HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2015/10/20 2014-2016
Hawaiʻi County Council
th
24 Session
West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
October 20, 2015
INVOCATION: Pastor Keith Elliot of the Kona Church of God, who was scheduled to provide the
invocation was not available. Mr. Bo Kahui, a member of the audience, gave the
morning’s invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaiʻi County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:07 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kona, by Mr. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Chair
Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Vice Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member (came in later)
Ms. Maile “Medeiros” David, Member
Ms. Karen Eoff, Member
Mr. Greggor Ilagan, Member
Mr. Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Member
Mr. Danny Paleka, Member
Ms. Margaret Wille, Member
CHR. KANUHA: Okay, Ms. Poindexter, may you lead us in the Pledge of
Allegiance, please.
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Ms. Poindexter led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
CHR. KANUHA: Mahalo.
MR. ONISHI: Mr. Chair?
CHR. KANUHA: Yes, Mr. Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Is Corporation Counsel here today?
Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: They should be. I spoke to Ms. Stebbins yesterday, and she
said she was going to be here. I don’t see her now, but—
MR. ONISHI: You know why? Before we go to resolutions, I had a question for
her on Resolution 283-15.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay, we don’t have to take that one up first.
MR. ONISHI: Okay.
CHR. KANUHA: We can wait until she comes, and then we can bring it up.
MR. ONISHI: Okay, sounds good.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay. Thanks, Mr. Onishi.
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MEMORIALS Petitions, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of
CERTIFICATES Condolence.
OF MERIT, AND
EXPRESSIONS OF (There were none.)
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when
called by the Chair:
Nicole Nietz: Res. 298-15 (Comm. 492), in support.
(Representing the GVS Accelerator)
John Grogan: Res. 303-15 (Comm. 502), in support.
(Representing the West Hawaiʻi
Veterans Cemetery Association)
June Conant: Res. 284-15 (Comm. 472); in support.
(Representing the Hawaiian Paradise Park
Community Action Committee)
Linda Ugalde: Res. 308-15 (Comm. 507), in support.
(Representing the Cooper Center)
James Weatherford: Res. 287-15 (Comm. 476), in support.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
David Webb: Bill 37, Draft 4 (Comm. 231), comment.
Jessanie Marques: Res. 293-15 (Comm. 487); and
(Representing the Kaʻū Rural Res. 294-15 (Comm. 488), in support
Health Community Association)
Lisa Andrews: Bill 37, Draft 4, (Comm. 231), in support.
Bo Kahui: Res. 302-15 (Comm. 501), in support.
(Representing Laʻiʻopua 2020 and the
Villages of Laʻiʻopua)
Judy Sumter: Res. 284-15 (Comm. 472); in support.
(Representing the Hawaiian Paradise Park
Community Action Committee)
Margaret Shiba: Res. 309-15 (Comm. 508), in support.
(Representing the ʻImiloa
Astronomy Center)
Thomas Manago, Jr.: Res. 307-15 (Comm. 506), comment.
(Representing the Puna New Hope Church
and the Pahoa Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen)
Elizabeth Weatherford: Res. 284-15 (Comm. 472); and
Res. 287-15 (Comm. 476), in support.
Debra M. Lewis: Res. 295-15 (Comm. 489);
(Representing Hawaiʻi Island Res. 296-15 (Comm. 490); and
Veterans Day Parade) Res. 297-15 (Comm. 491), comment.
Jerry Warren: Bill 90, Draft 3, (Comm. 455); and
Res. 287-15 (Comm. 476), in opposition.
David Cottis: Bill 37, Draft 4, (Comm. 231), in support.
Joe Pierce: Bill 37, Draft 4, (Comm. 231);
Bill 96 (Comm. 483); and
Bill 99 (Comm. 486), comment.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Joy Cash: Res. 283-15 (Comm. 471);
Res. 284-15 (Comm. 472);
Res. 286-15 (Comm. 475);
Res. 294-15 (Comm. 488);
Res. 295-15 (Comm. 489);
Res. 298-15 (Comm. 492);
Bill 37, Dr. 4 (Comm. 231);
Bill 98 (Comm. 485);
Bill 103 (Comm. 497); and
Bill 106 (Comm. 511); comment.
Shane Nelsen: Res. 287-15 (Comm. 476);
Res. 302-15 (Comm. 501); and
Res. 309-15 (Comm. 508), in support.
CHR. KANUHA: Mahalo, Shane for your testimony. I don’t have any other
testifiers here in Kona, but I want to check with the outlying sites. Are there any
other testifiers that would like to testify? Please let me know. Okay, I’m going to
close public testimony, and move on with the agenda. I know we have
Sergeant Pauole in Hilo—
MR. ONISHI: Mr. Chair, before we start?
CHR. KANUHA: Yeah?
MR. ONISHI: I just wanted to get clarification on how we moved this Council
meeting from tomorrow to this morning and moving the committee’s back. I’d
just like know why.
CHR. KANUHA: We’ve done it before, and it was never a problem before. So
we’re actually going to—myself and Ms. Poindexter, Chair and Vice Chair, are
going to be leaving on a trip this afternoon, so we decided to move Council to
today.
MR. ONISHI: Do you know why I bring this up? It’s because Council
Member Wille and myself in the past, have tried to change dates for meetings and
we were told that we needed to consult with all the Council Members.
CHR. KANUHA: I didn’t change the dates, I kept it the same date.
MR. ONISHI: Council meeting was supposed to be tomorrow, right? So you
changed it to today and you made it in the morning, whereas usually we have
committee meetings first, and then Council after.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: That was part of a past thing. It didn’t seem like there was a
problem.
MR. ONISHI: Well I just wanted to bring it up because to me, if we have to go
through asking or seeing if other Council Members are going to approve us
changing dates, then I think this should be done, because this was kind of like a
last minute change too, right?
CHR. KANUHA: It was scheduled to change a few weeks ago, yeah?
MR. ONISHI: Yeah, because we just heard about it like last week.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: But I just wanted to bring it up that, you know, if you can, I mean
say Ms. Wille or myself wants to change one day because of our scheduling, if
you would be able to approve that.
CHR. KANUHA: I will look at it.
MR. ONISHI: Okay, well thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yeah, just really quickly. I think it is helpful to check with the
others, not that if somebody has a problem, you don’t go ahead and do it. But I
know the previous time that we piggy backed on a day, I think we piggy backed it
to a Wednesday and eliminated Tuesday. I knew Wednesday was going to be
light and scheduled being someplace else. It would have been so much better for
me if we done the double day on Tuesday, and I would have been able to go to
that TAT (Transient Accommodation Tax) meeting without missing the whole
day. Now that might not have worked out, but if I had gotten a call, I could have
raised that issue. And I know when I was missing that day, I had people come
and testify, “Well, why isn’t Ms. Wille here with all of her things?” So I’m not
criticizing what you’re doing at all, but I think it wouldn’t hurt sometime to just
check in with the others. How would this impact you? This is what we’re
planning. And I’m not trying to add a lot more—
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you. I mean I try to accommodate as much as I can, so
I appreciate that.
MS. WILLE: Yeah, okay.
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Paleka.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. PALEKA: I have to weigh in on this too, because I also made a request for
change. And you know, it would be nice if we have some consideration too. So
just to—
CHR. KANUHA: I did. Thank you, I consider all requests to change.
Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, and I somewhat agree on the change of dates. The
only thing I think is more difficult is when we change the date from the regular
scheduled date, then I could see definitely more of a problem there. Like say if
we wanted to change it to Friday, or Thursday, or next week, you know, then I see
that would have been a problem. But I hear what you’re saying also. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Mahalo, for everybody’s concern. I really want to move on
with the agenda.
MR. ONISHI: But I just wanted to make one more comment.
CHR. KANUHA: No. Thank you, Mr. Onishi, I think it’s time to move on.
MR. ONISHI: Okay, well—
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Well at this time—
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Onishi—
MR. ONISHI: No, Mr. Chair. I need to ask—
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Onishi—
MR. ONISHI: No, I need to ask—
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Onishi, please hold on—
MR. ONISHI: No, I need to ask to go into Executive Session.
CHR. KANUHA: I’m not going to—we’re going to move on with the agenda. I
have Sergeant Pauole in Hilo, I really want to take those items first before we go
into whatever you’re asking. So Mr. Clerk, can I please have Bill 98?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes.
(There were none.)
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
(There were none.)
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order.
Bill 98: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – Hawai‘i County Police Department
(HCPD) Click It Or Ticket Grant account ($500); and appropriates the same to
the HCPD Click It Or Ticket Grant account. The funds would be used with
existing funds towards the purchase of additional sporting equipment for the
East and West side of the Island to facilitate various sporting events.
Reference: Comm. 485
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 98 on second and final reading.
Seconded by Ms. David.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: I believe Mr. Onishi had some questions on Bill 98 and Bill 99 at
first reading, so I did ask Sergeant Pauole to be here. I think he’s in Hilo if you
do have questions.
MR. ONISHI: Yeah, thank you, Ms. Eoff. Sergeant, what was the rush for
getting this money—not going through the Finance Committee first?
(Note: At this time, Sergeant Robert Pauole came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
SGT. PAUOLE: I’m not aware of any rush, I was just asked to come. We don’t
necessarily need the money until December.
MR. ONISHI: Yeah. Okay, so—
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
SGT. PAUOLE: And actually the extra $500 for the click it or ticket wouldn’t
even be used until later on in the year.
MR. ONISHI: Okay. Yeah, because there were comments that this money was
supposed to be used right away to purchase balls, like basketballs, volleyballs,
footballs, and so forth. But that’s what I thought, because I figured you had
money in your budget already that could be used for any activity that you folks
would be coming up with. But Ms. Eoff, maybe you can explain why, or if you
know why it was waived?
MS. EOFF: Mr. Onishi, this whole term, and I believe even last term when it’s a
grant, we’ve been customarily waving it straight to Council since it’s not coming
out of—well it’s our budget, but it’s grant money in and we’ve waived
committee.
MR. ONISHI: Oh, okay.
MS. EOFF: So if that’s not acceptable, I mean we can always change the policy.
MR. ONISHI: No. And that’s what I used to do, when I was the Finance Chair,
but then I guess we would make sure that someone was there you know, at the
first meeting if anybody had any questions.
MS. EOFF: Okay. I’ll make sure in the future that someone is there for
questions.
MR. ONISHI: Thank you, Sergeant, for coming out.
SGT. PAUOLE: You’re welcome, anything else?
CHR. KANUHA: Any other discussion, Council Members? Okay, hearing or
seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Bill 98: The motion to pass Bill 98 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Bill 99.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Bill 99: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – Speed Enforcement Grant account
($15,000); and appropriates the same to the Speed Enforcement Grant account.
The funds would be used with existing funds towards the purchase of a Stalker
Speed Awareness Monitor for the Kona district.
Reference: Comm. 486
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 99 on second and final reading.
Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Any discussion? Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sergeant, I just wanted to ask, with this
equipment, is it only for Kona? For example, could it be also used for across the
island?
SGT. PAUOLE: We have one speed trailer in Hilo that is used for area one. This
new trailer was requested from our Community Police Department, our section in
Kona. Their trailer broke several years back.
MR. ILAGAN: Oh, okay. Just wanted to know. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Any other discussion? Okay, hearing
or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Bill 99: The motion to pass Bill 99 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, can I do Bill 78?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Bill 78 AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 16, SECTION 2-98 OF THE HAWAI‘I
(Draft 3): COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED) RELATING TO
TRAVEL AND OTHER EXPENSES
Amends the Code to require that an exception to prohibited expenditures may
only be allowed if a written request showing the expenditure would be for a
public purpose is approved by the Mayor for requests made by employees or
officers of the Executive Branch or the Council Chair for requests made by
employees or officers of the Legislative Branch.
