisition of the Kealoha Family Lo`i conservation easement authorized by Resolution 513-26. Reference: Comm. 945 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Approve: GOEAC-147 (Vote on Res. 595-26 is on the next page.) Page 3 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 606-26: 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 RELATING TO THE 4THELOVE FESTIVAL Transfers $5,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account (Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 965 Intr. by: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 607-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MALAMA O PUNA FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL SMOKE IT UP FESTIVAL Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Agriculture Other Current Expenses account. Reference: Comm. 966 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz (Vote on Res. 607-26 is on the next page.) Page 4 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 AMENDED TO DRAFT 2 (see Communication No. 966.1) AND ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Res. 608-26: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KELI`IPIO-KUAMO`O FOUNDATION, INC., FOR A KIPAEPAE CEREMONY HONORING THE PRESERVATION OF HONOLULU LANDING Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services—Contingency Relief account (Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account. Reference: Comm. 967 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz ADOPTED: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 5 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 BILLS FOR ORDINANCES (FIRST READING) Bill 168: REPEALS ORDINANCE NOS. 19-38, 09-50, 09-49, 06-138, 06-137, 95-118, 92-36, 90-10, 86-49, 533 (1980), AND 594 (1973) AND AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 25-8-3 (NORTH KONA ZONING MAP) AND SECTION 25-8-5 (KAILUA URBAN ZONING MAP), OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM VILLAGE COMMERCIAL—7,500 SQUARE FEET (CV-7.5) AND MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—2,500 SQUARE FEET (RM-2.5) TO DOUBLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—3,750 SQUARE FEET (RD-3.75) AND AGRICULTURAL—FIVE ACRES (A-5A) AT HIENALOLI 4TH, 5TH, AND 6TH, NORTH KONA, HAWAI`I, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 7-5-010:013 (Planning Director Initiated) (Area: 6.467 acres) The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation to revert the current zoning of 3.331 acres from Village Commercial to Double- Family Residential and 3.227 acres from Multiple-Family Residential to Unplanned zoning district. This property is located on the north side of Hualalai Road, approximately 1,000 feet east of its intersection with Kuakini Highway, Hienaloli 4a' and 5a', North Kona. Reference: Comm. 937 Intr. by: Council Member Kimball (B/R) Approve: LAAC-43 AMENDED TO DRAFT 2 (see Communication No. 937.2) AND PASSED 1ST READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. ; and Comm. 937.2: From Council Member Heather L. Kimball, dated July 7, 2026, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 168. Page 6 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 ORDER OF THE DAY(SECOND OR FINAL READING) Bill 125: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLE 7, DIVISION 4, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE PAHOA VILLAGE DESIGN DISTRICT Clarifies duties, procedures, and other regulations regarding the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines and the Pahoa Design Review Committee; makes other technical and non-substantive amendments. Reference: Comm. 709 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz First Reading: July 8, 2026 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1. Excused: None. Bill 126: AMENDS CHAPTER 25, ARTICLES 1, 3, 5, AND 7, OF THE HAWAI`I (Draft 3) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS Creates the Downtown Pahoa commercial district as a new special zoning district; establishes new permitted uses. Reference: Comm. 710.6 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz First Reading: July 8, 2026 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas— 1. Excused: None. Page 7 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 Bill 163: AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 8, OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY (Draft 2) CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXES Establishes a new real property tax dedication for certain properties that are owned by a descendant of a person who owned the property at least one hundred years ago to be subject to the minimum tax. Reference: Comm. 909.6 Intr. by: Council Member Hustace First Reading: July 8, 2026 PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, and Chair Inaba— 8. Noes: None. Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1. Excused: None. Bill 164: AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 13, DIVISION 2, SECTION 2-69, OF THE (Draft 2) HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR Requires Council confirmation for the Housing Administrator. Reference: Comm. 914.3 Intr. by: Council Member Onishi First Reading: July 8, 2026 AMENDED TO DRAFT 3 (see Communication No. 914.4) AND PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 8 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 Bill 165: INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X OF THE CHARTER OF THE (Draft 2) COUNTY OF HAWAI`I (2024 EDITION), RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION Removes the $3 million accrual limit for the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation maintenance fund;provides that all expenses from the fund must align with the fund's purpose; and authorizes the awarding of grants from the fund. Reference: Comm. 915.5 Intr. by: Council Member Kierkiewicz First Reading: June 17, 2026 Second Reading: July 8, 2026 2/3 Vote: Third of three required readings, Section 15-1(a), Hawaii County Charter AMENDED TO DRAFT 3 (see Communication Nos. 915.7 and 915.8) AND FAILED: Ayes: Council Members Hustace, Kierkiewicz, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—5. Noes: Council Members Galimba, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Kimball—4. Absent: None. Excused: None. (Note: Ms. Kagiwada voted"kanalua" then "no." Ms. Villegas voted"kanalua"then "aye.") REFERRALS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION Comm. 957: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING ALAN FUKAMIZU From Deputy Corporation Counsel Demetri G. Lametti dated June 17, 2026, requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council regarding the above-entitled matter. CONCURRED WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF CORP. COUNSEL: Ayes: Council Members Galimba, Hustace, Kagiwada, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Inaba—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. Page 9 Hawaii County Council-45 July 23,2026 The Council anticipates convening an executive meeting regarding the above matter, pursuant to Section 92-5(a)(4), for the purpose of consulting with Council's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Council's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. A 2/3 vote pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 92-4, and Rule Nos. 2 and 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the County Council is necessary to hold an executive meeting. OTHER BUSINESS (Including but not limited to reconsideration of vetoed items, if any, or reconsideration of actions on agenda items.) ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT: 12:00 p.m. Note: B/R, when listed next to the name of an Introducer, signifies that the Council Member has agreed to introduce legislation`By Request" on behalf of the requesting party. It does not necessarily signify support of or opposition to the proposal. Live Stream of County Council Meetings: To view the live stream of this meeting, at the scheduled meeting start time, type the following into the address bar of the browser: http://hawaiicounty.granicus.comNiewPublisher.php?view id=1. Please call (808) 961-8255 if the Council's streaming location is not functioning. If the Council's stream is deemed inoperable, the following address will be provided for the live stream and should be typed into the browser: https://www.youtube.com/channel/TJCJNalwg40oK7a-7nGnEtGPA. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, call (808) 961-8255 as soon as possible, preferably by July 21, 2026. If a response is received after this date, every effort will be made to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but there is no guarantee the request can be filled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. Agenda items are available on the County website at www.hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Records to navigate to current agendas. For any questions, please contact Council Services at (808) 961-8255. Page 10