HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2018-08-08 2016-2018 Hawaii County Council
46I Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
August 8, 2018
INVOCATION: Reverend Bryan Siebuhr of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:06 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Chair
Ms. Karen Eoff, Vice Chair
Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member
Mr. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms. Eileen O'Hara, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member (came in later)
Ms. Jennifer Ruggles, Member
PLEDGE OF The Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of Allegiance.
ALLEGIANCE:
(At this time, Mr. Kanuha led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (Note: At this time, Ms. Lee Loy and Mr. Chung presented a Certificate of Merit
EXPRESSIONS OF to Helen Shirota-Benevides for earning the 2018 Alumnus of the Year Award,
CONDOLENCE: which is the highest level of recognition awarded by the Aloha Council.)
Recess: At 9:14 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:17 a.m.
Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Statements
FROM THE from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Koohan Paik-Mander: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
Abolghassem Abraham Bill 164 (Comm. 984), comment.
Sadegh:
Robert Nishimoto: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
(See Comm. 967.9)
Brad Kurokawa: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
(representing Hamakua
Community Development
Plan Steering Committee)
Akiko Masuda: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), comment.
(representing Wailea Village
Historic Preservation
Community)
Marlene Hapai: Res. 651-18 (Comm. 1009), in support.
(representing Hawaii Island
Portuguese Chamber of Commerce
Cultural and Educational Center)
Kurt Melon: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
Michael Johnson: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in opposition.
Susan Forbes: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
(representing Hakalau Point
Preservation Association)
June Kaye: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
John Kaye: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
Dwight Vicente: Comm. 999, comment;
Res. 651-18 (Comm. 1009), comment;
Bill 161 (Comm. 967), comment; and
Bill 165, Draft 2 (Comm. 989.5), comment.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Lorraine Mendoza: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
(representing Hamakua
Community Development
Plan Steering Committee)
Farrah-Marie Gomes: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), in support.
(representing Hamakua
Community Development
Plan Steering Committee)
Don Atkins: Bill 161 (Comm. 967), comment.
Marcia May: Bill 154, Draft 2 (Comm. 941.6), in support.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
Comm. 999: REAPPOINTMENT OF JULIA ANN ALOS AND MARK S. GORDON TO
THE SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION
COMMITTEE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated July 20, 2018, submitting for the Council's review
and confirmation the above nominations.
Waived: PC
Requires Council
Confirmation by: September 2, 2018 (Section 134(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to confirm the appointment of
Ms. Julia Ann Alos to the South Kohala Community
Development Plan Action Committee. Seconded by
Ms. David.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Rose Bautista
came forward to address the members of the Council. Nominees
Julia Ann Alos and Mark S. Gordon also came forward to address the
members of the Council, via videoconferencing from Waimea.)
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, Rose, go ahead.
MS. BAUTISTA: Thank you. I see my committee members waiting there
patiently. Thank you so much. On behalf of Mayor Kim, it is a pleasure to
reappoint again two holdovers for the South Kohala CDP (Community
Development Plan) Action Committee. I'm going to first introduce
Ms. Julia Alos, followed by Mr. Mark Gordon.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Julia Alos owns and manages a business supply rental company. She serves as
vice president of the Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle and is the founder of the
annual Wiliwili Festival. She's a 26-year resident of Waikoloa and notes that
she is a member of the Democratic Party. If she is confirmed, she will serve a
full four-year term to expire January 31", 2021. Thank you.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair?
CHR. POINDEXTER: Do you want to ?
MR. RICHARDS: Just a question. Are we going to do one and then the other
and then approve them all? Or are we going to read them both in? How are we
going to do that?
CHR. POINDEXTER: Yeah, I think we read them both in, and we'll take them
one at a time and vote one at a time if that's okay.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay.
CHR. POINDEXTER: So, Ms. Alos, do you have a few words you want to
share with us?
MS. ALOS: Aloha, Council. Good morning. Thank you for your time. It is a
pleasure and an honor to have served these past two years on the CDP for
South Kohala with the action committee. I look forward to being re-nominated
for my next four years to work hard for my community and all the efforts that
we'd like to have continue in our district for our community. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: I'm definitely going to weigh in on these two. No, not yet,
Mark. First of all, for Julia Alos, if you want to talk about a tireless energized
individual, you are looking at her right there. She works extremely hard and
long hours to get things done for the community. I have worked with her. One
of the things is if you're ever wondering what's on her mind, you don't have to
wonder because she will tell you what's on her mind. So with that, when it
comes to the CDP Action Committee, this is the kind of individual that we need
on the action committee. So, I'm very pleased to fully endorse her, and I ask that
the rest of my other Council Members endorse her as well. Thanks.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Okay, seeing or
hearing none, all those in favor of reappointing Julia Ann Alos to the
South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Julia Ann The motion to confirm the appointment of Ms. Julia Ann
Alos: Alos to the South Kohala Community Development Plan
(Approved) Action Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Congratulations. Now, we move to the nomination of
Mark S. Gordon. Go ahead, Rose.
MS. BAUTISTA: Thank you. The second reappointment is for Mr. Mark S.
Gordon. He's currently the environmental health and safety manager at
JMDecker Group Hawaii and previously worked for the Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
Mr. Gordon's community service also includes membership with the Waikoloa
Community Emergency Response Team, Red Cross Disaster Action Team, and is
a volunteer with the United Service Organizations at the Pohakuloa Army base.
He lives in Waikoloa and indicates that he is not a member of any political party.
Also, he will serve a full term to expire January 31", 2021. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Mr. Gordon, would you like to say a few
words?
MR. GORDON: Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. It's been a pleasure serving for
these past couple of years with the South Kohala CDP. I look forward, with the
Council's approval, to serving four more years supporting the people of Waikoloa
and their views and everything else as well for the benefit of Hawaii County
itself. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Before we continue, I think a change in the
motion because we read in both but we should have, if we're voting on
individuals, we should have separate motions.
MR. MAEDA: Yes, if we could have separate motions for both of them.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. So, we voted in already. How do you want to
proceed with this?
MR. MAEDA: If we could have a motion for Mr. Gordon.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to confirm the appointment of
Mr. Mark S. Gordon to the South Kohala Community
Development Plan Action Committee. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Mr. Gordon, for being here,
Mark. Probably the best way I can sum this up is that Julia and Mark were twins
separated at birth. I have worked with Mark as well for the last couple of years.
As we look towards confirming the Hamakua CDP and we look forward to setting
up the action committee, these are two good individuals to talk about CDP action
and going forward.
I fully endorse Mark. Once again, he's a little bit of a geek like myself. He also
has a degree in chemistry, but more importantly, like Julia, you don't have to
wonder what's on his mind. He will inform you of it very succinctly and very
quickly. So again, I ask my colleagues to fully endorse these. We've got some
good work behind us and good work ahead of us. These two are valuable to the
CDP Action Committee.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Seeing no other discussion, all those in favor
of the reappointment of Mark S. Gordon to the South Kohala Community
Development Plan Action Committee say "aye."
Vote on Mark S. The motion to confirm the appointment of Mr. Mark S.
Gordon: Gordon to the South Kohala Community Development Plan
(Approved) Action Committee was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Congratulations. We wish we could all shake your hands,
but there you go. You shake each other's hands, and we'll say aloha to you.
Thank you.
MR. RICHARDS: Thanks, Mark. Thanks, Julia.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Now, before we take that other bill out of order, approval
of minutes, we'll get that out of the way.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval of Ms. David moved to approve the Minutes of June 29, 2018.
Minutes: Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Approval of Ms. O'Hara moved to approve the Minutes of July 10,
Minutes: 2018. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
(Note: The item in this category was taken up previously, out of order.)
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following item was taken out of order:
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Bill 161: ADOPTS THE COUNTY OF HAWAII HAMAKUA COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
the adoption of the Hamakua CDP. The CDP Program is established by the
County's General Plan to create a framework for residents and other stakeholders
to participate in regional planning for their communities. The planning area for
the Hamakua CDP encompasses most of the Judicial District of Hamakua,
North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo District.
Reference: Comm. 967
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
First Reading: July 25, 2018
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to pass Bill 161 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Ruggles.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Do we have any discussion? Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Do we have anybody from Planning here?