Reference: Comm. 422.7
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Motion to Approve: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 78, Draft 3, on second and
final reading. Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Go right ahead, Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: I believe the last time we were on this bill, Council
Member Wille did her amendment so there’s really nothing else, unless—go
ahead.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yes, thank you. And I think Council Member Ilagan brought this
bill and helped to clarify that use of public funds are for public purposes. And I
did an amendment basically increasing the accountability on this point, and really
adding a few things listening to some of the public testimony that was given. And
those additional accountability measures included, basically that there’s no use of
public funds for alcoholic beverages unless it’s provided by an authorized
exception. And the purchase of gifts in the amount of over $100 per person
receiving the gift is prohibited, unless provided by authorized exception.
And the key here is that if there is an authorized exception, like in terms of travel
in particular is where it comes up, that would be documented. It would be a
memorandum and, “The director of finance shall maintain a record log of all
travel expenditures . . . which log shall be available for public inspection.” So
basically we’re adding some sunlight to this. If we see then from public
comments that we need more, we do more.
I had originally put in for example, that the purchase of alcoholic beverages
would just be public funds prohibited. But I did listen to other Council Members
and felt okay, if we do that as an authorized exception, if there was some reason
then it could be justified, but it doesn’t go behind the scenes where the public
doesn’t know about it—the public is going to know how we’re spending the
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
money on these areas. So I think that we’ve basically, in here, addressed the
concerns, compromised, and worked through the issues that the Council raised.
So I urge your support for this.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Wille. Council Members, any other
discussion on this? Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You know, maybe it’s in here
somewhere, I’m just wondering how you get an authorized exception? I mean
perhaps it’s not contained in the body of this bill. I see that there’s a way of
documenting something, but it doesn’t really set forth the process by which you
get an exception.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Okay, I’m just talking off the top of my head. But I think you’re
reading in terms of the amendment, and I think that we have it where a
memorandum would be written and approved. In other words, “To receive
reimbursement for the authorized exception, the following documentation must be
submitted to the employee’s or the officer’s department head and to the director
of finance within seven days of the expenditure: A memorandum setting forth the
reasons . . . along with a copy of the written request for the authorization . . .” and
any additional information. So if you didn’t get it authorized, you’re not going to
get reimbursed. You can spend it, I mean anyone here—I mean many times, I
think all of us spend money for events, but the question is whether we get
reimbursed. I don’t know, maybe it could have been written clearer.
MR. CHUNG: Oh, no.
MS. WILLE: I think it makes the point well enough, but—
CHR. KANUHA: Go ahead, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, Ms. Eoff, just pointed out that it’s actually provided in
subsection (b). That’s all I wanted to know.
MS. WILLE: Okay.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, there’s no change to that. Okay, thank you.
MS. WILLE: This is just showing what was amended.
MR. CHUNG: Right.
MS. WILLE: And then therefore, we’re not seeing the whole bill right here.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: Right. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Bill 78: The motion to pass Bill 78, Draft 3, on second and final
(Draft 3) reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. I want to get through a few resolutions here.
We have a few members of the public waiting. So if we—
MR. ILAGAN: Mr. Chair?
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: I just wanted to go with the HPP (Hawaiian Paradise Park) one,
just because of the fact that there are several members from the community there.
CHR. KANUHA: Sure, sure. We can—
MR. ILAGAN: If that’s okay with you.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay, Mr. Clerk, if we could do the HPP one, which is
Resolution 284. Is that the one?
MR. ILAGAN: Yes.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 284-15: ADOPTS THE 2015 HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK COMMUNITY MASTER
PLAN
The plan would be adopted as the successor to the Master Plan adopted by
Resolution No. 184-97, and may be utilized in coordination with other planning
documents for assessing future growth and development in the Hawaiian Paradise
Park subdivision.
Reference: Comm. 472
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan (B/R)
Approve: PC-27
Motion to Approve: Mr. Ilagan move to adopt Res. 284-15 and Planning
Committee Report No. 27. Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Go right ahead, Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to put this out to the public,
and I know Council Member Onishi had some questions regarding
Resolution 284 with Corporation Counsel, or no? Okay, I’m mistaken. I actually
have one, and I just wanted to mention it because I didn’t want to ask the same
thing twice. And I wanted to, if it’s okay, bring up Corporation Counsel
regarding Resolution 284. Okay, Mr. Brilhante, if you can please come up.
And the reason why I’m bringing up Corporation Counsel is because I have a
constituent in the district that I represent who has been very vocal about her
disagreement with this resolution. She has been contacting many Council
Members and I just wanted to make sure that she is addressed because she has
been calling our office on a daily basis. I keep telling her the same thing, and it’s
not going through, and she’s not accepting what I’m saying to her. So then she
calls the other Council Members, and then now the Council Members are calling
me and asking, “Have you been talking to her?” Of course I have, and so I just
wanted to make sure that legally, because her main argument is that I’m not
representing her.
And I just wanted to make sure that—is Mr. Brilhante there yet? Okay, if you
can. The main thing I really wanted to point out is that she is saying that through
what had happened with HPP, she no longer has to pay road fees in that
association, and she got out of that through a court order. Now she is saying that
HPP doesn’t represent her and she is no longer part of the association, and so
she’s coming to me as a constituent saying how she opposes this plan. I just
wanted to make sure legally, we’re in our rights to approve this plan and go
through the Council as we’re going through right now, and there’s nothing as the
Council, as the body, we’re not doing anything illegal in that manner.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. STEBBINS: Good morning, Council, Molly Stebbins, Corporation Counsel.
The issues that you’re bringing up, it sounds like most of them I am not going to
address. Sounds like personal matters with this individual that wouldn’t be within
my purview as Corporation Counsel to even get into. This resolution as I
understand it, is recognizing a plan that was adopted by the Paradise Park
Community Association. So you know, I don’t see any legal obstacles if it’s the
Council’s will to recognize the plan through this resolution.
MR. ILAGAN: And that’s what I wanted to hear, and I just wanted to make sure
that it’s on record. And she did go over the last video that we had, and she’s still
in disagreement. She feels that I’m manipulating the Council in some way and
that I’m going through an illegal procedure. So I just wanted to make sure
legally, Corporation Counsel has my back for even approving this or even putting
it on the Council floor, and making sure that her claims are addressed because I
do represent her. I might not be in agreement to some of her claims, but I just
want to make sure that everything is transparent.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay. Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Mr. Ilagan, just curious, how does this relate to the Puna Community
Development Plan?
MR. ILAGAN: As you are aware, Council Member Eoff, that we have the
General Plan, and CDP (Community Development Plan), which is the Puna
Community Development Plan, it’s one of the plans that detail the General Plan.
What I talked to regarding the community members who developed this plan, we
sat down and I asked them, “Let’s go through the process of going to the action
committee,” and that’s what we did. We talked to the person in charge of going
through that process and because of the fact, this is what I’m aware of, because
we’re only updating the data, just keeping things up to date, that could be helpful
for any amendments regarding the Puna Community Development Plan.
This does not change anything significant, it just gives more of added facts, added
resource to make a better amendment or a change in the future. So this does not
do anything significant, any changes into the Puna Community Development
Plan. It just updates the plan for HPP. So when people reference the HPP plan,
which would be kind of below the Community Development Plan, they have
more accurate data, instead of data from 1997. And that’s the difference of it.
What is similar is definitely the fact that they’re both rooted from grass root
efforts, from the Community of Hawaiian Paradise Park, and I just want to make
sure that I’m advocating for the community that I represent.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. EOFF: Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay, any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all in
favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 284-15: The motion to adopt Res. 284-15 and adopt Planning Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 27 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, can we go to Resolution 286 the
next one?
Res. 286-15: AUTHORIZES THE ADDITION AND INCREASE OF BASIC FEES IN THE
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE LIQUOR COMMISSION OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR CONTROL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I,
STATE OF HAWAI‘I
The Rules would be amended to add basic license fees for Condominium Hotel
($1,200), Winery ($1,000), and Small Craft Producer Pub ($1,000); and to
increase license fees for Caterer from $120 to $600.
Reference: Comm. 475
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Approve: FC-36
Vote on Res. 286-15: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 286-15 and Finance
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 36. Seconded by Ms. Wille
and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Can we go to the next item, Mr. Clerk?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 287-15: AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF TAX MAP KEY 9-5-
012:005 SITUATED IN THE DISTRICT OF KA‘Ū, ALSO KNOWN AS
KAHUA ‘OLOHŪ, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE,
AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND
The 13 acre Kahua ‘Olohū property is listed as a key priority for purchase in the
2014 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission for its historical significance and cultural importance.
Reference: Comm. 476
Intr. by: Ms. David
Approve: FC-37
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 287-15 and Finance
Committee Report No. 37. Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Mahalo, Chair. I just want to reiterate—thank you for the
testimony from Mr. Nelson and from that of OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs).
We received a written testimony in strong support for the purchase and protection
of Kahuaʻolohū, and I believe Alex Kelepolo had clarified one of your questions,
Chair, that this has not been on the State or Federal register. That is an entirely
different process, and this property is eligible to be on that list, but it is not. And
also clarify that having a property on this list does not prevent development in any
way.
So for me, I think the reason I moved forward with this is because of its historic
and cultural significance. And I believe if successful and this resolution passes
this Council, it provides opportunities for the non-profit organizations to
participate in the PONC (Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission) stewardship grant applications. And therefore,
guarantee that protection of this site is not only just left standing, but it becomes
what Mr. Nelson had testified to, a benefit for this island, and a perpetuation of
our cultural history. So I urge your support, and thank you. Mahalo.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. David. Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yes, I just want to express my support for this, and I want to say I
appreciated the letter from OHA, sort of running through this and why this
location is significant. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Wille. Ms. Eoff.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. EOFF: Yes, I also wanted to strongly support this resolution. I believe
anytime we can protect land, especially that has historic and cultural significance
and we have an opportunity to bring those practices back to life, I think we’re
doing a huge service to people of Hawaiʻi. All of us. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Mr. Paleka.
MR. PALEKA: I have some concerns based on the testimony of one of our
testifiers. If I could have Mr. Weatherford come forward, I could ask a few
questions.
(Note: At this time, Mr. James Weatherford came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
MR. WEATHERFORD: Yes. Hello from Pāhoa.
MR. PALEKA: Good morning, Mr. Weatherford.
MR. WEATHERFORD: Good morning to you.
MR. PALEKA: In regards to this piece of property, you had mentioned in your
testimony that you had another private interest, or other person considering taking
over this property, or purchasing this property from you.
MR. WEATHERFORD: We were approached by a private concern, yes.
MR. PALEKA: Can I get the—or who the other concern is?
MR. WEATHERFORD: I don’t think I’ll do that, I didn’t ask them to say their
name. So I don’t know that I’d be in the position to be using their name in public.
MR. PALEKA: Okay.
MR. WEATHERFORD: I could not disclose their name in public, is what I’m
going to say.
MR. PALEKA: Okay, so if it’s not the County, the other unnamed entity will
remain anonymous, I guess.
MR. WEATHERFORD: Well it was a private concern, this is private people.
MR. PALEKA: I’m not really comfortable with that, but having heard your point,
I can appreciate your concern regarding another entity’s—they might not even
know if they’re being considered for disclosure of themselves. But the intent of
this resolution, I’m fully behind. Kahuaʻolohū and its cultural significance, I’m
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
really behind it, but having heard the testimony this morning, I think it’s our duty
to ask some questions. Unfortunately, now I’m kind of suspect—
MR. WEATHERFORD: I would be glad to address the testimony by Mr. Warren
in detail, any questions or in general.
MR. PALEKA: Okay, go ahead if you want to comment on his testimony. I’ll
yield some time to you, if you want to respond to those specific—please do,
please go ahead.
MR. WEATHERFORD: Thank you. And I’ll be very brief.
MR. PALEKA: Okay.
