HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2019-02-20 2018-2020 Hawaii County Council
61h Session
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
February 20, 2019
INVOCATION: Pastor Brian Keiser of Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:19 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Kailua-Kona, by Ms. Karen Eoff, Acting
Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Chair
Ms. Karen Eoff, Vice Chair
Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member
Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms. Valerie T. Poindexter, Member
Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member
Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member
PLEDGE OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of
ALLEGIANCE: Allegiance.
(At this time, Ms. David led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MEMORIALS, Petitions, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Acting Chair:
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Jerry Warren: Bill 210 (Comm. 1165), in opposition.
Sandra Demoruelle: Bill 210 (Comm. 1165), in opposition.
APPROVAL The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes.
Vote on Approval of Mr. Richards moved to approve the Minutes of January 9,
Minutes: 2019. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Approval of Ms. David moved to approve the Minutes of January 23,
Minutes: 2019. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you to the staff for being so caught up on the
minutes. That's really good for us.
COMMUNI- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
(There were none.)
Change Order As directed by the Acting Chair and with no objection from the Council
of Business: Members, the following items were taken out of order:
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Bill 15: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 97-13, WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS FROM
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO
GENERAL COMMERCIAL—20,000 SQUARE FEET (CG-20) AT WAIAKEA,
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-023:012
(Applicants: Nelson and Susan Fukuhara) (Area: 21,164 Square Feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which would allow a five-year time extension to Condition C
(Complete Construction), and an amendment to Condition B (Time to Secure
Water). The project is located at the southeast side of the Kino`ole Street and
Kamana Street intersection. The applicants are requesting the extension to
complete construction of a 4,000 square foot single-story structure for retail/office
use.
Reference: Comm. 63
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-5
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 15 on first reading and
adopt Planning Committee Report No. 5. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Is there any discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I believe Mr. Fuke is in Hilo. I just wanted to give him an
opportunity to make remarks or answer any questions that Council Members may
have.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Mr. Fuke, would you like to come forward?
(Note: At this time, Sidney Fuke, applicant's representative, came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. FUKE: Good morning, all. My name is Sidney Fuke. I'm here representing
the Fukuharas on this time extension. We discussed this matter fairly
comprehensively at the Planning Committee meeting, but if there are any further
questions that the Council Members may have at this point in time, I am prepared
to answer them. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Council Members, any questions? Okay,
thank you. We'll take a vote, then. All in favor, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 15: The motion to pass Bill 15 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 5 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Mr. Fuke, are you also here for Bill 18?
MR. FUKE: No. I had my share yesterday, so thank you very much.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Oh, okay. So,just that. Okay, well then, thank you very
much.
Bill 17: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
15,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-15) TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) AT WAIAKEA HOMESTEADS IST SERIES,
WAIAKEA SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP
KEY: 2-4-021:059
(Applicant: Miroslav Neskovic) (Area: approx. 23,466 Square Feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to apply to subdivide the
property into two lots. The applicant intends to demolish an existing building and
build a new single-family dwelling on each of the proposed lots.
Reference: Comm. 65
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-6
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 17 on first reading and
adopt Planning Committee Report No. 6. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Well, I just wanted to point out to my colleagues that the
applicant is here. Hi, Miro. If you want to just come forward and make any
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
remarks about the project. We appreciate you being here. We had a pretty
thorough discussion during our Planning Committee meeting a couple of weeks
ago, but it's always great to see and hear from the applicant. So, thanks for being
here.
(Note: At this time, Miroslav Neskovic, applicant, came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you and if you would just introduce yourself.
MR. NESKOVIC: Good morning. My name is Miro Neskovic, the applicant for
this subdivision and rezoning in Hilo. If you guys have any questions, I'm here to
answer and just briefly introduce myself.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Council Members, any questions? Seeing
none, then, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 17: The motion to pass Bill 17 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 6 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carried. Thank you very much for coming down.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Bill 18: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-33 (CITY OF HILO ZONE MAP), ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—
10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10) TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL—
20,000 SQUARE FEET (CN-20) AT WAIAKEA HOUSE LOTS, WAIAKEA
SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 2-2-034:086
(Applicant: GHC Family Limited Partnership) (Area: approx. 22,500 Square Feet)
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to develop a paved parking
lot for tenant employees and overflow parking for customers of the Manono Street
Marketplace.
Reference: Comm. 66
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-7
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 18 on first reading and
adopt Planning Committee Report No. 7. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I believe we have the applicant participating in Hilo
Mr. Andrew Chun. Just wanted to call him forward to address the Council.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Andrew Chun, applicant's representative, came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Good morning, sir.
MR. CHUN: Good morning. Hi, my name is Andrew Chun, and I'm
representing my wife's family, GHC Family Limited Partnership. I'm here just to
answer any questions that you may have.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Council Members, any questions? No? We don't
have any questions, but thank you for being here.
MR. CHUN: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: All in favor,please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 18: The motion to pass Bill 18 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Planning Committee Report No. 7 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
Res. 62-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES
SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
Federally-derived funds in the amount of$96,943 would be used to increase the
department's ability to extricate victims from vehicular crashes.
Reference: Comm. 115
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 62-19. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. I see that we have Chris Honda and—well, could
you please introduce yourselves?
(Note: At this time, Chris Honda, Battalion Chief for the Emergency
Medical Services Bureau, and Melanio Lorenzo, Accountant for the
Hawaii Fire Department, came forward to address the members of the
Council.)
MR. HONDA: Hi, good morning. I'm Battalion Chief Chris Honda from the
Emergency Medical Services Bureau, here to answer any questions in regards to
this highway grant for our much needed extrication tools or equipment.
MR. LORENZO: I'm Melanio Lorenzo. I'm the accountant for the Hawaii Fire
Department.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Are you able to just give us a little bit of an overview
since you're here? Then, we'll see if we have any questions.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. HONDA: Yeah. So, the e-hydraulic tools, we're obtaining from a
Department of Transportation, State of Hawaii, grant. For the past four years, we
have received funds from this venue, and it allowed us to enhance our ability to
extricate patients with these tools. Previously, we used power tools that require a
power unit attached to hydraulic lines, which would range from about 30 to
40 feet in length, utilizing one tool at a time.
We use these tools to extricate patients that are pinned, most commonly, in
vehicles or pinned under vehicles. We also use it for any kind of rubble collapse
or confined space extrication where patients or victims will be impinged upon,
such as, in my experience, people pinned under forklifts, under semi-trucks,
rubble collapses in houses, or if there would be an earthquake or any kind of large
structural collapse where we have large cement slabs. We could use this
equipment to get our victims out.
In dealing with trauma, time is everything. So, this type of equipment is
important. In the past, we used, like I said, those hydraulic tools, which can be
cumbersome. They are very loud and they do emit carbon monoxide, which
sometimes can delay our ability to get these victims out. With these new
hydraulic tools, they're battery operated. During our training, we are able to
usually cut two to three cars apart under one battery, and we carry two to three
batteries per equipment.
In this package, we have a spreaders, a cutters, and a ram. So, spreaders is what
you hear more commonly termed as the jaws of life where we could put it into a
small void or an opening and spread things apart, such as a car door, or lift a
vehicle off of a person who's stuck under the vehicle or pinned under the vehicle.
It also has the cutters, which allows us to cut beams off of, on the vehicles, the
A post to the B post, which connects the body of the car to the roof. And there's
also a ram. A ram is something that we use to spread. It's basically like a
hydraulic piston that we use to shore things up, such as a wall or tunnel that we
may have to go into to get a victim out or spread the dashboard off of the person's
chest or stomach that is stuck in between the car seat and, say, the steering wheel
or the dashboard on a front or head-on collision.
With these new e-hydraulic tools, it eliminates the power unit and the hydraulic
lines, which enhances our ability to get the people out quicker. We can operate
all three tools independently, which will basically cut the vehicle apart quicker.
And without the carbon monoxide, it allows us to use it in confined spaces and
it's much quieter, which helps our operations and communications at the scene or
in a confined space or even in a vehicle.
It's also intrinsically safe, which is important in many of the environments that we
are working in. So, basically, there's no sparks. They won't light the gasoline
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
that might be leaking on us in a vehicle while we're cutting people out or when
we're in the car simultaneously taking care of the victim while we are cutting the
vehicle apart as well. So, it's much more efficient. It's easier to use. It's safer
and it enhances the operation, and it allows us to get our victims out and get them
to the hospital much quicker, which in turn will definitely save lives.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Battalion Chief Honda, for that
explanation. I just would like to, for the record, ask Mr. LorenzoI see you
there; thank you. A request for a waiver was made to the Finance Committee.
And so, could you please explain the waiver request and needing these funds?
MR. LORENZO: This grant is an annual grant. And because of the time period
in which we need to spend the funds, we're requesting a waiver from the Finance
Committee hearing.
MS. DAVID: Thank you very much. I yield.
MR. LORENZO: And I just alsoI'm sorryI also want to add that this grant
that we receive annually does not require any match from the County.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Very good. Thank you.
MS. DAVID: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any other questions or comments? Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Battalion Chief Honda, I understand that this
is just one. But I was just wondering which station this particular equipment
would be housed at.
MR. HONDA: Okay, good question. Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't explain that. So,
the three sets that we are getting will be stationed out in Ka`u, Honoka`a, and
Ocean View. And we strategically placed these in these locations due to the
location of where they're at and the types of trauma that we do see out on these
highways, and our backups are far away. So, those are the three stations that will
be receiving the three sets of e-hydraulic tools.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. I really appreciate that strategic placement. Those
are long roadways out there. So, thank you very much. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other comments, questions? Seeing
none, all in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Res. 62-19: The motion to adopt Res. 62-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Resolution 62 is adopted.