(Note: At this time, Leana Gloor, Planner V, and Bethany Morrison,
Planner VI, of the Planning Department came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
MS. GLOOR: Good morning. I'm Leana Gloor from the Planning Department.
MS. MORRISON: Good morning. Bethany Morrison from the Planning
Department, and our Planning Director just came in as well.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. All right, this is just to reiterate something. I'm fully
supportive of the Hamakua CDP. I just want to make sure there's a clarification
here. When I asked previously Director Yee concerning the actions and the
authority of the CDP, under a letter dated March 22nd to the Windward Planning
Commission, I had made a reference to County actions. I want to be sure just for
the record it wasn't in the CDP. It was in the directions to the Windward
Planning Commission of the authority of the CDP. So just for the record, I want
to be clarified there.
It states, "County actions are CDP policies to guide future County priorities and
initiatives including operating and capital budgets. These policies are,"
emphasized, "not mandated, legally binding, or self-implementing. Rather, they
often require additional legislative and administrative directives before being
implemented. Plan acquisition, capital improvement, code changes, etc." I just
want to verify that for the CDP going forward, and that is an accurate statement,
is that correct?
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MS. GLOOR: That's correct.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. All right. For the record, I want to have that in there.
So, like I said, I'm fully supportive of this. It's a great document. You guys have
done good. I'm very supportive of it. So, thank you. I yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Chung.
MR. CHUNG: I think I'm going to be voting against this today. I really do
apologize. I wanted to give deference to Chair Poindexter for all of her hard work
and community involvement. This has nothing to do with, obviously, the hard
work that has been put in by staff and the community. I'm okay with the plan in
concept; I have no problem with it. What I have a problem with is that aspect in
Hakalau regarding the so-called Shropshire property. I know we heard
representations from the Planning Department and our Corporation Counsel that
this is not a mandate; it doesn't supersede the County Code, zoning laws, and all
of these things. I'm not convinced. I'm concerned.
I have no problem with that being an open space. I would like to defer to the
wishes of the community, but what I foresee happening is this will be taken to, I
mean, everybody's saying that this does not affect the zoning. Somewhere down
the line, this is going to be taken to court and the court, in my opinion, might say
that it does constitute a downzoning. I looked this document over. I looked the
wording over. There's some definitions that are missing. So, I really can't make
heads or tails about some of these aspects, but I'm just very concerned.
I supported a purchase of that property. I think we still can use, perhaps, PONC
(Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission)
funds. I'm not too sure how that would work. You could have design standards.
I certainly don't want to see an industrial development there, but I don't think it's
out of the realm of possibilities that a nice commercial development that's
compatible with the complexion of that community can be had.
I'm also concerned that, and this might be subject to fact checking but it's been
represented that the zoning or I don't know if you can call it a zoning within the
context of a CDP, but the nature of that property was retained in two drafts. And
on the back end, it was changed. There were some recusals. Something is not
right. If we did something like that at the County Council level, that would
possibly be on the front page.
I'm not saying that things were done incorrectly. I'm just saying thereI know
that the community had long wanted an open space for that area. What I'm
worried about is that this is some way of getting around that and achieving that
end.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
I'm just really concerned because everything else has been retained. I asked those
questions, right, over in Kona: How come these industrial parcels are retained?
Throughout that district, only one was taken off It's not to say that I'm in favor
of industrial development, absolutely not. I think it's incompatible. But
procedurally, I think there's something wrong. I cannot support it. I really do
apologize.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. A lot of people here in this room know that
I've been a planner for a very long time and I will be supporting this, but I have
that concern that the way the language is, is that for that particular property it
recommends a change to the LUPAG, which is our Land Use Pattern Allocation
Guide. Once we adopt this as an ordinance, that becomes leverage for that
property to be pushed into a downzoning because it's going to be used as a sword
and a shield and that is my big concern. And that, for me, falls into a takings
issue. So, I just wanted to air that. I will be supporting this `cause I can see how
this law could be used to leverage a downzoning.
The rest of the plan is phenomenal. I really like how it's put together, the
policies, how they've been identified. The action items, the kokua items. This is
topnotch. It's just that, that one parcel that seemed to be targeted. But I'm not
going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. So with that, I yield. I do, for the
record, want to leave that as my large concern. So, thank you, I yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Hearing the Councilman and
Councilwoman raising concerns, and that's why I wanted the clarification read in
there. Let's hear from Planning. We have the Director in the house, and we have
the other two representatives. I'd like to hear the intent in addressing the
concerns of the two Council Members.
(Note: At this time, Planning Director Michael Yee came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. YEE: Good morning. Michael Yee, Planning Director. This debate
regarding what is guidance and what is mandated has gone on. It went through
the Ka`u CDP and now on Hamakua. Clearly, you've heard from Corporation
Counsel, from me, from my staff that we're clear about what we're really
suggesting as changes and not mandating. I hear the concern that, clearly, could it
be leveraged for changes? I can't deny that there will be those that may choose to
do that. But I will also say there are entitlements to the property owner, and those
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
are in place. So, do we set this up that there's going to be some friction and fights
down the way? Could be, but that exists everywhere throughout the island on
many different projects.
It's clear with this Administration that we value the vision of communities, and
we've tried to express that here. Obviously, visions are not always in total
agreement that, that's what's reflected today. I think we've written it to try to
avoid the legal wranglings around a taking. We certainly didn't want to put us
into that situation someday where we're having to fight that fight, too. Again,
time will tell if we did a perfect job about that. But I think we've written it in a
way to avoid that.
CHR. POINDEXTER: You still have the floor.
MR. RICHARDS: Actually, I'd like to yield to the two Council Members that
have—they have any further questions for the Director.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion before I close? Okay.
Council Member Eoff
MS. EOFF: I think we have learned, I mean this is, what, the fourth CDP that's
been—fifth? This is the fifth. And we did have some issues, and I think you put
in, like you said, enough clarity to keep us from having the takings issue. So, I'd
like to compliment all of you for that and for the hard work of the steering
committee and everybody that was involved. I think it's open enough that we can
figure out going forward how to make sure that everybody's rights and
everybody's wishes are taken into consideration as things unfold for the
development in the area of Hamakua. So, I just want to say thank you, and I'll be
supporting adoption.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Mahalo, Chair. I really want to echo my appreciation for all that
the Planning and the steering committee have done in Hamakua. Similar
concerns were raised when the Ka`u CDP came over to this board, and I really
agree that you folks were very aware of the things that are being raised here again
today about public property rights, the owner's rights, takings, and that sort of
legal questions. I think you've done your due diligence because you've had many
CDPs to finetune this process.
That's what I want to thank you folks for doing because you folks could have just
processed this as normal and left it up to litigation down the road. But I think you
have sincerely tried to address the issues that have been a concern to this body.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
And I do not support any process or procedures that would even risk takings for
anybody because everybody has their rights. But I appreciate the fact that you
folks have done the best that you can.
I remember Leana noting in prior discussions that our General Plan is controlling
as far as in comparison to CDPs. So, in your General Plan process, which is
coming up, I really see that you folks can even further finetune this process so that
concerns like Ms. Lee Loy's and Mr. Chung's can be addressed further and
maybe we can come up with something that's really great in both the CDPs and
the General Plan process.
So again, mahalo so much for all of your guys' hard work and for the concerns
that this body is raising because they're valid concerns. But sometimes, those
things have to be settled in a different venue `cause we can't anticipate what they
will be at this point in time. So, thank you. Mahalo.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Chung.
MR. CHUNG: I just have a question, and certainly I'm not urging any of my
colleagues to vote against this. I'm just sharing my thoughts. I've always been
told to vote my conscience, so that's what I'm doing. But, Mike, not that it's
going to change my decision, but how would your department process an
application of that property for an industrial use right now? What would happen?
MR. YEE: It certainly has its entitlements to what it's zoned for. Within any
application for anything, we always—there's a piece of the evaluation that
seeing alignment with CDPs is always just one piece of it. It's fairly improbable,
I would say, that if people are meeting their entitlements, they're doing something
within the zoning, that the CDP, although it may not be an alignment there, would
result in a recommendation for me to go against their entitlements `cause that's
inviting a series of appeals down the road. So, the likelihood is just very slim that
if they stay within the bounds of what they're entitled to, that we can move
against that.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. So, the process
MR. YEE: Now, I will say there was a comment made earlier that could the CDP
use to try to change land use? Could, but I think there's enough transcript here to
show that, that certainly was not the intent either.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. Well, as I said, it's not going to change my decision.
Because notwithstanding the transcript here, I meanactually, the transcript
would only be, I guess, relevant if there is some ambiguity in this. But to me, I'm
confused but it could be interpreted another way. Even if your department was to
process, and again I'm not trying to urge anyone here, I'm just stating my
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concerns for the record. But even if your department was to process it and even if
it were to be approved ultimately, it still opens the door for a lawsuit;just like
what happened in Kona. I don't think the Council really took these things into
consideration. `Cause after ten years of works, it's very easy for the Council to
just say, "We're going to defer to the hard work of the community because we
want to do that."
Sometimes, we don't take as close a look at all of the legal ramifications that
could come up. Now, we've learned from that time, and of course we came to
the Ka`u CDP which generated a lot of discussion and then we got this one. If
not for this parcel and the circumstances by which it was determined to be now
in open or desired to be open, I'd be voting for this thing wholeheartedly. But
this is very concerning to me. Thank you. Oh and, yeah, never mind.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, Council Member Ruggles.
MS. RUGGLES: Thank you for the discussion moving these concerns out.
First, thinking about what happened in Kona with what happened with the
previous CDP that we adopted, I think the issue there was that their CDP had
"shalls" that were interpreted as law by the judge. And this committee has made
it very clear to us that where you put the "shalls,"you made sure had already
existing law so that we weren't creating any new law to be in conflict with the
existing laws. You guys were very clear. You outlined even where the "shalls"
were and what they were in specific and what laws they were already referring to
that already existed.
So, I think you've done your due diligence when it comes to legality, and I'm not
concerned about that. I just want to thank the testifiers for coming out again and
following through with this after nine years. I think we're going to actually pass
it this time. Thank you.
MR. YEE: Quick comment. It'd be disingenuous for me to sit up here and take
any credit for this. This was long in the making, years prior to me coming to
here. So, April, Bethany, Leana, all the Planning staff, all the community that
had been with this for years deserve all the credit. I just want to go on record for
that. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Okay. So, I'll close it up by saying that I'm
real proud of the community for standing united in protecting what we have left
and wanting to preserve our lifestyle and our cultural heritage. `Cause, we've
seen—born and raised in that community, since the demise of the sugar industry
I've seen what has happened: People coming in and bought up land real cheap
because there were no comparables. So, our lands sold cheap. People developed
on the coastline. And like Mr. Nishimoto had stated up here, our ocean
resources, our food sources were being affected.
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And you look throughout the coastline—the landslides, the instabilities
everything that's going on there because we didn't have something like this in
place to say, "Hey, let this be the guide. Let the people tell you that have lived
here on this coastline what we'd like to see so we can protect our place for
generations to come so that our kids can live here. Should we become isolated
because the bridges go out or the barges even stop coming, we can survive in our
community because we have our clean waterways, we have our ocean resources,
we have our hunting grounds, whatever it is to survive that we've always done in
Hamakua."
Because when the plantation had strikes, we had a family of six, we were poor.
No money coming in, but we survived because of the cultural lifestyle and we
lived off our land. We want to continue that. I saw that in all of the years that
our committee—thank you so much for being those voices, listening to the
people who came and then having your discussion. It was a great process. Now,
you're turning it back over to the community to say, "Here. Action committee,
now this is your guide and let's start looking at this and managing it."
So, thank you to the entire community for sticking it out and sticking together
`cause united we stand, divided we fall. Thank you so much, and thank you for
the Planning Department especially because you had great leadership and
making sure we stayed on task. So, thank you very much.
MR. CHUNG: I'm so sorry.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Council Member Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Not to belabor the point, Mike, I'm going to give you guys one
last chance to grab my vote, okay, `cause I want to. I read this document as
thoroughly as I could, but maybe I missed something. Is there anything in this
document that specifically relates to that property, why it was changed and that
this is merely a wish or a request on the part of the community, and it does not
affect any zoning or entitlements on that property? If there is something like
that, I will vote for it. I couldn't find anything in there, Mike.
MR. YEE: Michael Yee, Planning Director. Referring to page 30, I see the
rationale of theoh, it was in the Hamakua's CDP policy rationale. Sorry, I'm
not sure if you have that.
MR. CHUNG: I'm looking at it right here, yeah.
MR. YEE: Okay. Exhibit 2. I'm going to have actually staff address this `cause
they were working in detail on this.
MR. CHUNG: It does reference those TMKs (Tax Map Keys).
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MS. GLOOR: Leana Gloor, Planning Department. On page 30, the rationale.
"The Hakalau and Wailea communities" oh, I need to go a little bit lower.
,'For the Hakalau coastal area, the CDP land use guide map designates the
current LUPAG Industrial area to be designated as LUPAG Open to convey the
preferred land use for that area. Currently, the LUPAG Industrial designation
stretches across multiple parcels, including a County-owned parcel and several
residential parcels.
"There are three shoreline parcels with County Industrial zoning, one of which is
owned by the County" in "TMK: 2-9-002:080 and contains the steep gulch and
Hakalau beach park area, and the other two,"which TMKs end in 079 and 081,
"are privately owned and possibly intended for redevelopment. Note: While the
CDP recommends changing the designation for these parcels to LUPAG Open,
the land maintains its underlying Industrial zoning and its associated permitted
uses (The CDP does not have authority to change zoning).
"Due to the site's proximity to the ocean and Hakalau Stream, this parcel is no
longer seen as ideal for heavy industry and, therefore, the proposed designation
conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support a zoning
change to a less intensive use, such as LUPAG Open. The designation of
LUPAG Open was chosen as the community's preference after lengthy
discussions relating to protecting coastal resources, viewshed preservation, and a
desire for preserving open space." And it relates to guiding principles for
proposing LUPAG changes under the rationale for Policy 1. That relates to that.
Also, on Section 2.2, page 28, Policy 1 and page 33 relates to if there is a direct
conflict between the CDP and the General Plan, the General Plan including the
LUPAG shall be controlling. So, that's stated in numerous locations of the CDP,
and that relates to that map representation as well for Hakalau Point. Does that
answer your question?
MR. CHUNG: I mean, yeah, that's exactly what I was looking at, quite frankly,
but I was still trying to synthesize it in my own mind how that played into my
concerns. Because, it kind of gets us back to square one. How about this: there
was a gentleman who came up here earlier and said that if the property was sold
then the entitlements would be—that's not correct, right?
MS. GLOOR: That's not correct. I'm not sure where that idea came from, but
that's not
MR. CHUNG: But he did say that, right?
MS. GLOOR: He said that, but I'm just not
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, that can't be true.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MS. GLOOR: No.
MR. CHUNG: I mean, even within the context of the CDP?
MS. GLOOR: Right. There's nothing written about that. I don't know where
that came from.
MR. CHUNG: You know what, Madam Chair? Can I have, like, a five-minute
recess? Would that be okay?
CHR. POINDEXTER: Sure. We're taking a five-minute recess.
Recess: At 10:38 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:44 a.m.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Chung, you had the floor.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, thanks for giving me my five minutes to think. I actually
took about a minute, and I'm going to be supporting this now. It's better to get a
unanimous vote. But I still have concerns, and it is our responsibility to look at
these things critically, balancing everything and all the work that the community
has put in place.
I'm just going to take this one statement: The CDP does not have authority to
change zoning. I believe that to be true, but I don't know how this thing is going
to be interpreted if it does become a court action. And if it does become a court
action, we're not going to be around. It's going to be other people who have to
pick up the pieces. Hopefully, it doesn't get to that point. But I really appreciate
all your hard work and the community's hard work. I'll be voting "yes" on this.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Chung, for brining up those good points
and having a great discussion `cause I think that's important as well. So, thank
you for that. So, I think we're ready for the vote. All those in favor of adopting
Bill 161, say "aye."
Vote on Bill 161: The motion to pass Bill 161 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Page 16
Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: The CDP is adopted. Thank you very much.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
Res. 636-18: AUTHORIZES A GRANT OF EASEMENT 5-41 ON, THROUGH, AND/OR
OVER A PORTION OF KAOMOLOA ROAD, LOT R-1 OF FILE PLAN 1683,
TAX MAP KEY NO.: 6-7-003, FOR SEWER PURPOSES TO WAIMEA
WASTEWATER COMPANY, INC., SITUATED AT LALAMILO AND
WAIKOLOA, WAIMEA, DISTRICT OF SOUTH KOHALA, ISLAND,
COUNTY AND STATE OF HAWAII
The roadway contains an area of approximately 860 square feet, and would be
used for a sewer easement to serve the Lualai Subdivision, with an anticipated
sales price of less than $1,000.
Reference: Comm. 980
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-124
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 636-18 and Finance
Committee Report No. 124. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: We already approved this in Committees, and I would defer to
Mr. Richards at this point in time.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you and thank you, Chair. Just asking for
approval. This is cleaning up a little bit of paperwork as we go through, and this
is a development in Waimea town. It's just getting our paperwork in order. So, it
was, I think, a little bit of an oversight some years ago, and they've discovered it,
corrected it, and going forward. So, I ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing
none, all those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Res. 636-18: The motion to adopt Res. 636-18 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 124 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 636-18 is adopted.
Res. 641-18: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE WREATHS FOR THE
WEST HAWAII VETERANS CEMETERY-PU'U HO`OMAHA O NA PO`E
KOA O HAWAII KOMOHANA FOR THE NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS
AMERICA DAY
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 992
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 641-18. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Eoff
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to say that Wreaths Across
America is observed every year now on the third Saturday in December. And it's
observed at about 1,400 locations across the country in coordination with the
wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, it will be
on December 15'h, and the event is to honor our fallen heroes and all of those who
put their lives on the line for our freedoms.
I found out about the efforts here in West Hawaii from the Civil Air Patrol Kona
Squadron, I think my first term, when they were trying to raise money for the
wreaths. So, this will probably be my fifth or sixth time I'm helping to support
their fundraising efforts. The Civil Air Patrol is made up of cadets that are ages
approximately 12-15 years old, and they fundraise and organize the placing of the
wreaths on each and every grave at the West Hawaii cemetery.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
So, I'm very honored to be able to help support these efforts and attend their
ceremony, which starts about 7 a.m. on that Saturday morning. But if you can
attend, it's very beautiful to see the graves all decorated and the whole cemetery
covered in holiday wreaths. So, thank you, Madam Chair.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing
none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 641-18: The motion to adopt Res. 641-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 641-18 is adopted.
Res. 642-18: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
D.A.R.E. HAWAII TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
MILOLII YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 993
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 642-18. Seconded by
Ms. O'Hara.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. The CRF (Contingency Relief Funds), I mean this
resolution is self-explanatory. Very happy to help the D.A.R.E. program,
especially for the kids and the families in Miloli`i. I want to just say mahalo to
Sergeant Roy Valera and the D.A.R.E. program and its partnersHI-PAL
(Hawai`i Isle Police Activities League), DLNR (Department of Land and Natural
Resources), and the Miloli`i Village Community Association—for hosting this
tournament for the kids and families of Miloli`i. So, I ask for your support.
Mahalo.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing
none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 642-18: The motion to adopt Res. 642-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 642-18 is adopted.
Res. 643-18: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF
$1,000 TOWARDS ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF ESSENTIAL AIR
SERVICE AT THE WAIMEA-KOHALA AIRPORT
Donated by the Kohala Coast Resort Association, these funds are part of the
community contributions required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and
would be administered by the Department of Research and Development.
Reference: Comm. 1001
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 643-18. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. I will defer to Council Member Richards, also, but before I
do, I just want to say mahalo to the Kohala Coast Resort for their donation. So, I
yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. I'll take a little bit of latitude here if I may
just talk about all of them at once.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Sure.
MR. RICHARDS: We're going to be talking about 643, 644, 645, 646, and 648.
All the comments are going to be the same, so I won't bore you with repeating the
same thing over and over. Long story short, this has to do with the
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Waimea-Kohala airport in Waimea. We discussed this in Committee previously.
In order to maintain an underserved area with Federal funding, we had to have
funding coming from the community. A big shout out to Kohala Coast Resort for
stepping up to the plate and offering a very substantial donation, as well to Riley,
Frankie, and Patti. And as well, Polynesian Poly-ad.
What this does is we get the community support combined with contingency
funds from myself and also the Mayor's Office, putting enough together to get
about a 5 percent share of the overall, which is a little right around $400,000.
That affords keeping the Federal funding coming forward to keep the Waimea
airport, which is an underserved airport, going.
Now going forward, we're hoping this is the only year in that the fells have got
things streamed out and actually our State Department of Transportation also.
But we needed to do that to keep the funding going and the renewal of the
contract. Next year, assuming everything comes forward and things work out,
then we won't be faced with this expense again. Had we allowed this to lapse,
literally it would have taken an act of Congress to reengage the contract. So,
that's why this was so important, and I ask my colleagues for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, thank you. Council Member Ruggles.
MS. RUGGLES: Thank you. I just had a question. Is the airport on County land
or something? I'm just curious why we're accepting the donation.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Ron Whitmore is here. Ron, did you want to come up?
(Note: At this time, Research and Development Deputy Director
Ron Whitmore came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. WHITMORE: Good morning, Council Members. Ron Whitmore, Deputy
Director of the Department of Research and Development. Actually, Tim can
probably answer that question.
MR. RICHARDS: I can help.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Do you want to have Tim, or you want to go
ahead
MR. WHITMORE: Sure.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Council Member Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair, and thanks, Ms. Ruggles. This is a weird
one. What it had to do was the fells—we're one of two airports in the nation that
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
fell into this very goofy designation, and the fells said, "Well, you just have your
town take care of it." But we don't have that structure. We have a County
structure, not a township structure. So, there's an accommodation made because
of our governmental structure within the County, and they needed the local
government support along with private support. That's why you see private
donations combined with funds coming from the County rather than our township
because we don't have townships. So, it's a little bit of a tweak.
MS. RUGGLES: I see. Thank you for the explanation.
MR. RICHARDS: Did that help, Ron?
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: I don't want to take too much time on this, but that was kind of
my question as well: How does it all work out between the donation to the
County and that monies are going to the airport, which is in the—yeah, that was
my whole question.
MR. RICHARDS: This has all been vetted through R&D (Department of
Research and Development) and Corp. Counsel because there was ayou're
exactly right and your questions are very accurate, but it was sorted out and we
didn't do anything unless we got it all approved through. And there is a way to do
it legally. And so, procedurally it's there. I can't quote you song and verse.
Corp. Counsel—but it's all been vetted.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 643-18: The motion to adopt Res. 643-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 643-18 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Res. 644-18: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF $50
TOWARDS ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE
AT THE WAIMEA-KOHALA AIRPORT
Donated by Riley Smith, these funds are part of the community contributions
required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and would be administered by
the Department of Research and Development.
Reference: Comm. 1002
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 644-18. Seconded by
Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: I think Council Member Richards explained these resolutions very
well, and I just would like to say mahalo to Riley Smith.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 644-18: The motion to adopt Res. 644-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 644-18 is adopted.
Res. 645-18: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF $50
TOWARDS ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE
AT THE WAIMEA-KOHALA AIRPORT
Donated by Frankie Pang, these funds are part of the community contributions
required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and would be administered by
the Department of Research and Development.
Reference: Comm. 1003
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 645-18. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes,just a mahalo to Frankie Pang for the donation. Thanks.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all those
in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Res. 645-18: The motion to adopt Res. 645-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 645-18 is adopted.
Res. 646-18: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF $100
TOWARDS ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE
AT THE WAIMEA-KOHALA AIRPORT
Donated by Patti Cook, these funds are part of the community contributions
required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and would be administered by
the Department of Research and Development.
Reference: Comm. 1004
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 646-18. Seconded by
Ms. O'Hara.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, mahalo Patti Cook for her donation and ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Seeing no other discussion, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Res. 646-18: The motion to adopt Res. 646-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 646-18 is adopted.
Res. 647-18: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE
The memorandum of agreement with the Department of Research and
Development would establish and operate a local project under the AmeriCorps
Volunteers in Service to America program focusing on transportation, affordable
housing, energy, and economic self-sufficiency, and includes a cost-sharing
agreement of$78,478 of Federal investments and $14,666 of County funds.
Reference: Comm. 1005
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 647-18. Seconded by
Ms. O'Hara.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. We have Mr. Whitmore here to answer any questions, but
generally this is a memorandum of agreement with the CNS (Corporation for
National and Community Service) to establish a VISTA (AmeriCorps Volunteers
in Service to America)program here. If anyone else has questions, Mr. Whitmore
would be glad to answer them but I ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Res. 647-18: The motion to adopt Res. 647-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 647-18 is adopted.
Motion to Suspend Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 15 to waive the
Council Rules: 5-day hold for reconsideration. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, it was requested so that we could expedite the MOA
(Memorandum of Agreement) agreement.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to suspend Council Rule 15 to waive the 5-day
Suspend hold for reconsideration was carried by the following voice
Council Rules: vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: The five-day holdover is approved.
Res. 648-18: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF $542
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Donated by Polynesian Adventure Tours, LLC, this donation would be used for
the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.
Reference: Comm. 1006
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 648-18. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I just want to say mahalo to Polynesian Adventure Tours and
maybe defer to Ms. Lee Loy if she has any comments. No? All right, mahalo.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 648-18: The motion to adopt Res. 648-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 648-18 is adopted.
Res. 649-18: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7,
FOR A GRANT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
Funds in the amount of$160,000 would be used towards the Solid Waste
Division's Electronic Waste Recycling program.
Reference: Comm. 1007
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 649-18. Seconded by
Ms. O'Hara.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. I see Director Kucharski is here. If anyone has questions
regarding this recycling resolution for the recycling program. They requested a
waiver to expedite the receipt of funds. So, I see Ms. O'Hara's light on, Director.
So, if you could please come up and I'll yield.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Council Member O'Hara.
MS. O'HARA: I'm just going to ask Mr. Kucharski to give us a brief overview of
what the $160,000 is going to result in, in terms of e-waste.
MR. KUCHARSKI: Bill Kucharski, Director of DEM (Department of
Environmental Management). Our e-waste program is the collection of old
electronic devices to go into recycling. We generally have a recycling contractor
pick them up. It's been historically Mr. K's. I think he's the only electronic
recycler around. This is the grant from the State that allows us to contract for
those services. It's ongoing.
I don't have the tonnage of the electronic devices that have been diverted from
our landfills. I could get that, but if you've ever lifted an analog television, I can
tell you that you'll feel a lot of weight. But this grant is something that allows
that program to continue. Without it, we probably would not have the funds to
have these specific collections.
MS. O'HARA: When you say "specific collections," are we not collecting it on a
regular basis year-round? Or how is it being run?
MR. KUCHARSKI: Yes, the material can be dropped off at transfer stations but
then it has to be processed. This contract allows that to be processed, and it's a
continuous set. We also have some special electronic days that go in for the
pickups. But essentially this isinternally, we cover the cost of the collection but
the processing of the waste is what this is for, as I understand it.
MS. O'HARA: So, e-waste can be dropped off at any transfer station?
MR. KUCHARSKI: I have to verify that. I know that there are special days that
you can drop that off We do the collection and then it's picked up by the
processor.
MS. O'HARA: Okay. I just—again, it's about public education and awareness of
the program so that the people can make use of this. We all have electronic waste
and more in today's world. So, it's nice to know that they can be recycled and
weighed at our transfer stations. So,just asking fora good public awareness
campaign on that as well.
MR. KUCHARSKI: Heard and understood. Yes, ma'am.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing
none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 649-18: The motion to adopt Res. 649-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 649-18 is adopted.
Res. 651-18: 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
HAWAII ISLAND PORTUGUESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER FOR THE
140TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST PORTUGUESE
IMMIGRANT FAMILIES TO HAWAII
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Tourism Promotion account.
Reference: Comm. 1009
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Res. 651-18. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: If there's no questions, I think it's self-explanatory. I just
ask for your support. Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 651-18: The motion to adopt Res. 651-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 651-18 is adopted.
Res. 652-18: DIRECTS THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII TO TAKE
NECESSARY ACTION TO PLACE THE CHARTER AMENDMENT
PROPOSED BY ORDINANCE NO. 18-76, RELATING TO FISCAL IMPACT
STATEMENTS, ON THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT
Ordinance No. 18-76 proposes an amendment to the Hawaii County Charter that
would require that any proposed amendment or revision to the Hawaii County
Charter be accompanied by a Fiscal Impact Statement.
Reference: Comm. 1011
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 652-18. Seconded by
Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Chung, do you have any ? No? Okay.
MS. EOFF: I do.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Eoff
MS. EOFF: So, this would go on the 2018 ballot, right? This directs
CHR. POINDEXTER: Yes.
MS. EOFF: And then if the voters adopt it, it would apply to the measures that
will come forward from this current Charter Commission, correct?
MR. MAEDA: It would be effective
MS. EOFF: Because, their measures would come on the 2020 ballot.
MR. MAEDA: Yes, that's correct. This is
MS. EOFF: But then this would require them
MR. MAEDA: This is separate from what the Charter Commission is doing.
MS. EOFF: No, I know, but once this isif this is adopted, then whatever
measures come forward from
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, let me answer that. Yes, it will.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Chung.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MS. EOFF: The 2020 Charter Commission, they would make sure that the
Finance Department has enough time
MR. CHUNG: Yes.
MS. EOFF: To prepare this fiscal impact statement. So, I think they just need to
add that to their calendar for their scheduling to make sure they give Finance
enough time
MR. CHUNG: If it's passed.
MS. EOFF: Yeah, if it passes.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Well, good point. Okay, any other discussion? Seeing or
hearing none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 652-18: The motion to adopt Res. 652-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 652-18 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Res. 653-18: AUTHORIZES THE ADOPTION OF USDA FORM RESOLUTION 1780-27
PROVIDING FOR A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(USDA) LOAN TO FINANCE CERTAIN PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE LONO KONA SUBDIVISION, NORTH KONA,
HAWAII; AUTHORIZES THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A
GRANT FOR COSTS OF SUCH PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS; AND AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR, THE DIRECTOR OF
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, AND
THE CHAIR OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS
NECESSARY TO FACILITATE SUCH LOAN AND GRANT
Authorizes a loan agreement with the USDA not to exceed $3,699,000 and a grant
agreement not to exceed $1,071,000 to fund a portion of the costs of constructing
a public sewer system for the Lono Kona Subdivision. Funds are needed due to
higher than anticipated project costs.
Reference: Comm. 1014
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 653-18. Seconded by
Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I believe we have Director Kucharski here to answer any
questions. If not, I defer to Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you. I do urge you, members of the Council, to support
this. Just a simple question of when are we going to—is this project going to get
started?
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KUCHARSKI: Bill Kucharski, Director of DEM. Currently, we have the
contractor selected. These funds are to cover the increased cost that we got from
the last bid that we have. And of thatagain, we're getting money as a grant of
about 25 percent of the overrun account.
We are waiting for approval from the USDA (United States Department of
Agriculture) to contract, and we're—since this is a modification to the original
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
grant, an addition, and there's been an administration change for the management,
things are not going as quickly as we had hoped with getting all of the paperwork
and the documents cleared on this. It's not a hold up from the County. It's a
hold up from the USDA. We are ready to start going. The last information I saw,
we were asked not to start construction until such time as the loan documents
were signed and issued. And we're checking to see whether that means "sign the
contract" or "break ground."
But we are ready to go whenever USDA drops the flag and says that the race has
started. That's the best answer I can give you, sir.
MR. KANUHA: I appreciate that explanation. I mean, we've been seeing these
resolutions and bills to support this for a really long time. And the community's
been kind of harping on me for some action, especially. Just trying to figure out
what's going on. So, I appreciate all of your guys' hard work. I know there are
some issues with USDA. But hopefully, there's a light at the beginning of the
tunnel for this to start soon. So, thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 653-18: The motion to adopt Res. 653-18 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Resolution 653-18 is adopted.
Vote on Motion to Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 15 to waive the
Suspend 5-day hold for reconsideration. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha
Council Rules: and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: The waiver is granted or approved.