MR. WEATHERFORD: I have never lived in Texas, he said I had. I moved to
this island in 2001, not in 2000. In 2008 when I bought that property, I was not
working for Council, I had zero influence on the location of the wastewater
treatment or relocation of it. All of that information that Mr. Warren put out was
completely false. Is there anything else I may provide you?
MR. PALEKA: No. Thank you very much, Mr. Weatherford. You have been
very helpful in addressing those concerns. I’ll yield at this time. Anyone else?
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Paleka. Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I could bring Mr. Hamana over. To my
understanding, this resolution pretty much gives the green light to move into
negotiation. And I wanted to ask you, Mr. Hamana, if at any time, can
Councilwoman, Ms. David be able to say, “Let’s not move forward because
there’s something that they found out?” Is that opportunity there?
MR. VENTURA: I believe that’s more of a Corporation Counsel question.
CHR. KANUHA: If you could restate your name for the record
MR. VENTURA: Hamana Ventura, Property Manager.
MR. ILAGAN: I apologize, let me bring up Corporation Counsel.
MR. VENTURA: Excuse me but the resolution, if it passes, it gives us the ability
to move forward with negotiations.
MR. ILAGAN: Right. I just want to make sure that once you’re moving forward,
let’s say there are new facts that came to light and Councilwoman wants to say,
“Can we just hold on?” And maybe—I’m not saying that’s going to happen, I’m
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
just wondering if—let’s not even talk about this specific resolution, I’m talking
about the process itself. Is a Council Member able to say there’s something going
on, and even though the Council approved it, is it possible to not move forward
with negotiations on the purchase of that specific land?
MS. STEBBINS: I think the resolution is just authorizing the Finance Director to
initiate negotiations, which that would be a process. So an answer to your
question, would it be impossible to stop the process if other issues or problems
come to light? No, it would not be impossible to stop the process.
MR. ILAGAN: It’s not possible to stop the process?
MS. STEBBINS: Not impossible, which is how you raised your question.
MR. ILAGAN: Okay. So how would?—
MR. VENTURA: I should clarify that would be during our due diligence process,
that if we found that there were factors affecting the sale, then it would definitely
hold up the process so that we could investigate and make sure that all parties
involved were comfortable with moving forward. And that’s what we term “due
diligence.”
MR. ILAGAN: Okay, thank you. That’s the information I was looking for, and I
trust Councilwoman David to bring that information when there is any sort of
information of that caliber that needs to be brought up. I support her. I know the
testimony was against this, one of the testimonies, and I just wanted to voice my
support because it’s always hard to go and do something that’s right, and you’re
getting opposition. I just wanted to let you know that you do have a Council
Member here in Puna in support of your efforts. So thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Okay, Mr. Ilagan. Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yes, I wanted to thank Mr. Weatherford and his wife Elizabeth for
being as cooperative, in particular with regard to the evaluation, that isn’t always
the case. What he said is being open to the County’s appraisal, or even going
with what he paid for it. It’s usually often a negotiation and what is the value? I
know that’s happened in North Kohala a number of times, so I just want to be
appreciative of his cooperation, in terms of the appraised value in moving
forward. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Weatherford, did you say you
acquired this property in 2009? 2005?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. WEATHERFORD: Yes, we purchased the property in the year 2008.
MR. CHUNG: 2008. Okay. You know, I was just here minding my own
business, and thinking full well that I’d be supporting this initiative, which I
probably still will be doing, you know, giving its cultural significance. But the
comments made by Mr. Warren should not be dismissed, and I think Mr. Paleka
picked up on that as well. You know, Mr. Weatherford, whom I’ve never met,
stated that he was working for Mr. Jacobson, Council Member Jacobson. Is that
correct? Anybody know?
MR. WEATHERFORD: Yes. I worked for Council Member Jacobson in the
years 2005 to 2006. I ended my employment with the County Council then at the
end of May 2006.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. You know, I noticed—so I pulled out the Hawaiʻi County
Code relating to Public Access, Open Space Natural Resources Preservation
Fund. And most of the provisions provided in this Code, Article were enacted in
2005. Now I don’t know who introduced this measure, I don’t know what the
impetus—I mean we all know what it was from, it was from the County Charter
Amendment. But you know, if it was introduced by Mr. Jacobson, and you were
working for him in 2005—let’s just put it this way, I don’t know what the
background is. As I said, I was just sitting here minding my own business until
Mr. Warren came up with these concerns. And you know, sometimes one plus
one, people come up with 10, right? But these are significant concerns that we
really should look into. Mr. Clerk, is this the final reading or just the first reading
of the resolution?
MR. HENRICKS: A resolution, so one reading for resolutions.
MR. CHUNG: So this is it then?
MR. HENRICKS: Correct.
MR. CHUNG: You know, I certainly don’t want to cast any aspersions towards
the sincerity of Mr. Weatherford, or anyone else, but I sure would like to get a
better handle on this, Ms. David. I mean is it possible we could just hold off on
this? I suspect that this Article 42 was not introduced by Mr. Jacobson, but if it
was, I’d have some concerns. You know, inasmuch as Mr. Weatherford stated
that he was working for Mr. Jacobson in 2005, and now he’s going to be possibly,
I can’t say benefitting from this, you know, it seems like his motives are altruistic.
I’d just like to get a better handle on this, if possible, you know, just based on the
concerns raised by Mr. Warren.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. David, did you want to respond?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. DAVID: Yes, please. Thank you, Mr. Chung and Mr. Paleka for your
concerns. I did consider Mr. Warren’s testimony, and the fact that you’re raising
an issue that there might be some truth to what Mr. Warren is suggesting, I would
be willing to postpone this. But I really need to know exactly what kind of
questions, or what clarification you would need when we bring this forward, so I
can help attempt to get some answers. I know Mr. Warren’s statements were a
variety of statements.
MR. CHUNG: Right, I think there were two.
MS. DAVID: Okay, so which ones would you be wanting clarification?
MR. CHUNG: Well first I guess if there was, you know, any involvement on the
part of Mr. Weatherford, or his boss in enacting this—you know, a mere vote, it’s
no problem, right? But if he was the introducer of this measure and
Mr. Weatherford was working with him at that time, it would raise some concerns
anyway. And let’s put it this way, if this were a development issue, whether, you
know, there was actual misconduct or not, people would want to know. You
know, just for the sake of transparency, so only because it’s a public lands
issue—the necessity for something like this, I don’t think so, right? The public
needs to know, and they make up their own minds.
MS. DAVID: I agree.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah. And also, you know, this has nothing to do with
Mr. Weatherford, but you know, I’m troubled about this money generating grant
process that was brought up by Mr. Warren. I don’t know if there’s anything to it,
but you know, I don’t like people using the County’s money to generate money
on their own. And I don’t know if there’s anything to it, but I’d like someone to
look into that too. I don’t know, maybe if you can talk to Mr. Warren, he’s your
constituent.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I have.
MR. CHUNG: And just see what’s going on over there.
MS. DAVID: Okay.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah. And then we can bring it up in public, and let the public
decide. You know, I’m supporting you all the way on this.
MS. DAVID: So your clarification on the non-profits using County funds—
MR. CHUNG: Right.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. DAVID: You’re speaking of the maintenance fund?
MR. CHUNG: Well he mentioned something, some Mr. Mau or Ms.—I wasn’t
really listening.
MS. DAVID: Okay. Because any non-profit I understand, would be eligible to
apply. So he basically mentioned Ms. Mau because he knows that she is a grant
writer and she does belong to a non-profit organization that does a lot of
community work in Kaūʻ. So I believe I will ask him what he means by that.
MR. CHUNG: Right. I think he was concerned that she was—
MS. DAVID: Supporting this, because she had a personal interest in it.
MR. CHUNG: Right, she had a vested interest in it. Yeah.
MS. DAVID: I see what he’s saying, and I just need to clarify that because I
don’t believe that is the case, because whoever applies for it has to go through that
process.
MR. CHUNG: And then perhaps you can make explanations on behalf of
Ms. Mau and Mr. Weatherford. You know, hopefully it doesn’t come—I
seriously doubt that Mr. Jacobson introduced this. You know, it would really
raise some concerns, right?
MS. DAVID: I think it was a Charter amendment back then.
MR. CHUNG: It was a Charter amendment, but it was codified in 2005. So I’m
kind of just looking through our County Code, and all of this was enacted in 2005.
MS. DAVID: Right. And we just started in 2004, so memory doesn’t go back
that far. But I would definitely check with that, I just needed to know exactly
what you wanted clarification on.
MR. CHUNG: Right, and perhaps there’s no wrong doing, but at least, you
know, as I said, it cuts both ways. So we really should, for the sake of
transparency, throw all the cards on the table.
MS. DAVID: I agree, thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Paleka.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. PALEKA: Yeah, I too would—not just do our due diligence, but I truly
want to see this thing move forward, because I believe it’s an important—that the
cultural aspects in regards to this property. But just to have a clear—when we do
take it over, have our community and our constituents feel comfortable with us
making that purchase, as the testifier had brought up some questions. But I truly
want to see this come forward. I’ll leave it at that.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Paleka. Ms. Eoff did you?—
MS. EOFF: I’m not sure how relevant it is, but I believe that the Code was
written first and later a Charter amendment was adopted regarding the two percent
fund. I don’t know if that’s relevant.
MR. CHUNG: Can I answer?
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: It’s not relevant.
MS. EOFF: Yeah.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah. It’s just—what was the impetus behind this? Who was the
sponsor? As I said, I highly doubt that Mr. Jacobson was the introducer, you
know? But if he was, then it would certainly raise some concerns, but at the same
time, I just wanted to reiterate, you know, Ms. David, I’m behind you all the way
on this thing. Okay.
MS. DAVID: Mahalo.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yeah, very quick question. One thing that Mr. Warren said was
that this parcel really wasn’t considered by commission to be of considerable
importance. And I just—for purposes of the public, could you just advise whether
that was correct? And if it’s not, or it was considered?
MR. HAMANA: According to the 2014 PONC list, this property was rated
number 11.
MS. WILLE: Okay.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Wille. Any other discussion, Council
Members? I don’t know how you want to proceed, Ms. David.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. I would entertain—then I’d like to do a motion
to postpone this resolution to the next meeting.
Motion to Postpone: Ms. David moved to postpone Res. 287-15 to November 4,
2015. Seconded by Mr. Onishi.
CHR. KANUHA: Any discussion on the postponement? Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just for sake of clarification, if I could
just hear what Councilwoman David will bring forth to the next Council meeting,
due to the fact we’re having a postponement.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Sure. I believe I am to bring back the information that Mr. Chung
wants. Who introduced this PONC? Who sponsored the PONC ordinance or bill,
and whether there’s any truth to the private involvement of Ms. Mau?
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. David. Mr. Chung, on the postponement.
MR. CHUNG: And just basically to follow up on what was brought up by
Mr. Warren. It might be nothing.
MS. DAVID: Yeah. He brought up a lot of issues about the sewer treatment
plant. So I just wanted to know exactly what, you know,—all of it?
MR. CHUNG: Well, maybe that too.
MS. DAVID: Okay.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you. And just briefly, I don’t think it hurts to postpone
it another couple of weeks, just to get more information, okay? Any other
discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all in favor of the postponement say “aye.”
Vote on Motion to: The motion to postpone Res. 287-15 to November 4, 2015
Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes.
MR. ILAGAN: Mr. Chair?
CHR. KANUHA: Yes?
MR. ILAGAN: If we could read in Resolution 295, 296, and 297?
CHR. KANUHA: I’m going to do Bill 37 first.
MR. ILAGAN: Okay.
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Clerk, Bill 37.