Bill 28: 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—Highway Safety Grant—Cordless
Extricate Kits account ($96,943); and appropriates the same to the Highway
Safety Grant—Cordless Extricate Kits. Funds would be used to increase the
Hawaii Fire Department's ability to extricate victims from vehicular crashes.
Reference: Comm. 115
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 28 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David, did you want to comment?
MS. DAVID: No. I think we discussed this on the resolution. Thank you very
much.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, anyone else? All in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 28: The motion to pass Bill 28 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 28 will move to second reading.
Return to Order The Acting Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS: Order of Resolutions.
(Note: Res. 62-19 was taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 37-19: ACCEPTS THE DEDICATION OF ROAD LOTS A AND D
(MANAWALEA STREET) AND ROAD LOTS B AND C (KA`EKA STREET),
IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEY: 7-4-021:044, SITUATED AT KEAHUOLU,
DISTRICT OF NORTH KONA, ISLAND AND COUNTY OF HAWAII,
STATE OF HAWAII FROM FHT KAMAKANA, LLC, A HAWAII LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY
The County seeks dedication of these road lots for public roadway purposes,
pursuant to Chapter 23 of the Hawaii County Code.
Reference: Comm. 68
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: PWMTC-1
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 37-19 and Public Works
and Mass Transit Committee Report No. 1. Seconded by
Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion? Thank you. I'd just like to add, then,
before we take a vote that this road is just right up here by the housing projects on
Ane Keohokalole Highway going, the road goes up. And there's another section
that will end up being dedicated to the County as well, but will then connect it all
the way up through to Hawaiian Homes. So, we're excited about that happening
very soon as well. All in favor,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 37-19: The motion to adopt Res. 37-19 and Public Works and
(Adopted) Mass Transit Committee Report No. 1 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 37 is adopted.
Res. 38-19: ADOPTS THE GOALS, STRATEGIES, AND POLICIES OF VISION ZERO
TO PREVENT TRAFFIC-RELATED FATALITIES AND INJURIES
Vision Zero is a comprehensive strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and severe
injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility.
Reference: Comm. 72
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: PWMTC-2
Vote on Res. 38-19: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 38-19 and Public Works
(Adopted) and Mass Transit Committee Report No. 2. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 38 is adopted.
Res. 41-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2019 SUMMER FUN
PROGRAM AT THE NA`ALEHU COMMUNITY CENTER
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Summer/Intercession Class/Activities account.
Reference: Comm. 87
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 41-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion? Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes. This and the next two resolutions are the same things for my
district. Summer Fun programs are so important in these rural districts, and this
will allow our kids to participate and help the families out. So, I appreciate your
support. Mahalo.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 41-19: The motion to adopt Res. 41-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 41 is adopted.
Res. 42-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2019 SUMMER FUN
PROGRAM AT THE PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Summer/Intercession Class/Activities account.
Reference: Comm. 88
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 42-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. DAVID: I just ask for your support again. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 42-19: The motion to adopt Res. 42-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 42 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 43-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE 2019 SUMMER FUN
PROGRAM AT YANO HALL
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Summer/Intercession Class/Activities account.
Reference: Comm. 89
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 43-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. DAVID: I ask for your continued support. And I believe—if Glenn is in our
Hilo office, I really thank you for coming, Glenn. If not, to support this if we had
questions. So, I yield. Thank you very much.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. All in favor,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 43-19: The motion to adopt Res. 43-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 43 is adopted.
Res. 44-19: 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
ZONTA CLUB OF HILO FOUNDATION TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
RELATED TO THE"MAGNIFICENT ME" CONFERENCE
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 96
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 44-19. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Just ask for your support.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I have some comments.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I do want to disclose to this body that I am the President of
the Zonta Club of Hilo, which is the organizing entity for the conference. If you
feel that there is a conflict and don't want me to participate in the vote, I am
happy to abstain. But I just wanted that on the record. I really thank my
colleague Ms. Lee Loy for making a very generous donation to this effort that is
really going to empower many young girls in our community.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Is there anyone that has any objections to
Ms. Kierkiewicz participating? There's no objections. All in favor,please say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 44-19: The motion to adopt Res. 44-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 44 is adopted.
Res. 45-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE "BIGGEST EASTER EGG
HUNT" IN HILO
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 97
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Res. 45-19: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 45-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 45 is adopted.
Res. 46-19: 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
MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED
TO THE REPAIR OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT THE
AUNTY DOTTIE THOMPSON HALE
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 98
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Vote on Res. 46-19: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 46-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 46 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 47-19: 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
BETTY C. KANUHA FOUNDATION, INC., TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE WEST HAWAII COMMUNITY BEACH
CLEANUP
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 99
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 47-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Well, I'll just go ahead and comment. This is a great
beach cleanup. It extends all the way from, I believe, Kawaihae up to Ho`okena,
the whole west side of the island. Mr. Fear isn't here today, but he's from Wave
Riders Against Drugs. He's organized this for many years, and I'm happy to
support it this year. Okay, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 47-19: The motion to adopt Res. 47-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 47 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 48-19: 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
BETTY C. KANUHA FOUNDATION, INC., FOR THE WEST HAWAII
COMMUNITY BEACH CLEANUP
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 100
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 48-19. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Do you have any more comments, Ms. Villegas?
MS. VILLEGAS: I just would also like to add that this is an incredible event.
Hundreds of people get together and celebrate the effort that's needed to clean our
shoreline, people of all ages. And I think that Mr. Fear does a phenomenal job of
really garnering support from all different business entities as also community
nonprofits. And so, I think this is a powerful event, and it's an honor and a
privilege to be in a position to support it in this capacity. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Great. Thank you. All in favor,please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 48-19: The motion to adopt Res. 48-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 48 is adopted.
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 49-19: 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
BETTY C. KANUHA FOUNDATION, INC., TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE WEST HAWAII COMMUNITY BEACH
CLEANUP
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 101
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 49-19. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Anything more?
MS. DAVID: Just ask for your support for this great effort.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. All in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 49-19: The motion to adopt Res. 49-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 50-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GOING
HOME HAWAII TO SUPPORT ITS IN-REACH AND REINTEGRATION
PROGRAM
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 102
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 50-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Do you have any comments?
MR. RICHARDS: We've seen this come before us, and other Council Members
have supported it. A great program. Decreases recidiviI can never say that
word. Recidivism. What a good program. I just ask for my colleagues' support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? Seeing none, all
in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 50-19: The motion to adopt Res. 50-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 50 is adopted.
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 51-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO GOING
HOME HAWAII FOR ITS "PUUHONUA O HILO"PROGRAM
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Other
Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 103
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 51-19: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 51-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 51 is adopted.
Res. 52-19: 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
HILO HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE 2019 HILO HIGH SCHOOL
PROJECT GRAD NIGHT
Transfers $3,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 104
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Res. 52-19: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 52-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 52 is adopted.
Res. 53-19: 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 ALOHA
CLUB OF HILO FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED
DURING THE 2018 HALE `OLUEA CLUBHOUSE HOLIDAY EVENT
Transfers $750 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 105
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 53-19: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 53-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 53 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Res. 54-19: 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 EMPLOYEES LIFELINE PROGRAM FOR THE
REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FROM ITS 2019 LABOR OF
LOVE PROJECT
Transfers $500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 106
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 54-19: Mr. Chung moved to adopt Res. 54-19. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 54 is adopted.
Res. 60-19: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AWARD OF $20,000
FROM THE CITIES FOR FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FUND TO
SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN TO STUDY THE
FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
CENTER
The Financial Empowerment Center would provide free, one-on-one professional
financial counseling and coaching for residents of Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 113
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 60-19. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. Ms. Hirota, thank you for being here. A waiver
was requested on this. So, could you please give us an explanation of the
financial empowerment for financial coaching program and the reason for
requesting the waiver? Thank you very much.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant Sharon Hirota, Office of the
Mayor, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. HIROTA: Good morning, Vice Chair, Chair, members of the Council. So, I
come this morningmy name is Sharon Hirota. I work for the Office of the
Mayor as one of his executive assistants. I'm asking for your approval for
Resolution 60-19.
So, back in August of last year in the midst of responding to the needs of those
surviving from the Kilauea eruptions, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund
out of New York put out a national RFP, a Request for Proposal. As we worked
with individual families in trying to find solutions, some of those families also
became eligible for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) SBA
(Small Business Administration) loans. And so, we thought this would be a good
opportunity for us to apply for this grant. It's a planning grant for one year. It
allows us to work with our service organizations, financial institutions in looking
at the feasibility of setting up what they call a Financial Empowerment Center.
A Financial Empowerment Center is like a one-stop shop providing, one of the
services, free one-on-one financial education. So,we requested the waiver
because of the timing of the grant. We need to begin the process. If our plan, as
we submit back to the fund, is accepted, we will be eligible for future funding to
support the Financial Empowerment Center on the island.
MS. DAVID: That's great. Thank you very much, and thank you for all you do
and did. I yield at this time.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Any other questions? Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Ms. Hirota, I was just wondering, in
your development of this plan, you talk about standing up a Financial
Empowerment Center. Is it going to be a physical building or is any thought
given to making it a mobile center that can be deployed to various communities
around the island?
MS. HIROTA: We're looking at both an office and an ability to do mobile
throughout the island. We're a rural community, and we need to go to the people
versus having them come to one location.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: That's great. I'm glad you guys are keeping that in mind
because oftentimes folks in rural communities aren't able to access critical
resources because of that transportation barrier. So, thank you. I yield the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Seeing
none, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 60-19: The motion to adopt Res. 60-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 60 is adopted.
Change Order As directed by the Acting Chair and with no objection from the Council
of Business: Members, the following item was taken out of order:
Bill 26: 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 Miscellaneous Private Contributions account
($20,000); and appropriates the same to the Cities for Financial Empowerment,
Financial Empowerment Center Plan - Private. The Financial Empowerment
Center would provide free, one-on-one professional financial counseling and
coaching for residents of Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 113
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 26: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 26 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries and Bill 26 will move to second reading.
