HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 003 2015/01/06 (2014-2016)DATE: January 6, 2015
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 2:05 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Re: Comm. No. 46/13111 No. 1 1
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 11, reports as follows:
Bill No. 11, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford, via Communication No. 46, dated
December 17, 2014, amends Ordinance No. 14-82, as amended, relating to public improvements and
financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.
The following project is added:
PUBLIC WORKS:
Mass Trans Maint. & Baseyard Facility - Federal
(110.199.5191.55)
Mass Trans Maint. & Baseyard Facility -- County
(110.199.5191.56)
Funds for this appropriation increase shall be provided from:
Federal Grants Receivable
General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund — Fund Balance
and/or other Sources
S 4,000,000
S 600,000
S 4,000,000
S 6,000,000
This project is to design and construct a new baseyard and administrative facility for the
Mass Transit Agency.
Mass Transit Administrator Tiffany Kai and Deputy Corporation Counsel William Brilhante were
present in the Hilo Chambers to answer questions by the members of the Committee.
Council Chair Dru Kanuha inquired about the location of the new facility and the ability for
expansion within that location, if the need arises. Ms. Kai responded that the Mass Transit
department is currently located at the Schultz Siding baseyard and is shared with other divisions.
She also pointed out that space is limited at the existing baseyard and is unable to accommodate
future growth.
FC Report No. 3
FC -3 Page 2 January 6, 2015
Ms. Kai informed this Committee that the new baseyard will be located in the back of the Hilo
Landfill and will be used solely for Mass Transit, and stated further that the parcel contains an area
of five acres and room for expansion.. if needed.
Council Member Paleka inquired about the proposed site using the same ingress and egress at the
transfer station, to which Ms. Kai replied that they are working out details on getting their own
entrance and exit. They will be working with Solid Waste regarding maintaining the gate that is kept
locked during certain hours.
Council Member Omshi voiced the same concerns as Mr. Paleka, and suggested that Ms. Kai request
an increase of funding to improve the roadway coming into the Hilo Solid Waste Landfill.
Mr. Onishi further commented that there is no electrical power, and Ms. Kai responded that they will
be able to bring power in.
Council Member Wille agreed that there should be an upgrade of the whole mass transit system and
that this achievement would make a difference on this island.
Deputy Corporation Counsel William Brilhante commented on the directive given by Mayor Kenoi
to improve Mass Transit to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Brilhante further stated that the
Mayor has always said that transportation is a key component of his administration and that he wants
to improve public transportation.
Council Member Aaron Chung inquired as to when a master plan will be seen, and if Council
Members would be given the opportunity to provide input. Ms. Kai stated that they are working on
getting consultants and master plan by the end of 2015, or sooner. She confirmed that Council
Members would be allowed to provide input with these consultants.
Pursuant to Section 10-6(e), Hawai'i County Charter, the Council may amend the Capital Budget for
that year with a two-thirds vote.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 11, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
wb
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
KAREN EOFF. C HM -----
FC REPORT NO.: 3
ADoP-FFD: JAN 2 3 2015