Bill 37 AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 15, OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CODE
(Draft 4): 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE CODE OF
ETHICS
Amends: 1) Definitions - revises definition for “agency” and adds definition for
“immediate family”; 2) Fair Treatment - amends provision for use of County
property to include “campaign purposes” and adds provision to allow a County
officer or employee, or a business where an immediate family member of a
County officer or employee has a controlling interest of said business, to enter
into a contract with a County agency, provided disclosure and approval
provisions have been satisfied; 3) Conflicts of Interest - revises provisions for
the ability of County officers and employees to represent private interests in
legal actions/proceedings against the County or appear on behalf of private
interests before any agency of the County; and 4) Contracts – amends provision
to allow the County to enter into contracts with officers or employees of the
County, or any business where an immediate family member of an officer or
employee has a controlling interest, provided disclosure and approval
provisions have been satisfied.
Reference: Comm. 231.20
Intr. by: Ms. Wille
Postponed: October 7, 2015
(Note: There is a pending motion by Ms. Wille and duly seconded by
Mr. Onishi to approve Bill 37, as amended to Draft 4.)
(Note: Comm. 231.21, from Council Member Margaret Wille dated October 16,
2015, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 37, Draft 4, was circulated.)
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. There’s a pending motion on the floor,
so I’ll hand the floor over to Ms. Wille.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. WILLE: Okay. And to start with, I’d like to move to amend Bill 37,
Draft 4, with the contents of Comm. 231.21.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Wille moved to amend Bill 37, Draft 4, with the
contents of Comm. 231.21. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Wille, go right ahead.
MS. WILLE: Yes. And these are further clarifications that I’m bringing up to
address request, and suggestions made by members of the Council, as well as by
the Finance Department. And I think we have had numerous hearings on this, and
this I really adopted from a previous term to get it addressed. But it is an ethics
bill and I think getting clarity in terms of ethics is important. And for that reason,
I have not had a problem with taking the time as we’ve gone through a number—
moved along the way with suggestions. At the same time, I would really like to
get this through. There’s always room for improvement, and if someone has
further suggestions, I’d appreciate if they hold them and make them in their own
amendments going forward.
Okay, so that’s speaking specifically on the amendments that are here in this—
why do I want to amend the draft with the contents of communication?—I’m
going to repeat the number just so the public who doesn’t have a copy—I think
some of the testifiers do not have a copy of this communication 231.21. One was
a suggestion by Council Member Onishi, and that was—and this is under
Section 2-83 Fair Treatment. And in other words, where there’s preventing a
conflict of interest, where someone or a member of their immediate family is both
an employee and a contractor, or seeking to get a contract with the county, and it
would be that they would go and have this reviewed by Board of Ethics. The one
qualification that my fellow Council Member Onishi had is that once you got that
opinion by the board, and you are later doing substantially the same situation, you
don’t have to keep going back.
And I think it specifically said, “A board opinion shall continue to satisfy this
requirement until a change occurs in the financial interest or role of the County
officer, employee, or the officer or employee’s affected immediate family
member, in the business or undertaking with which the contract is concerned.” So
if there really was some significant change they would go back, but it’s not
something that we would have to repeat. The other changes specific to this
communication were really clarifications that were requested with the Finance
Department. And let me answer the question Mr. Onishi asked. Will you be
checking with them and working with them? And yes I did, and they have
reviewed it.
And one of the specific things is that they really wanted the—was their concern
also with the effective date. And the effective date would now be July 1, 2016, so
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
that those who might be in this position could then come forward right now and
have time to go to the Board of Ethics and not, you know having it sort of like—
well doing it right now and it’s making this effective immediately. I think those
were—then I do want to just—and I think this is part of the change or concerns
that was really in terms of the wording and about when is this conflict or concern
about conflict of interest triggered?
And I want to say to Mr. Pierce, I think that the whole idea here is—I don’t feel
that I’m caving in here. And so instead of it being 10,000 or 50,000, and instead
of having a blanket prohibition against somebody wearing two hats, both
employee hat and a contractor hat, and that we have two duties, one is ethical
standards, and the other is fiscal responsibility. Now I view that ethical standards
trump the fiscal, but if we can up with a balance where we’re really looking at and
providing for both of those, that is the optimum. And that’s why I think this isn’t
some response to some concerns that was raised by Council Member Paleka and
Council Member Chung. It’s okay, let’s do it, where we really have it out for the
public to see what’s going on.
And I will say to the public, that I’m going to monitor this and see how it goes.
And I’ll just take an extra minute here if I can. And if there is a problem, I would
come back on that. But I just wanted to explain because I don’t think the
members of the public had this amendment and might not have it. So I will yield
at this time, and if there are questions on the amendment then I’ll answer them,
otherwise if we can go on to the general vote.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Wille. Mr. Onishi, on the amendment.
MR. ONISHI: I just want to say Ms. Wille, thank you very much it looks great.
I’ll support it.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Onishi. Any other discussion? Mr. Paleka.
MR. PALEKA: I just wanted to comment, because there was a testimony
regarding the enforcement of this. And I wanted to applaud Margaret on the—
section (c)(2) at the bottom, “A contract shall be void if an officer or employee
fails to comply,” with the above, which I think does put that assurance in there.
Job well done, Margaret. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Paleka. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Hearing or seeing none, all in favor of amending Bill 37,
Draft 4, with the contents of 231.21 say “aye.”
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 37, Draft 4, with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 231.21 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Now on to the main motion as amended.
Ms. Wille.
MS. WILLE: Yes. And I wanted to just stress again, I feel this is an improved
bill. I don’t feel—I think there was some suggestion maybe in the newspaper,
that maybe we were really lessening it. And unless the standard—I actually think
I could have passed it by four maybe, but I felt the suggestions were good, and
that if we could take into account both of those responsibilities, the ethical
treatment—ethically being sure that there’s fair treatment. In other words, not
bias or preferential treatment of a County employee, and at the same time, doing
best what we can do—fiscal responsibility, that’s a win-win. And I think that,
you know, I’m really into the whole transparency, public awareness, and let’s get
it all out there. And again, this is nothing—no law is a done deal. If we need
more, it’s basically a bunch of signatures away, and we can work on that. But I
think this is a good step forward and I’d really like to get this started with Mayor
Kenoi, raising concerns, and then it was with last term, and I urge your support.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Wille. Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this has been quite a journey, but when
this came forward from the administration last term, I did support it. But the
reason why it didn’t pass that term, was basically majority of the Council
Members were worried that in some situations, the County wouldn’t get the best
financial benefit to the public, if we would have adopted it. So I think what you
and we have helped here to accomplish is what you stated, that we’ve balanced
ethical standards with financial benefits to the public. And there’s enough built in
cautions in here, that I think it does raise the level of trust in government and our
ethical standards. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Council Members, any other
discussion? Yeah, just briefly, I appreciate this, you know, you actually got
everybody’s concerns put down in here, and to make it compatible with
everybody’s wishes basically. So I’m appreciative of that. I supported in the
beginning, and really job well done. Okay, hearing no other discussion, all in
favor of Bill 37 Draft 4 as amended say “aye.”
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Bill 37 The motion to pass Bill 37, as amended to Draft 5, on first
(Draft 5): reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, can we go to Resolution 295?
Res. 295-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
THE BIG ISLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL FOR THE 2015 HAWAI‘I ISLAND VETERANS DAY PARADE
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Prosecuting Attorney, Other Current
Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 489
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Motion to Approve: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 295-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: You heard everything from Ms. Lewis, we’re just trying to
support that parade. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to commend Council
Member Chung because it was him who did the template for this resolution, and
did the hard work and ground work to make this happen. So I just agreed with
him and pretty much followed his leadership. So thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Res. 295-15: The motion to adopt Res. 295-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 296.
Res. 296-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM
A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
THE BIG ISLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED
TO THE 2015 HAWAI‘I ISLAND VETERANS DAY PARADE
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 3); and credits to the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 490
Intr. by: Mr. Onishi
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 296-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Go right ahead, Mr. Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Just asking for support. Thanks.
CHR. KANUHA: Any other discussion? Hearing or seeing none, all in favor say
“aye.”
Vote on Res. 296-15: The motion to adopt Res. 296-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 297.
Res. 297-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
THE BIG ISLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL FOR THE 2015 HAWAI‘I ISLAND VETERANS DAY PARADE
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Prosecuting Attorney, Other Current
Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 491
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan
Vote on Res. 297-15: Mr. Ilagan moved to adopt Res. 297-15. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Paleka and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, Res. 298.
Res. 298-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL
FOR PROMOTIONAL EVENTS FOR THE GLOBAL VIRTUAL STUDIO
TRANSMEDIA ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 8); and credits to the Research and Development, Big
Island Film Office account. Funds will be used to facilitate workshops,
seminars, and showcase events at Honua Studios in Kailua-Kona.
Reference: Comm. 492
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 298-15. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Eoff.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. EOFF: Okay, thank you. I just wanted to thank Nicole for staying and
listening this morning, and for your testimony, and updating us. The prospects
that you folks are undertaking and the successes are very exciting, and I thank you
for all your work. I’m glad I can help.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do have a question, if you don’t mind. I
just wanted to ask about—you’re saying you’re going to the second round? And
how does the—I guess what’s the process of choosing the seven new businesses,
or has that already been made?
CHR. KANUHA: Yeah, you can up. And again, say your name for the record.
(Note: At this time, GVS Accelerator representative Nicole Nietz came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. NIETZ: Nicole Nietz. Aloha. They’re selected, it is a public-private
program, the accelerator program itself. And so the development fund, which is
the funding mechanism, it’s the one actually making the selections of the
companies that go the through the cycle. For the second round, they have just
been sele cted, and then our third round begins next year about this time.
MR. ILAGAN: So where would they go for the application form? On your
website, I’m guessing?
MS. NIETZ: On our website, at www.gbsacceletator.com.
MR. ILAGAN: And when would be the deadline for those third round
applications?
MS. NIETZ: We’ll have our application process next summer. It would probably
begin late July early August, and go through the month of August.
MR. ILAGAN: Okay, thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Mr. Paleka.
MR. PALEKA: Hi, Nicole. I was really impressed and excited about the
incubator and its expansion. You had mentioned the three continents that your
fiber optic and connections are current—what are the continents you’re currently
connecting right now?
MS. NIETZ: Certainly. North America, Europe, and the UK (United Kingdom),
and Asia as well.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. PALEKA: You’re up in Asia?
MS. NIETZ: Yeah
MR. PALEKA: Okay, thank you. We’ll see how we can assist, but thank you for
all your work you do.
MS. NIETZ: Mahalo Nui.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Paleka. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 298-15: The motion to adopt Res. 298-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion pass. Mr. Clerk, can I go down to Resolution 302?
Res. 302-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
LAŌPUA 2020 FOR THE 2016 PRINCE KŪHIŌ HOʻIʻʻOLAULEʻA
Transfers $3,500 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 8); and credits to the Liquor Control, Public Programs
account. The Ho‘olaule‘a is scheduled for March 26, 2016, at the West Hawai‘i
Community Health Center and the LaŌpuʻiʻa Community Center.
Reference: Comm. 501
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 302-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you, Mr. Kahui Bo for all the
work that you continue to do for this community. I hope to be able to attend the
gathering again and just wish you luck.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 302-15: The motion to adopt Res. 302-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Can we do Resolution 303?
Res. 303-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE
WEST HAWAI‘I VETERANS CEMETERY DEVELOPMENT AND
EXPANSION ASSOCIATION, INC., TO PURCHASE OUTDOOR
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE WEST HAWAI‘I VETERANS
CEMETERY
Transfers $10,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 8); and credits to the Parks and Recreation
Administration, Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 502
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 303-15. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Thank you. Council Members, I just ask for your support. The
Veterans Cemetery really needs this equipment. I actually wanted to help them to
do a permanent shade extension off of the building that’s there, but that’s going to
take a little longer because we have to go through three layers of government,
Federal, State, and County. But for now, at least they don’t have to borrow so
much equipment, they’ll have something stashed to put up during their
ceremonies, and for services there. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Res. 303-15: The motion to adopt Res. 303-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, can I do Bill 90, Draft 3, it’s pretty
far back.
Bill 90 AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 42 OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CODE
(Draft 3): 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS,
OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
Adds language to facilitate the administration of the Public Access, Open
Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund; and to enable
the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission to review
and evaluate stewardship grant applications associated with the fund.
Reference: Comm. 455.7
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 90, Draft 3, on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. David.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Chair. We’ve discussed this pretty much, two or
three times now, and I want to thank you for working through the amendments
with me. I’d like to thank the Open Space Commission for their suggestions and
for Parks and Recreation and Finance for all of their input, and help working with
us to do this. It’s mainly a structural change, it’s not really changing anything
from the Charter or the Code. It’s just clarifying how the grant application
process will work from here on out, and giving more duties to the Commissioners
to review those grants before Parks and Recreation makes the recommendations
on them.
And some of the other changes that we work through during the amendments
were just either structural or grammatical to make the code section read smoothly.
And I see Mr. Ventura is here, if you folks have any questions, but I think we’ve
discussed it in Council, at first reading and also in the committee, but I’m opened
to questions, and I’m sure Mr. Ventura can answer any that you may have.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Council Members, any discussion?
Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Bill 90: The motion to pass Bill 90, Draft 3, on second and final
(Draft 3) reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Mr. Clerk, can we do Resolution 304?
Res. 304-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2015 SURFER’S HEALING
HAWAI‘I
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Parks and Recreation Administration,
Other Current Expenses account. Funds will be used to purchase T-shirts,
refreshments, and supplies for this event.
Reference: Comm. 503
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 304-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, I just encourage all of you to support me on this
because this is a beautiful event that enriches the lives of children with autism,
and their ʻohana. So I ask for your support.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Okay, hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Res. 304-15: The motion to adopt Res. 304-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Can we do Resolution 305?
Res. 305-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
AND TRAINING CLINICS
Transfers $7,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Parks and Recreation Division, Other
Current Expenses account. Funds will be used for miscellaneous expenses for
these sports training events for athletes, officials, coaches, parents and
volunteers.
Reference: Comm. 504
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 305-15. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, I think it’s kind of self-explanatory, I just wanted to
say that this is for island-wide events. So thank you, I ask for your support.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Any other discussion? Okay,
hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 305-15: The motion to adopt Res. 305-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 306.
Res. 306-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE
ROTARY DISTRICT 5000 FOUNDATION TO SEND PUNA HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS TO THE ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS CAMP
Transfers $700 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Prosecuting Attorney, Other Current
Expenses account. The awards camp is scheduled for February 26-28, 2016, at
Kīlauea Military Camp.
Reference: Comm. 505
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan
Motion to Approve: Mr. Ilagan moved to adopt Res. 306-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Go right ahead, Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just simply want to ask Council
Members to help me support developing new leaders of tomorrow. Thank you.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Any other discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 306-15: The motion to adopt Res. 306-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 307.
Page 38
Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 307-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE
INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATING TO THE PĀHOA PANTRY AND
SOUP KITCHEN
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Liquor Control, Public Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 506
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan
Motion to Approve: Mr. Ilagan moved to adopt Res. 307-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Mr. Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Mr. Chair. You heard the testimony, and I hope that
the explanation is sufficient. And thank you for your support in helping me feed
the people in Puna.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Ilagan. Any other discussion? Mr. Paleka.
MR. PALEKA: I also like to lend my support in this—additional funds. This
organization has been doing so much for our community, and I wish them all the
success continuing forward.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Mr. Paleka. Any other discussion? Hearing or
seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 307-15: The motion to adopt Res. 307-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 308.
Page 39
Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 308-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE MATERIALS FOR
REPAIRS TO THE COOPER CENTER
Transfers $15,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 6); and credits to the Parks and Recreation
Maintenance, Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 507
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 308-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, mahalo. I’d like to say thank you to Linda Ugalde from the
Cooper Center for her testimony, and just ask for my Council Members’ support
for those much needed repairs at Cooper Center. Thank you very much.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. David. Any other discussion? Okay, hearing
or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 308-15: The motion to adopt Res. 308-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Resolution 309.
Page 40
Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 309-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE
HAWAI‘I ISLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD, INC., TO
ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ʻIMILOA ASTRONOMY
CENTER OF HAWAI‘I’S SCIENCE PROGRAM
Transfers $5,850 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief
account (Council District 6); and credits to the Research and Development,
Business Development account. Funds will be used to assist with transportation
costs, entrance fees, curriculum, and development materials for students in
District 6.
Reference: Comm. 508
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 309-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
CHR. KANUHA: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I would like to thank Margaret Shiba for her
testimony of this great program, and also my fellow Council people,
Danny Paleka and Greggor Ilagan for also supporting this program. Much needed
in District 6 for our rural children, and I ask for support. Mahalo.
CHR. KANUHA: Thank you, Ms. David. Any other discussion, Council
Members? Hearing or seeing none, all in favor say “aye.”
Vote on Res. 309-15: The motion to adopt Res. 309-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Ilagan, Onishi, Paleka, Poindexter, Wille,
and Chair Kanuha – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. KANUHA: Motion passes. Before I take a brief recess, Ms. Poindexter
and I will have to leave this meeting. And when you come back, Ms. Eoff will
lead the discussion for you guys to decide upon who’s going to run the remainder
of the meeting. So at this point, I will take a brief five minute recess. Okay, we
are in recess.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Recess: At 11:39 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:49 a.m.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Kanuha relinquished the chair to Ms. Eoff.
CHR. PRO-TEM EOFF: Council Members, I’d like to call the meeting back to
order, everybody ready? Okay, thank you. So the Chairman and the Vice
Chairman have both been excused, so as Finance Chairman I’m acting as Chair
Pro-Tem. According to, I believe our Rule 4, we need to select a Chairman to
finish the rest of the meeting. So I could suggest that since I’m here, I can
continue on in this role and conduct the meeting as Chair, or if you’d prefer to
select another Chair. Council Members, any discussion? Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: You know, I think you’d be a wonderful Chair today, but you
know, why don’t we let Ms. Wille chair? Nobody ever gets to see her at the
Chair. Would that be okay?
MR. ILAGAN: I’d second that.
CHR. PRO-TEM EOFF: Okay. Ms. Wille, are you comfortable with that?
MS. WILLE: Yeah, I might need some help—sure.
CHR. PRO-TEM EOFF: Okay, Ms. Wille. Should I vote on that then? Take a
vote? I’m not sure.
MR. HENRICKS: It wouldn’t hurt just to take a vote for the record.
CHR. PRO-TEM EOFF: Okay. Well there was a motion by Mr. Chung and a
second by Mr. Paleka to select Ms. Wille to act as Chairperson for the remainder
of today’s Council meeting. I’ll take a voice vote. All in favor please say “aye.”
Vote on Motion to Mr. Chung moved to appoint Ms. Wille to preside as
Appoint Chair: Chair. Seconded by Mr. Paleka and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka Wille, and Chair
Pro-Tem Eoff – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
Page 42
Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
CHR. PRO-TEM EOFF: Okay, Ms. Wille, you may proceed.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, I’m going to go through the rest of the
resolutions other than number one first, just in case there are other people
particularly looking for—
MR. ONISHI: So Madam Chair, I would like to make a motion to go into
executive session to consult with our Corporation Counsel.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Yeah, okay. Clerk, can you please read in
Resolution 283-15?
Return to Order The Acting Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
MR. HENRICKS: And then you could actually make a motion, a main motion,
and then do that as your subsidiary motion if your secondary motion is to go into
executive session.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay.
Res. 283-15: NOMINATES ENTERPRISE ZONES FOR CONSIDERATION AND
DESIGNATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I
Requests the Governor designate four new Enterprise Zones in Hawai‘i County,
which would provide tax incentives intended to foster economic development
and generate employment. The proposed designations, delineated in exhibits to
the resolution, are Hāmākua, Hilo-Puna, Kona, and Ka‘ū.
Reference: Comm. 471
Intr. by: Mr. Onishi
Approve: GREDC-2
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 283-15 and Governmental
Relations and Economic Development Committee Report
No. 2. Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
MR. ONISHI: Okay, Madam Chair may I make a motion to go into executive
session, to have our Corporation Counsel give us some information.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Motion to Enter into Mr. Onishi moved to enter into Executive Session in order
Executive Session: to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding
Res. 283-15, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4)
of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Seconded by Mr. Paleka.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: And can you explain your reasoning?
MR. ONISHI: There were just some things that were brought up just the other
day, and so I wanted to have our Corporation Counsel consult with us to make
sure that we’re on legal grounds, or at least to make sure that everything is okay.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Can you let the public know, like what kind of?—I
mean this was a big topic.
MR. ONISHI: Molly, maybe you can come up, please.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
ACTING CHR. WILLE: I just want to share with the public as much as possible.
MS. STEBBINS: Good morning, Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins. Council
Member Onishi discussed this with me prior to the meeting. And my
understanding is he had some concerns that he wanted to address in executive
session, relating to comments that came up at the last Council meeting, that—he
had concerns or questions about potential exposure for the Council and the
County, based on statements that were made. And I wouldn’t get more specific
than that in—
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Can you speak a little louder? It’s a little hard to hear
you.
MS. STEBBINS: That’s about as specific as I want to be in open session.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. All in favor—or any other comments?
MR. CHUNG: I have one question.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay.
MR. CHUNG: Maybe if I can ask Mr. Onishi, I mean these comments were made
on the record the last time?
MR. ONISHI: Correct.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: So wouldn’t we already be exposed? So you’re just worried
about further comments along those lines?
MR. ONISHI: Correct.
MR. CHUNG: Okay.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Any other comments or questions? All in favor say
“aye.”
Vote on Motion to The motion to enter into Executive Session was carried
Enter into Executive by the following voice vote:
Session:
(Approved) Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: So we’re in executive session. So we need to take a
recess for a couple of minutes to move into executive session? Okay.
Recess: At 12:03 p.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:22 p.m.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: We’re back in session and we’re out of executive
session. We are still on Resolution 283-15, nominates enterprise zones for
consideration by the governor. Council Member Onishi has the floor.
MR. ONISHI: Thank you, Madam Chair. You know at this time, I would like to
make a motion to postpone Resolution 283-15 to November 4, 2015.
Motion to Postpone: Mr. Onishi moved to postpone Res. 283-15 to November 4, 2015.
Seconded by Ms. David.
MR. ONISHI: And why I wanted to postpone it is because there’s people who
I’ve talked to who wanted to make comments about the enterprise zone, because
they’re involved with the enterprise zone. So they wanted to just make comments
about that. They couldn’t make it today because they had other prior
th—
commitments. They’ll be available for the November 4thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Are there any other comments, Council Members who
want to speak? Council Member Chung.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: Thank you. Based on what I heard in the executive session, you
know, I don’t know if those concerns really relate to the establishment of the
enterprise zones themselves. And what I would suggest though, I know this is
really cryptic because the public doesn’t know what was said in the executive
session, but Mr. Onishi brought up some points relating to statements made
during the discussion portion during the last Council meeting relating to this.
And I guess some statements were made, which raised the hackles of a person to
whom these statements were addressed, a certain business within the Hāmākua
area. And based on my recollection, they were kind of close to being improper.
But you know, I just don’t know how they relate to—I don’t know why we should
be holding up something like this. I know this gentleman that Mr. Onishi spoke
to wants to have an opportunity to come and speak to the Council. But I’m
thinking maybe what we could do is provide him a transcript, because we want to
make sure that what he’s getting is the correct statements, because we’re only
going on our recollection. But perhaps we could send him a transcript, and he
could write a letter to the editor to clarify. I don’t know, but you know, I’ll go
with whatever you guys feel is appropriate here.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Council Member Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Madam Chair. My only question is, by us
postponing this, does that hinder the current applicants in the enterprise zone?
And I just want to know if they are affected by us postponing it. I don’t know
where Ms. Horike is, so I can’t really ask. Oh, go ahead.
MR. ONISHI: Okay. So yesterday before I decided to move on with this, I
talked to Deputy Director Donn Mende about the urgency of getting this passed.
He said there’s no emergency, and Jane is on vacation until the end of October,
and so that’s why I talked to Donn.
MR. ILAGAN: Then with that, I’m more than open to hear their comments, and I
would support this postponement.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. I’m going to call on Mr. Chung, but if somebody
who hasn’t spoken—Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. I think I would rather wait—and I support the
postponement—and wait to have the entire Council beforehand so that we can
have the opportunity to have Council Chair Dru Kanuha, and Council Member
Valerie Poindexter here to be part of that discussion. So in that respect, I support
the postponement. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Council Member Chung.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, I’m okay with that. But again, if we could provide this
person a copy of the transcript so that there’s no mistaking what happened and
what was said during that time. But in the meantime, actually there might be a
good reason for the postponement, I’m still in favor of the establishment of these
zones, but I asked this question the last time and quite frankly, I didn’t really get a
good answer—
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Right.
MR. CHUNG: As to the efficacy of these zones. And we had a whole bunch of
resource people on Oʻahu, and they weren’t able to answer it either. I want to
know, are we just giving tax breaks out without deriving any benefit? We have to
get some kind of numbers on this. I mean we know the number of businesses that
are availing themselves of these enterprise zone benefits right now, but what we
want to know is, how many business over and above what already was in
existence prior to the establishments of these zones popped up? And whether
they popped up because of the incentives provided by the enterprise zone
arrangement. You know, I’d just like to get a better picture as to, you know,
what’s happening here, if we’re actually accomplishing what we’re setting out to
accomplish. So I don’t know who would be the person to make that request.
MR. ONISHI: As I mentioned before, she’s on vacation until the end of the
month.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Oh, that’s right. Okay.
MR. CHUNG: But I’ll try to talk with Deputy Director Mende, and perhaps they
can try to get that from the State. Thank you.
MR. ONISHI: I just want to—
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Yes, Mr. Onishi.
MR. ONISHI: Okay, just to let members know, I tried to bring this up earlier this
morning, but I was denied being recognized to bring this forward. So, you know,
I know the time is late, but hopefully we could have done this earlier, and then
just move on. Thank you. And then the Chair and the Vice Chair would have
been here for hearing the discussion. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. If no one has anything else, I’m going to make a
few comments. Yeah, I support the postponement. I do agree with Council
Member Chung, that I would like from R&D (Research and Development) to get
some of those numbers. I think one of his questions was how much taxes are
being lost? In other words, every time you give a discount to one person,
everybody else is making that up. And it does happen, that it’s my district that’s
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
getting no benefit, or South Kohala is getting no benefit. So all of the farmers in
my area do not qualify because this program is based on—you qualify by census
tract. And I think that’s also, you know, it’s State Planning and I consider it bad
planning and not good design. So I’m making those points just because I hope
when we bring it up again, that R&D will be able to provide a little more
information or the State.
And I don’t agree with Council Member Chung, in terms that maybe there’s
another venue for this person to come forward. Because even though I totally
agree, you know, what the employment status of someone was is not whether you
qualify for the enterprise zones. But since it came up here, one should have the
opportunity to respond in that same forum in that same manner. So I think it’s
good regardless of whether what the issue is. Okay, so all in favor of
postponement say “aye.”
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Res. 283-15 to November 4, 2016
Postpone: was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. So let’s just talk a minute. We’re scheduled to
start the next agenda at 1:00. I don’t know how quickly we can run—we do have
food available here. Shall we break for lunch for half an hour, and then we’ll go
to the committee and then finish up? Or what are your—any suggestions?
MR. CHUNG: I suggest we try to plow through.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Plow through.
MR. CHUNG: As quickly as we can.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, so can we?—are you all open to a 15-minute
lunch? What was that?
MS. EOFF: If we can finish Council first, break for lunch, and then if we do have
to start the 1:00 committee a few minutes late. Maybe we could—
ACTING CHR. WILLE: So you want to proceed right now? Okay, so moving
on Mr. Clerk, can you please read in Resolution 293-15?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 293-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., FOR THE
TH
5 ANNUAL LANTERN FLOATING CELEBRATION
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Research and Development, Hawai‘i
County Resource Center account. Funds would be used to purchase materials
for the event.
Reference: Comm. 487
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 293-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. David, you have the floor.
MS. DAVID: Mahalo, Chair. I would just like to echo and thank Jessie Marques’
testimony and encourage your support for this resolution. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Thank you. Any other comments? Hearing none, all in
favor of Resolution 293-15.
Vote on Res. 293-15: The motion to adopt Res. 293-15 was carried by the following
(Adopted) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Clerk, can you read in 294-15?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 294-15: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., FOR THE
BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
GROUP
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Prosecuting Attorney Kona, Other
Current Expenses account. Funds would be used for CPR/First Aide
Certification, Leadership Conference, and travel and lodging expenses.
Reference: Comm. 488
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 294-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. David, you have the floor.
MS. DAVID: Mahalo, I would just like to ask for my Council Members’ support
on this. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor.
Vote on Res. 294-15: The motion to adopt Res. 294-15 was carried by the following
(Adopted) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Resolution 299-15, Clerk—thank you, 299.
Res. 299-15: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF
$1,796.68 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Donated by Kamaʻaina Kids to assist with the repair of Waiākea Uka Gym.
Reference: Comm. 496
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 299-15. Seconded by
Ms. David.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff, you have the floor.
MS. EOFF: Thank you. Just to note that correction that Mr. Onishi noticed from
last time was taken care of. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Was what, Ms. Eoff?
MS. EOFF: Taken care of. There was just a typo on the letter.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. Any other comments?
MR. ONISHI: Yes. Yeah and my staff did contact P and R (Parks and
Recreation) to be here, but I guess there’s no one in Hilo. Is there anybody in
Hilo from P and R? But I just wanted to say thank you because this gym got
burnt like awhile back, and they are looking at repairing it. And construction
should start I think by the end of this month and should be done by summer, by
June. So I really appreciate that Kamaʻaina Kids donated some money to repair
the gym, and so I just wanted to say thank you. One question I was going to ask P
and R was that how did this relationship happen? Because Kamaʻaina Kids
usually works out of the schools like A-plus, right? And then they have like also
summer programs, so I was like, you know, interested in how this had happened.
But I really want to thank them for donating the money. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Thank you, Council Member Onishi. Any other
comments? Hearing none, all in favor of Resolution 299-15.
Vote on Res. 299-15: The motion to adopt Res. 299-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, could you read in Resolution 300-15?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Res. 300-15: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE MULTIFUNCTION, LARGE CAPACITY COPIER FOR THE
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement for a copier in
the Department’s Kona office, at an approximate cost of $875 per month.
Reference: Comm. 499
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 300-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff, you have the floor.
MS. EOFF: No comment, thank you. But I think we should support this, we
usually do waive copiers straight to Council.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor?
Vote on Res. 300-15: The motion to adopt Res. 300-15 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. Mr. Clerk, can you read in Resolution 301-15?
Res. 301-15: APPROVES A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2016
HAWAI‘I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (HSAC) LEGISLATIVE
PACKAGE
Requests that the HSAC package include “A Bill For An Act Relating To
Zoning,” which distinguishes single-family residential use from single-family
vacation rental use.
Reference: Comm. 500
Intr. by: Mr. Onishi
Waived: GREDC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Onishi moved to adopt Res. 301-15. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Onishi, you got the floor.
MR. ONISHI: Thank you. Yeah this is a HSAC (Hawaiʻi State Association of
Counties) proposal, and it’s coming out of Kauaʻi, from Council Chair Mel
Rapoza. We did have this last proposal last session, but it didn’t move out of the
State Legislature, it got differed I guess. But then—maybe I can have Bobby
come up. And I think last year what I did is, I sent an email to Planning to ask
them if we had any concern, or if this would this be a good legislation, right?
And so it’s now coming back up again. So do you have any comments?
(Note: At this time, Deputy Planning Director Bobby Command came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. COMMAND: Bobby Command Deputy Planning Director. I don’t have
any comments on this, I haven’t had the opportunity to look at anything that was
submitted to us. I think you also communicated with Chairman Kanuha, who said
that we really don’t have any background. So to use one of your terms, I think
we’re kind of kānalua on this one right now.
MR. ONISHI: But then do we have like situations that come up? Do you folks
get a lot of complaints about TVR’s (Trusted Vacation Rentals)?
MR. COMMAND: Let’s just say that I believe that it will be an issue in the
future. Just personally speaking from my own experience, there’s one in my
community, and I have questions over it, and I’m the Deputy Planning Director.
And I’m kind of scratching my head going, what’s going on up there? So I mean
it is an issue that I think the Planning Department should probably vet before we
make any decisions one way or the other on it. But they are out there.
MR. ONISHI: Because to my understanding, going to the HSAC meetings, like
Kauaʻi, they have a major problem with that. Maui yeah, Oʻahu yeah, you know?
But for the Big Island, like for me, I haven’t received any calls from anyone from
the public about complaints about a TVR. So you know, I was thinking like okay,
for us, it’s not as bad, but—
MR. COMMAND: Immediately I understand it’s a very big issue on Kauaʻi.
MR. ONISHI: Yeah, so that’s why they’re really pushing it. And then just to
explain what happen last session, was that Council Member Rapozo wasn’t going
to the legislature enough to lobby. So at certain committees, they had questions
about why he was asking for the counties to get more power into this, right? And
so it was never answered, so that’s why they deferred it. So I’m hoping that this
year’s upcoming session, Council Member Rapozo is going be there more often to
explain to the legislators and educate them of what problems they are facing. So
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
hopefully they can side with this HSAC package. But any other comments,
Bobby?
MR. COMMAND: No.
MR. ONISHI: Okay. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Council Member Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Madam Chair. I’m not fully familiar with it
happening last time, so I can’t speak on that. But right now, it’s in front of us and
this resolution, as much as I want to help out Kauaʻi, it’s something I cannot
support. I do want to learn more on what’s happening, but at this time, I can’t
support it. Thank you.
MR. COMMAND: I’m sorry, just a point here. I can hardly understand what
you’re saying actually. Your mic is just a little bit soft. Is it just me or?—
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Maybe also speak closer to the mic. Closer or further
away.
MR. ILAGAN: Hold on, this thing jumps like a fire cracker, so hold on. See? So
I hate to just move it.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: That’s better.
MR. ILAGAN: Is that better?
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Much better.
MR. ILAGAN: Okay. I just wanted to say that I don’t know what had happened
in the previous attempt with HSAC, this is my first time hearing of this. I’m not
really too sure on what’s going on regarding this issue, but at this time, I can’t
support it. I would like to know more. I feel like voting in favor of this will
affect a lot of residents, and I don’t feel comfortable voting yes on it right now.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: I have a comment if—oh, Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: I have a question for Mr. Command. If the legislature were to adopt
this, would it just afford the counties, like a home-rule power, to enact legislation?
Or would it automatically apply to all counties?
MR. COMMAND: I’m not sure about this particular issue. Maybe Mr. Onishi
has some idea about what it’s about.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. ONISHI: If you look at the proposed bill on the back of description, kind of
tells you what it’s about. It’s just clarifying the counties zoning, right? By
distinguishing single-family.
MS. EOFF: Right, but the underline says, “and provided further that a zoning
ordinance may provide for the amortization or phasing out of nonconforming
single-family transient vacation rental units over a reasonable period of time in an
area of any zoning classification.” So I don’t know how to understand that. If
that means that we can do this, or we have to do this too? All counties do this?