Res. 61-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM, PURSUANT TO
HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Provides $750,000 to be used to hire two employees to assist with transporting
seniors, to purchase vehicles and train staff, and for other transportation program
expenditures of the Elderly Activities Division.
Reference: Comm. 114
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 61-19. Seconded by
Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm not sure if Roann has arrived. I know we were
supposed to wait for her. Is anyone from Parks in Hilo?
MS. GOODENOW: We have no one in Hilo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
MS. LEE LOY: Perhaps we could just lay this on the table.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to table Res. 61-19. Seconded by
Table: Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
Res. 63-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS
Funds in the amount of$1,734,373 would be used to provide long-term case
management services for people who were displaced and impacted by the Kilauea
eruption.
Reference: Comm. 116
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 63-19. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. Ms. Hirota, could you please come up? This was
also requested for a waiver. And give us a brief explanation of this measure.
Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant Sharon Hirota, Office of the
Mayor, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. HIROTA: Resolution 63-19, again the Mayor's Office is asking for approval
to receive monies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
Back in October of last year, we were given the opportunity to apply for a FEMA
grant to do long-term case management for those who are still in a process of
determining what their next steps are.
So, the DCM (Disaster Case Management) is a time-limited program that involves
a partnership between a case manager and a disaster survivor to develop and carry
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
out a disaster recovery plan. The program includes an assessment of the
survivor's verified disaster-caused unmet needs, the development of a goal-
oriented plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve recovery, organization
and coordination of information on available resources that match the disaster-
caused need, and monitoring of progress towards reaching the recovery plan goals
and, when necessary, client advocacy.
We applied for the grant based on using FEMA's guidelines, and they will award
us up to $1,734,372.98 to carry out. Our goal, from the County's perspective, is
that we will, once the monies are received, we'll go out for a Request for Proposal
to contract with a service provider to do the long-term planning. The grant is time
limited as I indicated. It ends June 30'h, 2020, but there is an option to extend
based on the needs of the survivors.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Hirota. Will any of these funds go to help the
people find—the people that are displaced, how will these funds benefit them or is
this for the people to go out and determine who these people are?
MS. HIROTA: So, this grant will allow us to contract with a service provider to
hire case managers who work one-on-one with families to develop plans and then
find solutions.
MS. DAVID: And find the funding sources. I see. So, this will go out to a
contractor.
MS. HIROTA: Correct, yes.
MS. DAVID: All right. For now, I'll yield. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any other questions? Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Ms. Hirota, I just want to get clear. So, $1.7 million to
contract to someone to manage cases, not to implement any of the solutions that
are identified in these plans for each of the survivors?
MS. HIROTA: That is correct. It is to hire case managers to work one-on-one
with the survivors, yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. What's the status of the database? I mean, I'm
under the impression that there's a FEMA database that captured information of
people that were impacted by the lava flow and then I'm hearing there was one
that was also created by Neighborhood Place of Puna or other community
partners. So, several databases that are currently being merged. And so, I'm just
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
wondering when this body is able to get an accurate picture of how many people
have been impacted and what the status is of where they are in starting to recover
and rebuild their lives and what kind of support they might need.
MS. HIROTA: Okay. So, that is correct. There are several databases. So,
FEMA has its own database for those who registered with FEMA and were
willing to share their information. The Small Business Association has another
database for those who applied for loans through their organization.
And then there is a database that was stood up by HI-DARRT. HI-DARRT is the
Hawaii Island Disaster Assistance Response and Recovery Team. This was the
makeup of local organizations, government, and nonprofits that provided the
immediate response.
The database—we use Streak—and we collected data in our response when we
were working out of the Resource Information Center prior to FEMA standing
up. This gave us—through a standardized intake form, we were able to ask a
series of questions and to provide immediate assistance. So, the County right now
is working to bridge these three databases together so we can get a better picture
of who the survivors are and truly what their needs are. We're moving from
immediate assistance to more long-term.
We were fortunate enough that when the disaster occurred back in May, there
were a number of nonprofits that stood up and said, "I will help." But it's time
for them to go back to their normal jobs. Thus, we went out after this grant so
that we can have one contractor instead of 15 trying to manage the needs of the
people. But to have one point of contact from now moving forward so that we
can get, as you indicated, a true understanding of what are the needs of the
survivors and how do we connect them with the programs that the County is
trying to come up with.
So, this is not the 1.7 million is not designed to give somebody a loan to build a
house but is truly to walk them through the case management process and then
connect them to the resources that are available, or to identify to the case
managers what are the gaps and what do they need to advocate for so that we can
move forward in resolving whatever their needs are.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for that level of detail. So, it's very possible
that we may have an individual that's in each one of these databases because they
applied for support from FEMA or a loan from SBA and also filled out that
standardized form you referred to for HI-DARRT. Is that correct?
MS. HIROTA: That is correct.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. So, merging all of that information. What about
individuals that didn't complete any forms that are not part of any of these
databases? Will there be an opportunity for them to start a case under this new
contract that's being crafted so that they can get support?
MS. HIROTA: Yes. So,part of when we go out to RFP, part of the specs that we
are writing into this grant is that they must do outreach. So, we truly understand
that there are people who said, "I take care of myself." They may have been in
one or the other or none at all. And so, part of it is going back out into the
community and communicating what's available now and encouraging them to
come and seek help so we can ensure that we're taking care of everyone that
needs help.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What does the outreach component look like? Is that
coming from the County's end or is that going to be a responsibility of the
contractor?
MS. HIROTA: It will be the responsibility of the contractor as spelled out in the
RFP.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: For them to create the message to let people know this
MS. HIROTA: For them to work with the County to create the message, yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And so, the grant monies potentially could be
awarded to the County by March I"?
MS. HIROTA: Yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And it's my understanding that you're starting on
the RFP now, to craft the RFP?
MS. HIROTA: Yes. That is correct. So, we're working on the RFP now, but we
will release the RFP after second reading of the ordinance.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And then, at what point are you expecting, or
what's the deadline for proposals and when will the contractor be expected to start
work?
MS. HIROTA: So, our timeline looks like the contractor will be awarded and
must be ready to start work by May 1st
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And expend the funds, basically, in about a little
over a year?
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. HIROTA: Expend the funds by June 301h 2020.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What happens if not all of the funds are used?
MS. HIROTA: So, we have an option to go back to FEMA to ask for an
extension.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, that's helpful. Please keep us posted as to
development of the RFP (Request for Proposal). I mean, we all have our own
networks that reach around the island and across the State. So, let us help
message this out for you guys as well.
MS. HIROTA: Sure.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, thank you. I yield the floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. And just springboarding off of Ms. Kierkiewicz.
We worked very hard at the Legislature to get some money back here. And it's
these types of things that if we can create the synergies to accelerate the money, I
really appreciate you keeping in touch with this body `cause there are a number of
moving pieces. And we want to make sure that we're dovetailing the money to
ensure that we are getting back to the people that need it. So, please keep in
touch.
MS. HIROTA: Yes.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any other discussion? Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: I have one more question. Ms. Hirota, thank you for your
explanation, and you answered my questions, I mean, Ms. Kierkiewicz's
questions basically answered mine. But on the RFP, because there's one
contractor, is there any idea of what you folks are looking for in an organization
to accomplish this, like a criteria that they have to meet to perform these duties
or ? I know you're developing the RFP right now, but based on your
experience, what would you think would be a good organization that could step in
right away and get this stuff done?
MS. HIROTA: So, in an ideal world, we're looking for an organization that is
familiar with the Puna area and that has the capacity to respond to the needs of the
community and be a good communicator so that we can make sure, as
Ms. Lee Loy said, that we're in synergy.
MS. DAVID: Right.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. HIROTA: That they understand the programs that are available, are in a
good position to advocate on behalf of the survivors back to the County
government or to other entities. So, no real criteria except having the capacity to
meet one-on-one with the survivors.
MS. DAVID: To concentrate on—right. And I think, then, my question would
be, then, this organization, this would be their only focus?
MS. HIROTA: According to the County, it should be the arm of their
organization that does focus on this, yes.
MS. DAVID: Okay, specifically this. Okay, great. Thank you very much. I
yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Seeing
none, then, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 63-19: The motion to adopt Res. 63-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Resolution 63 is adopted.
Change Order As directed by the Acting Chair and with no objection from the Council
of Business: Members, the following items were taken out of order:
Bill 29: 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–Disaster Case Management Program–
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) account ($1,734,373);
and appropriates the same to the Disaster Case Management Program - FEMA.
Funds would be used to provide long-term case management services for people
who were displaced and impacted by the Kilauea eruption.
Reference: Comm. 116
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 29: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 29 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 29 moves to second reading. Let me
just check with Hilo Chambers to see if Roann has arrived.
MS. GOODENOW: They're not here yet. They are still in their meeting.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Oh. I'm not sure who gave me this note, but it said
they're going to be there in 20 seconds. Is that correct? Okay, would you mind if
we just took a brief recess at this time for about seven minutes? Okay, thank you.
All right, we're in recess.
Recess: At 10:16 a.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 10:34 a.m.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I do believe that Parks is here now with us, and we
already have a motion on the floor regarding Resolution 61. Ms. David, I think
you made the motion on Resolution 61.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, could we just ask for a motion to take
Resolution 61 off of the table? That'll get us back to the motion.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Ms. David, can I have a motion to take
Resolution 61 off the table?
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Motion to Ms. David moved to remove Res. 61-19 from the table.
Remove from Table: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following
(Approved) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We're back to this main motion to approve
Resolution 61, and I see that we have Reid and Roann at the table. Ms. David,
did you want to continue?
