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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0046.010 2016-2018 Y OF DRU MAMO KANUHA ��►t'.:........... PHONE: (808)323-4267 • FAX: (808)323-4786 Council Member :►„`�� ,� ,• • +. EMAIL:dru.kanuha@hawaiicounty.gov District 7, Central Kona ---rss HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL West Hawai`i Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway,Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 c� n. c QC) MEMORANDUM ' --j= N)N) Date: September 19, 2018 2,„ To: Valerie T. Poindexter, Council Chair and Members of the Hawaii County Council ® � From: yvDru Mamo Kanuha u District 7 Council Member Re: Minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive Committee Meetings held on May 7, 2018, June 21, 2018, and July 12, 2018. Attached are the minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive Committee meetings that were held on May 7, 2018, June 21, 2018, and July 12, 2018. Please place these items on the agenda for the next available Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee meeting. DK/lw Att. Comm. No. .11(0 10 Ref.To: 12..E-DC.- Ref. Dote SEP 2 0 2018 Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Hawai`i State Association of Counties (HSAC) = �` `> ' Counties of Kaua`i, Maui, Hawai`i and City & County of Honolulu z * SA * : ,, 442/ MINUTES HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, May 7, 2018 Honolulu Hale, Committee Meeting Room 530 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 CALL TO ORDER The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President Dru Kanuha at 10:10 a.m. The following members comprising a quorum were present: County of Hawaii: President Dru Kanuha Councilmember, Hawaii County Council County of Kauai: Vice President Derek Kawakami Councilmember, Kauai County Council County of Maui: Secretary Stacy Crivello Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, Maui County Council City and County of Honolulu: Treasurer Ikaika Anderson Councilmember, Honolulu City Council Others Present: Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, City and County of Honolulu Leinani Wessel, Council Aide to Councilmember Dru Kanuha, Hawaii County Council Aida Kawamura, Legislative Assistant, Office of Council Services, Kauai County Council Francisco Figueiredo, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council Kamakana Watanabe, Legislative Analyst, Office of Council Services, Honolulu City Council Saumalu Mataafa, Legislative Analyst, Office of Council Services, Maui County Council Alan Texeira, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council • E ASS;•. P a 12 1i SA t II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There being no objections, the agenda was approved as circulated. Vice President Kawakami moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Anderson and was unanimously carried. III. MINUTES A. Minutes of the February 26, 2018 HSAC Executive Committee meeting Vice President Kawakami moved to file the Minutes as circulated. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Anderson and unanimously carried. B. Minutes of the March 19, 2018 HSAC Executive Committee meeting Vice President Kawakami moved to file the Minutes as circulated. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Anderson and unanimously carried. IV. REPORTS A. County Reports. 1. City and County of Honolulu Report. Treasurer Anderson reported his office is finalizing the details for the 2018 Annual HSAC Conference. 2. County of Hawaii Report. President Kanuha reported the recent and continuing eruptions of Kilauea have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents living in the Leilani Estates subdivision. At least 30 homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged by the encroaching lava. Emergency responders have allowed some residents to retrieve belongings from their homes because the hazardous conditions were not too severe. It is unknown how long the eruptions will last. The Hawaii County Council passed on first reading Bill 108, relating to short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii County is the only county that does not currently regulate short-term vacation rentals. Over 100 residents testified on the bill. The Council is expected to take a few months to work on the language in the bill that will be satisfactory to both sides of the issue. The Council will also take up the general excise tax extension offered by the State. The political will of the County to accept this proposal is unclear. Secretary Crivello inquired about the details of Bill 108. President Kanuha noted the bill allows residents whose home is a primary _,`y�wTE ASS Page 131 SA' residence to be used as a short-term vacation rental. The bill allows short-term rentals in hotel and resort districts, but excludes them from residential and agricultural districts. President Kanuha noted the short- term vacation rentals will be taxed similarly to hotels. Vice President Kawakami noted Kauai County required residentially-zoned short-term vacation rental owners to provide proof that they were paying general excise tax and transient accommodations tax to continue to use the property as a short-term vacation rental. President Kanuha noted most of the testifiers who opposed Bill 108 disagreed with allowing primary residences the ability to use their home for short-term rental purposes. 