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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN GOEAC 2026/07/22 (2024-2026) DRAFT Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs 38th Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii July 22, 2026 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Governmental Operations and ORDER: External Affairs was called to order at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair— Ms.Ms. Michelle M. Galimba, Member Mr. James E. Hustacey Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba,Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member Mr. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi,Member 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 individual registered to speak and came forward when called by the Chair: Shelliea`ie Mahi:, Comm. 954; and Res. 602-26 (Comm. 955) comment. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Let's go ahead, Mr. Clerk. We can go ahead and take it from the top with Communication 40.8,please. GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 40.8: HAWAI`I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES' MAY 8, 2026, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES From Council Member Heather L. Kimball, dated June 25, 2026. Motion to Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 40,8,,, Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: Just happy to take any questions from my colleagues. CHR KAGIWADA: Alright, seeing none, all those in favor of closing.file on Communication 40.8 please say"aye." Any opposed? Vote on Comm. 40.8: The motion to close file on Comm: 40.8 was carried by Filed the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—8. Noes: None. Absent: Committe6 Member Onishi — 1. Excused., None. CHR. AGIWADA: Thank you, Communication 954 please. Comm. 954: REQUESTS'A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 2027 HAWAI`I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES' (HSAC) LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE From Council Member Heather L. Kimball, dated June 25, 2026. Motion to'Close File: Ms. Kimball moved to close file on Comm. 954. Seconded by Ms. Galimba. CHR KAGIWADA: Council Member Kimball. MS:'KIMBALL: Yes, thank you. It's hard to believe it is already that time again. But it is the time where we need to as a body discuss some of our priorities for our legislative package for HSAC for 2027. As a reminder, what we have done in the past is taken this time to provide a list of items that are priority areas for this body. Page 2 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 In the interim between this and the second meeting of August, the deadline for that if you have draft language for bills that you'd like to be considered,please submit them to my office. Then all of that will be presented as a package in a resolution. Again, the second meeting of August. So, we'll get it to the HSAC Executive Committee for review. At this time, I'd just like my colleagues to share with me what your priorities are for the 2027 Legislative Session even though some of you won't be on this dais any more. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Members? Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Chair. My office will resubmit the legislature's bill on the aquarium fish trade. I think as of two weeks from now, every county should have passed a resolution similar to what this County Council did to ban the aquarium fish trade in all waters, statewide. We didn't get it to the finish line in that form this year at the Leg. So,will submit it as part of the package and that can be our joint voice. So, thank you for this reminder. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Other Council Members? Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: I have been passionate about the spraying of herbicides in our County and in general, and unfortunately,what I was concerned about and why original,legislation included and listed a number of herbicides. It was shortened to glyphosate. And what we're seeing now is the County just uses a product with glufosinate which according to the science and research I've done is actually more harmful. Soy I understand the need for our staff in our County to have expeditious means for weed control. I would argue that it just turns everything brown until it turns green,again. So, I think we are at extreme risks, and it's just a matter of time, as we navigate a time of crisis for our pollinators and invasive species; and the health of our soils. I continue to follow up with the State on it as well. They're blaring down the highway in my district just spraying mass herbicides out of their trucks,just not abiding by the law in general. So, I think that this is something that needs to continue to be taken up. I know they're trying to work on things in the State Legislature as well. But we can do better. So, thank you for taking that into consideration as you move into the next cycle, and I won't be here. But I'll be here just in a different capacity. I yield. Page 3 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. After being here for eight years and watching our own County struggle with solar and keeping it active and non-active; and looking at the cost to government, at the State level, every county within the State facilities; school facilities other than you know, basic government infrastructures should be required to at leastinitiate studies to understand the potential cost offset by putting renewable energy on government infrastructure. If not so, implementing it. I think about schools, and what you need for solar is either roof space or land. And the State has a number, I mean, they have it all. And if the schools are able to offset their costs, then our costs as taxpayers would go down:in about 15 years. So, I think that would be a good direction for the State to go. If there's a bill that could be crafted to that end, it would be extremely helpful both financially and responsibly for our State. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you: First, I just want to say thank you, Council Member Kimball, for the work that goes into preparing all of these pieces of legislation and getting them ready for introduction at the State level. It takes a lot of time and energy on top of the work that we do here on the Council. So, thank you. And,l appreciate all the work that HSAC did to lend support for the Banyan Drive revitalization WE that finally passed over a decade of trying. I'm very passionate about economic development and insuring that there are opportunities for our youth to stay here. Recent reports have shown that Hawaii is the worst in the country when it comes to doing business; the cost of business; technology, innovation, and infrastructure. That impacts our quality of life and our ability for folks to just make it here. If there's any way to kind of maybe audit the activities of DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism), DCCA (Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs); all the agencies where there's a ton of bureaucracy for small businesses to navigate. It would be good to understand what those roadblocks are and prescribe legislative fixes in statute for administrative rules. We have a lot of folks that do business here on the Council and in our community that I'm sure have a lot to say about the frustration within these systems. Let's not make it more difficult for folks to do business. Page 4 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 Then the other thing is diversification of our economy. There are a number of reports that were done locally about the kind of industries that we want to see here that are more regenerative; that are secular, that our kids see themselves doing here in Hawaii. What kind of work is the State doing to tee up those opportunities now? Thank you for being our advocate. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Galimba. MS. GALIMBA: Thank you. I just want to bring up the watershed issue. I think the water passes through the lands that are owned by very many different entities, and public and private land. But I think the State aright be the best entity to come up with a framework to deal with that fact, that it crosses jurisdictions. Thanks. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you,Council Member. Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member Kimball, appreciate your leadership on this. And just`to piggyback off Council Member Galimba on the water piece through two lens, and I'm really looking forward to it and considering it. One would be a greater investment to see their monitoring of our repairing zones. .So,the top of the watershed down to the makai portions as well and kind of abetter understanding of the health of our stream systems. They're moving in that direction; but they're definitely need more support in terms of better monitoring of our stream systems and the resources, the nutrients we're losing. The health of the watersheds; kind of that connectivity between our water systems and,water cycle there. The other lens through the water is really pushing on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHH .,)when looking at housing and looking at development, that water is that critical piece. I mean, had a nice story in Kawaihae last night. It's always an issue when we have these areas where, sure, we want this housing and housing opportunities but the infrastructure is not there to support the community. We're relying on private investments to make that happen. So, there's definitely an opportunity to engage with DHHL in that space to really lift up the water infrastructure in some of these communities. So, thank you. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Anybody else? Alright, thank you. Yeah, I think we still have a few good ones left on the docket that didn't get passed from last year that I may be bringing forward. Page 5 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 I'd also like us to do something, and I'll be doing some research to see if there's a specific bill around this, but to urge the Department of Health to really look at what they're doing, especially on the outer islands as far as support for behavioral and mental health in our communities. As we all know, we don't have our own health department at the County level here. So, we really rely heavily on the State Department of Health to invest in some of these support services. And I'm not sure, because they're located in Honolulu; how much they really are time and money and everything is getting spent. So, maybe it's even looking at where they are with their resources from the Department of Health, and seeing if we can maybe have some more equity around the State. And same with substance an and'addition services as well. Okay, thank you so much. Alright,you've got a good start here. So,yes, Council Member Kimball. MS. KIMBALL: If I may,just have,a second to wrap up. So, thank you all for the suggestions. Again, if you have bills that,you'd like to draft, we do have that ability through HSAC. So, all you need to do is share the ideas and we'll work on the drafting of that actual bill language for you. I did want to just mention nationally, Council Member Onishi and I just came back from the National Association of Counties meeting. One of the big concerns that we're seeing at a national level is preemption by states over counties particularly around property tax and,limiting what the counties can actually assess,in terms of property tax. I was encouraged even more to do something around data centers because there's a lot of preemption happening around the counties being able to define land use With'respect to these particular uses. I know that this year, general ekeise tax renewal is going to come up and be a hot topic, and I definitely think we should have a position on that. I presume everybody is going to support that renewal. We do need those funds for various activities here. There's also probably going to be a few bills through the speed taskforce that Representative (Greggor) Ragan is spearheading around the Building Code and the State Building Code Council and things like that; some simplifications there. I did want to highlight that in response to Council Member Kierkiewicz's comments that our HSAC conference this year in September will be focusing on economic development in particular, and we do have some State and County working groups that will be on the 10t', around infrastructure for housing, tax policy statewide, and waste water. So, I'd like to encourage everybody to participate in those conversations working with Speaker (Nadine)Nakamura, there's the desire to work more closely between the State and the County legislators to come up with solutions where there's these cross jurisdictional problems. Page 6 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 So, I hope everyone will participate in that. Again, thank you for your ideas. I will put these together in a resolution to be presented to you folks at the end of August for approval. Mahalo. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Kimball. And with that we have a motion on the floor to close file on Communication 954. All those in favor please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Comm. 954: The motion to close file on Comm. 954 wascarried by Filed the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9,., Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you. And for the record, Council Member Onishi has joined us. Can we please go onto Resolution 602. ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions. Res. 602-26: AUTHORIZES,THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, NATIONAL PARK:SERVICE, FOR INTERAGENCY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATION Establishes a working.relationshp between the National Park Service and Hawaii Fire Department to allow for the coordination of personnel, services, equipment, and facilities required for the protection of life and properties during emergency incidents. Reference: Comm. 955 Intr. by: Council Member Kagiwada(B/R) Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend adoption of Res. 602-26. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR KAGIWADA: I believe we have Acting Chief Volpe here on Zoom to tell us about this resolution. Go ahead, Acting Chief. (Note: At this time, Acting Fire Chief Daniel Volpe came forward to address the members of the Committee.) Page 7 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MR. VOLPE: Good morning, Chair and Vice Chair, my name is Daniel Volpe, Temporary Fire Chief, Hawaii Fire Department. First of all, thank you for this opportunity to go over this remotely. I am very grateful, given everyone's schedule. So, I'm very grateful for that. About 30 years ago, the Federal Fire Department operated out of the National Park in Volcano. That was the National Park site; that was the Federal Fire Department. Over the course of about 25 or so years; the County has since gotten into an agreement with the National Park to maintain the 911 response there. And it's been a partnership ever since. The Federal service through the National Park provides the County with an ambulance, equipment; including maintenance of the ambulance. The County then agrees as well as the Fire Station,'the facility there. The County then agrees to provide a fire engine staff and then operate both vehicles., The agreement in front of you is a renewal from the,previous one that was in 2021. It was set to expire in October. We've got in front of it. This is a renewal. The only real substantive change from this document to the last reflects an Executive Order signed by the President. Essentially,just regarding our rights and protections, and that sort of thing. That makes it now compliant with any contract that we engage in,with the Federal Government. So, what you see in front of you does not—there's nei real material change. It does represent this continued partnership within the National Park for the County to provide service there for the residents and visitors. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you,Acting Chief. Council Members, any questions or comments? Alright seeing none, all those on approving Resolution,602 and sending it to'the full Council with a favorable recommendation, please say"aye." Any opposed? Vote on;Res. 602-26: The motion'to recommend adoption of Res. 602-26 was A roved ' carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members Galimba, Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None. Excused: None. CHR. KAGIWADA: The measure passes. Can we go to Resolution 603, please. Page 8 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public. PUBLIC ON RES. 603-26 The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called (Comm. 958): by the Chair: Kawehi Young: In support. Megan Lamson Leatherman: In support. Res. 603-26: URGES THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,,AND BIOSECURITY TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE PLANT QUARANTINE INTERIM RULE 26-1, REGULATING THE TRANPORTATION OF COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE HOST MATERIAL ON HAWAI`,I ISLAND Reference: Comm. 958 Intr. by: , - - Council Members Hustace and Inaba Motion to Approve: Mr. Hustace moved to recommend adoption of Res. 603-26. Seconded by Mr. Inaba. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member Hustace. MR. HUSTACE: Thank you, Chair. Teased to introduce and cosponsor Resolution 603 today with Council Member Inaba. So, thank you, Chair and Council Member Inaba. This resolution urges that the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB)to fully implement Interim Rule 26-1, which was approved by the Berard of Agriculture and Biosecurity in March to help slow the human assisted spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle here on Hawaii Island. As you know theCoconut Rhinoceros Beetle poses a serious threat to our coconut Balms and many of other culturally and economically important plants. Since the beetle was first detected in Waik6loa in 2023, our community, County agencies, State partners, and community organizations have worked hard to contain its spread. Interim Rule 26-1 restricts the movement of high risk host materials from and within those designated infested zones, unless the transporter has completed the required training and entered into a compliance agreement with the department. This resolution is not asking the State to adopt any new regulations. It rather urges the department to fully implement the rule that is already adopted by expanding compliance agreements, increasing public outreach, and designating a dedicated plant quarantine representative here on Hawaii Island to serve as a local point of contact for businesses, residents, and agricultural producers. Page 9 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 These are practical steps that will improve compliance for strengthening our efforts to contain this destructive invasive pest. Protecting Hawaii Island from invasive species requires a coordinated effort. This resolution sends a clear message that this body supports strong implementation of these quarantine measures while ensuring those affected have the guidance and support that they need in community. So, mahalo Council Member Inaba for your support on this. And respectfully request favorable consideration for this measure. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Council Member Inaba. MR. INABA: Thank you, Council Member Hustace for the introduction. I did want to give the opportunity to Mr. Jonathan Ho who's joining us from the State if you wanted to chime in on this resolution at all. CHR KAGIWADA: Mr. Ho, go ahead:: (Note: At this time DAB Plant Quarantine Branch Jonathan Ho came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MR. HO: Good morning, Council Members. My name is Jonathan Ho. I am the Plant Quarantine Branch Manager. Pin'located in Honolulu. Thank you for the opportunity to testify and answer any questions that you folks may have. I think as it relates to the implementation, staff are doing what they can. We have three staff in Kona. So, we've been complaint-driven as it relates to responses. So, as you know, as we've been receiving issues that we're aware of, we're sending out staff to go out and get folks into compliance. We received complaints recently about folks who may be violating, and we're working to figure out who those folks are. We don't really have specific capacities to do so. So, we're working with the Attorney General to figure out who some of these folks are. As it relates to a dedicated member, there's really only one that could be done. Itwould be the working supervisor in Kona. It would be Heather Kuneva. She is a working supervisor. So, she cannot dedicate all her time to this. And those responsibilities would also be shared with the Nursery Specialist, Don Yanagisawa in Hilo, and Christine Yamamoto, who's the County Supervisor. Again, both in Hilo. As it related to the additional outreach and posting of the compliance agreements, we're setting up a website to provide all of that so, people would have a centralized place to know who's in compliance and who's not. That will then help us to utilize that complaint-driven technique to get folks into compliance and get them to be aware of trainings. I think a lot of folks may or may not be aware of training. Page 10 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 You know, we're very thankful for BIISC (Big Island Invasive Species Committee), the petitioners, and the County for their support, not necessarily just with the quarantine, but with the eradication efforts as it relates to treatments and removal of green wastes particularly on the Kona side. Obviously, the Council is probably aware of that one beetle that was found at the airport. The department is working obviously with BIISC. We provided them, I think, like 50 traps. We've installed 70 traps in the immediate area, obviously, to make sure that there isn't additional breathing sites in Hilo, as well as doing the work in Kona. If you folks have,any questions, I'm here to provide answers. Thank you for the opportunity. MR. INABA: Thank you, Mr. Ho. Kawehi, I was just wondering if you can provide perhaps an educational opportunity. ;Are there still traps available here on the island? And if so, how do members of the community access those traps. I know myself and my neighbors have them. And'someone I know actually caught one. And the BIISC was quick to respond right after the report was filed via the QR code, but if you would quickly share, please? (Note: At this time;BIISC Kawehi Young came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. YOUNG: Sure, if folks areinterested irt'hosting a trap and helping us to monitor for CRB, they can reach out to us via email. Our email is Biis@hawaii.edu. First, we'll check to see if there are traps in your area, and if there's a trap in your area,there may be net need to host a trap. But if folks are interested, they can reach outto us and we can start talking about it. MR. IABA: Thank you. And then one follow-up question. I think there are some concerns regarding how far the scent from these traps travel and whether the traps would attract a beetle into an area that maybe doesn't have one yet. So, can you share a little bit about how that works? MS. YOUNG: Sure. Yeah, that's definitely a concern, and you know, when we are putting up traps, it's important that we're not putting them right next to coconut trees. So, that's also something to keep in mind. But from the work that was done by CRB response, the range of a trap is about a half-a-mile. And so, on our website we do have a public dashboard where folks can see how many traps that were set on the island; where they are; how many beetles we've caught. So, we can provide information for that. It's all on our website. Page 11 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MR. INABA: Thank you so much for that update. And again, ask for our colleagues' support, which I believe we have based on the testimonies submitted as part of this effort. So, mahalo Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Inaba. Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Sorry, Jonathan, who are you with? MR. HO: I am with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's Plant Quarantine Branch. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I've been watching this for a while. When I first came in the office, we had the Queensland Longhorn Beetle, And that directly impacted a number of our native species including a number of crops we use for agriculture here on Hawaii Islandand across the State. And the response was slow and limited, and the problem persists. Then about six month ago, for Hawaii Island;began the discussion of CRB. And it's gone back and forth. But reality is, we have it here, period. And it's doing heavy damage on our outer islands. Does DOA (Department of Agriculture) have the means to fight ths'pest as it's ready to cause severe damage to our crops here on HaWai`i Island`s MR. HO: So one of the biggest challenges is the lack of treatments particularly as it'relates to some of the prime host material, which is, potted plants for example. A lot'of the treatments that do exist now are phytotoxic, so, they will kill the plants. Sri,that's I think one of the biggest challenges from a quarantine standpoint. The secondary part'is a lot of the difficulties as it relates to managing on-island quarantines. From the department's standpoint, on-island quarantines are very difficult to enforce. One, we don't have the staff. And then, two, the ability to do certain things such as,you know, we can't stop people on the road, things like that. So, those are some of the challenges we've had. And I think, like a good example that has been used on Hawaii Island, was like the Banana Bunchy Top (virus). I think the County at the time, really did assist with roadblocks and signs. And obviously, it was able to move