MS. DAVID: Yes. This was actuallya waiver request was made to expedite
funds, and I just would like Mr. Sewake and Roann to briefly explain that and the
grant to us. Thank you very much.
(Note: At this time, Elderly Activities Operations Director
Roann Okamura and Business Manager Reid Sewake, Parks and
Recreation Department, came forward to address the members of the
Council.)
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Please introduce yourselves.
MR. SEWAKE: Reid Sewake, Business Manager.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
MR. SEWAKE: For this grant, we were originally planning to budget it for next
year's budget. But we were informed by the State that we actually can start this
immediately. So, that's the reason for the request for waiver, to just get the grant
started this fiscal year versus next fiscal year.
MS. DAVID: And, Ms. Okamura, could you explain that this money is going to
be used to hire employees and describe that program for us, please?
MS. OKAMURA: Okay. Roann Okamura, Elderly Activities Division. This was
a grant opportunity from DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic
Development and Tourism). So, what it is, it's going to start off as a one-year
pilot in District 1 through the credits of Representative Mark Nakashima. And we
are planning on hiring, on a contract basis, a data input and also a transportation
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
director specifically for this pilot. The pilot is very unique because right now the
Federal funds that we receive for transportation for our seniors are for medical
appointments, essential shopping, and support.
This particular grant is specifically for social transportation, which we do to a
certain degree through our County programs. So, something very viable that's
going to be trending within the next generations of seniors, the baby boomers.
MS. DAVID: Thank you. And you will—the surface areas for this program
would be where?
MS. OKAMURA: So, for the first year, we're going to pilot the program so that
we can measure the outcomes of the grant. So, we are using Representative
Mark Nakashima's district. He was instrumental in us getting the monies. So, it
is District 1, which is the greater outskirts of Honoka`a all the way into Hilo.
What we plan to do after we show our findings for the first two quarters, if we
notice that there's a trend that is something that is appropriate, then we'll test
waters around the island as well.
MS. DAVID: Okay, thank you very much, and thank you for being here. I yield.
MS. OKAMURA: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. David. Any other questions or
comments?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I have a couple of questions, Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Hi, Roann, Reid. Nice to see you.
MS. OKAMURA: Hi. Nice to see you, too.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I just wanted to clarify. So, I'm looking at the grant
summary supplement request here, and it says that the grant is for $750,000 and
it's for execution for four years. But you're mentioning that this project is going
to be completed in one year as a pilot. Or is some of this money dedicated to a
pilot and then remaining funds could be used in other districts around the island?
MS. OKAMURA: Okay, so, that's a really good question. Just to clarify, we're
obligated to the one-year pilot. I believe in that `cause anytime you bring a new
program to the government, especially when we use taxpayers' monies, we have
to measure to see if it is a viable program. So, the requirement for us to do the
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
pilot for one year is really good for and beneficial for all of us. After that, the
money is not restricted and then I plan to take this plan—of course, we want to do
our best work to make sure it happens—and we're going to share it around the
island as well.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. So, I just wanted to clarify. The 750,000 is for a
one-year pilot.
MS. OKAMURA: Actually, no. We're only obligated to do the one-year pilot.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. How much money is going to be needed to ?
MS. OKAMURA: And we can use the money—we have to give an end to the
money, so we did use two years. And I think they will allow us to extend it up
until three and four years.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, so, how much money is being needed for this initial
pilot?
MS. OKAMURA: The initial pilot is going to be pretty much—well, Reid can
answer that `cause we have to purchase vehicles as well. So, I'll pass it over to
Reid.
MR. SEWAKE: Yeah, so, in the first year, we plan to do the bigger purchases,
such as the 12-passenger vehicles and some operational costs such as the repairs,
the fuel, and so forth. We do have it committed for or broken down budget-wise
for two years. I think there's an opportunity to expand it out to four years,
though, if needed.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: And when you say "expand out," expand to other districts
around the island or just in District 1?
MS. OKAMURA: Like I said, the pilot is only restricted for one year to
District 1. After that, it's unrestricted. Everything else is unrestricted at this
point.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Got it. Okay. And then there is opportunity to go back to
DBEDT for additional funds if the program is successful?
MS. OKAMURA: Trust me, I will go back.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Great. Thank you, Roann. Thank you, Reid. I appreciate
it. I yield the floor.
MS. OKAMURA: Thank you.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other questions, comments?
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning. A quick question for you.
Is this related to mass transit at all, being that we're purchasing vehicles,
12-passenger vehicles to transport people? Can this tie into mass transit? Has it
no relation to mass transit?
MS. OKAMURA: No, this is not this is specifically for seniors. So, a different
kind of funding. However, it is coming from DBEDT via CBED (Community-
Based Economic Development), which is very unusual as well. So, it is for a
grant to provide social trans, specifically for seniors 60 years of age and older in
our rural districts.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, it's a Federal grant, correct? Or State
grant?
MS. OKAMURA: It's not a Federal grant. It's a
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: State grant.
MS. OKAMURA: State grant, yeah.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: State grant to help in the transportation of
seniors.
MS. OKAMURA: Correct. And using a social model, yeah.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Social model but doesn't relate to mass
transit.
MS. OKAMURA: No. What happens with mass transit, which—how we can
delineate senior trans from mass transit, one big difference is we do door-to-door,
which is paratransit, yeah. Whereas, mass transit, they go to bus stops and things
like that. So, a little bit different kind of transportation. Ours if very unique
because we have to take care of the needs of the seniors because most of them
cannot get on a regular mass transit transportation.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. And then, what do we do with the
vehicles after we purchase them? Is there any kind of maintenance plan included
in this? Where does that leave us when we come next year and we have a bunch
of 12-passenger vans or vehicles and we need to upkeep them?
MS. OKAMURA: Just to let you know, we constantly are going out there to
replenish our vehicles that age out. Right now, our schedule is not up to par, so
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
this will help with the comprehensive coverage around the island with our aging
fleet. I think right now we're pretty good because our oldest vehicle is, I think,
2003 which is really good. And so, we plan to use these vehicles to assist with
the aging fleet. And we do have a maintenance R&M (Repair and Maintenance)
incorporated in this budget so that we won't have a shortfall.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I like the program a lot. On the back end,
I'm just looking for those back-end details, which, you know, what do we do with
the vehicles once we have them? I like where we're headed with this. I just want
to make sure we're thinking long range down the line.
MS. OKAMURA: Yeah, I think for us we've got to keep in mind safety of our
seniors is important. So, the quality and safety of our vehicles is important and
then, of course, being fiscally responsible. We have to make sure that our budget
covers anticipated future expenses. So, that's all in the budget.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you.
MS. OKAMURA: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any other questions or comments? Seeing none
thank you, folks, for being here. All in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 61-19: The motion to adopt Res. 61-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Resolution 61 is approved.
MS. OKAMURA: Thank you.
Page 38
Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Bill 27: 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—Department of Business, Economic
Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Social Transportation Grant account
($750,000); and appropriates the same to the DBEDT Social Transportation
Grant. Funds would be used to hire two employees to assist with transporting
seniors, to purchase vehicles and train staff, and for other transportation program
expenditures of the Department of Parks and Recreation's Elderly Activities
Division.
Reference: Comm. 114
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Bill 27: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 27 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 27 will move to second reading.
Return to Order The Acting Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
BILLS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES Bills for Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING):
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Bill 19: AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 45 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE
AND USE TAX SURCHARGE
Increases the general excise and use surcharge from one-quarter percent to one-half
percent beginning January 1, 2020, and amends the sunset date of December 31,
2020, to December 31, 2030.
Reference: Comm. 81
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-14
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 19 on first reading and adopt
Finance Committee Report No. 14. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. Thank you for your patience, Mr. Hunt. Would
you please come forward and identify yourself for the record? I know
Director Sako is off-island, so you're here to answer any questions Council
Members may have. So, would you like to say something first? Introduce
yourself. Go ahead. Mahalo.
(Note: At this time, Internal Control Manager Steven Hunt, Finance
Department, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. HUNT: For the record, Steve Hunt, Internal Control Manager, Department
of Finance. I'm here to answer any questions you may have about the GET
(General Excise Tax), its uses specifically in fiscal year '20 coming up and/or in
fiscal year '19.
MS. DAVID: Thank you very much. I'll yield for now. Thank you, Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any questions or comments?
Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, Mr. Hunt. Thanks for being here today. I guess I
would just love to hear it explained in a more public format what we went over in
the budgeting, kind of, workshop—last week, I believe. For the explanations and
the PowerPoint that we went through, I think it's important for the public to
understand how much of the budget we have no control over.
I see a parallel and kind of an irony and also a beauty, if that's even appropriate
here, that it seems to be—and I'll let you explain the full details—but one of the
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
reasons that we're in this crisis with our budget is due to the amount of money
that's been committed to the employees of this County for salaries and wages and
benefits and retirement.
So, here we're in a crunch as a County for our budget. And that crunch is,
ironically, caused by taking care of the constituents of our County who work for
this County. So, I see that relation being kind of an—it's ironic and yet there is
something connected there that I think is important to point out. We're not
spending money on far-afield projects. However, I also want it to be brought to
the public's attention that much of it, we have absolutely no control over the
decisions that have been made at the State level, and our hands are kind of tied in
the allocation of the monies that we do have. So, thank you for helping explain
that for us.
MR. HUNT: Sure. Thank you. I hope I don't go too far astray. I notice this is
regarding the GET, but certainly it is related to the budget. My background is I
was the Director of Finance for the County of Kauai. We face very similar
problems there. So, one of the first things I did coming to Hawaii County in
August of this year was take a look at the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report). At that time, the fiscal '17 CAFR was the most current
MS. VILLEGAS: I'm sorry to interrupt, but just for the sake of explaining
acronyms, can you just explain what CAFR is so the general public could
understand?
MR. HUNT: Sure. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is the
fiscal report that we put out annually, looking at revenues and expenditures as
well as lapses within the County by the different funds.