3. County of Kauai Report. Vice President Kawakami reported the County of Kauai has experienced a record amount of rain that caused significant damage and road closures. The County of Kauai received a $100 million emergency appropriation from the State Legislature for disaster relief purposes. The County of Kauai added an additional $5 million to also help restore the affected areas. The County will not receive Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") funds because the total damage included secondary residences, which are not covered under FEMA relief guidelines. It is unclear as to how long the recovery process will take as the land in the affected areas remain saturated and the potential for landslides remain. The disaster response from the nongovernment organizations was commended. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters ("VOAD"), the central hub for relief-providing volunteer organizations, at first had issues coordinating with the different organizations, but has since been able to move more effectively. Kauai County's budget decision making is also imminent. 4. County of Maui Report. Secretary Crivello reported the Budget and Finance Committee is close to wrapping up the FY 2019 budget session. The Committee is working on finalizing the budget bill, which includes more than $750 million in revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. Secretary Crivello reported that the Council's budget proposes slightly lower real property taxes. The Committee did not approve the Mayor's tiered property tax rate system that would tax residential, agricultural, apartment, and conservation classifications at different rates depending on assessed property value. The Budget and Finance Committee provided $50,000 to educate the public on the State Constitutional amendment, which proposes a surcharge on real investment property. The amendment will be on the ballot in the upcoming general election. *s4 Page 14 \\ S \R fOyN��t Vice President Kawakami inquired about Maui County's position on the general excise surcharge offered by the Legislature. Secretary Crivello noted that Maui County has not considered the State's proposal. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to file the County reports. Secretary Crivello seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. B. National Association of Counties (NACo) Report. Treasurer Anderson noted the NACo Annual Conference will be held on July 13-16 in Nashville, Tennessee. President Kanuha noted that NACo Presidential appointments occur annually. He said he would ask Councilmember Riki Hokama to advise on the matter. C. Western Interstate Region (WIR) Report. The WIR annual meeting will be held in Idaho. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2018 HSAC Legislative Package update discussion President Kanuha noted all the bills in the HSAC Legislative Package died during the 2018 State legislative session. Treasurer Anderson noted the State Constitutional amendment relating to the real property tax surcharge on real investment property would fund public education, but could impact renters throughout the State. He noted there are many homes in windward Oahu, especially, that are rented out to locals. He said if this amendment passes, teachers will receive a higher salary; however, renters could see a rise in rent as landlords pass down the burden of the surcharge. Vice President Kawakami noted at the beginning of the legislative session, he proposed expanding the uses of the general excise tax surcharge that would be imposed on Kauai residents to fund affordable housing. Wastewater infrastructure is critical for housing development on Kauai. He suggested HSAC consider adding the general excise tax surcharge bill, with expanded options, to a future legislative package. President Kanuha noted the State passed legislation to require residents to convert their cesspools by 2050. Hawaii island has the most cesspools. The County is working on transitioning communities along the coastline with cesspools to a sewer system. The County's environmental management department had noted conversion of the island's cesspools could cost upwards of $1 billion. B. 2018 HSAC Annual Conference Update Page 15 `� + SAl, couN'� 41 Treasurer Anderson noted the 2018 HSAC Annual Conference will be managed by Alan Texeira and Francisco Figueiredo. Alan Texeira noted the events and panels were set. He said they were able to secure the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel as the venue, and the Ko'olau Golf Club for the annual golf tournament. Due to the short turnaround, registration will need to happen electronically through Eventbrite. Mr. Texeira approximates 500 people to attend the conference. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to remove Brandon Mitsuda as a signatory for HSAC and allow Treasurer Anderson and Alan Texeira as signatories for the HSAC Conference. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. President Kanuha allowed the HSAC account to be used to obtain a security deposit of$500 for the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and the Ko'olau Golf course. a. Councilmember Trevor Ozawa proposed inviting Joe Buscaino, Second Vice President, National League of Cities, to the HSAC Annual Conference. b. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to extend an invitation to Joe Buscaino to attend the HSAC Annual Conference. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Appointment of County Representatives to HSAC Executive Committee a. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to adopt a resolution from the County of Hawaii, appointing Councilmember Dru Kanuha to the HSAC Executive Committee, and Councilmember Valerie Poindexter as an alternate. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. b. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to adopt a resolution from the County of Maui, appointing Councilmember Stacy Crivello to the HSAC Executive Committee, and Councilmember Riki Hokama as an alternate. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. c. Secretary Crivello made a motion to adopt a resolution from the City and County of Honolulu, appointing Councilmember Ikaika Anderson to the HSAC Executive Committee, and Councilmember Joey Manahan as an alternate. Treasurer Anderson seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. d. Secretary Crivello made a motion to adopt a resolution from the County of Kauai, appointing Councilmember Derek Kawakami to the HSAC Executive Committee, and Councilmember Ross Kagawa as an alternate. Treasurer Anderson seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. ``S�wTE ASp Page 1 6 •-1.1 B. )HI • s GR fO Nl�` B. WIR appointment for remainder of term, July 1, 2017 —June 30, 2018 Treasurer Anderson made a motion to adopt the resolutions from the County of Hawaii, County of Maui, County of Kauai, and City and County of Honolulu, appointing Mason Chock to WIR for the remainder of term. C. HSAC, NACo and WIR nomination of officers for upcoming term July 1, 2018 — June 30, 2019 Secretary Crivello noted Councilmember Mike White is retiring at the end of the term and a replacement is needed for the WIR board of directors' representative for the next term. President Kanuha noted he would not be returning to serve on the HSAC Executive Committee. Secretary Crivello proposed keeping the officers the same. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to keep the officers on the NACo and WIR slates the same as the current term. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. D. HSAC Slate of Officers Vice President Kawakami made a motion to keep the current slate of HSAC Executive Committee Officers the same. Secretary Crivello seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. E. NACo Steering Committee Nominations President Kanuha has received one Kauai nomination and two Hawaii nominations to be represented on the NACo Steering Committee. It was noted that each county is allowed two nominations. F. NACo Prescription Drug Contract Proposal Secretary Crivello made a motion for HSAC to continue its participation in the NACo Prescription Drug Contract program. Treasurer Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. G. 2018-2019 Proposed HSAC Budget Submitted by HSAC Treasurer Treasurer Anderson submitted to the Committee the annual budget for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019. Secretary Crivello made a motion to accept the annual I' 17 SA i_ s °RcouHt`4 budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. Treasurer Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. Vice President Kawakami requested more information on the Prescription Drug Promotion, as the fund will increase from $5,000 to $6,400. Vice President Derek Kawakami also requested more information on the eligibility requirements for the Prescription Drug Scholarship Program. H. Legislature Real Property Tax (HSTA-Education) The Maui County Council recommended educating the public on the consequences of approving a State Constitutional amendment, which would add a surcharge on real investment property to fund public education, by appropriating $50,000 for such purposes. Secretary Crivello proposed that HSAC also consider efforts to educate residents of each county on the potential consequences of this amendment. Treasurer Anderson suggested each member of the Executive Committee gauge their respective council to determine if HSAC should consider advocating against the proposed Constitutional amendment. VII. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Scheduling the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 a.m. iguss Hawal i State Association of Counties (HSAC) ; °C> .* A , Counties of Kaua`i,Maui, Hawai`i and City & County of Honolulu ; = z MINUTES HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, June 21, 2018 Sheraton Waikiki, Kauai Ballroom 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI CALL TO ORDER The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President Dru Kanuha at 3:30 p.m. The following members comprising a quorum were present: County of Hawaii: President Dru Kanuha Councilmember, Hawaii County Council County of Kauai: Vice President Derek Kawakami Councilmember, Kauai County Council County of Maui: Secretary Stacy Crivello Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, Maui County Council City and County of Honolulu: Treasurer Ikaika Anderson Councilmember, Honolulu City Council Others Present: Mason Chock, Councilmember, Kauai County Council Leinani Wessel, Legislative Assistant to Councilmember Dru Kanuha, Hawaii County Council Aida Kawamura, Legislative Assistant, Office of Council Services, Kauai County Council Francisco Figueiredo, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council Kamakana Watanabe, Legislative Analyst, Office of Council Services, Honolulu City Council Saumalu Mataafa, Legislative Analyst, Office of Council Services, Maui County Council Alan Texeira, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council iSA Page 12 it �RfOUNt�t� .. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There being no objections, the agenda was approved as circulated. Vice President Kawakami moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Anderson and was unanimously carried. III. MINUTES A. Minutes of the December 19, 2017 HSAC Executive Committee meeting Secretary Crivello moved to file the Minutes as circulated. The motion was seconded by Vice President Kawakami and unanimously carried. B. Minutes of the May 7, 2018 HSAC Executive Committee meeting Secretary Crivello moved to file the Minutes as circulated. The motion was seconded by Vice President Kawakami and unanimously carried. IV. REPORTS A. Treasurer's Reports 1. Treasurer's Report for March 2018 Treasurer Anderson reported that HSAC started the month of March with a balance of $218,571.82 and expenses of $7,408.08, leaving an ending balance of $211,675.59. Secretary Crivello made a motion to approve and file the report. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. 2. Treasurer's Report for April 2018 Treasurer Anderson reported that HSAC started the month of April with a balance of $211,675.59 and expenses of $1,234.84, leaving an ending balance of$210,853.21. Secretary Crivello made a motion to approve and file the report. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. B. County Reports. 1. City and County of Honolulu Report. Treasurer Anderson reported the Council passed Bill 35 relating to transportation network companies by a vote of 6-3 at the June 6, 2018 Council meeting. Bill 35 was recently vetoed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. The Council is awaiting • ASS Page I 3 1SA .,• •direction from Council Chair Ernie Martin on whether to schedule an override vote of the Mayor's veto. The Council also approved the capital improvement project, operating, and legislative budgets for the Fiscal Year 2019. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation ("HART") capital and operational budgets were also approved. 2. County of Hawaii Report. President Kanuha reported the County Council discussed a state proposal which will allow the counties to collect the revenues from a 0.5 percent general excise and use tax surcharge. The Council deferred discussion on the 0.5 percent surcharge until the beginning of the new Council term. The Council instead considered an amended proposal to collect 0.25 percent of the proposed surcharge. The amended proposal failed by a vote of 4-5. President Kanuha noted the recent and continuing eruptions of Kilauea has put the county in a precarious financial situation and the County may still consider the proposal. The Council postponed a bill to regulate short-term vacation rentals. The bill has been vetted by the Council for almost a year and will now be referred to the County's planning commission. The Council failed to adopt a county budget, meaning the Mayor's proposed budget will take effect. The Council currently does not have a balanced budget as the recent volcanic eruptions will cost the County almost $6 million in real property tax revenue. 3. County of Kauai Report. Vice President Kawakami reported the Kauai County Council passed a $218 million budget with $40 million for capital improvement projects. The Council increased the property taxes for transient vacation rentals and residential investor class by $1. The residential investor class includes secondary homes that are valued at $2 million or more. The increases are expected to generate an additional $4.4 million of revenue which is earmarked for specific purposes. The revenue will be used as follows: $2.7 million to the County's affordable housing fund, almost $1 million to the emergency reserve fund to replenish some of the funds that were used to aid the recent flooding events in North Kauai, and $725,000 for a restroom facility at the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields. Kauai County has also accepted a proposal from the State Legislature to permit a 0.5 percent general excise and use tax surcharge to improve the capital costs of public transportation systems. The surcharge is projected to generate $12.5 million for the upcoming fiscal year and $25 million in each subsequent year. tit As• (•�, b'. Page 1 4 .1.1 SA 4. County of Maui Report. Secretary Crivello reported the Council approved a $758 million county budget for Fiscal Year 2019. The budget is more than $50 million higher than the current Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The collective bargaining agreements have played a key factor in increased costs for the County. One of the projects being funded includes money for a new civic complex in Central Maui. The purpose of the complex is to stimulate economic growth and help revitalize Wailuku town. The Council also provided $2 million to reinstitute its First-time Homebuyer's Program. The purpose of the program is to provide down payment grants to first-time homebuyers, who are also residents of the County. The program was last funded in Fiscal Year 2013, and the budget at the time was $200,000. Funding was increased because of the current housing crisis and to allow Maui families and residents the opportunity to purchase their first home. The Council and the County is also considering utilizing County-owned property that was leased to the University of Hawaii Maui College ("UHMC") as a potential site for affordable housing or a homeless facility. The County leased the property to UHMC in the 1980s for dormitory use. The dormitory structures have sat vacant for almost a decade. The parcel is considered by many as a "low hanging fruit" for affordable housing or a homeless facility because it is centrally located and close to many county and state services. UHMC has expressed willingness to end the lease; the County could consider partnering with the state or other private entities to develop the property for affordable housing purposes. The Council's Policy, Economic Development, and Agricultural Committee recently passed a resolution which proposes a Charter amendment to increase the penalty for the operation of a transient accommodation without the necessary permit. The current fine as specified in the Maui County Charter is $1,000. The amendment would change the fine to $20,000, plus $10,000 per day for each day the unlawful operation persists. The Committee is considering other notable Charter amendments, which include creating an Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency; and changing the county's form of governance to include an Office of the County Manager. Treasurer Anderson made a motion to file the County reports. Secretary Crivello seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. C. National Association of Counties (NACo) Report. President Kanuha noted the NACo Annual Conference will be held on July 13-16 in Nashville, Tennessee. Treasurer Anderson moved to have Councilmember Valerie Poindexter replace S<ATE ASNC er 4O, I :1 2 l' 15 ;� SAs;. s President Kanuha as a HSAC board member at the NACo Annual Conference. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. D. Western Interstate Region (WIR) Report. President Kanuha noted Councilmember Mason Chock from Kauai County Council, attended the WIR annual meeting will in Idaho. Secretary Crivello moved to file the NACo and WIR reports. Treasurer Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. V. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Hawaii State Legislature's Senate Bill 2922 Secretary Crivello noted during Maui County Council's recent budget session, $50,000 was provided to educate the public on the impacts of the proposed constitutional amendment which will establish a surcharge on investment real property. She noted the Realtor's Association of Maui recently met with its national organization to discuss the impacts of the bill and leveraging funds to educate the public on the effects. The Executive Committee noted an informational panel is scheduled for July 22, 2018 to discuss the impacts of Senate Bill 2922. VI. NEW BUSINESS HSAC's Contract with Becker Communications President Kanuha noted HSAC's contract with Becker Communications is expiring soon. President Kanuha was pleased with the services provided and asked the Executive Committee whether HSAC should extend the contract or not. Secretary Crivello requested the Executive Committee meet with Becker Communications representative Scott Ishikawa to discuss HSAC's future goals before extending the contract. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS No announcements. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Vice President Kawakami moved to adjourn the meeting. Treasurer Anderson seconded and the motion was unanimously carried. yt�tE assq; O `4 5: Page 16 �I AI*• y ' ocs:pr•oj:HSAC:FY2018:Mi n u tes:180621 asi Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) Counties of Kauai, Maui, Hawai`i and City & County of Honolulu 0% i z 200 S. High Street,Wailuku, Hawaii 96793 (808) 270-7665 ♦i'iivw.hicc'rurties.com _; S COusi' MINUTES HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Honolulu Hale, Committee Meeting Room 530 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 CALL TO ORDER The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President Dru Kanuha at 10 a.m. The following members comprising a quorum were present: County of Hawaii: President Dru Kanuha Councilmember, Hawaii County Council County of Kauai: Vice President Derek Kawakami Councilmember, Kauai County Council County of Maui: Secretary Stacy Crivello Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, Maui County Council City and County of Honolulu: Treasurer Joey Manahan Councilmember, Honolulu City Council Others Present: Leinani Wessel, Legislative Assistant to Councilmember Dru Kanuha, Hawaii County Council Aida Kawamura, Legislative Assistant, Office of Council Services, Kauai County Council Francisco Figueiredo, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council Saumalu Mataafa, Legislative Analyst, Office of Council Services, Maui County Council Alan Texeira, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council Brandon Mitsuda, Office of Councilmember Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council Kamakana Watanabe, Office of Council Services, Honolulu City Council II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ``ytATE ASSO 3� �r Page 12 ) SA , �_ s oocouN'��` Secretary Crivello moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Vice President Derek Kawakami and was unanimously carried. III. REPORTS A. Treasurer's Report 1. Treasurer's Report for May 2018 Treasurer Manahan reported that HSAC started the month of May with a balance of$210,853.21 and expenses of$9,510.81 leaving an ending balance of $201,342.40. Vice President Kawakami made a motion to approve and file the report. Secretary Crivello seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. B. County Reports 1. County of Maui Report. Secretary Crivello reported last month, the Policy, Economic Development, and Agriculture (PEA) Committee recommended adoption of amendments to the Maui County Charter. The Council is considering an amendment to raise the penalty for conducting illegal short- term rental activities from $1,000 to $20,000. Another proposal plans to . expand the uses of the County's Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources and Scenic Views Preservation Fund to include safety and security improvements on lands acquired through the fund. Secretary Crivello said the PEA Committee was not able to fully vet a Charter amendment proposal aimed at changing the County's governance to a County manager system in time to meet posting deadlines. The Committee will also consider how to utilize $50,000 that was appropriated for public education in response to a State Constitutional Amendment which proposes a surcharge on real investment property for public education. The Housing, Human Services, and Transportation Committee will consider a bill to allow college students to utilize student bus fares. The bill aims to reduce the number of cars driving on the road and promote the use of public transit for all students. Next month, the Committee will also consider recommendations from an independent analysis on the County's affordable housing policies and an affordable housing implementation plan. 2. County of Kauai Report. Vice President Kawakami reported the Council defeated a charter amendment to appropriate 3 percent of Kauai County's real property taxes for affordable housing. He reported the proposal would cost the County approximately $4 million. The Council felt it was ``ytAf E Astec Page I 3 7. 