HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 157 2026-09-01 2024-2026 0
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: September 1,2026 Re: Comm.No. 1003
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo,Hawai`i
TIME: 9:02 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo,Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,to which was referred
Communication No. 1003,reports as follows:
Communication No. 1003,transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated July 28,2026,requests
the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Zahava Zaidoff to the Transportation
Commission.
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda,was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Ms. Zaidoff, who was also present via zoom.
Committee Member Michelle M. Galimba,Rebecca Villegas, and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz spoke in
favor of the appointment.
Committee Member Dennis"Fresh" Onishi asked Ms.Zaidoff what her vision is to get more support
for paratransit. Ms. Zaidoff said that from seeing her child attend the University of Hawai`i at Hilo they
have been able to use the taxicab program for short rides for free and that program is really helpful. She
would like to see that expand to more rural areas or those which are economically depressed. She
discussed exploring options with private vehicles helping to fill in the gaps missing within the Hele-On
system, similar to private rideshare programs. Member Onishi asked if their Commission would
consider options to generate more revenue, including allowing advertisements on the bus. Ms.Zaidoff
said she'd be open to having that conversation with other Commissioners and would be reaching out to
the Council for those sorts of discussions. She said she'd like the opportunity to look through the
budget and see where the funds may be available and mentioned that she believes in the importance of
prioritizing our values and budgeting for access. Member Onishi asked how Ms.Zaidoff feels about
light rail. Ms. Zaidoff said she would need the opportunity to learn more about the environmental
impact and eminent domain concerns,but overall she is open to learning more about fast and efficient
transportation.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked Ms. Zaidoff to share her understanding of the
Mass Transit Master Plan. Ms. Zaidoff said she doesn't have a great understanding of that plan at this
time and brought up some points regarding accessibility. Then Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked her
if she had read the Multi-Modal Plan. She stated that she had not read that plan.Next,he asked Ms.
Zaidoff to explain her understanding of how we currently fund the Mass Transit Agency. Ms. Zaidoff
invited him to share information with her but that she wasn't certain of all of those things at this time.
Member Kierkiewicz shared with the public that there is not an expectation that all of these documents
need to be read before becoming a volunteer Commissioner and that the Administration can help to
prepare those who are nominated for these positions.
GOEAC Report No. 157
0GOEAC-157 PageSeptember 2 Se tember 1,2026
Member Kierkiewicz shared with the public that there is no expectation of these documents to be read
before becoming a volunteer commissioner and that the administration can help to prepare those who
are nominated for these positions.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada agreed with Member Kierkiewicz and stated that after confirmation
more of this information will be available to new commissioners.
Pursuant to Chapter 18,Article 1, Section 18-3 of the Hawai`i County Code,members of the
Transportation Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 1003, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
of Zahava Zaidoff to the Transportation Commission.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA X OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA X EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X JE KA IW , CHAIR
ONISHI X GOEAC REPORT NO.: 157
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: SEP 1 6 2026