pretty quickly. Those are, I think, some of the big challenges. Secondarily, CRB is a pretty good hitchhiker in that, if it gets into things that it can't get out of, it can be transferred in vehicles and things like that. Additionally, it is very possible that it is also hitchhiking on planes that are moving interisland from infested areas. Like the one that was found in Hilo recently, having found a breathing site, haven't found additional specimens. Page 12 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 There's also been detections in Kahului (Maui) and Molokai as well. So, only the airports. We've been working with the DOT (Department of Transportation) and HISC (House International Security Committee) and their cargo association to see if we can figure out ways to try to mitigate that. And I think from a long-term standpoint, the real goal is to get into biocontrol. The University has done exploratory work and has a,virus that they have permits for and are doing testing. It appears to be quite good against the larval stages, and they're looking to expand to be able to use it on adults. And then, host-specificity testing after that; and then, potentially looking at release if the virus does not affect any natives to be specific. So, I think those are the things that are trying to be done now. Arid again, from the short-term standpoint again, it's removing known breathing sites, treating trees to prevent spread. For example;the Plant Pest Control Branch is going to be doing another round of treatments in the Kona area. If additional beetles are found within Hilo, they're going to be doing reatments in Hilo as well. So, we have the supplies for those things. Again, trying to fill positions thathave,been provided by the Legislature. So, the Plant Pest Control Branch did get,a specialist in Hilo. Plant Quarantine is looking to fill its fourth position in Kona. We've done interviews; haven't had a selection.' Arid I think we are down to one vacancy in Hilo. So, we're making headway on those points to be able to do more work to the extent of trying to prevent spread, trying to do whatever we can particularly on Oahu, since it's the hub,to make sure that things that are moving from Oahu aren't bringing CRB over with them. MR, KANEALI`L-KLEINFELDER: Going to ask you a kind of loaded question;but do you feel that the State Legislature adequately funds the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to enable you to do what you've just outlined? I ask this because, normally, everyone is going after DOA for failing on multiple levels. But reality is, you folks can only do what you can do with the funds that's provided. MR— IIO: I think right now, we get about.4 percent of the budget for the entire department. And I think as it relates to you know, what is good enough. You know, I think that's debatable. But that's about what we're getting currently for the entire department. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For the entire department to cover the entire state. Is that a yes? Page 13 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MR. HO: Yes. So, Plant Quarantine Branch, I think, if I remember correctly, we're like maybe 35-40 percent of the department. But then obviously, there's the Division of Animal Industry, Ag Loan, and Resource Management Quality Assurance, Ag Development Division. So, it's not just Plant Quarantine or Plant Industry, because that's the pesticides branch and the Plant Pest Control Branch as one plant industry division. So, it's the entire department and all of the functions that it's mandated to enforce. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The resolution doesn't state it, so, I'm going to state it. The State Legislature is got to uptheir game, if they expect DOA to be able to provide the resources and,the ability to keep our communities safe from pests. Quogue frogs, fire ants, Queensland longhorn beetle, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. It's just been a bad 15-20 years. That's just the ones that really stand out to me. That's not all of them. So,I hope the State Legislature gets the message. Thank you for being here today. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Onishi. MR. ONISHL Thank you, Madame Chair: 'Mr. Ho, my question is along that line about the legislatures. So, in the past years, what has the legislatures done to help DOA? MR. HO: So, it started with Act 231 and then Act 236; and Act 250. Basically, they dirk increase the budgets, and they did increase position counts for the Plant Industry Division. I believe there was about, maybe $8 million to $9 million in General Funds that were provided. And like I mentioned earlier, some of that went to the positions. I think there were three to four positions that were createdspecifically,for Hawaii Island for Plant Quarantine. o, that's what the Legislature has done in the three years. We've been able to utilize it for the Little Fire Ant control; we've been putting it to Queensland Longhorn Beetle research, Quoque management; Little Fire Ant management, CRB management. The Hawai`'i County has, I think, gotten some, two or three grants for projects, I think $400,000 of those funds have been utilized. But not only Hawaii County but all the counties have been offered funding for that. There were community grants for CRB for a whole hosted things. A lot of it is contracting. As I stated manpower is an issue for us. And again, we're constantly recruiting for positions. In Hilo particularly, we've had a lot of applicants but we're basically full. And I think, a lot of that is to do with University of Hilo having a lot of agricultural-based education, which has been very helpful for us. But that's really what they've been providing. Page 14 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MR. ONISHL Okay. Just earlier, this body talked about this Hawaii State Association of Counties. I think one thing about this funding or lobbying the Legislators to increase funding because this affects all the counties. And especially a lot on Oahu and Kauai, right? It's impacted them a lot. So, I would think this would be a great idea for this to be on the HSAC's package, that our representatives should be pushing for; having our State Legislators to increase more. I remember maybe about 10-12 years ago, maybe,and this is in regard to the fire ants. Big Island was infested. We tried to get more money to help battle the fire ants, but we couldn't get that. But when the fire ants were found on Oahu, especially in