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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 167 2026-10-20 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: October 20, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 9:03 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 1111/ Res. No. 706-26 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution No. 706-26, reports as follows: Resolution No. 706-26, transmitted by Council Members Ashley L. Kierkiewicz and Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 1111, dated September 21, 2026, urges the Governor and the Mayor to prioritize and fund proactive vegetation management to mitigate potential destruction caused by natural disasters. Member Kierkiewicz began by expressing that this is a very timely resolution considering the recent storms and hurricanes. She said that a lot of time, money, and resources are spent in responding to these disasters and much of the damage could have been prevented or reduced with better preventative measures. She mentioned that after managing the destruction from Hurricane Iselle, community partners and government stakeholders came together to develop a coordinated effort of management called the Albizia Mitigation Plan. She pointed out that these efforts are possible and were successful but requires ongoing organization and funding. She highlighted the timeline and specific asks within this resolution of the County administration and the state stakeholders, including government, utility providers, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, and others. Additionally, she mentioned that more needs to be done towards addressing concerns of hazardous vegetation on private property, including on properties with absentee owners. Member Inaba emphasized that this resolution is not starting from scratch. He stated that this encourages a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach to address future concerns of a similar nature. Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder mentioned that he believes the most poignant piece of this legislation is around finding solutions to help address the issues of hazardous vegetation on private property and the costs associated with removal or trimming these trees. Committee Member James E. Hustace brought up the eucalyptus trees along the roadways in his district. Additionally, he stated that hazardous vegetation management includes maintenance and removal of brush in fire prone areas, not just addressing trees that may block roadways or take down electric and utility poles. GOEAC Report No. 167 GOEAC-167 Page 2 October 20, 2026 Committee Member Heather L. Kimball inquired about the status of legislation that Member Kierkiewicz had introduced in the past to create a registration system for vacant properties to help deal with some of the issues related to dangerous flora. Member Kierkiewicz responded that the Real Property Tax Office is in the process of collecting contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, so that there is a reachable person for every property. She shared that there was discussion around this issue when that legislation passed and that the contact information would be used for public safety purposes and that this is a public safety purpose. She stated that the prior legislation would provide an opportunity for the County to proactively engage property owners to see if they are able to safely remove trees and address issues on their properties. Member Kierkiewicz said that this planning period would give the County the opportunity to look at what is legally possible, or ways to make the existing County Code more effective, or funding sources available to help when the County contacts property owners to ask them to address their trees they have solutions available to offer them. Member Kimball encouraged looking into a way to provide new homeowners with information and education about where not to plant or what not to plant to help mitigate hazards. Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada mentioned that this resolution is a good compliment to the Hawaii State Association of Counties legislative priorities that are being transmitted to the state to prioritize legislation that is increasing funds for emergency preparedness. Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 706-26, and recommends its adoption. slm Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS JENN KA IWA A, CHAIR GOEAC REPORT NO.: 167 ADOPTED: