HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 157 2026-09-01 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: September 1, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 1003
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:02 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 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 Members 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 Hawaii 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 for 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 the
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. Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if she
had read the Multi -Modal Plan. She stated that she had not read that plan. Member Kaneali`i-
Kleinfelder also 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
knowledge of those matters at this time.
GOEAC Report No. 157
GOEAC-157 Page 2 September 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 Hawaii 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
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI` I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
EXTERNALEIN4
.�1.
GOEAC REPORTNO.:
ADOPTED: