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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0046.001 2016-2018 Mtv os '.N- PHONE: (808)323-4267 DRU MAMO KANUHA ; " \ya'Q. FAX: (808)323-4786 Council Member •;t, •:�� •' EMAIL:dru.kanuha@hawaucounty.gov District7, Central Kona --meet O; rt ... HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL West Hawai`i Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 COUNTY CLERK MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF HAWAIII RECEIVED Time:xj-I q� ZD 7 DATE: January 19, 2017 TO: Valerie T. Poindexter, Council Chair And Members of the Hawai`i County Council FROM: TDru Mamo Kanuha, Council Member District 7 SUBJECT: Minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive Committee Meeting held on December 22, 2016. Attached are the minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive Committee meeting held on December 22, 2016. Please place this item on the agenda for the next available Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee meeting. DK/lw Att. Comm.No, 940 I 1 Ref.To: Cilye.Pre- Ref.Date ot.Vt• 20,241i Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. p1E Ass",, Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) Counties of Kaua`i, Maui, Hawai`i and City & County of Honolulu i 2 '•`is �}i � � r o�couNt MINUTES HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING December 22, 2016 Honolulu Hale, Committee Meeting Room 530 South King Street Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813 I. CALL TO ORDER The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President and County of Maui Councilmember Michael Victorino at 10:16 a.m. The following members comprising a quorum were present: County of Maui: President Michael Victorino, County of Maui Councilmember County of Hawai`i: Vice President Dru Kanuha County of Hawaii Councilmember County of Kaua`i: Secretary Mel Rapozo, County of Kaua`i Council Chair City and County of Honolulu: Treasurer Ikaika Anderson, City and County of Honolulu Councilmember Others Present: Stacy Crivello, County of Maui Councilmember Riki Hokama, County of Maui Councilmember Honolulu staff Brandon Mitsuda, Council Liaison, Honolulu City Council Administrative Support Services; Honolulu staff Kamakana Watanabe, Office of Council Services Honolulu staff Francisco Figueiredo, Legislative Aide, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson; Honolulu staff Alan Texeira, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson; County of Maui staff Kit Zulueta, Communication Director, Office of Council Services; Kaua`i staff Aida Kawamura, Legislative Assistant, Office of Council Services; I 2 z,,, ,�:, December 22, 2016 s( 1 Nelissa Asato, Special Assistant to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, City & County of Honolulu; Scott Ishikawa, Becker Communications, Inc. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Secretary Rapozo moved for approval of the Agenda as circulated, seconded by Treasurer Anderson, and unanimously carried. III. MINUTES A. Minutes of the November 28, 2016 HSAC Executive Committee meeting, as submitted by the HSAC Secretary. Secretary Rapozo noted a correction to the Minutes on page 4, second line, reference to "Ordinance No. 968" should be corrected to read "Ordinance No. 960." Secretary Rapozo moved for approval of the Minutes of the November 28, 2016 HSAC Executive Committee Meeting as amended, seconded by Treasurer Anderson, and unanimously carried. IV. REPORTS A. Treasurer's Report 1. Treasurer's Report for November 2016, as submitted by the HSAC Treasurer. Vice President Kanuha moved to approve the HSAC Treasurer's Report for the Month of November 2016, seconded by Secretary Rapozo, and unanimously carried. President Victorino noted that this report includes the final accounting from the 2016 HSAC Annual Conference. B. County Reports 1. City and County of Honolulu Report. Treasurer Anderson reported that the City Council approved Resolution No. 16-309, approving the nomination of Councilmember Arryl Kaneshiro, County of Kaua`i, to the NACo Board of Directors. The City Council il 13 •,,"' ory,• December 22, 2016 1401 ` approved Bill 55 CD1 FD 1, relating to private transportation services and drivers; and Bill 58 CD1, relating to the housing development special fund, specifying that moneys received to satisfy affordable housing requirements must be deposited in the City's housing development special fund. The City Council passed Bill 61, relating to real property taxation, clarifying that the payment of a late filing penalty of $500 must be made at the time of the late filing. The City Council adopted Resolution 16-181 CD1, requesting the city administration to prepare a report on the feasibility of consolidating all ocean safety activities; Resolution 16-248, reaffirming the Honolulu City Council's support of extending the county's surcharge on the general excise tax in order to complete the Honolulu rail project all the way to Ala Moana Shopping Center as was agreed upon in the full-funding grant agreement with the federal government; Resolution 16-278, relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the Honolulu Liquor Commission and the University of Hawai`i Office of Public Health Studies; and Resolution 16-301, renaming the veterans memorial aquatic center in the Patsy Mink Central O`ahu Regional Park the "Mark Takai Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center." The City Council also hosted many school children, other community groups, and visitors at Honolulu Hale in the Council Chambers to experience the annual Honolulu Christmas festivities in conjunction with the Honolulu City Lights program. Finally, the City Council is preparing for the inauguration of Councilmembers on January 3, 2017 to take place in the Honolulu Hale. 2. County of Hawai`i Report. Vice President Kanuha reported that inauguration was held in early December 2016 and Hawaii County welcomed Mayor Harry Kim, Council Chair Valerie Poindexter, and several new members of the Council (Tim Richards, Jen Ruggles, Eileen O'Hara, and Sue Lee Loy). Vice President Kanuha stated that he is pleased to be a member of the HSAC Executive Committee, and will work towards educating his colleagues on the mission, duties, and responsibilities of HSAC, NACo and WIR. 3. County of Kaua`i Report. Secretary Rapozo reported that a bill proposing to repeal Ord. No. 960 was passed on first reading and is set for public hearing. The Council has received numerous testimony supporting to keep the invalid law on the books. The Council also passed on first reading a bill that would allow the vending of alcoholic beverages throughout the grounds of the ,,crs�irp,.w 4 � , December 22, 2016 41 + _' Wailua Golf Course. Other municipal golf courses in the State of Hawaii prohibit this type of activity on their courses. Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. has stated his opposition and that he will veto the proposal if presented for his approval. Secretary Rapozo added that as the lone opposing vote, he believes it creates liability for the county, and serving alcoholic beverages throughout the golf course is not necessary to keep it open. Secretary Rapozo reported that the HSAC Annual Conference is scheduled for June 19 and 20, 2017, at the Aston Kaua`i Beach Resort. Secretary Rapozo solicited suggestions on topics and speakers that would be of interest statewide, such as real property tax, affordable housing, a legislative forum, etc. Secretary Rapozo moved to approve an appropriation of $5,000 from the HSAC general account to be used as seed funding for the 2017 HSAC Annual Conference to be held on Kaua`i, seconded by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. County of Maui Report. President Victorino introduced Councilmember Stacy Crivello, who will replace him on the HSAC Executive Committee, and Councilmember Riki Hokama, alternate. As of January 1, 2017, Councilmember Hokama will be the Immediate Past NACo President, due to the departure of Sally Clark. President Victorino reported that Maui County Council passed on first reading the polystyrene disposal food container ban bill, which extends the definition to include all polystyrene products produced outside of the county, which may affect more businesses, and includes the sales of cup-o-noodles, etc. The Council will also be revisiting the plastic ban bill. Maui County has submitted 12 proposals to the Legislature, and many are similar to the proposals included on the HSAC Legislative Package. The last sugarcane haul to the mill occurred on December 12, 2016, signaling the closure of HC&S, as well as the last sugarcane ship to leave the island loaded with sugarcane. Many family, friends, former and present employees, and retirees gathered to commemorate this solemn event. >T 'w, December 22, 2016 41 1 T 'l ti ?fr.COi/tl �". The Council is now tasked with not only water issues in East Maui, but also the possible purchase of the Wailuku Water Company Distribution System. Maui County Council passed Bill 115, authorizing the Council to create a special improvement district by specific ordinance, which is similar to the process for designating Waikiki and Chinatown. These designated districts are able to plan improvements within their area, and allow for certain considerations, such as tax exemptions, to be presented to the Council for consideration. Maui County Council passed Bill 119, requiring all planning commissioners to attend the native Hawaiian law class, which will be funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to better prepare commissioners to address native culture and issues, such as burials and culturally sensitive sites, etc. President Victorino presented gifts from HSAC thanking outgoing Councilmembers for their service on HSAC, NACo, or WIR. Secretary Rapozo moved to receive the foregoing County Reports for the record, seconded by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. C. National Association of Counties (NACo) Report Treasurer Anderson reported that he attended the NACo Board of Directors meeting and had the opportunity to speak with Past NACo President Hokama to discuss issues and the presidential appointment to the board of directors. It is hopeful that Hawai`i will continue to have the third seat on the board, and Mr. Hokama will work diligently towards retaining that position for Hawai`i. Treasurer Anderson said that he looks forward to attending the upcoming conference in February 2017. Councilmember Hokama reported that the National Board passed its budget for the upcoming year. NACo hired a new financial officer who came from AARP, a much larger and progressive organization. The financial officer is currently doing his due diligence and review. NACo will also consider retention of the current auditors. NACo's current leadership is currently meeting with the Trump Advance Team on Policy. During the election process, there was not much detail disclosed on what Mr. Trump will consider for local governance, but NACo has been at the table and believes NACo's position is more elevated. NACo's research is 3.P+t A1C,Jtat,... December 22, 2016 i 1 e• •r i QR COUttt,y- utilized as the basic foundation for many of the White House and Congressional comments. NACo officers have been invited and will attend the January 20, 2017 inauguration of Mr. Trump as President of the United States. President Victorino reported that NACo First Vice President Roy Brooks has made a commitment that Hawai`i will hold an at-large presidential appointment during his term as NACo President. President Victorino thanked Mr. Hokama and Judge Whitley for their continued work and support of HSAC. D. Western Interstate Region (WIR) Report President Victorino requested that Vice President Kanuha follow-up on the WIR report that was to be submitted by former Vice President Dennis Onishi. Councilmember Hokama stated that it is very important that HSAC's WIR representatives be active and diligent because of the issues being presented, particularly the possible expansion of the coalition to include certain southern states, which Councilmember Hokama opposes. Councilmember Hokama reported that Gordon Cruikshank has disclosed interest in fulfilling Lesley Robinson's term on the Executive Board. Mr. Cruikshank is a proven leader and all 15 counties have one vote each. The HSAC Executive Committee had no objection for Hawai`i's one vote for Mr. Cruikshank to fulfill Ms. Robinson's term. Secretary Rapozo moved for approval of the NACo and WIR reports, seconded by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and consideration of an independent auditor's report from Carbonaro CPAs & Management Group for audited financial statements of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties for the year ending June 30, 2016. Treasurer Anderson reviewed the statements in the draft audit report. Secretary Rapozo moved to approve the auditor's report, second by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. 7 L„TE�tSC''. December 22, 2016 ''1 a _! • O'rfoullt�fy ,.. B. Hawai`i County Council Resolution 12-16, adopted on December 5, 2016, appointing Dru Kanuha as HSAC representative and Valerie T. Poindexter as alternate. There being no objections, the communication was received for the record. C. Memo from HSAC President Michael P. Victorino on HSAC representative vacancies and consideration of the nomination of Arryi Kaneshiro for NACo Board Member and Dru Kanuha for WIR Board Member to fulfill the term ending June 30, [2016.] 2017. Secretary Rapozo moved to approve the nominations of Arryl Kaneshiro for NACo Board Member and Dru Kanuha for WIR Board Member to fulfill the terms ending June 30, 2017, seconded by Treasurer Anderson, and unanimously carried. D. Honolulu City Council Resolution 16-309, adopted on December 1, 2016, approving Kaua`i County Councilmember Arryl Kaneshiro to the NACo Board of Directors. Treasurer Anderson moved to receive the communication for the record, seconded by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. E. Kauai County Council Resolution 2017-08, adopted on December 14, 2016, approving Kauai County Councilmember Arryl Kaneshiro to the NACo Board of Directors. Secretary Rapozo moved to receive the communication for the record, seconded by Vice President Kanuha, and unanimously carried. F. Vacancy on the Board of Advisors of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution. President Victorino noted that HSAC has two positions on the Board of Advisors of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, which are currently held by Councilmember Brandon Elefante and Councilmember Don Couch. A vacancy will occur with Councilmember Couch's departure from his Council seat. President Victorino requested interest from other County Councilmembers to be submitted by January 5, 2017 for HSAC's consideration. 8 �.j.1 4Sj . X!J I.,'2 December 22, 2016 i z' , OF CnVI,t,?y, G. Discussion and consideration of hiring a Legislative Coordinator. President Victorino stated that this is the opportune time to try this effort for six months and then evaluate its effectiveness at the June 2017 general membership meeting. Having someone present at the Legislature is crucial, especially during decision making when councilmembers are busy formulating their county budgets and may not be available to attend legislative hearings. Regarding the tort liability proposal, President Victorino received the following voice message: "Mike, this is Bob Toyofuku. It is Tuesday, December 20. It's about 5 o'clock. Sorry I didn't call any earlier; I've been swamped as usual. But I did talk to the trial lawyer group that I represent, and unfortunately, Mike, they are still opposed to the bill and having the sunset changed...making it permanent. Feel free to call me. I'll be in tomorrow. 524-4155. Sorry I couldn't see you today. We had our office party earlier and I had these meetings, and the other thing, my wife got really sick so I had to change my plans anyway and get her to the doctor. Anyway, talk to you later. Thanks, Mike." President Victorino noted that Mr. Toyofuku was very positive during an earlier meeting with him and was going to present alternative language for the counties to have the same immunity as the State, but that did not happen. Treasurer Anderson offered to approach former Representative Blake Oshiro, who is with Capital Consultants Hawai`i, a very successful firm at the State and County levels, regarding working with HSAC should the members decide to move forward with hiring a lobbyist. Vice President Kanuha stated that each county does its part in supporting HSAC and each other, and lobbying as necessary. President Victorino noted that bigger states have the financial means to hire an executive director who would be responsible for these legislative-related duties. President Victorino stated that he attended a legislative coordinators' meeting in California, where he found out that many of the counties have legislative coordinators that assist their associations. The counties with no legislative coordinator are informed of what is happening at the legislature. Secretary Rapozo believed that Mr. Ishikawa's efforts with