HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PWPRC 2017/06/22 2016-2018COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
PARKS AND RECREATION
51h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
June 22, 2017
CALL TO
The regular meeting of the Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation
ORDER:
was called to order at 10:37 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by
Ms.
Jennifer Ruggles, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Ms.
Jennifer Ruggles, Chair
Ms.
Maile Medeiros David, Vice Chair
Mr.
Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms.
Karen Eoff, Member
Mr.
Dru Mamo Kanuha, Member
Ms.
Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms.
Eileen O'Hara, Member
Ms.
Valerie T. Poindexter, Member
Mr.
Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee 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 in regards to Bill 47, and came
forward when called by the Chair:
Carol Ignacio: In support.
(Representing the Blue Zones
Project)
Drean Barley: In support.
(Representing the Hakalau
Farmers Market)
Michael Doolittle: In support.
(Representing Mystic Palms
Plantation and the Hakalau Farmers Market)
PWPRC-5
COMMUNI-
CATIONS:
Comm. 317
June 22, 2017
Deb Scrivens: In support.
(Representing the Hakalau
Farmers Market and Food Share)
Susan Forbes: In support.
Howard Pe`a: In opposition.
(Representing the Pana`ewa
Farmer's Market)
Elizabethanne Masaoka: In opposition.
(Representing the Keaukaha
Farmers Association)
Patrick L. Kahawaiola`a: In opposition.
(Representing the Keaukaha
Community Association)
Brad Kurokawa: In support.
Koran Munato: In opposition.
(Representing the Pana`ewa
Farmers Market)
Kihei A. Ahuna: In opposition.
(Representing the Keaukaha/Pana`ewa
Farmers Association)
The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
Communications.
NOMINATION OF MICHAEL DOOLITTLE TO THE VETERANS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. Michael Doolittle to the Veterans
Advisory Committee. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
(Note: At this time, Barbara Kossow, Deputy Managing Director for
Office of Management, came forward to address the members of the
Committee.)
Page 2
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. KOSSOW: Good morning, my name is Barbara Kossow, Deputy Managing
Director for Office of Management. I'm here today on behalf of Mayor Kim to
introduce and nominate six fine men to the Veterans Advisory Committee. I'm
prepared to give you a bit of a background. The Committee is to advise the
County on matters pertaining to operation, management, and maintenance of the
Veterans Cemeteries and other related veterans issues. We look for individuals
who are respected by the community and veterans as being community -minded
and have a desire to serve. This Committee has been dormant for about three
years mainly due to lack of quorum, and this administration is looking forward to
filling this Committee once again.
On behalf of Mayor Kim, it is our pleasure to nominate Michael D. Doolittle of
Council District 1 to the Veterans Advisory Committee. He served in the United
States Army from 1962 to 1970. Mr. Doolittle is a retired independent real estate
developer, investor, and business man. He currently owns Mystic Palm
Plantation, a veteran's vocational training center in Hakalau. Mr. Doolittle has
been a resident of Hawaii for the last seven years and is a current member of the
Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc. Mr. Doolittle states he is not affiliated
with any political party. If confirmed, he will serve a term ending December 31st
2021.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, Ms. Kossow. Mr. Doolittle in Hilo, would you
like to say a few words?
(Note: At this time, Nominee Michael Doolittle came forward to address
the members of the Committee.)
MR. DOOLITTLE: Yes, thank you. I would like to thank the mayor for
rejuvenating this Committee. In addition to maintaining the Veteran's
Cemeteries, there's a lot of other issues I think the County can assist veterans
with, so I'm honored to be nominated, and I thank the mayor for his efforts.
Thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Are there any questions or comments on this
motion? Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: I'd just like to say thank you to Mr. Doolittle for stepping
up to the plate and committing himself to this commission and community
service, so thank you so much for stepping up.
CHR. RUGGLES: Anyone else? Okay, great. I'd also like to echo
Ms. Poindexter, thank you for stepping up, Mr. Doolittle. Thank you for your
service.
MR. DOOLITTLE: Thank you very much.
Page 3
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay, moving on. All those in favor of filing Comm. 317,
please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 317: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
(Approved) of Mr. Michael Doolittle to the Veterans Advisory
Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Moving on to Communication 318.
Comm. 318: NOMINATION OF ANTONIO GASPAR TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kanuha moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. Antonio Gaspar to the Veterans
Advisory Committee. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. KOSSOW: On behalf of Mayor Kim, it is our pleasure to introduce and
nominate Antonio Gaspar of Council District 7 to the Veterans Advisory
Committee. Mr. Gaspar served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, and
retired from the Hawaii Army National Guard after more than 30 years of
service. In addition to being retired from the Hawaii Army National Guard,
Mr. Gaspar also retired from Enterprise Holdings, where he was a maintenance
technician for approximately 12 years. Mr. Gaspar is currently employed as a
transporter for Hertz rent a car. Mr. Gaspar is an active member of our
community and volunteers with various veterans organizations, especially with
the American Legion and the Big Island Retired Military Association.
Previously, he has served on this Committee. He is a resident of Hawaii for the
past 48 years. He states he is not affiliated with any political party. If confirmed,
he will serve a term ending December 31, 2020.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, Ms. Kossow. Mr. Gaspar, would you like to say a
few words?
(Note: At this time, Nominee Antonio Gaspar came forward to address
the members of the Committee.)
Page 4
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MR. GASPAR: Good morning, Council Members. I'm Antonio Gaspar, I lived
in Hawaii since 1968. I got drafted in the United States Army, and came home in
1971. I joined the Hawaii Army National Guard and retired July 19, 2004. From
there, I was looking for something to keep me busy. I worked at the rental cars
until today. I wanted to serve in the Veterans Advisory Council Committee,
whatever I can do to help my comrades, especially for the Veterans Cemeteries,
and whatever I can help. Thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Is there any comments or questions?
Mr. Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Mahalo sir, first of all, for your service to our country and your
continued service to our community, we really appreciate it. I know it's always
nice to get as many volunteers as possible to serve on our boards and
commissions, and sometimes it's hard to get everybody to serve. But I know
you're committed and you been there before. You know what it's all about, and I
really appreciate you being part of this commission again. I fully support your
nomination, and if I could ask the rest of my colleagues to support it as well. I
think you'll be great on it. Again, mahalo.
MR. GASPAR: Thank you, sir.
CHR. RUGGLES: Anyone else? Ms. Eoff
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to also thank you very
much, and let my colleagues know that I've interacted and known you for quite a
while now through the Veterans Cemetery in West Hawaii. I found that you are
very compassionate and what you said is so true, you really want to help your
fellow veterans and help the cemetery, so mahalo.
I wanted to ask Ms. Kossow something. There's several today being added to the
advisory commission. Is this filled completely, or there's still
MS. KOSSOW: No it isn't, this particular Advisory Committee has sixteen
members of which nine would be quorum. I'm not sure how that will all play out.
Rose Bautista and I had a conversation about it, so I do know. I went back and
looked at some older minutes from couple years ago; Committee wrote a letter to
then Mayor Kenoi, there's some of the organizations that maybe no longer meet.
So there you would not have participation on this Committee. So this is
something we need to look at, I don't really have an answer.
MS. EOFF: Can you let us know?
MS. KOSSOW: But we will let you know.
Page 5
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
MS. EOFF: Okay, whether we need to amend the required members list, or
whether we need to just find people, but I'd be able to help with that.
MS. KOSSOW: Okay, thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Anyone else? Thank you for your service,
Mr. Gaspar. Thank you for your continued service to our community. With that
being said, all those in favor of filing Communication 318, please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 318: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
(Approved) of Mr. Antonio Gaspar to the Veterans Advisory
Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Motion carries. Moving to Communication 319, Mr. Clerk.
Comm. 319: NOMINATION OF MINORU HANATO TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kanuha moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. Minoru Hanato to the Veterans
Advisory Committee. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. KOSSOW: On behalf of Mayor Kim, it is our pleasure to introduce and
nominate Minoru Hanato of Council District 7 to the Veterans Advisory
Committee. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1963 to 1969. He
is also a Vietnam veteran and member of the Disabled American Veterans Kona
Chapter 7. As a business man of former Hanato Tofu factory in Honalo,
Mr. Hanato ran that for many years. He is also a former welder and bartender.
Mr. Hanato is an active member of our community, volunteering countless hours
in various veterans associations, especially with the Disabled American Veterans
Organization. Mr. Hanato is a lifelong resident of Hawaii. He previously served
on this Committee as well. Mr. Hanato states he is not affiliated with any
political party. If confirmed, he will serve a term ending December 31, 2021.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Mr. Hanato, would you like to say a few words?
Page 6
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
(Note: At this time, Nominee Minoru Hanato came forward to address the
members of the Committee.)
MR. HANATO: I want to say good morning, and thank you for the nomination,
and to the County Council for letting me be here. I'm one of the few original
honor guards in the Kona district. Our unit consists of the DAV (Disabled
American Veterans,) American Legion, and Korean War Veterans. We've gone
all over the island. The only place we did not do anything is in Puna. They have
not called us. I want to thank everybody again for letting me be here. Thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, thank you for your service. Any discussion,
questions, or comments? Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Aloha Minoru, I really want to thank you for
volunteering to serve on this commission, because it's a very important one. I've
known you for many years. I noticed on your application you noted your tofu
shop in Kaihapio, that's about how long I've known you, and you've been very
sincere in your efforts to help veterans as long as I can remember. And I want to
thank you as far as your growth in being an honor guard, and for coming to many
of our families services to present. You guys are very valuable for that, and I
appreciate that and all that you do. So, mahalo and I will be supporting your
nomination. Thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Mr. Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you. I will support your nomination as well. I really
appreciate you serving the community in this capacity. Mahalo for spending the
time to be part of this commission, and I look forward to working with you in the
future on how to help as much as possible. So, mahalo for serving and we really
appreciate it.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Anyone else? Ms. Eof£
MS. EOFF: I, too, want to thank you, and especially for your longevity. I know
there's been some frustrating times for you since the development of the West
Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, but thank you for sticking it through and always
being there supporting all the veterans, and all of the events as well.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Mr. Hanato, our sincere gratitude for your
service, and also want to say that you do not have to return at the next meeting
when this nomination comes before the Council. With that being said, all those in
favor of approving this nomination, please say "aye."
Page 7
PWPRC-5
Vote on Comm. 319
(Approved)
The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
of Mr. Minoru Hanato to the Veterans Advisory Committee
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Nomination carries, thank you. Moving to
Communication 320.
June 22, 2017
Comm. 320: NOMINATION OF ISAAC NAHAKUELUA TO THE VETERANS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Ms. O'Hara moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. Isaac Nahakuelua to the Veterans
Advisory Committee. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. RUGGLES: Ms. Kossow, please go ahead.
MS. KOSSOW: Again, on behalf of Mayor Kim, it is our pleasure to introduce
and nominate Isaac Nahakuelua of Council District 1 to the Veterans Advisory
Committee. He was born and raised in Hilo, Mr. Nahakuelua is a United States
Army veteran having served six years of active duty, including one year in
Afghanistan. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 3830, and the
Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc. After serving our country, he took
advantage of the GI (Government Issued) Bill and went on to earn a BA
(Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology from University of Hawaii at Hilo, and a
masters in social work from University of Hawaii at Manoa. He is currently
employed as a social worker in adult mental health with the State Department of
Health. He is also a prolific artist. He is not affiliated with any political party. If
confirmed, he will serve a term ending December 31, 2021.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Mr. Nahakuelua, would you like to say a few
words?
(Note: At this time, Nominee Isaac Nahakuelua came forward to address
the members of the Committee.)
Page 8
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MR. NAHAKUELUA: Good morning, thank you for accepting my presence. I
want to work with veterans, specifically combat veterans and hope that the
younger generation of combat veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq war, and veterans
in their thirties can learn knowledge and wisdom from the Vietnam combat
veterans and the Korean War combat veterans. The big challenge for a lot of the
younger generation of combat veterans is adapting into a new lifestyle. The
lifestyle that they know is a military lifestyle, and it's completely different from
the civilian lifestyle. So for myself, I found that I needed a new mission. I found
that combat veterans are mission -oriented, and my mission was to get a bachelor's
degree in psychology, then a master's degree in social work, and hopefully a
Ph.D. in the future of some sort. But, I want to try to work with the Mayor, the
Council, and kupuna to gather all the combat veterans in the community and those
that may be incarcerated, and have them talk with the older combat veterans to
gain their knowledge and wisdom and how they survived in life, making proper
choices, and having good goals. Any questions?
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Are there any questions or comments?
Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. Mr. Nahakuelua, I'm so impressed that you at
your young age is very committed and passionate about serving on this
commission, and I think what Mr. Hanato was referring to when he spoke is that
he was encouraging the younger veterans to become involved, because I think
what they have to share with the younger veterans is something that you speak of
now. And I see that as very notable, and I really applaud you for being that
passionate about our veterans. I think the background you have chosen
specifically is a much needed field for veterans, and I applaud you for being
young and committed as you are. So I will definitely support your nomination
and thank you again.
MR. NAHAKUELUA: Right on, mahalo aunty.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Council Member Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: I would just echo everything that Council Member Maile
David said, and I want to say thank you for committing yourself to community
service, we really appreciate it. The County is very lucky to have you, thank you.
MR. NAHAKUELUA: Thank you, too.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Anyone else? With that, I would also like to say
thank you for your enthusiasm and your fresh perspective in bringing that
wisdom, and bridging the gap between the kupuna and our upcoming generation.
With that, you won't have to return for the next Council meeting for which your
nomination will be heard. All those in favor of this nomination please say "aye."
Page 9
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
Vote on Comm. 320: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
(Approved) of Mr. Isaac Nahakuelua to the Veterans Advisory
Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Nomination carries, thank you. Communication 321,
Mr. Clerk.
Comm. 321: NOMINATION OF GEORGE SHERIDAN TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Mr. George Sheridan to the Veterans
Advisory Committee. Seconded by Ms. David.
MS. KOSSOW: Mr. Sheridan is not here today, and we did send an email to all
of you. Mr. Sheridan advised our office that he will be out of state attending a
Vietnam military reunion, but he is available for full Council meeting on July 7 t
I can go ahead and read into record if that's proper.
CHR. RUGGLES: Sure.
MS. KOSSOW: On behalf of Mayor Kim, it is our pleasure to nominate George
Sheridan of Council District 5 to the Veterans Advisory Committee.