MR. COMMAND: I would guess it would depend on what the legislation at the
State level would say. I think for the Planning Department, it would be
worthwhile to be proactive about this, number one. And number two, I think that
it be worthwhile for us to probably vet whatever is being proposed. I don’t know
exactly what that is because the only thing I really have is what’s on the agenda
right now.
MR. ONISHI: Bobby, you want to look at this?
MR. COMMAND: Sure.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Yes, Council Member Chung.
MR. CHUNG: I don’t know if this would be considered a point of information,
or maybe if Mr. Onishi can, in two minutes or less, explain what this thing is all
about. Because I think the general public, who might be watching this will have
no idea what we’re talking about because quite frankly, I don’t have much of an
idea. In two minutes or less.
MR. ONISHI: Well like I mentioned before, so this proposed legislation is to
have the State give the counties a little bit more power in that zoning process or
the single-family dwellings. And what does it say behind there also, Bobby, on
the back part of the description? It says basically, clarifying the County’s zoning
authority. It is distinguishing single-family residential use from single-family
vacation rental use.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Let me say, I do think this is a problem in my district.
And when I say this, I want to clarify what I’m saying this is, because it really
isn’t what is in this resolution. This is—that a lot of homes, people are using
them as bed and breakfast, and they’re just being taxed and otherwise treated as a
single-family residence. So what this would do would basically allow one to split
those into two different categories. When I say this is a problem in my district,
it’s that there are a lot of people using their homes as a bed and breakfast or like
on a short-term rental basis, a room or otherwise. Frankly, I don’t really have a
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
problem with that, but many of them, and I don’t know what the estimated
percentage is, are not paying the transient accommodation tax.
So one issue is, and I think at least in some areas, the hotels are opposed to this
because then it provides lower cost housing and rental here. And you all can
make your own decision whether you think that’s bad or good, to have more
availability. People are doing it, as I see some of the people because they can’t
afford their house anymore, and this enables them to do it. My problem is that
they’re not paying the transient accommodation tax or the GE (General Excise)
tax, and therefore, they’re not providing—and I got quite a few people in my
district that are being responsible, and are paying that, and having to charge more,
and are being responsible. And yet we are not doing it. And when I checked, I
spoke to the Finance Department about it too. You know, basically they’re not
really overseeing it, and so this large number are not doing that.
Let me add one thing that I think is really important, although it isn’t exactly on
point, is our TAT is capped. Anymore that we do and work to bring that in, our
County isn’t benefiting, and I am going to the TAT meeting tomorrow in
Honolulu. But my only thing here is that really, it’s a bigger issue than what’s in
here. And if you are supporting this, you’re basically saying I agree that the
County can separate into two classifications, the single-family residence and what
they do with that, you know, that’s up to the County. I happen to not be opposed
to people doing it, but I do think that we’re not regulating that. And that’s what
issue’s come up with some of the people in my district, and then we’re not
enforcing it. If you were to go on the internet, and start reading all of the ads
down, and then you took the list of who’s paying TAT, you’re going to see that
there’s not a good overlap there. So that’s the experience in my district. So I
don’t know how we want to proceed on this bill. Any other comments?
MR. PALEKA: Madam Chair?
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Paleka.
MR. PALEKA: Thank you. The provision, it’s underlined on page three, is the
major factors, “and provided further the zoning ordinance may provide for the
amortization or phasing out of nonconforming single-family transient vacation
rental units over a reasonable period of time,” I think is the real crux of this issue,
specifically with this resolution. In the broader sense, being a transient
accommodation tax payer, I agree with Madam Chair’s verbalization that there’s a
bigger picture here also. There are organizations that do provide, and I’m all for
people making it, trying to cover their mortgages in supplementing their income
to pay for their homes.
Disparity or the equality is on paying the taxes that should be borne by all, if
you’re doing that type or participating in that type of business activity. We
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
should all pay. But what I’m concerned with, even on a greater sense, or in a
broader scope, is the organizations that do the advertising and are not paying, but
are collecting. I don’t want to name organizations or internet providers, but if the
homeowners are going to be required to pay taxes, then those entities too, that do
cash in on those rentals, they should also be paying Hawaiʻi taxes. And it’s
become an issue in different parts of the country. So this issue needs to be well
looked at. It should be fair for all. I don’t want to discourage the activity, but it
should be fair for everyone.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, I need to cut you off just a minute. Jon?
MR. HENRICKS: I sincerely apologize, but we do need to replenish our
recording tapes right now at this time, so we need a five-minute break.
MR. PALEKA: I’m pretty much done, Madam Chair, but just to have that
considered also. Thank you.
Recess: At 12:58 p.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 1:05 p.m.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: And we are now on 301-15. Mr. Onishi, you have the
floor. What do you want to do?
MR. ONISHI: I just want our Council Members to support this. As I mentioned
before, this came to us last year and we approved it. And basically, we’re just
helping out Kauaʻi, to help them solve their major problem on their island. So
I’m asking for your support, thanks.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, just one quick question, Chair to Mr. Onishi. If we do not act
on this, how does that affect—is this the legislative package that goes through
HSAC?
MR. ONISHI: Yeah, so if we vote this down it dies.
MS. DAVID: So it will not be included in the HSAC package?
MR. ONISHI: Correct, yes.
MS. DAVID: And this is what they’re asking us to support?
MR. ONISHI: Yes, correct.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. DAVID: Okay, great. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Yes, Council Member Ilagan.
MR. ILAGAN: Thank you, Madam Chair. First of all, I just want to say the
purpose of HSAC is that collectively, as the counties, we’re lobbying the State
because we’re affected, all the counties or majority of the counties are affected.
And TAT was mentioned regarding the zoning, this does not affect the legislature
giving our fair share on TAT. That’s a separate issue. Now regarding the
vacation rentals paying their fair share of TAT, I believe any income that they get
from this, regardless of the zoning and their—everything else then filing a GE tax
and filing a TA-1 tax, that’s their prerogative, that’s on them on doing that. Now
what’s enforcing for them to do it? I bet you majority of the people are law
abiding citizens who want to fill that out, so perception of saying that they’re not,
I want to say majority of them are.
Now if we want to get our fair share of TAT, we should lobby on TAT, not
choose this as leverage because we won’t get the result that we want. I feel this is
more of—if we have an issue regarding quality of life around the residents who’s
impacted, because there’s somebody living there, then we should tackle this issue
that way. This should not be tackled in the sense of we need to tax more people.
We need to add another layer of bureaucracy regarding our zoning side, and
compliance of that. That’s not how I look at this. That’s why I don’t want to
support this because I don’t have the information that I need.
I really need to study this a lot more, and is this right way to do it? Maybe for
Kauaʻi, if they could have sent somebody down to explain it a little bit more, I’d
be supportive of it. But currently, with points that were made by this Council, I
can’t support it. That’s just where I’m at, and I just have to voice that out because
I feel there are law abiding citizens who are paying TAT. And they’re also
providing tourism dollars to the County, because they’re bringing people in as an
option for them to stay here in Hawaiʻi instead of the hotel accommodations. So I
just wanted to voice that out. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, I’d like to hear from anyone else who has a
comment. Okay, I’ll make a very quick comment. I want to say, I agree with
much of what Council Member Ilagan said. And to clarify that the TAT is a
related, but it is a completely separate issue and we need to address that
separately. I do want to stress that the problems that are being dealt with one way
or another, one way being in this resolution is also does exist on this island at
least in North and South Kohala. I’m unsure about this, I mean I really wish
HSAC were effective in many ways. And I feel—it seems like for this to be one
of the keys things that we’re bringing forward with HSAC, I wonder about how
well HSAC is functioning. But okay, I’m going to let it go at that, and I’m going
to move on to, let’s vote on this. Shall we do a roll call on it?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Res. 301-15: The motion to adopt Res. 301-15 was carried by the following
(Adopted) roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 6.
Noes: Council Member Ilagan –1.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
BILLS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out
of order.)
Bill 91: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 05-74 WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS
FROM AGRICULTURAL – 1 ACRE (A-1a) AND RESORT-HOTEL – 1,250
SQUARE FEET (V-1.25) TO MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL – 2,500
ST
SQUARE FEET (RM-2.5) AT AUHAUKEAE 1, NORTH KONA,
HAWAI‘I, COVERED BY TMK: 7-5-009:067 (PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED A
PORTION OF PARCEL 54)
(Applicant: Kukui Development, LLC) (Area: 6.27 Acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which would allow a ten-year time extension to Condition C,
time to complete construction.
Reference: Comm. 467
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan (B/R)
Approve: PC-28
Vote on Bill 91: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 91 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Planning Committee Report No. 28. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Bill 92, Mr. Clerk.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Bill 92: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-2 (NORTH AND SOUTH KONA DISTRICT ZONE
MAP), ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI‘I
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION), BY CHANGING THE
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL – TWENTY
ACRES (A˗20a) TO AGRICULTURAL – SEVEN ACRES (A-7a) AT
KALOKO, NORTH KONA, HAWAI‘I, COVERED BY TMK: 7-3-026:003
(Applicant: Jean A. Lorant Trust) (Area: 21.095 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property
into two parcels. The applicant states that these lots are intended to be
residential/agricultural lots for the respective successors of the trust.
Reference: Comm. 468
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan (B/R)
Approve: PC-29
Vote on Bill 92: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 92 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Planning Committee Report No. 29. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Bill 93, Mr. Clerk.
Bill 93: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO AREA ZONE MAP),
ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 25 (ZONING CODE) OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL – TWENTY ACRES (A-20a)
TO FAMILY AGRICULTURAL – THREE ACRES (FA-3a) AT
KAŪMANA HOMESTEADS, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI‘I, COVERED
BY TMK: 2-5-003:024
(Applicants: Mark and Kim Rodrigues) (Area: 25.003 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to subdivide the property
into five parcels. The applicants stated they intend to retain two lots and convey
the remaining three lots to their three children.
Reference: Comm. 473
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan (B/R)
Approve: PC-30
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Bill 93: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 93 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Planning Committee Report No. 30. Seconded by
Mr. Paleka and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, Bill 94.
Bill 94: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, OF THE HAWAI‘I
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
PARKING
Adds portion of Kalawa Street to Schedule 28 (No parking at anytime),
Subsection (f), Kona.
Reference: Comm. 477
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Approve: PWPRC-16
Vote on Bill 94: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 94 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee Report
No. 16. Seconded by Mr. Paleka and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Bill 95, Mr. Clerk.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Bill 95: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 1, OF THE HAWAI‘I
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
SPEED LIMITS
Amends provision in Schedule 5 (35 mph limit) and adds provision to
Schedule 3 (25 mph limit), both for portions of Kawailani Street, Subsection
(c), South Hilo, to relocate a 35 mph speed limit sign to allow for a future
driveway.
Reference: Comm. 478
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Approve: PWPRC-17
Vote on Bill 95: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 95 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee
Report No. 17. Seconded by Mr. Paleka and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, Bill 103.
Bill 103: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – State Homeland Security Program
Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 account ($360,000); and appropriates the same to the
State Homeland Security Program FY 2015 account. Funds would be used with
existing funds towards the purchase of specialized equipment to enhance the
capability of state and county agencies to prevent and respond to incidents of
terrorism and other hazards.
Reference: Comm. 497
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 103 on first reading. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff, you have the floor.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MS. EOFF: Thank you. I just urge our support for this. It also affords
emergency response to catastrophic incidents, so it’s not just terrorism.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor?
Vote on Bill 103: The motion to pass Bill 103 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, can you have Bill 104 read in?
Bill 104: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Appropriates revenues in the Fund Balance From Previous Year – Designated
account ($6.64); and appropriates the same to the Kohala Ranch Project 4
account. The funds would be maintained separately and expended in accordance
to the requirements of their respective housing agreements.
Reference: Comm. 498
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 104 on first reading. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: I believe this is just housekeeping.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, no other comments. All in favor?
