HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 188 2026-10-06 2024-2026 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: October 6, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 1076/Bill No. 195
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo,Hawai`i
TIME: 3:45 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 195, reports as follows:
Bill No. 195,transmitted by Committee Member Dennis"Fresh" Onishi via Communication
No. 1076, dated September 3, 2026, amends Chapter 19 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016
Edition, as amended),relating to the nondedicated agriculture use assessment.
This bill extends the sunset date of the nondedicated agricultural use assessment by one year.
Finance Deputy Director Malia Kekai and Real Property Tax Assistant Administrator Keita Jo were
present.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi explained that his office initiated this legislation in
response to the numerous complaints received regarding the deadline.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball provided background on the original bill and its sunset
date. Mr. Jo offered comments on the matter,noting that approximately 7,000 properties have
already reapplied to the program,while 3,000 have yet to reapply. Committee Member Jenn
Kagiwada expressed her opposition to the change, stating that it would be unfair to those who
followed the established procedures and submitted their applications before the deadline.
Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked how applicants were notified. Mr. Jo explained
that notices are sent by mail and posted online. He acknowledged that some applicants may not
check their mail; however, given the number of applicants who have reapplied compared to those
who have not, he does not believe that the notification process is the issue.
Your Committee on Finance is not in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 195, and
forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x COMMI'I'thE ON FINANCE
INABA X
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ x MATT KANE -KLEINFELDER,
KIMBALL X CHAIR
ONISHI x FC REPORT NO.: 188
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: OCT 2 1 2026