So, taking a look at a ten-year comparison, which would have started in fiscal
year '08 and completed in fiscal year '17, when you look at the overall growth in
the operating budget, it had grown about 25.46 percent. So, as an uncompounded
growth rate, that's about 2.5 percent a year, which is not that different from what
you see in the rate of inflation growth. However, when you drill down into the
details of where the expenditure growth had occurred, pensions and retirement
contributions in that ten-year period had grown 79.94 percent, almost 8 percent a
year growth.
Employee health insurance, 77.72 percent; again, almost 77.7 percent growth in
that area. Debt service, which admittedly is somewhat controllable, depends on
the projects you take on, but that had grown about 32.5 percent. So, slightly
higher than the overall operational growth.
These are areas, especially the pension and health fund, which are not controlled
by the County. Health premiums are determined by the insurance companies.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
We are obligated to pay these. And thanks to the State for making the ERS
(Employees' Retirement System) raises, we're also contractually obligated to pay
those.
MS. VILLEGAS: I'm sorry. ERS representing
MR. HUNT: Sorry, again, with the acronyms. Employees' Retirement System,
which all of us participate in, both County, State, all government employees in
Hawaii. It's not unlike the EUTF (Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund),
which is our trust fund. This is our employer-union trust fund, which covers our
medical expenditures. That actually is specific to Hawaii County. So, we do
have—when we make additional contributions or pay down the level of unfunded
liability, that actually goes directly towards our employees.
The employee retirement system, however, is a comingled fund. If we had
additional funds to pay down, it doesn't get credited to Hawaii County. It just
goes into the big pot. So, there's no incentive to pay that down.
The State had implemented a series of increases to the employee retirement
contributions, specifically with the safety workers: fire and police. Those were
back-end loaded, and as we're seeing we're going from a 31 percent contribution
in the current fiscal to a 36 percent contribution in fiscal '20, followed by an
additional five percentage points.
MS. VILLEGAS: Could you just explain what "backloaded" means?
MR. HUNT: Sure. "Backloaded" is, when they decided what the contributions
were going to be and phased in, they put the bigger increases on percentage points
towards the end of the period to catch up. So, now we're paying—in fiscal '21,
we will be paying 41 cents on every dollar to the employee retirement system for
police and fire.
I think what's real critical here is it's not 5 percent. It's five percentage points.
So, when you go from 31 percent to 36 percent, that's actually a 16 percent
increase. Obviously, the challenges are we're not seeing a 16 percent increase in
our tax base, but we have to, by law, pay these increases to the employee
retirement system. So, if you kind of look at the candle burning from both ends,
what we see is we see the collective bargaining continuing to get more in raises
and we getting, on the back end, requirements to put more into the contribution.
If that weren't bad enough, we're also getting spiking bills, which are bills that
are accumulated when someone retires that the estimate for their retirement was
calculated incorrectly because it was based on their standard pay, not including
overtime. Now, there was anti-spiking legislation that was developed in 2012.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Any employee hired after 2012 was not entitled to spike their pay, if you will.
But any employee hired prior to 2012 not only got credit for that spiking but is
still allowed to continue to spike their pay.
So, when we see events like these natural disasters that require a lot of overtime,
not only does it cost us overtime in today's dollars, it's going to cost us on the
back end when those employees retire. So, those are some of the challenges that
we're dealt with. And again, these are not elected challenges. These are
requirements.
And somewhat similar to social security, those obligations don't go away if we
pare down the size. So, if you have fewer people working in the County, all it
means is the actuarials are going to get worse, saying instead of 41 percent, you're
now going to have to put in a much higher amount because these people are still
drawing on the back end. So, now you're actually reducing the number that are
contributing to help the retiree. So, it's a challenge to say the least.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you for explaining that. Something that came up
yesterday,just to bring it back to the GE (General Excise) tax, is one of the people
who came and spoke in opposition of increasing the GE tax surcharge spoke
about a conversation or something with the Mayor. It was confusing to me
because my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that the purpose or the
opportunity that we're being provided by the State—mind you, I will say the first
one to say nobody wants to raise taxeshowever, the State is providing us this
opportunity to raise taxes. And currently as it stands, the GE tax surcharge
increase, all of the funds raised from that would have to be spent on some form of
transportation.
And what was implied yesterday was that the Mayor said, "Okay. Well, then,
we're just going to take that money out of transportation and spend it elsewhere."
But if I'm understanding correctly, it's more about the money that's allocated
towards transportation already in the budget could then be allocated elsewhere
because the GE tax surcharge monies would go into that pocket. Is that correct?
MR. HUNT: That's correct. So, what you're describing is the term in Finance
that we call "supplanting." So, if you have monies that are General Fund monies
going into projects or departments that could be otherwise used and now you have
a new source dedicated specifically for that, you "supplant" money.
So, you take away the general funds to support transportation or other things that
were reliant on that, very similar to your deliberations you will be having on the
Sewer Fund. There's general funds going in to support sewer. And if this was
increased then maybe less reliant on general funds, that gives more opportunity to
spend the general funds on our obligations.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. VILLEGAS: Okay. Thank you for clarifying that for me. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Ms. Villegas. Thank you, Mr. Hunt.
Any other comments or questions? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair, and thanks, Mr. Hunt, for being here. Your
five-percentage-point increase, what was the total spent on the retirement
contribution 2016, 2017, and 2018? And what was projected for 2019?
MR. HUNT: I can give you some of those figures, not all of them. The analysis I
did that came up with the pension and contributions between fiscal '08 and '17, in
dollar amounts we were paying 24.3 million in fiscal '08, which would have been
the '07 year. And then in fiscal '17, we were paying 43.72. Fiscal '18, we were
up to 49.49 million. I don't have fiscal '19 or fiscal '20 at hand, but I could get
you those if you'd like.
MR. RICHARDS: I would appreciate that, yeah. And I do appreciate the
conversation concerning where we're going with that, the budget overall. I do
know that something like 75 percent of our budget is for human resources. It goes
into payroll and retirement and healthcare and all of that. I do appreciate that.
My problem with this has been the same problem I've had for the last two years.
If we're not looking at the whole thing in context with each other and trying to
approve an increase, I have trouble with that. So, I would appreciate those
numbers coming forward. I yield at this point. Thanks.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Mr. Richards. Any other comments?
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mr. Hunt, for being here
and for those very thorough explanations about the budget and clarification for
what the GET is being used for. Just last night we had a public hearing. I took
diligent notes of remarks made by each of the testifiers, and a number of remarks
stick out in my mind and I just want to share them with the group.
Dick Matsumoto from Waimea said we need infrastructure and that this is what
this GET money supports. But he doesn't trust the Administration to spend the
money correctly. He says, "No more free rides for the Mayor." Steve Lopez of
Kona pointed out "same old, same old playbook. The Administration has not
defined how they plan to spend the money." A good friend of mine, Mr. Richard
Henderson in Hilo: We need managerial oversights. We need to account for
every dollar. We need a thorough overhaul of the budget and review all of these
tax bases together.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
And so, what I'm getting at isI haven't even been on the Council for very long;
just a couple of months. But I do notice it's the same playbook. We tax and tax
and tax. And I don't like the piecemeal information that this Council is getting,
and Henny Penny is being called if we don't fund this, then we're going to be in
this abyss and not be able to help ourselves.
And so, I do want to state, for the record, that I do think that we need a GET
increase because we need to invest in our infrastructure. We need that pool of
money to be infused into Mass Transit so those hardworking folks at that agency
have the resources and tools that they need to really put together a reliable
transportation system. I get it. We've got to invest in our future. And I get that
this GET is a gift from the Legislature. It is a tool in which we can help
ourselves.
But I do want to say that I'm not pleased with these constant requests for
increases in taxes. And so, I do want my colleagues to know that at the
March 131h Council meeting, I will be putting forward a communication to create
an ad hoc committee for the budget. We need transparency. We need efficiency.
We need to increase productivity, but we need to look at all of these things in
context. This is something that's been done before.
I looked through Laserfiche. I spent my three-day weekend going through
history. Ad hoc committees for budgets have been formed in the past. Scopes of
work had been defined. I think it behooves this body to consider, given where we
are with our budget constraints and the need for more money, let's look at
everything in context and have this body put forward recommendations for how
we can run things more efficiently.
I'm really hoping that my colleagues have the next few weeks to really consider
this request that I'm putting forward and will support me in this. I think it's very
important for us to have accountability. I mean, we just reviewed, let's see here,
Resolution 61, Bill 27: $750,000 grant to Parks and Rec. for paratransit. And a
lot of the details were not in the resolution as to how the money would be spent.
This is taxpayer money that we are responsible for.
And so, I believe that we demand accountability and details. We have to answer
to the people. And so, I want to make sure that we have all of that information
available so that we can make responsible decisions. At this time, I yield the
floor. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Any other comments,
Council Members? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning, Steve. Yesterday, we had
discussion about lapsed appropriations, and I'm wondering if that is taken into
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
account during your budget review and your proposed budget. Do we look at
those numbers and say, like you talked about, what was it called, supplanting? If
we were to use those funds instead of sending funds to those different
departments, would we be $4 million ahead this year instead of lapsing $4 million
in funds and letting it go wherever it does go?
MR. HUNT: I guess to answer that question, more specifically the lapsed funds
or actually a portion of the budget cycle for the upcoming year, it's not something
that is best practice. It's something that Kauai had to wean themselves off of
over a period. But essentially what you're doing is you're planning a certain
percentage of lapse to help kickstart the budget. If you were to get to a point
where you budgeted to the penny and you didn't lapse any funds, then you don't
have those funds to sustain the next year's budget. So, until you get to what they
call a "structurally balanced budget"where the current year's revenues, the
current year's expenditures are on par, you're continuing to rely on a certain
percentage of lapse from a prior year in order to fund the next year's budget.