Mr. Sheridan served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1976, and the
Hawaii Army National Guard from 1976 to 1999. He is a Vietnam veteran and a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 3830, and the Hawaii Island
Veterans Memorial Inc. Mr. Sheridan obtained a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in
Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and an MS (Masters in
Science) in Business from the University of Southern California. Mr. Sheridan is
a lifelong resident of Hawaii. He states he is not affiliated with any political
party. If confirmed, he will serve a term ending December 31, 2020.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, Ms. Kossow. Any discussion? Ms. O'Hara.
Page 10
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
MS. O'HARA: I had a question for Barbara. Apparently, this Advisory
Committee doesn't require that the members come from each of the districts
because I see we have multiple people from the same district, is that right?
MS. KOSSOW: Yes, that's right.
MS. O'HARA: What is the total membership?
MS. KOSSOW: 16.
MS. O'HARA: Oh okay, of course we have multiple people from districts.
Thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Anyone else? Looks like we'll have the privilege
of meeting Mr. Sheridan in a few weeks. All those in favor of filing
Communication 321, please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 321: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
(Approved) of Mr. George Sheridan to the Veterans Advisory
Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Motion carries. Moving to Communication 322, Mr. Clerk.
Comm. 322: NOMINATION OF EMILE WERY TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated May 31, 2017, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nomination.
Motion to Approve: Ms. O'Hara moved to recommend confirmation of the
appointment of Emile Wery to the Veterans Advisory
Committee. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
CHR. RUGGLES: Ms. Kossow.
MS. KOSSOW: Okay, I just want to make sure he's there. On behalf of Mayor
Kim, it is a pleasure to introduce and nominate Emile Wery of Council District 4
to the Veterans Advisory Committee. Mr. Wery retired from the United States
Army after 35 years of service as a First Sergeant Combat Infantryman. He is a
Page 11
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
Vietnam and Korean War defense veteran. Mr. Wery is a current member of the
Military Order of Purple Heart, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Combat Infantry
Association, and BIRMA (Big Island Retired Military Association). Mr. Wery
attended two years of college while in the military, and obtained a Liberal Arts
degree through a program with the University of Maryland. His past employment
includes being a job placement counselor with Alu Like adult and summer youth
programs. Mr. Wery was born and raised on Oahu, and lived on the Big Island
for the past 15 years. He states he is not affiliated with any political party. He
previously served on the Veterans Advisory Board. If confirmed, he will serve a
term ending December 31, 2020.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, Ms. Kossow. Mr. Wery, would you like to say a
few words?
(Note: At this time, Nominee Emile Wery came forward to address the
members of the Committee.)
MR. WERY: What are your questions of me?
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay, do we have any questions, Council Members? Looks
like we don't. Would you like to say anything otherwise? Okay, I'm going to
take that as a no. With that, are there any comments? Go ahead, Ms. Eof£
MS. EOFF: Thank you for stepping up to serve on this Committee. Mahalo.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you, Ms. Eof£ Anyone else? I'd also like to thank
you, Mr. Wery, and you will not have to come in for the next Council meeting
when your nomination is heard. And with that, all those in favor of approving
this nomination, please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 322: The motion to recommend confirmation of the appointment
(Approved) of Mr. Emile Wery to the Veterans Advisory Committee
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Motion carries. Thank you, Ms. Kossow. I'd like to take
Bill 47 out of order. After we do that, can I hand over my Chair position? Okay,
great. Bill 47, Mr. Clerk.
Page 12
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Committee Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
Bill 47: AMENDS CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 9, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE
1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO FARMERS
MARKETS
Creates a facility schedule for farmers markets to be established at County
parks and facilities, and adds the following parks to the schedule: Hakalau
Veterans Park, Kukuihaele Park, Pana`ewa Park, Na`alehu Park, Kamehameha
Park, and Volcano Park.
Reference: Comm. 325
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to recommend passage of Bill 47 on
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Eof£
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Ruggles relinquished the chair to Vice Chair David.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Let the record show that I am assuming the Chair.
Ms. Poindexter, go ahead.
MS. POINDEXTER: First of all, I did hear the Pana`ewa testifiers, and honestly I
meant no disrespect whatsoever to anyone, and to any of our Council District
representatives, not at all. Where I was bound by the Sunshine Law, is I did
speak with Council Member Dru Kanuha about presenting this bill and talking
about what was happening in Kona. I wish I could have talked to all the Council
Members to get their feedback on this before. But, because of the Sunshine Law,
that was not possible. And, I guess that's why we have this Committee meeting,
because this is where the discussion openly takes place with the public. So, I
truly appreciate all of the testifiers coming forward and knowing that when we put
this forward, we know that Council Members could add or delete. That would be
their opportunity to say if their districts needed it, or didn't need it. There may be
amendments or adding onto it.
So that was the whole purpose of this, is to bring it to the Committee here to
discuss openly with all of the Committee and Council members who represent
their constituents. It was no ill intent or anything that I was putting things
forward without talking with them. I would have love to have talked with, and
maybe I should have chosen Council Member Lee Loy first instead of Council
Member Dru Kanuha. I'll know that better next time. Truly, no disrespect at all,
to you, and I know how much you respect your community, and your constituents
voices matter. So, I appreciate them coming forward as well.
Page 13
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
I know Brad Kurokawa had testified. He suggested to leave it all open and put
what is suitable for farmers markets. But that would again bring into play, what
Pana`ewa Park—some people may say "Hey, it's a suitable place." But then,
you're creating competition, so that may be a little too general. And, I think the
community going forward, if they don't want it anymore in their districts, then we
would take it off, as a representative of their district. But I see that, hearing from
and talking with Blue Zones on how we move forward with food security, should
we become isolated as communities? Can we survive as a community? With
protecting our water sheds and building community capacity through our farmers
markets? Being able to survive with the food security is by building that at the
grass roots level.
And I know along my Hamakua Coast with how many bridges we have, we will
be easily isolated. I mean, at one time we had an earthquake that took down a
Pa`auilo bridge. Not only the upside Pa'auilo mauka bridge, but also on the
makai side too. So, we can easily become isolated, any community. It doesn't
have to be a bridge going out. I know the Puna community, I didn't list the new
Pahoa Park because it is not officially listed on our inventory. So, we can talk
about that, and that's why this came before the Committee, and I didn't try to
waive it through Council, because this does need discussion, and I totally respect
each and every colleague of mine and their representation of their communities.
So, we can start to discuss this. I think we just open it up and go forward, and
hopefully I did answer the concerns of the Pana`ewa community and Keaukaha. I
know Pat had a question on how this evolved, so hopefully that had taken care of
that. Thank you, thank you so much.
MS. RUGGLES: Thank you. I would like to move to amend Bill 47 with the
contents of Communication 325.1.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Ruggles moved to amend Bill 47 with the contents of
Comm. 325.1. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Ms. Ruggles.