Page 33
Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
Bill 154 AMENDS CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 3, SECTION 20-31, BY ADDING NEW
(Draft 2): DEFINITIONS AND SECTION 20-38, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED) BY RENAMING, AMENDING
AND ADDING NEW SUBSECTIONS AND SUBPARAGRAPHS
Extends the authority of the Department of Environmental Management to take
into custody and dispose of abandoned or derelict vehicles from certain private
roadways in the interest of public health and safety, in accordance with
Chapter 290, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and requires that the department's
director develop and implement an educational outreach program on the
disposition and reporting of abandoned or derelict vehicles.
Reference: Comm. 941.6
Intr. by: Ms. O'Hara
Approve: EMC-6
Motion to Approve: Ms. O'Hara moved to pass Bill 154, Draft 2, on first
reading and adopt Environmental Management Committee
Report No. 6. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member O'Hara.
MS. O'HARA: Thank you, Chair. We've debated this bill before, so
everybody's pretty familiar with it. We amended it when it came back from the
Environmental Management Commission to add a public outreach component and
substituted "director"for "abandoned vehicle coordinator"in certain places of the
bill. So, those were changes that we already made and approved, and I just ask
for your support on this as we need to get this moving as quickly as possible.
I would also like to say that while it may be the opinion of our current
Corporation Counsel that this bill needed to be codified, it was not the previous
Administration's Corporation Counsel's opinion. So, it's not as if we've been
operating illegally, but we have since March 1 of this year not been able to
remove vehicles. And as Ms. May pointed out, they are piling up. I've been in
the upper Puna subdivisions recently and there are abandoned vehicles being left,
yes, in the middle of the roadways, impeding people's traffic and emergency
vehicles. We've got to get them moving on this ASAP (As Soon As Possible).
So, I ask for your support. Thank you.
MR. CHUNG: Can I
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Chung.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MR. CHUNG: As a question of Mr. Kamelamela, actually?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. CHUNG: But, Bill, since you're here, thank you very much for the hard
work on the composting contract. I heard it's almost at the finish line. No, but
you, Joe
MR. KAMELAMELA: (Inaudible).
MR. CHUNG: I know, I know. I thanked you already yesterday.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Oh, yeah. Good morning, Chair and members of the
County Council. My name is Joseph Kamelamela, Corporation Counsel.
MR. CHUNG: I just wanted to make sure that since we're doing things on private
property that it's okay from a legal standpoint, and if you can explain why.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Yes, it is because the way that we receive the funding,
the purpose is to tow vehicles. And the way the statute is written, it doesn't make
a distinction of whether it's private or public roads.
MR. CHUNG: I mean, not that I'm against it. I'm just trying to see if we can use
that rationale in other applications.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Sorry.
MR. CHUNG: We have to talk.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other questions? Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Kind of related to this but, Bill, did you kind of want to just give
us a little blurb about the abandoned vehicle program and how people are able to
bring their abandoned vehicles to your guys' locations?
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KUCHARSKI: Yes, sir. The abandoned vehicle program probably accounts
for, other than transfer stations, recycle bins being full or mixed. We receive
more calls on that than any other program that we manage. Our ability to go into
private subdivisions and pick up I think is something that we absolutely need to
do. As far as the process, we're still dealing with and working with police to try
and streamline the whole ticketing and citation process. It's really a burden on
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
them. We're trying to get that moved through, and we'll probably be back if we
need a code change. I'm not certain we do, but we're going to be checking on
that.
The process that we have right now is what's called the Amnesty Program. It's a
limited program in that it's limited to the registered owner of the vehicle. You
can't just bring your neighbor's vehicle in and say, "Would you crush this for
me?" You have to show ownership. Given some of the long memories in
Hawaii, that's not as farfetched as you might imagine. But we do have that
restriction. You do have to show that you have legal title.
We're also dealing with Motor Vehicle. There are situations where title has been
transferred, but people have not paid any of their registration fees; and saying,
"What do we do when they bring that vehicle? How do we manage that?" So,
there's nothing that simple, and there's nothing that doesn't have additional
problems associated with it. So, that is one of the things that has held up us
getting this out sooner. So, we're working on that. That program is out. We're
looking at getting these vehicles picked up and brought in.
The problem of having vehicles dropped in the middle of the road, this is, in
addition to being illegal, it's just irresponsible and it is something that—this poses
another issue for us other than the fact that they're vehicles. They create unsafe
conditions, and people are just totally ignoring the law and doing the cheapest
thing of just dropping them somewhere. We need to get some method of
enforcement that would stop that from occurring and having some penalties
associated with that illegal disposal of those vehicles.
Now, we have money to dispose of them, and right now, it's very difficult
because of the high price; we're paying $680. It used to be that they were
charging the residents about 200. My understanding is that, that is now up to the
6 or $700 mark. This is a reflection of the scrap market, there being none since
China—we're not shipping the scrap to China. It's not their fault. It's just the
market. And so, dealing with that, that's making this cost-effective just to dump.
And when there's no penalties associated with the dumping, there's even a greater
incentive not to do the right thing. That's sort of where we are.
I don't know that, that answers your question. I didn't mean to go into
MR. KANUHA: Well, thank you. There's a lot of things associated with this that
we need to work on. But I'll justI mean, thank you for that explanation. I was
just trying to, for the amnesty program, the dates that you guys are doing it and
when it's going to end.
MR. KUCHARSKI: The dates, we started on the first of August, and I believe
it's going to the first of October. There will be people have to make
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
reservations, essentially a reservation because the scrap dealers will only process
five vehicles a day. So, there needs to be an appointment to bring those in once
everything is approved. But if we need to extend past the—we'll accept the
people saying they want to dispose by October, but we'll continue until all those
vehicles are disposed of properly.
We were looking at another to be able to have people bring vehicles in, but we
found that, that required a resolution from Council. By the time we got that, we
anticipate 154 will be available. So, it didn't make sense for us to burden you
with two bills to do the same thing that would happen at the, essentially
concluded about the same time.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you for explaining that. I'll yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member O'Hara.
MS. O'HARA: Just one small question `cause this is what I'm asked most often
by constituents is, we're passing the bill for first read. Two weeks from now, we
pass the second read. How soon will the department resume taking abandoned
vehicles from private roads?
MR. KUCHARSKI: The abandoned vehicle personnel are currently taking a look
at the number of vehicles that we will have that will have to be removed. Our
contractors can only take so many vehicles at a time, and sometimes we have a
hard time catching up to just the public roads, never mind the private roads. I
can't give you a date when we'll be finished, but we will be starting as soon as we
have the legal authority to do so.
MS. O'HARA: Thank you for that. That should be the end of this month,
hopefully. I understand it will take you a while to catch up because they're piling
up there in the subdivisions in Puna.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: I just have a question, Director, to follow up with Ms. O'Hara's
question. So, what is the limit that the vendor can accept from the County as far
as abandoned vehicles? Is it monthly? Is it ?
MR. KUCHARSKI: That was for the extra vehicles, for the five a day. They
have a contractual obligation to take what we bring them, and we can only tow so
many. But the extra vehicles, they have limited. I don't know exactly what their
full capacity is, but they're going to be running at it. That's the only thing I'm
pretty sure of.
MS. DAVID: This vendor, is it located only—where are the locations?
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MR. KUCHARSKI: We have two vendors, one on the Kona side and the other
here on the Hilo side. Big Island Scrap and then the other is Business Services
Hawaii are the two.
MS. DAVID: I just had a just wanted to throw this out there. A constituent had
called to suggest whether the County would be, instead of paying the huge
disposal fee of$600 per car, whether we would entertain an idea of storing all
these vehicles on County property somewhere, and basically the County being the
disposal, right, until the market
MR. KUCHARSKI: Historically, we are now cleaning up the Hilo vehicle
disposal area and in Kona.
MS. DAVID: We have been, then? Okay.
MR. KUCHARSKI: Yes, ma'am. We are in the process of cleaning them up to
the tune of several million dollars.
MS. DAVID: That's costing lots more money.
MR. KUCHARSKI: It would not be my desire or goal to start that again.
MS. DAVID: That's a great explanation. I said I'd check. So, thank you very
much.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all those
in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 154: The motion to pass Bill 154, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Environmental Management Committee Report
(Approved) No. 6 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Page 38
Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Bill 162: DESIGNATES TAX MAP KEY: 2-1-003:013 AS "HAPPINESS GARDENS"
AND AMENDS CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 15-68.1 OF THE
HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED),
RELATING TO THE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY SCHEDULE
Officially names Happiness Gardens and adds it to the Parks and Recreational
Facility Schedule. This park located at the mouth of the Wailoa River where it
empties into Hilo Bay was conceived and constructed by Mr. Kazuo Nakamura
through donations by the local community, and dedicated on May 11, 1979.
Reference: Comm. 979
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: PWPRC-48
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 162 on first reading and
adopt Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee
Report No. 48. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. I'm just going to share this because at our
Committee meeting, Ms. David, Mr. Richards, and Mr. Chung weren't there.
This is just another park in Council District 3 that needed to make it into the list,
just like we did with all the other parks. Again, my appreciation to Officer Matt
Lewis for taking the time to meticulously go through all of the different parks and
making sure that they're in the schedule and that the appropriate actions can be
taken in that park. So, I continue to ask for everyone's support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: A quick question. Who's been maintaining it up to this point?
Just the community?
MS. LEE LOY: Well, the County has, yeah.
MR. RICHARDS: Oh, okay. So, yeah, it makes all the sense, then, yeah. Okay.
Enough.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Bill 162: The motion to pass Bill 162 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee Report
No. 48 was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member O'Hara— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 162 is approved, moves forward to second reading.
Bill 163: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Hawai`i Tourism Authority account
($145,000); and appropriates the same to the Hawaii Tourism Authority account.
Funds would be used by the Department of Research and Development to develop
and implement its Ho`okaulike Signage project.
Reference: Comm. 983
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-125
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 163 on first reading and
adopt Finance Committee Report No. 125. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, this was approved in Committee, and I ask for your continued
support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all those
in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Bill 163: The motion to pass Bill 163 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 125 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member O'Hara— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 163 is approved, moved to second reading.
Bill 165 AMENDS CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 10, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
(Draft 2): CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO REAL
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED OR UNEMPLOYABLE
VETERANS
Effective July 1, 2019, removes the phrase "totally disabled" from Section 19-73,
and replaces with "100 percent disabled or 100 percent unemployable, or both."
Further amends Section 19-73 to exempt disabled or unemployable veterans from
all real property tax, where "totally disabled"veterans are currently subject to the
minimum tax provided for in Section 19-90(e).
Reference: Comm. 989.5
Intr. by: Mr. Kanuha
Approve: FC-126
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kanuha moved to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on first
reading and adopt Finance Committee Report No. 126.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you, Madam Chair. We've had ample discussion about
this in the Finance Committee. I'm here to answer questions or the Finance
Department can answer questions as well, but I ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Bill 165: The motion to pass Bill 165, Draft 2, on first reading and
Draft 2 adopt Finance Committee Report No. 126 was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member O'Hara— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 165, Draft 2, is approved and moves to second
reading.
Bill 171: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Electronic Waste Recycling account
($160,000); and appropriates the same to the Electronic Waste Recycling account.
Funds would be used towards the Department of Environmental Management,
Solid Waste Division's Electronic Waste Recycling program.
Reference: Comm. 1007
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 171 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, this is a companion to Resolution 649 that we already
adopted. You want to say something, Director? Please. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KUCHARSKI: Bill Kucharski, Director of DEM. I just wanted to clarify
when the electronic pickups are: The first Saturday of every month at the
Waiohinu transfer station; the second Saturday of every month at the Waimea
transfer station; the third at the Kealakehe transfer station, and the fourth Saturday
in Hilo. That question was asked; I was unable to answer until now. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, thank you. Okay, any other discussion? Seeing or
hearing none, all those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on Bill 171: The motion to pass Bill 171 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff,
Kanuha, Lee Loy, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member O'Hara— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 171 is approved and moves to second reading.
Bill 172: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —2018 Lava Disaster Relief—State
account ($12 million); and appropriates the same to the 2018 Lava Disaster
Relief—State account. Funds would be used to provide immediate relief
necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in the Lower Puna
area.
Reference: Comm. 1013
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 172 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, and I believe Director Sako is here. If she could come up and
give us a brief explanation of the purpose of this bill. Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: Hi, Deanna Sako, Director of Finance. The purpose of the bill is
Deanna forgot to appropriate the $12 million generously given to us by the State
so that we can spend it. So, we just need an official appropriation. We actually
have been spending money on the disaster from other accounts, and we'll shift it
here after the appropriation's approved.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thanks, Deanna, for being here. What can we use it for?
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MS. SAKO: It's pretty open. They said for any disaster relating to the people,
whether it's shelters or whatnot. But when I talk to their finance director of the
State, they're very open to this being used for anything. So, right now, the over
time, the guards, the security at the shelters. I mean, we're pretty much all of our
expenses we're kind of applying to this. At the same time, we're also applying to
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for reimbursement. But as we
find out with every disaster, the FEMA rules change from time to time. So, we're
still not sure what we'll actually get reimbursed for. But either way, we will have
a 25 percent match, and the intent is to use this for the 25 percent match.
Of course, there's going to be other costs going on. One of the undecisive things
right now is if the lava's really stopped or if it's just pausing. So, time will tell
with that. Obviously, if we have to continue to do road blocks or public safety or
put out fires or whatever it is, we'll continue to charge this. If we're ready to
move into the recovery phase and start doing more housing or temporary shelters,
I believe this could be utilized for that as well. It's pretty open.
MR. RICHARDS: Pretty open. And then as far as, what about financial support?
We heard some pretty compelling testimony yesterday from people in Puna, in
Pahoa, as far as their businesses. Could this possibly be used for some of that?
MS. SAKO: I can go back to look at that. Again, we have a problem with public
funds being used for private use. So, we would have to look at a mechanism to do
that. I'm not opposed to checking into that, but I just don't want to make false
promises either.
MR. RICHARDS: No, and I appreciate that. The reason I posed the question is
because I think this is where government is supposed to help. And keeping
something going to get across a bad issue is one thing, and trying to rekindle
business is really tough. So, if you could look into that so we would know.
MS. SAKO: We will.
MR. RICHARDS: I appreciate that. I yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Chung.
MR. CHUNG: So, Deanna, this was a grant?
MS. SAKO: This was the Governor's Office was able to find $12 million to help
us.
MR. CHUNG: Executive.
MS. SAKO: The executive
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
MR. CHUNG: So, do we need a resolution, though, accepting the money?
MS. SAKO: No. Based on the disaster proclamations, it was determined that we
don't.
MR. CHUNG: Okay.
MS. SAKO: Yeah, we did check into that.
MR. CHUNG: All right, perfect.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you. Deanna, what's the approximate amount of money
the County has spent so far on this disaster?
MS. SAKO: On July 31"when I ran the reports,we were at roughly $5.1 million.
That is as accurate as our departments are when entering the data. So, as long as
they're using our project accounting code, that's correct. We're still in the
process of preparing all the FEMA paperwork. After that, we'll have a more
accurate number. But that should be fairly effective. That is payroll up through
mid-July. I mean, we paid it out July 31st, but it would be for time worked
through mid-July. So, there'll still be more.
MR. KANUHA: How does the State or the Governor decide that 12 million is the
number to give?
MS. SAKO: That's what they had available. Sometimes, it's not a formula.
MR. KANUHA: Got you. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Deanna, I heard six and some change that
we've spent already up until this point. If we were to assume that the event is
done and winding down, what happens to the balance of the money, assuming ?
MS. SAKO: That's why I kind of think we would work with the State, but I'm
pretty sure it would goI mean, we still have people in the shelter that we need
to transition out. We still have recovery efforts thatI'm sorry, guys, but I got
really confused on where you left off with some of these Committee meetings
yesterday. I know everybody had a long day, but I think you haven't really had
the discussion yet on that plan. So, I believe that's coming up later.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
There are many needs to relocate or to determine a future development or
community for all those people of Puna. Even if the lava is done erupting, those
homes are covered, those lots are covered, those roads are covered, a huge area.
So, we're still going to have to continue with the recovery effort, and so the
funding would continue to go towards that.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, absolutely. And we heard a lot of testimony too about the
conditions of the gym and the pool. And so, what I heard you say, correct me if
I'm wrong, is that these funds are flexible enough that we could put it back into
some of our County assets that have been kind of carrying or overcarrying the
capacity that it was built for.