Vote on Bill 104: The motion to pass Bill 104 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, Bill 105.
Bill 105: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – Department of Health (DOH)
Complete Streets-Federal Grant account ($35,000); and appropriates the same to
the DOH Complete Streets-Federal Grant account. Funds would be used with
existing funds to allow staff within the Planning Department to attend Complete
Streets training.
Reference: Comm. 510
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 105 on first reading. Seconded
by Mr. Paleka.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: I believe this is a training and our Planning Department has hired a
consultant to develop a complete streets manual for this island. So I think this is
part of that process.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor?
Vote on Bill 105: The motion to pass Bill 105 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, Bill 106.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Bill 106: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-58, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2015, TO JUNE 30, 2016
Adds the Haihai Fire Station (Kawailani Station Replacement) project for
$6 million to the Capital Budget. Funds for the project shall be provided from
General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund – Fund Balance and/or other
Sources ($6 million). Funds would be used to replace the current facility, which
will be negatively affected by Kawailani Street road improvements.
Reference: Comm. 511
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai‘i County
Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 106 on first reading. Seconded
by Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Ms. Eoff.
MS. EOFF: Thank you. We were asked to waive this, it’s kind of urgent that we
move forward on this, and I believe that Chief Rosario is in Hilo if we have
questions.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Do we have any questions or comments or not?
Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Sorry, Madam Chairman, you know, we were on a roll. But isn’t
this the matter that was in the newspaper just recently? And I know this is a
project that is near and dear to Mr. Onishi’s heart, and certainly I will support it,
but unless I misread that article, is this an additional $6 million?
MR. ONISHI: Yes.
MR. CHUNG: So it’s almost doubling, right?
MR. ONISHI: Yes.
MR. CHUNG: Or maybe more than doubling.
MR. ONISHI: No, about double.
MR. CHUNG: What happened?
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. ONISHI: Cost of construction.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: You want to ask the Chief to come up? While we’re
waiting for him, does anyone have any other questions or comments to make?
MR. CHUNG: Or you want to table, and we can finish up the rest?
MR. ONISHI: I could add little bit on it. It’s just the construction cost and plus
the facility is much more up. It’s like, not updated, but it’s like a higher tech the
way they’re going to have at that fire station. Like the sound proofing for the
neighborhood, they’re having I think photovoltaic being put in. Their radio
system is going to be a higher tech system. So what I understand, it’s like I guess
the future of our fire stations. It’s not like an ordinary, like before type of fire
station.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: High end.
MR. CHUNG: Well my question would be, when was the estimate established
before? I mean how long ago was that initial estimate made?
MR. ONISHI: They were looking at the Makalei Fire Station, and I think that’s
where they got their estimate from. Because basically, the Makalei Fire Station
plans are these plans right here, but with more upgrades.
MR. CHUNG: So it’s not a matter of higher construction costs then, it’s
additions?
MR. ONISHI: No, well that too. It’s because of how the construction industry or
market right now, everything is going up. It’s like, for example, I was going to
bring up the Waimea sports complex, right? They have to cut back now because
the prices that came in the bids were way higher than what they had estimated the
cost.
MR. CHUNG: You see, okay, therein lies the problem. I’ll still support it, but
you know when we voted for that bond float, which I supported as well?—you
know, typically bond floats are issued during a time when the economy is down
and they use these monies to infuse construction projects. You don’t typically
move with a big construction bond float when the economy is on the upswing
because what happens is, you’re going to have higher construction cost and now
we’re seeing it. And I bet you this is not the last time we’re going see this and
I’m very, very concerned. I mean I’ll still support it, but you know, I don’t know
what to say.
MR. ONISHI: Well there’s Chief guys in Hilo right now.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: No, I mean I think you answered most of the questions. The only
thing the Chief could answer is how much is this additional cost attributed to
higher construction cost, as opposed to enhancing the facility?
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, Chief, are you there? Can you hear me?
(At this time, Fire Chief Darren Rosario and Assistant Fire Chief
Glen Honda came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. ROSARIO: Yes, Darren Rosario Fire Chief for the Hawaiʻi Fire
Department. I have with me Assistant Fire Chief Glen Honda, who’s our project
manager for the replacement Kawailani Fire Station, which we’re calling the
Haihai Fire Station project, and collaboratively, we can answer any questions that
you folks may have.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay. Did you hear Council Member Chung’s
question?
MR. ROSARIO: We had just come in, but I think he’s asking about the
additional $6 million cost, and part of what he was saying as we walked in is true.
It’s because the County is in an upward swing with its financial state across the
County. So there is an increase in construction cost, but I’ll let Chief Honda go
into more detail with that.
MR. HONDA: Glen Honda, Assistant Chief, Fire Department. You know, when
we started this project, we based a lot of our assumptions on a previous project,
which was Makalei. And what the Councilmen had said earlier is true. We don’t
have a cost estimate for this particular project until the bid actually goes out. The
estimate that is standing now came from the plans and designer’s team. They hire
out or they contract an estimator to put a price tag on the project, and that’s where
we stand now. The project is based on a mirror project of Makalei, so there are
no additional frills or anything like that that’s causing the price to go up. As a
matter of fact, we trimmed it down considerably in comparison to Makalei. So I
would have to say that the price is not estimated at this time due to any added
frills or attachments to the station.
MR. CHUNG: Do I still have the floor? Well I think, you know, there’s some
kind of disconnect here because Mr. Onishi has stated that this is actually going to
be a model for future fire stations. Because of the enhancements that were added
to it, sound proofing, and photovoltaic, and different things. So I mean maybe
that’s something that you can discuss with Mr. Onishi later on. But what you’re
telling me then is that this additional monies, which is almost double of what was
initially estimated, is all attributable to construction cost?
MR. HONDA: Yes, sir.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
MR. CHUNG: Wow. And we don’t even know what the final bid is going to be.
It might come up more than what is appropriated, right? Possible?
MR. HONDA: That’s correct.
MR. CHUNG: I mean it’s not through any fault of you or the department, I’m
just stating a fact this is very concerning. Yeah. I mean it’s having a trickledown
effect on many of the other projects. I see, you know, some other projects being
affected, if I’m reading the newspaper correctly. But anyway, thank you very
much.
MR. ROSARIO: Thank you. If I could just add real quickly that we do thank the
Council for their questions and also for the support of this project. We’re
th
currently on our 13 tropical cyclone storm that has entered Hawaiian waters.
Currently outside of Hilo is a category 4 hurricane with a track that hopefully
takes it to the north. So everything we’re doing today is really based on the future
of Hawaiʻi County. We have significant stations that would not withstand a
hurricane force impact to the island. These stations are designed—they’re not
frills but extra add-ins such as hurricane strength windows and doors so that we
can provide the sustainability of emergency response, post impact of a significant
storm.
So everything we’re doing today, even though the cost seems real high, these
stations are designed for 50 plus years of sustainability. So I would say look at
the value of the cost spread over at least 50 years. And you know this doesn’t
even account for the stations such as Honokaʻa, Paradise Park, and North Kohala,
who are still basically wooden structures that do not meet requirements for a
public safety building. But we’re going to continue to do our best to provide the
community with what we need to sustain emergency services throughout the
future, and just ask the Council for their support. But you’re actually right, until
the bid comes, in which we have no control over, that’s when we’ll get the final
cost of the project. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Anyone else have questions? I’d like to ask you a
question. Has this not gone out to bid yet? Or has it gone out to bid?
MR. ROSARIO: It is currently out to bid, with the bid closing on October 29.
And I forgot to mention, but I do want to publicly thank Council Member Onishi
for his work with this project and getting a lot of community input. There was
community input that was provided that we took into account to answer their
questions about noise, and traffic, and so forth. And without his help, the project
wouldn’t have gotten to the point that it’s at. Along with the assistance of the
Department of Public Works, David Yamamoto, and all of the staff there working
collaboratively with Chief Honda here. Thank you.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay, thank you very much. Hearing no other
comments, I want to just say I share the same concerns as Council
Member Chung, in terms of the fade of the other projects. I’m sort of like, well
where?—the question that always gets asked of us when we do something in the
budget, “Well where are we getting this $6 million from?” You know, where is
that coming from? Can each of you answer that? Where’s the $6 million? And I
really say this all because of the Waimea District Park, which has been worked on
since 1991 when the rezoning for it went through. In our community—and
having that cut, part of the ball fields cut, the comfort station cut, and a lot else
you know, I may be coming back here, and how do we handle that? And how do
we handle the other?—so I think we’re in a predicament. Anyway, I will be
supporting this, any other questions, concerns? Otherwise, all in favor?
Vote on Bill 106: The motion to pass Bill 106 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Bill 107, Mr. Clerk.
Bill 107: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, OF THE HAWAI‘I
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
PARKING
Adds portions of Manini Beach Road, Kahauloa Street, and Kahauloa Road, to
Section 24-280, Schedule 28, (No parking at any time), Subsection (f), Kona, to
address a concern that cars are parking in this heavily used beach area in places
too narrow for parking.
Reference: Comm. 513
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Waived: PWPRC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 107 on first reading. Seconded
by Ms. Eoff
ACTING CHR. WILLE: If anyone have any—Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you, Chair. This is in my district, and this is the result
of collaborating with the Public Works Department because of the concerns with
the citizens down at Manini Beach, of parking on a one lane road that had some
serious emergency access problem. So in working together, I want to thank
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Department of Public Works for all their efforts in getting these no parking areas
posted. Thank you very much.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor?
Vote on Bill 107: The motion to pass Bill 107 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, Bill 86
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
THE DAY Order of the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out
of order.)
Bill 86: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 08-72, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE
NO. 95-55, WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS FROM AGRICULTURAL -
10 ACRES (A-10a) AND AGRICULTURAL - 3 ACRES (A-3a) TO
AGRICULTURAL - 1 ACRE (A-1a) AT WAIĀKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAI‘I,
COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-048:093 AND PORTION OF 13.
(Applicant: Glory Nani Mau, LLC) (Area: 41.749 acres)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which would allow a five-year time extension to Condition B,
Final Subdivision Approval.
Reference: Comm. 447
Intr. by: Mr. Ilagan (B/R)
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Vote on Bill 86: Mr. Ilagan moved to pass Bill 86 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Mr. Clerk, moving on to Bill 96.
Bill 96: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants –DOT Flex Grant account
($105,045); and appropriates the same to the DOT Flex Grant account. Funds
would be used to provide specialized training for police, prosecutors, and
members of the judiciary in the investigation and prosecution of drivers impaired
by drugs and/or alcohol.
Reference: Comm. 483
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
First Reading: October 7, 2015
Vote on Bill 96: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 96 on second and final reading.
(Adopted) Seconded by Mr. Paleka and carried by the following voice
vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Bill 97.
Bill 97: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 15-57, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – Aggressive Driving Project Grant
account ($4,000); and appropriates the same to the Aggressive Driving Project
Grant account. The funds would be used with existing funds towards the
purchase of 20 Whelen VERTEX Super-LED light kits for Traffic Enforcement
Unit officers with unmarked vehicles.
Reference: Comm. 484
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
First Reading: October 7, 2015
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Hawaiʻi County Council-24 October 20, 2015
Vote on Bill 97: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 97 on second and final reading.
(Adopted) Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi, Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille – 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter – 2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Clerk, did we miss anything on the Council agenda?
Okay, we’re clear, so—
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
(There were none.)
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referral for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(There were none.)
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
(There was none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
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Hawai`i County Council-24 October 20, 2015
ADJOURN- There being no other business, at 1:37 p.m., Mr. Paleka moved to adjourn
MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Eoff and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Ilagan,
Onishi,Paleka, and Acting Chair Wille—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Kanuha and Poindexter—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. WILLE: Okay.
APR 1 9 2017
Council Approval:
\76"
COUN CLERK
SM/jm/rk
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