MS. RUGGLES: Thank you. I want to thank Ms. Poindexter for bringing this
before us, first and foremost. So, this Code for Parks and Recreation to allow
farmers markets has existed since 1993. It's been there for a long time. In the
meanwhile, we've had a lot of farmers markets pop up, and they've been fairly
successful with very little significant impact to the park. In Pahoa, we had a
farmers market going there by the Akebono, and since it has burned down, it's
been closed. So the residents and the farmers are asking if they could use the
Pahoa Neighborhood Facility instead. And, while the new Pahoa Park isn't listed
yet in the Code, the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility is, and so the parking lot there
is available. So, that would be a big priority for our Puna area, and I figured
while we were adding parks to have farmers markets, we could include other
Page 14
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
parks in the Puna district as well. And, that's why I included Shipman,
Kurtistown, and Mountain View parks, and with that I'll leave it, thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Ruggles. On the amendment, anyone
else? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: I appreciate Council Chair bringing this forward. It does
make sense, and I couldn't support more, the whole concept of the farmers
market. I listened very carefully to our people from Pana`ewa, and that makes me
start to think about the unintended consequences that likely happened here, and
making upI won't say a blanket acceptance, but I think we need to do a little bit
due diligence before we start making and putting this into our rules, as far as who
we are going to allow for the farmers markets. My concern is that I think there
are those groups that we probably haven't talked to, haven't contacted. And, if
we don't do that, we're going to do something that with all great intentions, but
we are going to trigger some things that we haven't thought through yet. I read
through this list, I see Kamehameha Park, which is in my district, and I think
about Ka`u and I see Na`alehu Park. I know there's a farmers markets down
there, but I don't know if theI understand the intent here but I'm not sure we
explored this part out. And so I appreciate what Council Member Ruggles is
trying to say, but in the language of 325. 1, it's specifically mentions Pana`ewa,
and we've heard very strong response to that. So, I'm thinking we're not ready
for prime time on this motion as a whole. So, I think we need to do a little bit
more homework before we go forward. I yield.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. I'm hoping that someone from Parks
Department is in our Hilo office. I have a number of questions for the
administration.
MS. KAMAKA: Good morning, Parks and Recreation is here.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Director Kamaka, under Section 15 Article 9,
Farmers Markets, there are designated areas. The following, which is 15-72, there
are authorized designated areas, Waimea, Kona, and Honoka`a County park
facilities. What is your definition? Is that a general area, or are they all
encompassing of park facilities in that area?
MS. KAMAKA: It's designated areas what it calls out, it's all encompassing.
We've never used it. I am not aware that we've ever had legal farmers markets in
any of our facilities with the exception of an MOA (memorandum of agreement)
that we have with Cooper Center in Volcano at the Cooper Center, where the
nonprofit organization runs a farmers market once a week up there. But, I'm not
aware of any other authorized farmers markets at any of our facilities.
Page 15
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. LEE LOY: Following up on that, and using Cooper Center as a model, do
they under their MOA pay a permit fee and establish it, or is it just part of a long-
term agreement that they have and the nonprofit holds with the park?
MS. KAMAKA: They do not pay a permit fee. They're a nonprofit, and the
monies that they make go back into the running of the facility of the Cooper
Center.
MS. LEE LOY: Now, under the Department of Parks and Recreation, there's a
number that the administrative rules or administerial rules, and I'm looking
specifically at rules and regulations for the parks, under Rule 8, which is use of
our current County park facilities. Are farmers markets a designated use under
that particular rule?
MS. KAMAKA: Not that I know of.
MS. LEE LOY: What would it take for the department to make adjustments for
farmers markets at our County parks facilities with this particular rule?
MS. KAMAKA: First of all, we'd have to develop administrative rules to run
farmers markets. But the bigger concern is staffing to run the farmers markets,
and as I try to imagine this, I envision that I'm going to have to pull existing staff
that is already stretched thin from both recreation and maintenance to run these
operations. So, it would take both staffing and developing of administrative rules
specific to farmers markets.
MS. LEE LOY: Are there a threshold requirements like parking or bathroom
facilities that would need to be also considered with establishment of a farmers
market?
MS. KAMAKA: Absolutely. I have concerns regarding restroom facilities, ADA
(American Disabilities Act) accessibility, parking, wear and tear on the facilities,
safety issues, and encroaching on neighborhood property. So, there are some
concerns.
MS. LEE LOY: And now I specifically want to speak about Pana`ewa Park, just
because Pana`ewa is a very unique facility. It's been executive ordered, there's
an agreement between Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Parks
Department. Are there other facilities with unique agreements similar to that of
Pana`ewa Park?
MS. KAMAKA: Not that I can think of right off hand. But when you talk about
other facilities and unique situations, it made me think about competitive
activities. And the other concern that I think I should mention is competition
Page 16
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
between our primary function which is recreational activities, and farmers
markets or commerce, which is basically what a farmers market would be. So
that's a concern, but I am not aware of any other facilities that we have that kind
of arrangement, I'd have to go back and look.
MS. LEE LOY: Is that possible for you folks to put together a matrix of all the
different park facilities identifying parking needs and bathroom facility needs? I
think that's the type of due diligence I would need, and it sounds like couple of
the other Council Members may need it. I am also very concerned that we're
putting a number of parks on this wish list, and we haven't had an opportunity to
in a meaningful way let them with the communities they would be serving. For
my community, the one in Pana`ewa, I will not support a bill that didn't take the
time to talk to them and address basically taking Pana`ewa Park out of the bill.
But I also recognize that from a policy perspective, we're writing legislation that
affects the entire County.
And so I have other parks in that particular district that may welcome a farmers
market, and I would just want a better opportunity. I completely agree with the
idea of providing food to communities in a very easy accessible way. For my
particular district, we have a lot of commercial areas too, so the other part of that
is the conflicts of having one at a park, and two blocks away having Target. But
for our rural communities, this could be a way to enhance that community. I've
been involved with other farmers markets in rural communities, it really becomes
an area for people to engage with one another and have conversations outside of
just buying fruits and vegetables, and they connect better with their community
members.
So for me at this time, I'm not going to be supporting this amendment or this bill.
I would like an opportunity to continue to vet this, and maybe even keep it in
Committee where we could continue to collaborate with our rural communities.
And, from what I hear from the Department of Parks and Recreation, there is a
number of administrative rules that would have to be defined in some shape or
form, along with the impacts that it causes to those types facilities. And, we just
went through a budget cycle and we're putting a lot of pressure on a lot of our
assets, and we need to figure out how we are going to take care of them, take care
of our communities, but also pay for them.
So that's where I stand right now and no disrespect. I completely hear what
Ms. Poindexter mentioned, because when I read it too, I had a major reaction of
I've got to talk to someone, and we can't. We just simply can't, and the Sunshine
Law really begins to handcuff us in those ways. So that's where I am with this,
and just for my fellow Council Members, that's kind of where I want to go. I
think this is something we can do, we just need to spend a lot more time working
with our individual communities and administration, so thank you.
Page 17
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Mahalo, Ms. Lee Loy. Before I go to the second
round—okay, Ms. Eoff, you haven't spoken yet on the first round, right? Director
Kamaka, could you please remain at that table in case we have questions from
other Council Members? Thank you.
MS. EOFF: I do have a question for Director Kamaka. What is the process that
an organization would have to go through if a farmers market were to be
established not on a County facility, but just on a private property? Does that
include any permitting or processing with Parks and Recreation, or which
department?
MS. KAMAKA: I believe they would have to work with Planning, would be my
guess. Start with Planning Department to look at zoning. That's my best guess.
MS. EOFF: Okay, so here we're just talking about County park facilities. I
understand that, and I'm hearing you say that you do have a little bit of a concern
about managing a farmers market. At the end of the bill, there is a provision
where you could engage with the nonprofit. Could you delegate that
responsibility then to the nonprofit to make sure the farmers market is running
according to whatever standards we may have?
MS. KAMAKA: Yes, you could. You'd have to develop a MOU (memorandum
of understanding) or MOA with that nonprofit organization. It takes some time,
but it could be done, yes.
MS. EOFF: Right, because you'd also probably have to work out hours that don't
conflict with other activities, and it seems like there'd be a lot of coordination, but
not really a big expense.