1 SA S* s �RfOUNt�� irresponsible to require voters to decide on the proposal without a comprehensive understanding of the budget process. He reported the Kauai Council is working on two bills for the HSAC legislative package. One proposal offers tax credits to businesses employing people with disabilities. Another proposal requests additional tools from the State Legislature to enforce and impose fines on illegal short-term rentals. The bill also proposes to remove permitted uses for short-term rental usage on applicable properties if they are sold. He said accessibility to Kauai's North Shore is still limited as roads are being cleared from the effects of heavy rainfall earlier this year. 3. City and County of Honolulu Report. Treasurer Manahan said he was thankful for all the support for and participation in the HSAC Annual Conference. He expressed concern for the proposed State constitutional amendment which establishes a surcharge on real investment property for education. He is considering introducing a bill to be included in the HSAC Legislative package which will help teachers offset the high cost of living by providing rent assistance. The Council recently considered two bills relating to homelessness. One proposal considers banning obstruction on public sidewalks between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The other bill relates to illegal lodging, and will prevent homeless individuals from rejecting beds in shelters, if offered. 4. County of Hawaii Report. President Kanuha reported Hawaii County is still dealing with the eruption of Kilauea. Many homes and structures have been destroyed. He reported the affected community is receiving help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State government. The Council considered a bill to regulate short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii County is the only county that does not regulate short-term rentals. He also reported Hawaii County accepted a State proposal to establish a general excise tax surcharge of 0.25 percent. The surcharge is expected to generate $20-25 million. Secretary Crivello made a motion to file the County reports. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. C. National Association of Counties (NACo) Report 1. President Kanuha reported several Councilmembers are attending the NACo Annual Conference. Secretary Crivello asked for clarification on omiyage reimbursements for the NACo Annual Conference. 1) :1 g (' 14 SA a= �RcouNT��y IV. OLD BUSINESS A. SB 2922 relating to a Constitutional amendment to establish a surcharge on investment real property to support public education President Kanuha reported Hawaii County will provide educational outreach at the County Council level to help the public understand the potential effects of the State Constitutional amendment, which proposes an investment real property tax surcharge to fund public education. Secretary Crivello reported the Realtors Association of Maui had conversations with their State and national associations to counter advertisements in support of the amendment. She reported Maui County appropriated $50,000 to educate the public on the ramifications of the Constitutional amendment. She asked whether HSAC would also join Maui County's efforts to also educate the public on the effects of the proposal. Treasurer Manahan said Honolulu's Mayor is strongly against the Constitutional amendment and requested a representative from the Mayor's office be present at the next HSAC Executive Committee meeting to discuss their plans for addressing the amendment. Vice President Kawakami said the Kauai County Mayor has not taken a position on the Constitutional amendment. He noted that residents in his County are neutral with respect to the amendment. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Maui Western Interstate Region ("WIR") Representative: resignation of Mike White and nomination of Riki Hokama Secretary Crivello noted Maui County Council Chair Mike White will not seek reelection and recommended Maui Councilmember Riki Hokama replace him as Western Interstate Region representative. Secretary Crivello made a motion to accept the resignation of Councilmember Mike White and accept Councilmember Riki Hokama as his replacement. Vice President Kawakami seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. B. HSAC Package Advocacy Strategies for the 2019 Legislative Session as<�te�s�., • 1) I5SAfit Vice President Kawakami underscored the importance of building healthy relationships with the State Legislature. President Kanuha echoed Vice President Kawakami's sentiment. Secretary Crivello noted collaboration is important and the State Legislature must also try to help with County-related issues. She noted the importance of creating relationships with those in leadership positions at the State Legislature. C. 2018 HSAC Annual Conference update President Kanuha thanked all participants and volunteers who helped make the 2018 HSAC Annual Conference a success. Alan Texeira talked about potential sponsors for next year's annual conference. He recommended a new email address for communicating with potential sponsors for next year's conference. He said he would provide a full report to the Committee once the staff is finished with accounting tasks. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. President Kanuha said he would send out an electronic poll to determine the next meeting's date. VII. ADJOURNMENT A. President Kanuha adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.