HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 058 2017/11/01 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: November 1, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 551/Bill No. 73
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 11:12 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 73, reports as follows:
Bill No. 73, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna Sako, via Communication No. 551 dated
October 11, 2017, amends Ordinance No. 17-40, as amended, relating to public improvements
and financing thereof for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.
This bill adds the Parks and Recreation Kahalu`u Beach Park Improvements project for $600,000
to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from the General Obligation
Bonds, Capital Projects Fund - Fund Balance and/or Other.Sources. Funds would be used for the
planning and design phase of the project.
Council Member Dru Mamo Kanuha gave a brief background on this bill. Over the years there
have been a lot of community involvement in improving archaeological sites and the ponds but
in the last several years, with the wave action and with the sea level rise, it started eroding the
facilities and the walls. It literally took out the pond that the community built and is now in
terrible shape. Mr. Kanuha also noted that due to severe erosion, one of the pavilions was closed
due to safety issues. He stated that prior plans included improving the roofing and repair of the
restrooms. These improvements, at this time, should be placed on hold as it does not make sense
to proceed if the foundation of the main pavilion gets ripped out in the next few years. The real
issue is how to improve the park and make plans for these changes.
Mr. Kanuha stated the County will need to work with the State and Federal agencies to come up
with a new master plan because of the park's proximity to the water. Currently, adjoining
landowner Kamehameha Schools, is demolishing Keauhou Beach Hotel to create a cultural and
educational area to teach about the historical significance of this area. Mr. Kanuha stated he
would like to have it included on the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list in case funding
does become available for this most visited beach on the west side.
thanked Mr. Kanuha for the timelyaddition to the CIP budget and
Council Member Karen Eoff g
reiterated that Kahalu`u is the gem of the west side. The sea life is rich since people are not
allowed to spear or fish in this area, so the fish are abundant there. The visitors and residents
utilize Kahalu`u since it is one of the very few white sand beaches on the west side.
FC Report No. 58
FC-58 Page 2 November 1, 2017
Council Member Susan Lee Loy stated that with the demolishing of the hotel and what
Kamehameha Schools has planned, there will be a huge opportunity to transition that area in
Keauhou ,which is rich with our cultural and historical sites.
Committee Chair Maile David also thanked Mr. Kanuha for bringing this bill forward.
Ms. David made mention and thanked the Kohala Center, and especially Cindy Punihaole for
their efforts in education preservation of Kahalu`u beach and bringing awareness of the
importance to malaina Kahalu`u Beach.
Pursuant to Section 10-6(e) of the Hawai`i County Charter, at any time during the fiscal year, the
Council,by ordinance adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the entire
membership, may amend the budget for that year.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 73, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
•
dm
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
KANUHA X - r
LEE LOY X
O'HARA X 41111 /C` �
POINDEXTER x MAILE DAVID, CH A
RICHARDS X FC REPORT NO.: 58
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: Nov 1 5 2017