MS. SAKO: Yes. In addition, I do not have the exact terminology in front of me
but FEMA will also cover things that are above normal wear and tear. And
because that was a very new facility, we have pictures of how it existed prior to
being used as an evacuation shelter. Clearly, it's not in the same condition now.
So, I believe that's also an allowable ask of FEMA. I can't, again, guaranty how
much they'll give us, but we're definitely asking. We're trying to stretch our
dollars as far as possible by getting Federal, State, and any other possible funding.
There's been many private donations, including sister cities I believe. So, we're
thankful for everyone's support in this disaster.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, and that's really exciting to hear that these funds are so
flexible that we can get our County assets back in shape and then use it for
overtime or other incidentals.
MS. SAKO: Yeah, `cause evenI knew about the gym floor but I guess I wasn't
thinking about the fields and things like that. So, I think it's going to take more
probably than we realize. So, it's good to have all these funds available.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Council Member O'Hara.
MS. O'HARA: Thank you, Deanna, for being here. Yeah, I was wondering
when we were going to see the 12 million in our budget.
MS. SAKO: Yeah, sorry. With the disaster, we just got a little busy.
MS. O'HARA: Yeah, understood, absolutely. And being busy, FEMA's busy as
well. And it seems as though it takes them a long time to reimburse. And
Ms. Lee Loy just mentioned the gym floor. I took a tour of the facility on
Monday and, yes, the fields need to be redone as well as the gym floor. We're
looking at sizable expenditures. And as I was told by Glenn Kokubun, who's our
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
District Park Supervisor, his understanding is FEMA will pay maybe up to a
hundred percent for damages to facilities. But again, I think you told us that
we're still waiting for FEMA reimbursement from 2014.
MS. SAKO: Yeah. And that's a big part of having the State money available.
It's just a cashflow.
MS. O'HARA: Exactly.
MS. SAKO: I mean, there's still one of the disasters in 2006 that hasn't been
closed out yet. So, it's a very long and time consuming process. The good news
is because the State has so many people here helping with the lava disaster,
they're able to utilize some of those to start closing out the 2014 grants. So, we're
hopeful to see additional funding from that as well in, hopefully, the near future
but no guarantees.
MS. O'HARA: Thank you. And the point I wanted to make was we need this for
our cashflow purposes. We have a lot of big projects that we'll be undertaking
when and if the event is deemed over, but as I understand that we have to wait
about six months for the geologist to claim it's actually over once it stops. So, we
definitely could use this money and more and considerably more. So, I appreciate
you putting forth Bill 172. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing
none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 172: The motion to pass Bill 172 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 172 is approved, moves to second reading.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Bill 173: AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF
THE COUNTY OF HAWAII IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $3,699,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING A
PORTION OF THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING A PUBLIC SEWER
SYSTEM SERVING THE LONO KONA SUBDIVISION; FIXES THE FORM,
DENOMINATION, AND CERTAIN DETAILS OF SUCH BONDS;
PROVIDES FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF SUCH BONDS; AND
PROVIDES FOR OTHER MATTERS OR ACTIONS PERTAINING TO THE
ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE BONDS
The sale of$3,699,000 of general obligation bonds to the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) would allow the County to secure payment of
a loan in the same amount from the USDA. Funds are needed due to higher than
anticipated project costs.
Reference: Comm. 1015
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 173 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: I think this is pretty self-explanatory. If we have questions,
Director is available. But I ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Any other questions? Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: No, again thank you, Council, for always considering approving
these special bonds and really appreciate everybody's patience, and let's get this
moving forward. Thank you.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 173: The motion to pass Bill 173 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 173 is approved, moves to second reading with nine
ayes. Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: I'm sorry?
CHR. POINDEXTER: Oh. Are we ? Oh, no, this is not a holdover.
MS. DAVID: No.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Sorry about that. I thought it was a—okay.
Bill 174: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018, TO JUNE 30, 2019
Increases the Environmental Management Lono Kona Improvement District–
County project by $3,699,000, for a total appropriation of$4,839,000. Funds for
this project shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects
Fund–Fund Balance and/or Other Sources. The increase reflects an anticipated
USDA loan to cover portions of the cost of constructing a public sewer system
serving the Lono Kona Subdivision. Funds are needed due to higher than
anticipated costs.
Reference: Comm. 1016
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
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. David moved to pass Bill 174 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, this is companion to Resolution 653 that we already approved,
and I defer to Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. Council Member Kanuha.
MR. KANUHA: Thank you. Just again ask for your support. I did want to also
mention to the Council that the Public Works Department completed the
Alahou Street connection between Lono Kona and Henry Street. It was a big part
of public safety for that subdivision. Also, it was kind of in conjunction with this
project as well so when they start construction, the community will have another
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
way to get out of their subdivision when a lot of this construction is taking place.
So, again, I just wanted to mention mahalo Public Works for doing that project
and really supporting this community.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, any other discussion? Council Member Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Is that the one that connects to Henry Street? Is that the one
right there?
MR. KANUHA: Yeah.
MR. RICHARDS: Oh, terrific. Good deal.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, thank you. All those in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Bill 174: The motion to pass Bill 174 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 174 is approved and moves to second reading.
Bill 175: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018, TO JUNE 30, 2019
Adds the Environmental Management Lono Kona Improvement District—Federal
project for $1,071,000 to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be
provided from Federal Grants Receivable. These funds reflect an anticipated
USDA grant to cover higher than anticipated costs of constructing a public sewer
system for the Lono Kona Subdivision.
Reference: Comm. 1016
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
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. David moved to pass Bill 175 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. O'Hara.
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, and this is a companion to the resolution we approved, 653. I
ask for your continued support or defer to Mr. Kanuha if he'd like to say anything
more. He's done? All right, I yield.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, seeing no other lights on, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Bill 175: The motion to pass Bill 175 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 175 is approved and goes to second reading.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
(Note: An item in this category was taken up previously, out of order.)
Bill 164: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Hawai`i Criminal Justice Data
Center—National Instant Criminal Background Check System Act Record
Improvement Program account ($48,590); and appropriates the same to the
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center—National Instant Criminal Background
Check System Act Record Improvement Program account. Funds would be used
by the Police Department to purchase equipment that would allow access to
statewide offender information and enhance identification, storage, and tracking
of evidence by transitioning to a standardized bar code system.
Reference: Comm. 984
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: July 25, 2018
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 164 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member David.
MS. DAVID: Just ask for your continued support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all
those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 164: The motion to pass Bill 164 on second and final reading
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Bill 164 is approved, oh, adopted.
Vote on Motion to Ms. David moved to suspend Council Rule 15 to waive the
Suspend 5-day hold for reconsideration. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha
Council Rules: and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: That waiver's approved.
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
PC-65 NOMINATION OF MICHAEL VITOUSEK TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 987): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 19, 2018 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Motion to Approve: Ms. Eoff moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
No. 65. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Do you have anything to say, Council Member Eoff?
MS. EOFF: No.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay. All those in favor of the nomination, please say
Ic aye.
Vote on PC-65: The motion to adopt Planning Committee Report No. 65
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: This nomination is approved. Mr. Clerk, I think, oh, we
have one more.
PC-66 NOMINATION OF FAITH YATES TO THE LEEWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 988): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: August 19, 2018 (Section 134(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
No. 66. Seconded by Mr. Kanuha.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Council Member Richards, you want to ?
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah,just a quick note. Faith Yates is another one. I tell you
what. District 9, we've got people with fire and energy, and she's another one.
She leads the kupuna group in Kohala, and I tell you I am held accountable by
that group. So, I ask for your support.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Any other discussion? Seeing or hearing none, all those
in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-46 August 8,2018
Vote on PC-66: The motion to adopt Planning Committee Report No. 66
(Adopted) was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. POINDEXTER: Okay, so, the nomination of Faith Yates is approved.
REFERRALS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
EXECUTIVE for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(There were none.)
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 11:54 a.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David, Eoff, Kanuha,
Lee Loy, O'Hara, Richards, Ruggles,
and Chair Poindexter—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawai`i County Council-46 August 8, 2018
CHR. POINDEXTER: This meeting is adjourned.
Council Approval: SEP ® 5 2018
A46.,
COUNT CLERK
SM/dg
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