one certain area, in this senator's district, and this whole alarm went off, right? And then manpower from the Big Island; Ag guys had to go there to help treat. So, I don't know if somehow, DOA, you folks got to somehow reorganize or you guys got to regroup. And I know back 10=I�, maybe 14 years ago, the Legislature increased funding to hire more inspectors. I don't know if you remember back then,because my brother when he was a House Representative, he introduced that bill. So, it was supposed to increase to about 10 to 20 positions statewide. But that really never happened, or the amount'neuer got to that limit. So, I'm just saying that I think the Chair heard and our legislators here need to work with you folks more and having more support. I know this resolution is good, but I think we need also our legislators to come forth and let the public know what they're trying to do to help support in controlling the CRB's. Thank you, Chair, I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Council Member Villegas. MS'VILLEGAS: Yes. Aloha, and thank you being here today. I have a couple of questions., It's my understanding that DAB received approximately $40 million in the last two years to focus on this issue. Can you confirm that? MR. HO: We did not receive $40 million. MS. VILLEGAS: Okay, interesting. Also, I've been hearing through the grapevine, actually, community is really grateful for the DAB staff here in Kona. And they are working closely with our community groups and you know, feet on the ground. But there seems to be some frustration as is commonly the case. The people with the feet on the ground are doing the work. But sometimes the glitches and gluts in activation happen higher up in leadership levels. So, I really would like for this resolution to be taken into account by those in leadership that we've got to lean in, step up, use what we have; become more Page 15 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 active. Historically, the Department of Agriculture have failed our State. We are an import and container-driven economy with a lot of things coming here and very little being inspected. And that has left us vulnerable to fireworks and invasive species. Just have to say for the record that I think it's kind of crazy that we import plants to a tropical island ecosystem. And that we somehow have chosen to value that business model over the health, safety, an&biosecurity of our ecosystems and our communities. And on that note, I want to put this out there to the businesses that are importing plants, and to community as a whole. It is not, in my mind, common sense, irrational, to constantly look to government to mitigate, to inspect, and to enforce. And to even it be considered that we could stop the onslaught of invasive species when businesses are still importing plants that under any circumstances could be at risk of bringing in species that would harm our ecosystems and therefore, the health and wellness of our communities having been many times stung and bitten by little fire ants. Not a pleasant occurrence and jeopardizing so many of our public spaces. So, as a collective here,I hope that DAB will fake this into consideration. Leadership will step up and lean in. Community as a whole is tired of hearing excuses of why we can't do things. And community organizations like BIISC are making the most out of the pennies they receive in comparison to the millions of dollars that filter around higher leadership roles and allocation. So,I personally and professionally want to challenge DAB to look at the value systems that determine spending; determine support of certain industries, and continue to enable those industries to be more important than health, safety, longevity, and resilience of our native ecosystems here in the islands. With that I yield. CHR:KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Council Member Kierkiewicz. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Thank you Megan and Kawehi for being here. Fun fact, I met Kawehi many moons ago surfing the point at Honoli`i. It's great to see you. Hi Jonathan, thanks for Zooming in today, it sounds like things are underway, and folks are trying on the State side. But what I'm hearing from community is, the State is not acting with perhaps a state of urgency. And we had a real opportunity here to really prevent what could be very tragic for our economy and our local ecosystems. It doesn't have a foothold here as it does on other islands. And it sounds like this is what the community is looking to do, is the prevention and rapid response, rather than a reactive complaint-driven approach. Page 16 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 So, curious if you want to comment on anything that Jonathan has shared. Like, what are the three things that you want the State to do in the next 30 days that could really make a difference. And I also want to acknowledge really quickly, the work that you folks are doing within your respective organizations. My understanding is that you're doing this for free. You're not getting any additional funding to run these voluntary compliance programs. You're doing this because you recognize a gap in the system. And you're doing what you can to insure that folks are prepared with information. So, I wanted to make sure that recognition was made and then give you an opportunity to talk about three most important things, next 30 days the State can do to really get ahead on this. MS. YOUNG: Thank you for that question, There's so much work to be done, and you know, as Jonathan was mentioning, they only have three on staff. In the last month, we've made a lot of headway when it comes to reaching,,out to the big box stores. Oftentimes, as we go as BIISC, and we say:there's this rule. It's not as official when someone from DAB will go and say that you need to comply. You need to enter into a compliance agreement. So, since the rule was passed, it was something that we were worried,about was these big box stores. And you know, they have to be putting all of their potting media in a container from sunset to sunrise. So, these are things I'd like to see some action on. And as I mentioned in my testimony,just constant communication with someone at DAB so we can better support these businesses. And like you said, we are doing these trainings because it's important. We focus on all kinds of different invasive species. CRB is justone. And we're really worried about the potential of CRB getting a foothold in Hilo. You know, we live on a'Big