And again, those funds are by fund. So, if you lapse money in the Highway Fund,
you can't use that to help balance the General Fund cost in the future budget. So,
to the degree you don't have to move general funds into a special fund, that's
what we try to do is minimize the amount of general funds that are used on special
funds and try to get them as sustainable as possible. We recognize not all funds
are going to be that way.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, do we purposefully over appropriate
funds to increase lapsed funds for the next year?
MR. HUNT: There is a certain amount of anticipated lapsed funds that's
corrected during the last part of the fiscal year. We definitely monitor spending
and try to make sure that we can anticipate a certain lapse that will support the
next year's budget.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any other comments, questions? Mr. Richards, go
ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. I appreciate your comment about the lapsed funds
and carryover to the next year. And you said Kauai weaned themselves off of
that over time. And I agree, it's troubling to have that as a line item in our
budget. I get it, and I understand it happens. And I think listening to what
Councilwoman Kierkiewicz said reiterates and reinforces a need for an overhaul
on how we're looking at our finances. And I don't disagree that we have a lot of
things to get done. But doing the same thing over and over and expecting a
different outcome, I think that's the definition of"insanity."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
So, I do appreciate what Councilwoman Kierkiewicz is putting forth because I
think we have to look at everything in context. We have to come up with a good
workable solution for the future. And the piecemeal and piecemeal is frustrating.
So, I do look forward to seeing that piece of legislation. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Council Members, any more comments on
Bill 19? Well, seeing none, is it all right if I just make a comment? So, we're at
first reading. I know it's hard to raise a tax. And I think we do have a majority,
almost all of us, supporting Bill 19, and I'd like to continue to lend my support.
And the reason is that although I support looking at the budget more carefully and
I believe that Mr. Hunt being here with us and the Administration at this time is
going to provide us a lot of insight. Sounds like he has great ideas and experience
that we can look to. But the fact is that we're saddled with this increase that is
larger than what we can afford. And we may be able to leave as is, but we will be
as is and we won't see the kind of improvements that I think we need to our mass
transit system and to our roads. Nobody in our community is happy with being
stuck in traffic, and there's really no way to get past the log jam of maintenance
and expansion or widening of roads unless we have excess funds.
I hope that we can see this improvement that will make people feel good about us
imposing a surcharge. I hope people won't suffer. I think that the very poorest
have exemptions, so some of it will not harm their tight budgets. Some of us can
afford to spread this amount over our various purchases over a year, which is the
reason why I think I have become a supporter of the surcharge is because rather
than raising property taxes, which I know we don't want to do again, I think this
is a least painful way to bring in another $25 million that's necessary—actually, it
will be $50 if we go ahead and increase it right now, or in this opportunity.
So, although people have said that we should cut, cut, cut instead of doing this at
all, at this point in time I don't know where we're going to be able to cut enough
to make up this difference, and especially with some of the time constraints we
have which is a deadline of, what was it, March 31st. So, that's the dilemma, and
I don't know if we need to talk about it anymore or if you folks would just like to
go to the vote. But I just wanted to put on the record some of my thoughts and
justification for voting in favor of the GE surcharge. I'll entertain more
discussion. I think this is an important topic.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Hunt, if you could just clarify,
because there were a couple of individuals yesterday that said, "Well, let's wait
and see. There was this initial quarter percent increase, and let's wait and see
how much money we're getting and the kind of improvements that the County is
able to act on." Can you explain, for the record and so the public is aware, as to
why we need to take the vote now and what this March 31 deadline is that we
keep referring to?
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. HUNT: Sure. So, March 31", 2019, is the deadline that the State
Legislature has given us to enact the full force of the General Excise Tax. I
believe it would become effective as of January 1st, 2020. So,just to correct the
dollar figure, although it would be $50 million for a full fiscal year, we're actually
looking at the quarter percent for the first half of the fiscal year. And then,
beginning in January, we would get the additional quarter percent. So, it would
be roughly about $37.5 million for fiscal '20 as opposed to the 50 million, and
then ongoing. If it were continued, it would be roughly 50 or whatever's the
growth in the General Excise Tax.
But in terms of the authorization, that window closes for us on the 31st of March.
There is a bill floating at the Legislature, but I don't think it's been scheduled yet
because Maui is asking to extend that deadline for the counties.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay. And so, we can't act on any of these taxes without
authorization from the Legislature, correct?
MR. HUNT: That is correct.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: We only have certain taxing authority, and those were
granted from the Legislature.
MR. HUNT: Correct.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, great. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Anything else to add? Mr. Hunt.
MR. HUNT: Just that the General Excise Tax, as it currently reads, is limited to
transportation and transportation systems. So far, that is going to be our mass
transit, our roads,possibly some of the alternative transportation modes like bike
paths, those kinds of things. But it starts to get a little gray as to what you can use
those funds for. There might be an opportunity to move some of the General
Fund currently supporting debt service if we can identify specific projects that
were bond funded for transportation and mass transit. So, aside from that,
everything else is going to be going into those transit and road uses.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Okay, Council Members, would you
like to do a roll call vote? Mr. Clerk, on Bill 19 at first reading.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 19: The motion to pass Bill 19 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 14 was carried by the
following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Richards —2.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Motion carries. Bill 19 moves to
second reading.
ORDER OF The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
THE DAY Order of the Day (Second or Final Reading).
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
Bill 210: AMENDS CHAPTER 21, ARTICLE 4, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY
(2016-2018) CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO SEWER
SERVICE CHARGES
Increases sewer fees incrementally on March 1 for three years beginning in 2019,
as follows: Single Unit Residential: $12, $7, and $6; Multi-Unit Residential: $12,
$7, and $6; Nonresidential: $17, $9, and $6; Private Haulers: $15, $10, and $5;
and Gang Cesspools: $0, $6, and $3. The Department of Environmental
Management requests these increases to eliminate the need for the General Fund
subsidy and increase funding for facility repairs.
Reference: Comm. 1165
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Postponed: January 23, 2019
First Reading: February 5, 2019
(Note: Comms. 23.3 and 23.4 from Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, dated
February 20, 2019, transmitting proposed amendments to Bill 210, were
circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 210 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
MS. DAVID: Director Kucharski, could you come up to the mic? I think, Chair,
right now I would like to relinquish the mic to Council Member Matt
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder if I may.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning. Okay. So, I have the lovely
privilege of working over a sewer tax increase that my district will not benefit
from or be affected by, really. So, I did my best here to be fair. My goals here
were to take a three-year- and a five-year-service-rate-charge increase and spread
it out a little bit more evenly, not at the joy of Bill
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Excuse me.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Before we discuss your amendment, can you make a
motion to amend Bill 210 with the contents of Communication 23.3?
Motion to Amend: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend Bill 210 with
the contents of Comm. 23.3. Seconded by Ms. David.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, now you can continue.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. I'm sorry. So, I did my best
here to take something that I thought was very quick hard steps and even it out
over a five-year period. Again, not to the joy of Bill. Bill thinks I'm poking him
in the eye. In some ways I agree, but it's almost a very blunt stick poking him in
the eye.
For me, as I did my research—and I don't work for the Department of
Environmental ManagementI don't have a lot of knowledge in this area. I'm
just going to say that upfront. These are things that I looked at from more of a
commonsense level. I'm going to give you a few notes which helped me form my
opinions. On average, the rate for a monthly single-unit residential in the United
States is $43. We currently pay 27. The average homeowner here pays about
$325 a year to be connected to our sewer service. The Department of
Environmental Management underspends by about a million dollars a year on
average in the last three years.
The average cost for a septic tank. If anyone has a septic tank, you're going to
run about a thousand gallons or so. The average cost to dump that using a private
hauler is going to run you about $650 for every two to three years. Bill suggested
more of a three year. So, if you look at that, you're paying, as that person having
your septic tank emptied and discharged by a private hauler, it's going to be about
$200 a year.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
So, again, what I tried to do here is just kind of even this out across the board for
everyone. Another thing I found interesting is that our County has 190 facilities,
and we use private haulers to dispose of our waste. I do think that we have a
truck that can do our discharging and do our pumping. That could be a potential
area of interest. I know Bill said the numbers don't line up exactly, but in my
head if we're paying ourselves to do the work, it's better than paying a private
hauler to do the work.
So, back to the bill itself and the amendment, although I have come to understand
what the needs are for this and what the needs were to get us to where we want to
be for the Wastewater Division, this took into account for me the back-end user
trying to catch up to and the private hauler trying to catch up to the increases that
we were putting on the table. And so, I took it and I evened it out a little bit and
made the jumps slowly and coursed over five years, which gives people time to
get used to the changes and companies time to implement cost increases.
I really did my best here to take into account everyone's input that I talked to,
from private haulers to businesses to your single-unit residentials—your normal
people who are going to pay this bill. I am very open to comments from any of
my fellow Council Members and from Bill.
There was a slight hiccup, which was that this was supposed to go into effect
March 1st. Being a freshman, I don't quite understand the dates and the way we
work, but I do understand that is a problem if we were to defer this to a later date.
So, I would like kind of an open discussion about how to move this if we're
interested in doing this, if we like the amendments, if we don't, and where to go
from here. I'm glad you gave me the opportunity to do this, Bill. Don't be too
mad at me. I look forward to everyone's comments.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Did you want to respond at this time
or ?
MR. KUCHARSKI: The first point of clarification—Bill Kucharski, Director of
DEM (Department of Environmental Management) I did say that the alternative
to this was a sharp stick in the eye. Just for clarification.
The only thing that I will say on this is the impact that this has and some of the
ramifications of this expanded and lengthened billing. We would collect, under
this—the primary goal of the original bill was to get off the General Fund. We've
just had discussions and listened to the discussions of how the General Fund is
being—we continue to go after more and more funds from the taxpayers via the
property tax and however we're supporting the General Fund.