educating the general public and organizations on the issues is key for HSAC to be successful in relaying its message and getting the public's support. Secretary Rapozo agreed that more discussion on this effort, including associated costs, are needed. i7 December 22, 2016 ' �' Treasurer Anderson stated that legislators prefer to have discussions with councilmembers rather than engage in battle over the news media. He agreed that past efforts by HSAC have been fruitless, but putting the right person in front of the legislators could provide more positive outcomes. Secretary Rapozo believed that a change in representation at the legislature will positively affect the State's relationship with the counties, as will support of HSAC's positions by organizations and the general public. Secretary Rapozo added that the general public should also be aware of the services the counties now provide because the State stopped its services or turned over the responsibilities to the counties. President Victorino requested consideration to extend HSAC's contract with Becker Communications, Inc. to January 31, 2017, based on the existing hourly rate. Vice President Kanuha moved to extend HSAC's contract with Becker Communications Inc. until January 31, 2017, seconded by Secretary Rapozo, and unanimously carried. President Victorino requested that discussion and a decision regarding a legislative coordinator continue at the January 17, 2017 meeting with the new HSAC representatives. H. 2017 State Legislative Session update and discussion on lobbying efforts. Scott Ishikawa, Becker Communications, Inc., thanked the members for extending his contract until the end of January 2017 to allow him to fulfill his main objective of getting meeting commitments prior to the opening day of the legislative session. Mr. Ishikawa understood that the incoming HSAC representatives will consider extending his contract beyond January 31, 2017, for the remainder of the legislative session. HSAC will be meeting with President Sherry Menor and Vice President Pono Chong with the State of Hawai`i Chamber of Commerce today at 2:30 p.m. A meeting with Randy Perreira of HGEA is scheduled for 9 a.m. next Wednesday. SHOPO and UPW have not responded to confirm a meeting date. Mr. Ishikawa is working on setting up dates to meet with the local Chambers of Commerce. Secretary Rapozo recommended that an Executive Committee member from another County also be present for the local Chamber meetings, to � e Gepp I 10 7� i'. December 22, 2016 :11 validate that these are statewide issues. Vice President Kanuha agreed and welcomed the presence of a senior member to advocate for the issues. Mr. Ishikawa noted that The Garden Island, the two newspaper entities on the Big Island, and The Maui News have committed to do interviews with the neighbor island representatives during the first or second week of January. The Advertiser, Hawai`i Public Radio, and Civil Beat have committed availability on January 17, 2017 to interview representatives regarding the legislative package. Mr. Ishikawa added that the draft op-ed will be finalized within a week, and the final version will be submitted to the Star Advertiser and the neighbor island newspapers. Secretary Rapozo requested that a paper on talking points be developed to assist members in putting forward a consistent message. Members also discussed utilizing social media as an additional avenue to present HSAC's position. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Scheduling of the next meeting. The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 10 a.m. on O`ahu, followed by a Legislative Briefing at the State Capitol at 12 Noon. B. Other announcements. There were no other announcements. VIII. ADJOURNMENT On a point of personal privilege, President Victorino expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on HSAC, as well as the knowledge acquired under the leaderships of past HSAC President Rapozo and past NACo President Hokama. The meeting was adjourned at 12:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MEL RAPOZO, Secretary Hawai`i State Association of Counties ASSN:,; Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) A Counties of Kaua`i, Maui, Hawai`i and City & County of Honolulu 1x 21 \\* *,' � Q�CO UNI 1 December 15, 2016 - MEMO TO: HSAC Executive Committee FROM: Michael P. Victorino, HSAC President ' fes! . 1 SUBJECT: HSAC LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR This Executive Committee has made tremendous strides in elevating the organization's image and in lobbying efforts. It is our desire to continue this momentum as we enter another legislative season in the capitol. This is why I am proposing the creation of an HSAC Legislative Coordinator to further our efforts with 10 bills in the package that will have lasting impacts in our counties. Here are some details: o As a unique nonprofit that involves four county councils and four mayors, HSAC needs a coordinator who can be expected to have knowledge of the processes and timelines involved within the organization. o There shall be a contract drafted and approved by the Executive Committee detailing the deliverables expected by the board. O The coordinator shall be compensated in the amount to be determined by the Executive Committee for six months, to include professional fees and other necessary expenses to fulfill the expectations. O An assessment of the coordinator's performance and practicality of the position shall be made at the organization's annual membership meeting in June. I urge the board's support in this matter. As we welcome new members in the Executive Committee starting next year, this proposal shall provide continuity and progress to the organization. Mahalo.