MS. KAMAKA: Correct. You still have to deal with the impact on the park, and
restroom facilities, accessibility, all those issues would still have to be addressed,
but you could work with a non-profit.
MS. EOFF: I completely support the goal and the ideals behind allowing this. I
think everybody would appreciate it if they're run properly. I think people need
to remember that ordinances are living breathing documents so even at this point,
it's still up for amendments. And the input was great from the communities, and I
think we can easily scratch out Pana`ewa. But I also was wondering why we
couldn't just be more general and then let each specific request come before this
body at that time? But maybe there's a reason why we need to identify in the
schedule, these names. So, could you just comment on that? Because, I was
wondering why it couldn't be more general.
MS. KAMAKA: I'm not sure what the question is.
Page 18
PWPRC-5
Point of Order:
June 22, 2017
MS. EOFF: I'm sorry. The question is, we're identifying specific parks in
different districts.
MS. KAMAKA: It's not my bill, so I don't know. We didn't identify any place.
MS. EOFF: No, Ms. Poindexter has done that in her bill.
MS. KAMAKA: So, what's your question?
MS. EOFF: Maybe it's a question for Corporation Counsel. Why couldn't we
have left the specific names of parks off so that each application, or each specific
situation can come before the department and the Council to allow a permit to
have a farmers market, rather than identifying them in advance? I see the
justification in the communication was to be consistent with how we identify in
schedule of parks. Now we're identifying a schedule for where parks could have
farmers markets. I don't know, were you involved in the discussion identifying
these specific locations?
MS. KAMAKA: If you're talking to me, no.
MS. EOFF: I guess that's a discussion we can continue to have here in
Committee, and maybe you could help us out with that too, if these specific
locations are all good potentials. We know one is not already, so we may need to
remove that, but are there others that are left off of that list in your opinion? Are
there any others?
MS. KAMAKA: That's a tough question. Again, I have concerns with farmers
markets in general at any facility due to staffing issues, ADA (American
Disabilities Act)
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, hang on. Point of Order, your point
Mr. Chung?
MR. CHUNG: No offense to Ms. Eoff, but I think that's an unfair question to the
Department because this is not their bill, yeah? And I don't even know if they
support it really. Based on what I'm hearing from them, they might just be
lukewarm at best. So, I think it's kind of unfair to ask them what other parks they
think.
MS. EOFF: Okay, thank you. I could have that discussion in private if that's not
appropriate.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Point noted. Ms. Eoff,
continue.
Page 19
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. EOFF: If we can postpone this, I can have more discussions with Parks and
Recreation at a different time, but I want to support the concept. I don't know
whether we need to have a little more detail in this bill, or less, I'm not sure. But
I don't know how we go forward because I think most of us want to support
allowing farmers markets and some of our park facilities may be a perfect venue,
and maybe others not. So, I'll yield.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Eof£ Ms. O'Hara, on the first round.
MS. O'HARA: Yes, thank you, Chair. Director, I know you mentioned
nonprofits. Could we not also potentially use the more simple approach of friends
to the park to organize an agreement to run the farmers market, would that work?
MS. KAMAKA: It could be explored.
MS. O'HARA: Okay.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you.
Point of MR. CHUNG: Which motion are we on right now?
Information:
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Motion to amend.
MS. O'HARA: And I ask that because in the case of at least one of the ones on
the amendment, we're talking the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, that is a complex
that also includes the senior center. And I've had requests from seniors who want
to see the farmers markets that used to be held at Luquin's parking lot return to
downtown Pahoa. It is actually moved to Nanawale. The Homeowners
Association of Nanawale has been accommodating that market at its longhouse,
but that's still a bit of a travel outside of downtown. So I imagine the vendors
would probably be best accommodated in downtown Pahoa.
Yes, we have use conflicts, and that's something that's going to be a little bit
challenging to work out since farmers markets tend to be Saturdays or Sundays.
And I know Saturday is a very busy day at Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, and I
believe there's a yoga class that meets there in the morning on Sundays. So,
working out these use conflicts is going to be a little challenging and maybe we
need to get buy -in from the different groups. Perhaps they want to serve as
friends of the park. So, I definitely feel the need for more lead time in working
this out at the community level. It's a great idea, and I do support it totally in
concept. And one last question, Director. Are we the owner of Herbert Shipman
Park in terms of the land?
MS. KAMAKA: I believe that is EO'd (Executive Ordered) to us from the State.
Page 20
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. O'HARA: Okay, I wasn't sure if we're the actual landowner, or we just
maintain facilities there.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Was that a question?
MS. O'HARA: I guess the answer is yes, we do own it. I'm assuming that's the
answer to that question.
MS. KAMAKA: No, we don't own it. It's ExecutiveOrdered to the County from
the State. It's not ours, we do not own it.
MS. O'HARA: Okay.
MS. KAMAKA: Which brings up
MS. O'HARA: Other issues, I would imagine.
MS. KAMAKA: Burdens, correct.
MS. O'HARA: Okay, well I just noted that because I knew there was something
with the ownership there. Alright, yeah those are my questions basically. I like
this in concept. There's things to work out at the community level. Who is going
to help run the farmers markets to alleviate strain on the Parks and Recreation
Department, and working out use conflicts. But, it's doable.
MS. KAMAKA: If I could make a correction, that Shipman Park is a lease from
Shipman. It's not executive ordered. I stand corrected. Thank you.
MS. O'HARA: Okay, that's what I thought. So that has to be worked out with
the actual landowner if that arrangement was to move forward.
MS. KAMAKA: That's correct, and Executive Ordered properties as well. So
other properties that are Park properties that are Executive Ordered from the State
would also have to be worked out in those situations as well. So, you bring up an
interesting point.
MS. O'HARA: I'm sorry, maybe a little more complexity than we needed to deal
with today. But again, I support this in concept, I just think there's some details
that need to be worked out in the background. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. O'Hara. I think on the first round,
anyone before I go? Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Normally, I would vote in support of this amendment. It is after
allI mean most of these parks are in Ms. Ruggles' district. But given what we
Page 21
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
heard from the Parks and Recreation Department, there's some things that have to
be worked out just with Herbert Shipman Park. And the reason I was going to
make the comment that I think it is something that was leased by Shipman,
because the last go around we had the renaming of that park to Buddy Perry
Soccer Field, and we had to get the permission of the Shipman Company to do
that. But really this Shipman Park, the reason why I can't support this, it's in
close connection with the Hilo community, especially when it comes to soccer
and other activities.
And, I will tell you this, if you have a farmers market during the weekend at that
park, it is going to be a disaster. Absolute disaster. And, for your own sake, I'm
going to be voting against this. Maybe they might be contemplating having a
farmers markets during the weekdays, but they still have soccer practices and
other, not just soccer, but other activities. Bear in mind what the Department has
said. Recreation is the primary purpose for all of these parks. We cannot lose
sight of that. So, I'm going to be voting against this. Normally, I would have just
let it go, but I think we could run into a lot of problems. Then I'll speak to the
main motion later on. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Alright, second round,
Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: I have a question for Charmaine. Charmaine, the Cooper
Center, you were concerned about staffing of farmers markets. So at that farmers
market, because it's a Parks and Recreation site, do you staff it?
MS. KAMAKA: No, we have a nonprofit organization that staffs everything at
Cooper Center. Cooper Center runs Cooper Center.
MS. POINDEXTER: Right, and note that for the public to know that one of the
reasons too that I did try to make this amendment and add Volcano is because
under Section 15-72, they are not a designated area for a farmers market. So,
even if you have an MOA (memorandum of agreement,) it is not in the Code.
Like, Hakalau was running for eight years, Cooper Center was runningHakalau
didn't have an agreement, and maybe you should make an agreement with them,
but you shut them down. But, you didn't shut Volcano down, and their not in the
code
MS. KAMAKA: But I have an MOA, excuse me. I had an MOA with Cooper
Center.
MS. POINDEXTER: Even if you have an MOA, they're not a designated area in
the Code.
MS. KAMAKA: Correct.
Page 22
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. POINDEXTER: I can argue that point. When I met with you and J
Yoshimoto, I pointed that out.
MS. KAMAKA: Correct.
MS. POINDEXTER: That you cannot pick and choose what designated areas can
come into this if you decide to pick and choose who you are going to do an MOA
with.
MS. KAMAKA: Correct.
MS. POINDEXTER: You can pick and choose to do one with Hakalau. You
guys chose to pick and choose to do one with Volcano. I feel that that's not a fair
way because the designated areas in here are specific. And, that's why I'm
willingI'm talking to the main motion. I got to get to the amendment. I know
we're adding facilities here, and I can respect that from each Council Member if
they want to add on. So, I'm going to wait to see how we vote on this amendment
because I'm willing to withdraw mines and just add Hakalau into this, because if
we leave it as is without this amendment 325. 1, and we don't do anything, we
have Waimea, Kona, Honoka`a County Park Complex. And, Honoka`a County
Park Complex, isn't that an Executive Order and owned by the State?
MS. KAMAKA: I'm not sure, we'd have to check with staff It may be
executive ordered.
MS. POINDEXTER: I'm sure that it is, because I know sometime last year, when
we were going to do parking, I had to go and grab the executive order. So, being
an Executive Order, it's still listed in Section 15-72 as a designated area.
MS. KAMAKA: Correct.
MS. POINDEXTER: So that's a contradiction in itself, so.
MS. KAMAKA: Well, if that community came and said they wanted to have a
farmers market, which is approved in the Code, I would still have to go back to
the State and make sure that it was allowable because it is executive ordered.
MS. POINDEXTER: Right, but that would be allowable, right.
MS. KAMAKA: I mean, it's not as easy as my just granting it.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, we haven't—things that we've done at the park on
Executive Order, just to be clear, we didn't have to go through the State for
permission. But, anyway, that's the way the executive order was written.
Page 23
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
MS. KAMAKA: Okay.
MS. POINDEXTER: So, I'll yield at this time on theI'd like to support your
amendment. I don't know well let me just say this, I would respectively request
that you would withdraw this amendment so I can withdraw my bill, so that I can
come forward with addressing mines. And then if you want to address another
bill and adding yours, that's great. Because I think what we need to do is—and
you know, I had LRB (Legislative Research Branch) suggesting to just do
Hakalau. And I thought no, but if we looking at island -wide and the need for
farmers market and food security, then let's bring it to the table, let's discuss it.
So thank you for your amendment because that has brought a lot of this discussion
onto where it's needed, and maybe we need to do more discussion with people at
Herbert Shipman Park, Kurtistown Park, and different places. I know what I need
to do with my community and where it stands, and I know that we need to add
Volcano facility into this ordinance because right now they're not.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. And on that, Mr. Richards,
do you mind if I ask—okay. Ms. Ruggles, given what Ms. Poindexter has
represented, what is your desire at this point?
MS. RUGGLES: Yes, thank you. So, I've listened to everyone's feedback, thank
you. And thank you all for your questions, it's been very informative, and also
I'm open to that, Ms. Poindexter. I also have another idea if it seems like it makes
sense. I'm open to striking Herbert Shipman Park, Kurtistown, and Mountain
View, and just leaving Pahoa Neighborhood Facility there. I don't know if we're
open to doing that for Pana`ewa as well. Maybe we could just focus on the parks
that are ready to go and have a nonprofit that's ready to manage the farmers
markets. What are your thoughts?
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Okay, thank you. Then I think in this case, Mr. Clerk,
if Ms. Ruggles withdraws her proposed amendment, and Ms. Poindexter
postpones, she can always bring back her amendment to Ms. Poindexter's revised
when Ms. Poindexter comes back, okay? Just wanted to make that clear, is that
okay?
MS. RUGGLES: That sounds fine, I move to withdraw Communication 325.1.
Withdraw Motion Ms. Ruggles withdrew her motion to amend Bill 47 with the
to Amend: contents of Comm. 325.1.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much.
MS. POINDEXTER: Madam Chair, can I move to postpone?
Page 24
PWPRC-5
Motion to Postpone
Point of
Information:
June 22, 2017
Ms. Poindexter moved to postpone Bill 47 to July 6, 2017.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Point of Information, thank you, Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: What's the proposal right now? What's happening?
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Ms. Ruggles withdrew her amendment, and Ms.
Poindexter is postponing the bill, yes. Any discussion on the postponement?
Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yes, thank you, Chair. Thank you, Ms. Ruggles and thank you,
Ms. Poindexter. I think it's very clear that everybody does support the idea of
providing a farmers market in their rural area. There is just a lot of devils in the
details and we have to work through that. But I do offer this suggestion because I
really took to heart what Mr. Brad Kurokawa mentioned. Sometimes we get
stuck in being very specific and if there's a way to streamline this process, I'm
specifically speaking to that Section 15-72 Designated Areas. If we were to
follow the farmers market rules as provided in our Code, we wouldn't get it in
Hilo. But, you wouldn't get it in Puna either, because it's not identified. So,
maybe that's the area to begin with, and then create the administerial rules or
administrative rules that would support a process for nonprofits to work with the
Department of Parks and Recreation. I'm just kind of throwing it out there
because we're thinking on the fly right now. I just don't want to handcuff us with
such restrictive rules.
I'm going to bring up a point that Uncle Pat Kahawai`ola`a mentioned, in
Pana`ewa we have Pana`ewa Park, but old timers know Malama Park as
Pana`ewa Park. And then we have Pana`ewa Equestrian Center, which is where
our Pana`ewa Zoo is. So it could be construed that any one of these places could
have a farmers market because we want specific and define them. And so that's
where I'm at, you know, the devils are in the details. But, if we were to expand
the area of 15-72 and identify maybe senatorial districts or just general areas, and
then work with the Department, that might be a way to kind of achieve everything
that the community is asking for without getting sucked up in a lot of this
conversation that takes a long time. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: And, the reason why I'm postponing it is because I'm still
going to work towards the designated areas, because I think we need to work on
the designated areas, because right now it's wrong. Right now, we're allowing
somebody to have an MOA when they're not in a designated area, and then we
didn't allow somebody else because they're not in a designated area, but not
willing to work on an MOA with them. And when we talk about facilities that are
Page 25
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
not ADA compliant, then you look at a lot of our parks and our facilities, we are
not ADA compliant anyplace. We have things that happen at different parks and
we use the port -a -potties, which is okay because we're not making major
renovations on those areas, so we're not required or it doesn't trigger the ADA.
I'm not saying that we don't work towards that, but I encourage all of you to go
read a book by Earl Bakken, it's Ready, Fire, Aim. And that's what we need to
start looking at, at the grass roots level, should we become isolated again as
communities. Can we survive as communities? We raise taxes on our people, we
need to start giving back to our people, and this doesn't cost the County any
money because the nonprofits would be running it like Cooper Center. You guys
did an MOA with that nonprofit, you can do that for other communities as well.
So, at this time I'm postponing it to the next meeting, which is July 6. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Am I allowed to give my thoughts on this?
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Yes. She's going to postpone, so go ahead.
MR. CHUNG: I would like to at least give some thoughts on this matter.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Right, you haven't spoken a lot today anyway.
MR. CHUNG: Well first of all, I think I agree with the intent of this. We all like
farmers markets, and they have their place in our community, but something just
doesn't sit right with me on this. Because what we're proposing here, and it
existed in the previous or the existing ordinance right now when they designated
areas, what we're doing now is we're codifying the placement of farmers markets
on County property. We're actually putting that in an ordinance. So what
happens now if you have conflict between the recreational area that the park is
supposed to be for, and something that's now in the County Code which validates
that farmers market will be conducted at a park. Something is just not right there.
I mean, I can see if we gave some discretion to the Department, or I wouldn't
even mind if we had a few parks designated, like in Honoka`a. I got no problem
with that, because a lot of the parks there would probably be put to better use with
a farmers market right now, the way things are.
I'm glad that Ms. Ruggles said that she was willing to take out a number of these
things like Shipman Park. Kurtistown Park would be a disaster too because it's
right on the highway. People are going to be crossing the street, it's going to be
crazy. So, there's certain requirements that you have to look at, like for example,
Hakalau. I don't know, is that the one in Wailea? Mauka right? That would be
perfect. Yeah, that would be terrific. People used to play softball over there, but I
don't see them doing that anymore, so that would be great. But, I think it would
Page 26
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
be incumbent upon the representatives of each district to really look at their
community and see what might be best. But, instead of just saying, "Well, we
were going to do it for Hamakua, but maybe we should make it more expansive."
That might not be the best approach. I'm really worried about the structure of this
proposal.
But, I know the intent, it's a good intent, and quite frankly if you have it at Pahoa
Recreational Center, which I haveI just kind of cringe when I think about it, but
when it's up and running, of course it's going to be great. But at the same time, at
what cost? Those people using that recreational facility is going to be
compromised too. And again, what is the main purpose for these recreational
areas to be in existence for? It is for recreational purposes. So, I think we got to
take things on a case by case basis. I'm glad Ms. Poindexter is moving to
postpone it, because we've got to really think about this thing. I'm just concerned
about now validating farmers markets on recreational County property. So,
maybe just think about that. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you. I agree with the postponement. I was going to
bring up a whole bunch of stuff during the regular discussion, but I'm fine to do
more research and talk to Parks and Planning because Mr. Chung mentioned the
implications of some of these farmers markets being in these recreational areas.
And especially in certain zoning designated areas for what the parks are currently
on. A lot of the parks, even some parks in Kona, I would love to see a farmers
markets in certain areas, but Old Airport, for example, is zoned industrial. Is that
an allowable use within our Zoning Code for farmers markets? I don't know, so
there's a lot of information I want to look up and see exactly what the appropriate
uses for these parks and the zoning that they currently exist. I just don't want to
say that this is an allowable use now in a resort hotel, for example, if the park is
currently zoned Resort -Hotel. But it's not an allowable use, so I don't know, I'm
going to have to look at all the implications. But, I agree with how we are
looking in the direction but figuring out all the details, that's what's really going
to make the difference. So, I'm in favor of the postponement, and I've definitely
got to do some research, so thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kanuha. Ms. Poindexter, can you take
us
MS. POINDEXTER: Thank you for the comments. Council Member Chung,
you're exactly right. If the activities are busy, Honoka`a Gym Complex is the
busiest facility along the Hamakua Coast, no more space for nothing. But they're
on the designated list right now. So right now, anybody in Honoka`a can do
farmers market up in that complex. Call Parks and Recreation, because it's on
there. Kona same thing, Kona is a designated area right now. Waimea is a
Page 27
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
designated area right now. This is a can of worms right here that we have right
before us. We need to fix this, or it's going to come to haunt us, just exactly what
Council Member Chung said. So I'm glad people are supporting this
postponement because I want to take out those things, put the parks that should be
on there in my district, and it's up to you guys to amend your own to bring it in or
out. I don't know if I should even make a change on Waimea and Kona, and just
leave that in as designated, because I'm hearing you don't want to change
anything yet.
But know that right now, it's a sticky situation because Volcano is not in here
they're doing a farmers market. They're not a designated area, so I would say
please work with Hakalau on a memorandum of agreement. I wouldn't have
brought this forward if that was the case, if you would have treated Hakalau the
same as you treated Volcano and Cooper Center. I would have been okay with
that, but this still needs to be worked on because we're in trouble with this in
place. Whether it has to be repealed or whatever it is, I'll come forward at the
next Council meeting. So, thank you so much for hopefully all of you supporting
the postponement, thank you.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: And I agree with Ms. Poindexter. This ordinance which was
drafted in 1993 is kind of screwy. So definitely it needs to be addressed. But,
there are other features, too. For example, we were talking about the
memorandum of agreement. And, what worries me about that arrangement is that
it almost—what it's going to lead to is a regular type of farmers market on a
recreational area. That's a problem too. I can see once in a while having one here
and there, they come in for a permit and have a farmers market. But, if it's
something that they going to rely on, we are going to have farmers market over
there at the County facility every week, I have a hard time. Except, in certain
areas like Wailea or Hakalau Park, you know, those things would be really
suitable for something like that. And people can come from all over the area to
do that, but what really also worries me is farmers markets are a good thing, feel
good stuff, people gather and there's kind of a good vibe about it.
And, I suppose we'd like to somehow promote it, but also look at the flipside, and
I'm going to use the Amazon phenomenon as an example. Anybody can see what
Amazon is doing to the retail industry. It is going to destroy it, and so in trying to
promote these things and let them go on County facilities, what are we doing to
the competition? These guys don't have to pay for rent, if you looking at County
properties. Other guys got to pay insurance, rent, and what happens—now we got
rat lung disease. What happens if somebody contracts rat lung disease from one
of these things? It hasn't happened yet, I don't think at the many farmers markets
that we have, but are we going to do that now? Do we want to really open up the
door for all of these things throughout all of our County facilities? I don't know.
Page 28
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
So, I wanted to just make those points, we got to proceed with caution. I'm in
favor of the intent. I like what Ms. Poindexter is trying to do for those various
areas that she represents. But we've got to really take a close look at this thing.
Thanks.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Chung. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: I'm going to support the postponement. I have to agree that
this is a screwy piece of legislation, I think that's how you characterized it. The
whole point is that we have to think this better through. I understand and I
completely agree with targeted support for best use of a facility. But then I start
to think about the Waimea District Park. I think that would be a very bad place to
have a farmers market, because it would take away from what is there. So I look
forward to the postponement, and I think we need to go back and look at our
action committees with our CDPs (Community Development Plans) to get input
from them before we designate and name something. So let's get this off of our
books right now and come back and do it later.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Thank you, everybody for
your input. Ms. Poindexter, I'm very happy that you are postponing this. We had
such a great discussion, and I think had you not brought this to our attention, we
would have not realized that we have a screwy, as Mr. Chung refers to, a screwy
ordinance created more than 25 years ago that does not really apply. I think the
intention back then was good, but they didn't really have that many farmers
markets back then. So, this is a prime example that one's eyes does not fit all, and
I'm really happy that you guys are going to go back, and Ms. Poindexter is going
to bring an amendment. And, you guys are chatting while I'm talking so, all those
in favor for the postponement, please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Bill 47 to July 6, 2017 was carried
Postpone: by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter, Richards,
Ruggles, and Acting Chair David — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. DAVID: This matter has been postponed to July 6 Committee
meeting. Ms. Ruggles, would you like to have the Chair back to finish up your
Committee?