The goal of the bill and the rates, which I proposed for the Council, was to
achieve us getting the Wastewater Division off of the General Fund in three years.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
The revised numbers will not do that. We will maintain, at least for the next three
years, about a $3 million draw of the General Fund. What this revised rate
schedule will result in is a collection of approximately $10 million less over the
next five years. And that $10 million has got to be made up in some way if we're
going to get off the General Fund. So, the extension of this means the department
will be drawing from the General Fund somewhere between 3 million down to
about $750,000 per year for the next five years.
Having said that, some of the implications is that that's a lot of money. But for
instance on the industrial non-residential users, the reduction in just the monthly
rate results in a loss of revenue over the five years of about $1.3 million. So, the
little things add up over the five years.
I'm not in opposition to this. I just want to explain what the ramifications are for
the department. DEM is probably one of the few departments other than police
and fire that is not an optional service. We're a 24/7, 365-day operation in one
form or another. We can do this. We can do less. Making and improving our
system is going to take longer but it's doable. And while I would prefer the
original, I am not in opposition to the change.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you very much. You still have the floor.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Bill. What really hit hard for
me was we were trying to account for the County's mistake for not raising rates
for 17 years. And so, this is not my fault. It's not our fault. But it is the County's
fault for not doing that. It's not your fault, especially. But it does become our
responsibility to get us where we need to be. So, these rates seem like a nice slow
step into something. You don't just jump into the hot tub in your skivvies in a
half a second. You take your time getting in. So, I'm taking my time in getting
into this and allowing people to adjust as we get in. I yield the floor to anyone
else's comments.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you and thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. At our last
meeting, this was what was frustrating to me. We just raised taxes. We're not
looking at everything in totality. And the piece that Ms. Villegas mentioned was
the grant piece. And I was just again hoping that we would have more of a
complete package. I'm going to walk back to my fellow Council Member
Kierkiewicz's comments about the ad hoc committee.
Sticking to this particular communication, I'm going to support it because you
exercised a muscle on looking at a problem and delivering a solution. So, I'm
going to be supporting this amendment, but I'm not going to support the bill.
We're back to the same playbook. A hammer and a nail. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. First of all, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
thank you so much for bringing forth the amendment and working on it. I agree
with Councilwoman Lee Loy as far as exercising a muscle. Terrific.
Putting that conversation aside, Bill, you and I have gone back and forth on this
and it is not lost on me. It's not lost on anyone on the Council that our
wastewater management needs attention. Conceptually, I'm of the belief that this
is a County issue and not people on the individual sewage plant. From your
perspective, I get it. You need funding to get these things attended to, and I'm
very supportive of that. But once again, piecemeal, piecemeal, piecemeal, and
we're not developing a good comprehensive fiscal oversight. I don't think it's so
much, well, no, I believe it is not so much what we're spending. It's the lack of
accountability of how we're spending. And our constituency doesn't have the
confidence in how we are doing our finances.
Bill, I support you getting more funding for your department, without question. I
do not support doing it this way. And so, this is where I come back to the same
conversation over and over. We're headed for a big overhaul. I think that's the
only way I can characterize it. Because if we don't, we're going to be doing the
same thing over again. And what I want is good fiscal strong oversight, and put
us in a good position and not just keep kicking the can down the road, which is
what I'm feeling we're doing.
So, I won't be supporting, well, let me rephrase that. I do like Councilwoman
Lee Loy's perspective. I will support the amendment. I will not support the bill.
But we will seek funding for you, Bill, and you have my word on that one. I
yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Anyone else? Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah. I just wanted to thank Matt for his efforts. He did say he
was going to put something together the last time and he did. He came up with
something that I feel as being very good. He put a lot of thought into it. I might
have changed it a little bit, but, hey, I'm not the guy who put the effort into it.
Right? So, I wanted to really thank Matt for his efforts. I'm going to be
supporting the amendment.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I also want to thank Council Member
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder because I believe as much as I agree with Council Members
Lee Loy and Richards about having to do something about this budget, this
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
County has been operating the way it has for many years well before we came.
And I really respect the effort that is being talked about on putting a hold on it
until we get a better handle on our spending, etcetera.
For me, the reason why I support Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's effort is I
understand your position and your department's position, and I think he did an
excellent job in trying to be equitable by spreading this out for five years. So, I
will be supporting Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's efforts, and I thank him. And I
also thank the comments of Ms. Lee Loy and Mr. Richards, of course.
And I totally understand the intention of getting a handle on this through what
Ms. Kierkiewicz is explaining on an ad hoc committee. And just historically, in
the last budget session the formation of one was not entertained specifically
because we were unable to identify a specific purpose for the ad hoc. So,
Ms. Kierkiewicz, if we go that route, I think there are issues that we can
specifically name. And so, I'm going to wait and see, but this, I believe, has to go
through. So, as far as the ad hoc committee, I reserve my comments on that. It's
not before us right now. I will be supporting this. Thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other comments on this amendment?
Seeing noneoh, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just in response to everyone's comments,
thank you very much for your compliments. I felt a little funny taking this on
again. I do think, though, we touched on a few things that were very important,
which is we've been doing it the same way for a long time. This bill actually has
been doing it for a long time. It's been doing the same thing for 17 years. And
so, by changing it, we're actually showing our ability to change and step out of
the box.
It may not be comfortable where we're going, but it does play a part in many of
the things that we are talking about: GE taxes, raising rates across the board. So,
I do find it uncomfortable, and I had a hard time with it at first because, if we do
fall short, it comes from the General Fund which comes from real property taxes.
So, everyone has a buy in to this.
And as was brought up again and again, which we are trying to take care of our
island as a whole. We live in a gorgeous place surrounded by pristine waters. It's
only in times when we have brown-water advisories and sewage being dumped
into the oceans and rivers that this really comes to light. So, I think doing this is
going to allow us to step past where we are now and achieve things that we all
seem to have in common, which is taking care of our island and making sure we
keep this a beautiful place.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Villegas.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you again, Matt. Another compliment to
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder on taking the initiative and delving in even if it was one
tippy-toe at a time into that hot tub. I appreciate you for doing that and for
working with Mr. Kucharski and coming up with a solution that may, in fact, be
more palatable. I will be supporting it.
I also wanted to just let everyone know that I am still looking into those monies.
It's my understand that there may be more loan-type monies. But I am still
working to find some answers to that because, in the long-range planning for our
wastewater management for our island, I agree that this is our short-term, not
short-term fix, this is our catch up to where we kind of need to be, but that it
behooves us to look at long-range goals and long-range solutions. And with the
new technologies and the new equipment and some of the new and exciting ways
to deal with our waste, I'm hopeful that in the next decade, because things take a
long time, we might have some opportunities to implement some of these new
technologies and make a difference and become a model as far as the community
and the County. So, thank you again, Matt. I appreciate you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any further discussion?
Mr. Kucharski, the director.
MR. KUCHARSKI: I want to thank everyone on the Council for dealing with
this issue particular at this time. I would make one request. Right now, the
amendment calls for a March 1 effective date. If you could push that to 1 April,
that would give a little bit more time for everything to be set up. And so, if I'm
not out of place making the recommendation of a 1 April commencement date, I
think it would be more palatable and easier administratively. But thank you, all,
for your patience and your kindness. Even those that don't agree with this, I
thank you for your input.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Director. Mr. Clerk, is this a floor
amendment or ?
MR. HENRICKS: I think it would be best to deal with the amendment on the
floor. See what happens with the main motion, perhaps where that's headed.
And then there will be a separate amendment. I would note that we're at second
reading. So, should this amendment be approved, we would be in a holding
pattern according to our rules right now. So, that's the first hurdle we'd have to
clear.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. So, first we should vote on this amendment before
us. And even with that one, to continue discussion we would need to either
suspend the rules or stop discussion, right?
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. HENRICKS: To continue discussion, you would need to suspend the rules
because we're at second reading right now.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. So, before we entertain this second amendment
regarding the start date, I'll go ahead and finish up with this Communication 23.3.
MR. HENRICKS: I think that's the best way forward.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. But I would just like to make a comment. It
seems like the two prevailing sides here is that we're asked that sewer fees
cover—we were asked to make these adjustments so that sewer fees can cover
some of the cost of maintaining our treatment plants and that those sewer fees are
charged to the users. I don't think that's unusual. Probably sewer fees all over
the country are levied upon those users.
We have a situation on our island where a lot of people are not connected to the
sewer. And only those who are, are going to pay, which I think caused some
angst with Council Members feeling that it's not fair that the people who are
helping to protect our oceans, environment, and clean water are the ones being
levied a fee. However, as you've told us, a lot of our taxpayer dollars from the
General Fund also go into this and will continue to do so. Especially, this
amendment makes that contribution from the General Fund linger longer. Right?
So, I see this as a great solution here. I thought of this, too, at first, but I didn't go
forward with it because Bill had said that his goal was to completely wean off of
so much General Fund monies going towards this by doing it within a three-year
period. But I do agree that it will be easier for people who are going to be faced
with this to have a smaller jump over five years. And that will mean that more
monies are going to be used out of our taxpayers' property tax dollars as well,
which does spread this share of responsibility onto all of us.
So, I don't know. I think we just have to vote on this amendment and then see
where we go from there. But I think that sewer fees were mandated in a certain
way to collect it from the users. And the rest of the people who are on other
forms of treatment, whether it be a septic tank or a cesspool, or a future cost of
having to change from a cesspool to a septic, all of those are incurred by everyone
that lives here on the island. So, I think nothing's ever completely fair, but this is
a good move, I think. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder has given us this opportunity.