Island. So, there's a lot of outreach that needs to be done. Butalso, seeing movement on DAB side; seeing that this rule has teeth, I think is going to be very powerful. So, we'd like to see more movement on that. Particularly, for the big box stores. And again, someone to have constant communication with, so that we can better support these businesses. The rule does mention a portion about inspection. But DAB will be doing inspections at these commercial operations. I think in the rule it says six months. So, better clarity on what that looks like. Because we don't want people to just come to a presentation and then pau. You know, we want to see them folding these practices into what they do and really doing the right thing. So, I hope that answers your question. Page 17 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yes, that's helpful, and I do want to give Mr. Ho an opportunity to respond to these—what I believe to be excellent suggestions and how they can be operationalized by your division. MR. HO: As I stated, it's going to have to be kind of the point people on the island are going to have to be somewhat decentralized to the extent in that CRB is not only thing that they're responsible for managing. And I'm sure Kawehi, you know, they know Heather, they know Christy, and they know Dawn. And they can be reached out to if they have issues. Again, people are reaching out to me and to some staff on Oahu. And as we get the responses, we're pushing on our side to do what we can do. As it relates to the inspections, I think it's going to really depend on the number of compliance agreement holders at this point and to create basically a schedule as it relates to the inspection process. So, and I think we can obviously work with BIISC to come up with something so that they can provide that to folks who are getting training so that they understand what will occur. MS. KIERKIEWICZ: When will that roll'outfi the inspections and BIISC involvement; and will they be compensated for their time in helping the State in its work? MR. HO: As it relates to BIISC involvement for the inspection, I think we can figure something out. I mean, realistically, as Kawehi noted, the regulatory arm is what's necessary. I think showing up and obviously, having BIISC comments have had some challenges. As it relates to compensation, I'm not sure how that could occur. I think maybe moving forward, there are possibilities to maybe provide some funding from a future source for the work, but I don't think we can go back'and retroactively do it. MS'KIERKWWICZ: On the compliance piece, if you've gone to see—I don't wantto name a big'box"store in particular, but if they have found to not be in compliant with procedures, what is the next step? Are they being fined? How do we insure that their pono and their actions going forward are in compliance? MR. HO: So, as it relates to the stores, they are now aware specifically of what needs to'be done. And you know, working with them to create a process to be able to do the storage properly is, I think, the biggest challenge right now for them. Particularly, as it relates to keeping it indoors or in a container. We're trying to figure out a middle way to help manage that until we can get into the containerizing. And obviously, trying to create a deadline to do that in the next two to three weeks. So, they can get everything and adjust the shipping schedule to store containers at their properties. Page 18 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's helpful to know. I also want to continue to advocate for funding going directly to our frontline folks here on Hawaii Island to support the work that DAB is doing. Many hands make light work, but I know that these nonprofits are very stretched to go above and beyond what they are currently doing. So, I'll just make that plea here for more funding to be available. I know there were some questions by my colleagues about the State Legislature making this a priority and properly resourcing biosecurity. In 2024, the Legislature appropriated $20 million for biosecurity., It was Governor Green who cut that in half. So, there was only $10 million to support biosecurity efforts statewide. So, in my mind, the Legislature did what they needed to do. And it's just very interesting that the Governor did not feel that-it was important to make this investment. And I think there needs to be some accountability here. We see what happens when invasive species gpt a foothold in our communities. It makes eradication much more difficult and expensive. We have an opportunity to prevent that here with community and State partnerships to get ahead of CRB's. So, thank you,Mr. Ho for being here. In full support of the resolution. And,thank you, Kawehi to you and all of your teams for the work that you do. Thank you, Chair,I yield. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member Kierkiewicz. Back to you Council Member;Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder. MR. KANEALI"I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. Question for your, Kawehi. The resolution, T support; and you do too, or else you wouldn't be here. My question for you is, it's already here; we're putting out traps to see where they are,,correct? On'the other side of this, I attended that New Now or New Forever event in'Hilo. Butwhat I got out of that meeting is, we actually need more fruit; we need more seeds; and we need to make sure that it persists. Which way is BIISC leaning to eliminate CRB? MS. YOUNG: So, our rule at BIISC primarily has been in the early detection, and then outreach. That's one of our strongest programs. But the point you bring up about planting; I think on Oahu, the philosophy is plant 1,000 trees and you hope 500 survive that sort of thing. And I do think that's important. And I think there's community groups that should be growing with the new, because in the future, managed trees and managed groves are going to fair the best if CRB gets a foothold across the island. So, in my mind, trying to reach out to community; give them the resources. Like you said, trapping helps us find if the beetles are there. But what happens after we find a breathing site? Page 19 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 What sort of resources are there to support businesses or community members that want to get rid of a pile. It's expensive to fumigate. I know that the Department of Agriculture has been doing some of that. But I think we need to figure how to support the community when it comes to not harboring green waste on your property for decades. It's something we've been doing for years. And so, we really need to shift how we're doing things, and it's a big change. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, I like that: I think it's important to know. It's not only do we trap and try to mitigate.,T mean, if you ask me, to try to mitigate fire ants right now, that's just tough, MS. YOUNG: It's tough, and I think we need really strong community support. There are a lot of groups out there who,are waiting and wanting to know what to do. I think also on the County side, is the processing of that material; making sure that the material is being taken to East Hawaii and West Hawaii Organics facilities. It's being heat treated'and,distributed. There is a lot of fear surrounding that process. So, I think there needs to be more outreach on that. So, people know what to do. I think a lotof people are unaware. MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Agreed.'The big thing for me that I got from the event is plant more and do everything we can to make sure we're getting coconut seeds and fruit; then,planting to establish a good colony of strong trees and more diversity MS. YOUNG: So, one of the petitioners for the Interim Rule is Leila from P6haku Pele Maka. Her organization works to steward new growth and ka`akepa in Puna. And they're really working to understand the diversity of the trees that are there and to protect and grow out trees for folks to steward in the future.'So, kits of great work going on to protect new. MR, KANEALI`L-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you. I yield, Chair. CHR. I AGIWADA. Thank you. Council Member Villegas. MS. VILLEGAS: Just a quick clarification. My apologies, I said $40 million in the last two years. But it's my understanding that last year, you received $26.6 million; and the year prior, it was $10 million bringing the total to $36.6 million in'the last two years. And I bring this up not to catch you on not knowing that number, but so community can hear and understand while still not perhaps enough. That is a lot of money. And the efficient, effective use of funding like that by an organization like this, if there currently isn't a process for money to be allocated and disseminated to effective, efficient organizations doing the work on the ground and working collaboratively with our State organizations, then that process needs to be established and this money needs to get into the hands of the people doing the work. With that I yield. Page 20 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you, Council Member. Mr. Ho, if you would like to respond to that, I would like you to have the opportunity for the record. MR. HO: So, the $26 million figure, I'm not familiar with that number. Maybe that has other funding that didn't go to biosecurity-related work. So, you're probably correct that I'm not aware of that number. I thought it was about $10 million, I believe. Again, spread out through a number of projects, not necessarily just for CRB. I think we've been getting; if I remember correctly, about$1.5 (million), I think has been the allocation,for CRB work annually. CHR KAGIWADA: Thank you, Mr. Ho. Appreciate that. Alright with that I see no other lights. I just want to, once again,thank the authors of this resolution, Council Member Hustace and Council Member Inaba, for bringing this forward. I'm in full support. With that we have a motion"on the table to send Resolution 603-26 to the Council with a:favorable recommendation. All those in favor please say "aye.' Any opposed` Vote on Res. 603-26: The motion to recommend adoption,of Res. 603-26 was (Approved) carried by the following voice voter Ayes: Committee Members Galimba,Hustace, Inaba, Kaneali'i-Kle nfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes. None. Absent None. Excused., None. CHR: KAGIWADA: The motion,carries. Can we go to Resolution 605,please. Res. 605-26. DIRECTS'THE COUNT'CLERK TO TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO PLACE THE CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY ORDINANCE NO. 26-47, RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR, ON THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT Proposes to clarify that the County Auditor has the same power with respect to employees within the Office of the County Auditor as department heads in the Executive Branch and specifies that the County Auditor may appoint a deputy. Reference: Comm. 962 Intr. by: Council Member Inaba Motion to Approve: Mr. Inaba moved to recommend adoption of Res. 605-26. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz. CHR KAGIWADA: Council Member Inaba. Page 21 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 MR. INABA: Thank you. First and foremost, this is a follow-up resolution as required by the County Charter to get Bill 152, which became Ordinance 26-47 onto the ballot for this General Election this year. It doesn't consider anything about the contents of it. It's just to have the Clerk get it to the Office of Elections to get it on our ballots. My apologies, this is introduced by my office but it was supposed to be introduced by both my office and Council Member Kierkiewicz. We were just in a rush, but Bill 152 and Ordinance 26-47 was a joint effort. So, ask for your support; really a housekeeping measure as required by the Charter. Thank you. CHR. KAGIWADA: Thank you. Council Member Kierkiewicz, do you want to add anything? MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to mahalo Chair Inaba for making sure this gets done, so that our very important question can be placed on the ballot. I yield. CHR KAGIWADA: Okay, thank you so much. I don't see any other lights. With that, all those in favor of sending Resolution 605-26 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation,please say "aye." Any opposed? Vote on Res. 605-26: The motion to recommend adoption of Res, 605-26 was (Approved) carried by the following voice vote: Ayes; Committee Members Galmba, Hustace, Inaba, Kdneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Kimball, Onishi, Villegas, and Chair Kagiwada—9. Noes: None. Absent: None., Excused: None. CHR;I'AGIWAI)A: _The motion carries. And we are done with our committee for this morning. Thank you. Page 22 GOEAC-38 July 22,2026 ADJOURN- Seeing no further business, Chair Kagiwada adjourned the meeting MENT: at 10:16 a.m. Approved: Ms. Jenn Kagiwada, Chair (Date) Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs JK/dt Page 23