MS. RUGGLES: Sure.
Page 29
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
ACTING CHR. DAVID: Thank you. I'm relinquishing the Chair to
Ms. Ruggles.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Vice Chair David relinquished the Chair back to Chair Ruggles.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. Let the record show that I'm resuming as Chair
of this Committee. Moving to Bill 43, Mr. Clerk.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
(There were none.)
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances.
Bill 43: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A
PORTION OF WAIOPAE ROAD TO THE "NO PARKING AT ANYTIME"
SCHEDULE
Amends Schedule 28 (No parking at anytime), Subsection (g), Puna, by adding
a portion of Wai`opae Road.
Reference: Comm. 314
Intr. by: Ms. O'Hara
CHR. RUGGLES: May I have a motion?
MS. O'HARA: I'm going to move to postpone this until the next Committee
meeting.
Motion to Ms. O'Hara moved to postpone Bill 43 to July 6, 2017.
Postpone: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. RUGGLES: Discussion?
MS. O'HARA: If you would allow me to explain why.
CHR. RUGGLES: Go ahead, please.
MS. O'HARA: This is another, for one of a better word, screwy Code thing. If
you're not acquainted with this, we have in our Code, Chapter 24. And under 24,
we have the traffic schedules and every speed limit on a public road, all your
Page 30
PWPRC-5
June 22, 2017
moving vehicle signage, such as one-way street, yield, stop signs, etc. All bus
stops, public taxi stands, pedestrian walkways, parking, no parking, loading
zones, parking meter zones, all of this has to be codified street by street, every
single sign in order for our Hawaii Police to enforce and be able to give citations.
And that's why we have this big section in our Code that outlines all of these.
Now one thing about this Code is there's Article 10, the schedules for public
streets, and there's Article 11, schedules for private streets. And the private
streets, Article 11 doesn't have all the divisions that the public street one does,
and while we want to create an enforceable no parking zone on a private street at
the request of the subdivision, they've already erected the signs, our local police
say they can't enforce because it hasn't been codified.
So I just realized that this bill specifies the wrong article and in talking to our
Deputy Clerk, it appears that we are going to have to work a little bit harder to get
this right, add the divisions under Article 11, which is the private streets article, so
this is properly codified. And this affects my district, your district as well,
Ms. Ruggles immensely, since we have so many private streets. I'd like to get
this right, so that's why I'm withdrawing.
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay, thanks. And, before we go any further, can we have
MR. HENRICKS: She just said she's withdrawing the bill actually. So there was
never a motion on the floor, but that's okay, because she kind of just explained
why she's withdrawing. So I think we're okay actually.
CHR. RUGGLES: Oh you're withdrawing.
MS. O'HARA: Yeah.
MR. HENRICKS: So, as long as the Chair says to withdraw, we're in good
shape. The bill has been withdrawn?
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: Yeah?
MS. O'HARA: Withdrawn until the next Committee meeting.
MR. HENRICKS: Wait.
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay, Bill 43 has been
MS. O'HARA: Wait, no? Just withdrawn?
Page 31
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
MR. HENRICKS: Correct.
CHR. RUGGLES: Postponed?
MS. O'HARA: I'm sorry, Clerk. I'm sorry.
MR. HENRICKS: No, that's okay. And just to be clear too, so far what I heard
you say, as far as what you need to do to make this bill work, we'll need to do a
new bill because we won't be able to amend this bill in that fashion. So, if I
understand correctly, you're withdrawing Bill 43.
MS. O'HARA: Okay, I am withdrawing Bill 43.
CHR. RUGGLES: Okay, great.
Withdraw Motion Ms. O'Hara withdrew her motion to postpone Bill 43 to
to Postpone: July 6, 2017.
Withdraw Bill 43: Ms. O'Hara announced the withdrawal of Bill 43.
CHR. RUGGLES: Moving to Bill 45, Mr. Clerk.
Bill 45: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PARKING
Amends Schedule 28 (No parking at anytime), Subsection (c), South Hilo, by
revising an existing provision for a portion of Haihai Street.
Reference: Comm. 323
Intr. by: Ms. Ruggles (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to recommend passage of Bill 45 on
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Eof£
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you. This is a bill changing some parking laws on
Haihai Street as requested by Parks and Recreation. Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Haihai Street is in my district and just to
provide a little bit of context and background, there's been a number of things that
has occurred on Haihai Street, and it's actually shown on the exhibit of the bill.
We now have a new municipal golf course and a new fire station, and what used
to happen is golfers used to park along Haihai Street because there wasn't enough
parking at the golf course. But now that they've redone the facilities and they're
in the process of adding even more parking, they're going to be able to absorb the
parking that used to occur on Haihai Street and put it onsite at the golf course.
Page 32
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
The next step now is the fire station, which will be hopefully occupied in the next
four months. So what will happen is we'll have a number of emergency vehicles
that will go up and down Haihai Street, and there are very little shoulders.
Actually on the Puna side there's a ditch, and on the Hamakua side, it was parking
for the golfers. So what the plan is for the Department of Public Works is to
prohibit parking, so as these emergency vehicles go up and down, there's an area
for people to pull over. And so this is a complete safety requirement, and I'm
asking for the rest of you folks to support this. There is very little rights of way,
so this really does lend itself to ensure that we get the emergency services we
need up and down that street, but also provide a nice pull -off area. So thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Great, thank you for the explanation. Is there any more
discussion? With that, all in favor of Bill 45, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 45: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 45 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: Moving to Bill 46, Mr. Clerk
Bill 46: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 5, HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO PARKING
Amends Schedule 28 (No parking at anytime), Subsection (c), South Hilo, by
adding a portion of Mohouli Street.
Reference: Comm. 324
Intr. by: Ms. Ruggles (B/R)
CHR. RUGGLES: May I have a motion?
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to recommend passage of Bill 46 on first
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. RUGGLES: I'm assuming this is a similar situation for Mohouli. Would
you like to comment, Ms. Lee Loy?
MS. LEE LOY: I will comment but I believe it's Mr. Chung's district.
CHR. RUGGLES: Oh excuse me, sorry. Mr. Chung.
Page 33
PWPRC-5 June 22, 2017
MR. CHUNG: I don't have much to say about it. Seems like a sensible proposal,
I don't think it's really much of a problem. I drive up there every day because my
house is right around there. But right now, there's construction for that senior
facility, so people park around there; the construction workers park around there
right now, but generally on the Puna side. But after that's done, it's really not
going to be any problem; but if it's going to help the residents of that area with
their sight distance,then I'm all for it. But, it really is not a big problem right
now. So I'm in favor, thank you.
CHR. RUGGLES: Thank you for the explanation. Any other comments? With
that, all those in favor of Bill 46,please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 46: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 46 on first
(Approved) reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:40 p.m., Mr. Kanuha moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, O'Hara, Poindexter,
Richards, and Chair Ruggles—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. RUGGLES: We are adjourned.
Approved:
Jen � ggles, Chair Date
Pub c Works and Parks
and Recreation Committee
JR/hs
Page 34