So, with that, I guess we'll do a roll call vote on this amendment to amend
Bill 210 with the contents of Communication 23.3.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 210 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 23.3 was carried by the following roll call vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Poindexter moved to suspend Council Rule 24, to
Suspend Council waive the holdover for the substantive amendment of
Rules: Bill 210. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. So, we can go back to the main motion,
which is now Bill 210, as amended.
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair, per Mr. Kucharski's comments and it seems
rather procedurally necessaryI don't really think it's a matter of policy—there
wouldn't be ample time for this ordinance to be enacted and take effect on the
date that is included in the effective date clause. I could suggest a rather simple
solution would be to suspend our rule that requires that amendments be provided
in writing because this is, to me, a rather simple amendment to digest and vote
upon. And if you made such a suspension, somebody could make a motion to
amend the effective date included in the bill from March 1 to April 1. And that
would be Rule No. 14 that would require a suspension, which states that
amendments must be provided in writing if they are anything more than a typo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Question, though. I see at the very ending of the
bill where that would need to be changed, but do we need to change anything in
this table, because it starts with 3/1?
MR. HENRICKS: You know, I did not look at that.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I guess I should ask the Director.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. HENRICKS: Better question for Mr. Kucharski.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy, you can go ahead. Do you have a
suggestion?
MS. LEE LOY: I think I might have a suggestion. In light of the department's
desire to amend it to April 1st and the suspension of Rule 14, I really don't see a
problem with doing all of that right now. But having reviewed it a little bit more,
the tables also need refinement because of the dates on the table. So, I don't
know if we would actually want to put a pin in this one, clean it all up
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Kucharski, we understand that we want to, at the
very end of the ordinance, change the effective date to April 1st, but does that
affect these tables as well?
MR. KUCHARSKI: Bill Kucharski, Director of DEM. I think the only thing in
the table is that the new dates are effective March 1 of the following years. That,
in my mind, does not require correction. And the table and the rates are what they
are, and we will live with those. I don't see any need to come in and modify. I
don't have that right in front of me, but I believe the only thing is the effective
dates in the following years is the first of March, and that doesn't make a
difference.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Right, but what about the 1st of March 2019, this year?
MR. KUCHARSKI: 2019 is the only one that I think I don't believe we can get
this done by the 1st of March, which is in two weeks or less than a week.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So, we do need to change the heading of
MR. KUCHARSKI: The first. You can change the rest if you'd like, but that's
not critical. Just the one date is fine.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I don't know if this helps, but I could have
Danielle finish the second draft and have it back to us through the process that I
got this here within maybe an hour.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Oh, okay. Council Members, would you like to give
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder a chance to put these amendments into writing?
MS. POINDEXTER: Madam Chair, can I ?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. POINDEXTER: What happened to our Clerk's suggestion instead of going
this route? I think it would be a very quick resolve. Clerk, if you would be able
to explain that again?
MR. HENRICKS: When I had made that suggestion, I was unaware that there's
codified material that contains that effective date. And I think it would be
preferable to put it in writing. We would need to prepare a new amendment, and I
don't know how long that would take. I don't know about the hour figure. That's
optimistic, probably.
MS. POINDEXTER: I think an hour is very optimisticI was just going to say
that—'cause you've got to get it numbered
MR. HENRICKS: Correct.
MS. POINDEXTER: You've got to get it in the system. So, taking care of the
amendment is fast, but it's getting it through Council Services and everything,
numbered and on
MR. HENRICKS: It may take a little time as well to actually prepare the
amendment because now we're working off of a different draft. So, it takes a
whole new form. It's almost like a different bill. So, we'd have to start over,
clean that all up and just show. I know, it's a lot of work to change something
that seems so obvious. But because this is an important fiscal matter it's
increasing sewer rates it's best to have it on paper and more just in the record.
So, I don't want to have to have staff feel like they're rushed to produce this and
in short order. It may take a little longer than an hour. Thank you.
MS. POINDEXTER: And then make another mistake unknowingly and then we
have to go back again. But those things happen when you rush. So, I just wanted
to have the clarification. Thank you, Madam Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, can I just take a brief recess? Okay, it's just going
to take me one minute. I just want to talk to Director Kucharski. He doesn't have
this (Comm. 23.3) in front of him. So, maybe I don't need to recess but— Can
you come? Okay, thank you. I just wanted you to look at that.
Council Members, Director is saying that if we're going to go ahead and do a
written amendment that we would want to change the headings in each of these
columns from 3/1 to 4/1 of each of those subsequent years. So,
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, would you like to—well, let's see. Yeah, and then the
very end, Section 5, the effective date. Those are the changes. But I think I need
to vote on the bill, as amended. We're just entertaining anotherI need a motion
to amend
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. HENRICKS: But we're at second reading. So, if you vote on "as
amended," it is going through in this form.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So, I didn't state that right. So, I need to have a motion
to amend it again, right?
MR. HENRICKS: Unless the amendments are going to be prepared today and
then I don't know how long, you're looking at doing this at the next meeting and
perhaps postponing it with the understanding that we would be, of course, beyond
the March 1st effective date. But that appears to be out the window so to speak.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So, Council Members, we have the choice of either
postponing the item where we're at now or, if optimistically we were to get an
amendment in writing within an hour, we could lay it on the table and come back
to it. So, I'm going to ask for Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Danielle did the revisions already. I just
don't know what the process is in getting it to us. I'm sorry for my "green-ness,"
but I'm still learning, yeah. It's a process for me.
MS. POINDEXTER: Madam Chair?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, I'd like to give our Council Member
Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder the opportunity to try and do it today. I don't know if
we'd just take a lunch break and then come back and hope that gets processed. I
know it has to be reviewed and stuff, and then come back for the rest or whatever,
but I'd like to give him that opportunity. That's just my opinion.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. I also would like to give him time, too, but I
notice we have other items on the agenda that we could take in the meantime.
Hopefully it'll get done by then.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: So, we can always lay this on the table, see if we can get
an amendment back to us in the short amount of time, and finish our agenda and
see where we're at, at that point. Okay? So, do I need a motion, then, to lay on
the table? Okay. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, can you give me a motion to lay
Bill 210, as amended, on the table?
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Motion to Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to table Bill 210, as
Table: amended. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We'll come back to Bill 210.
MR. HENRICKS: So,just in case anybody's out there listening that's working
on this right now, understanding what appears to be very simple procedures,just
take a really close look at any other parts of the bill, comprehensively—one time
correct. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Thank you, everyone, for your efforts.
Bill 12: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
(Draft 2) BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the Contribution from Private Source account
($170,355); and appropriates the same to the 2018 Lava Disaster Relief-Private
account. Funds would be used to help offset costs incurred relating to the 2018
lava disaster in the lower Puna region. Draft 2 includes Exhibit "A," identifying a
list of projects to be funded.
Reference: Comm. 52.3
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: February 5, 2019
(Note: Comm. 52.4 from Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, dated February 20, 2019,
transmitting proposed amendments to Exhibit A of Bill 12, Draft 2, was
circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 12, Draft 2, on second and
final reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. DAVID: Chair, I'd like to defer to Ms. Kierkiewicz on her amendment.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. After my colleague Ms. Lee Loy and I
had amended this bill at our last meeting, I was able to reach out into the
Leilani Estates community and get a sense from them of how these funds could be
used to support their community in particular. There was a suggestion made by
Officer Cardines with regards to increasing safety efforts in Leilani. And so,
there is an ongoing conversation about what that would look like, but we wanted
to include support for that effort and assign a dollar figure to that. So, if you can
see here, Point No. 3, that's $15,000. Okay, I'm sorry. Backtracking here.
Motion to Amend: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to amend Bill 12, Draft 2, with the
contents of Comm. 52.4. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. Continuing. And also, Ms. David mentioned
at our last Council meeting the need to support Volcano's Cooper Center. And
so, there were additional funds that were allotted for recovery activities. So, I just
wanted to note that to this body, and I'm also going to request a suspension of the
rules because we are amending this on second reading. I'd like to just ask my
colleagues for their support on that so we can vote on this bill and start working
with the departments to put this money to work for our community. I yield the
floor.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. On the amendment, is there any further
discussion? Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I just want to say thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz, for doing that,
for this amendment for Cooper Center. Mahalo.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you and thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. I really am
pleased how this evolved, especially with more input from our families up in
Volcano. My understanding is, during this event, they experienced somewhere
between 100 and 125 earthquakes a day up in Volcano. And so, I'm so happy that
we're actually really providing them some relief, too. So, congratulations and
thank you for putting this all together. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to make one more statement.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: It was both of us, Ms. Lee Loy working in partnership.
And I think this is a really good model for all of us to just consider going forward.
I mean, I think this Council and the community really appreciates the level of
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
detail and the transparency of how these funds are going to be expended. So,just
keeping this in mind in the future when more pots of money are presented to us,
working in collaboration with the community to identify how the monies could be
spent to empower and uplift, and doing it in this way. So, thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you very much. Any other comments? Seeing
none, then, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 12, Draft 2, with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 52.4 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. I just want to say that Bill 12, Draft 2,
was amended with the contents of Communication 52.4. And now, we're back on
the main motion.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to suspend Council Rule 24, to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of Bill 12,
Rules: Draft 2. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Any further discussion? Seeing none,
then, all in favor of Bill 12, Draft 2 as amended, please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 12: The motion to pass Bill 12, Draft 2 as amended to Draft 3,
Draft 3 on second and final reading was carried by the following
(Adopted) voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. The bill is adopted.
Bill 20: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII TO ENTER
INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR A STATE WATER
POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR SOLID WASTE
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF
$1,500,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE LANIHAU
WASTEWATER PUMP STATION FORCE MAIN REPLACEMENT
Funds would be used to replace a 677-foot section to avoid additional pipe
failures and would be repaid by the County over a 20-year term through the
issuance of General Obligation Bonds.
Reference: Comm. 84
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: February 5, 2019
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 20 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: We discussed this at first reading, and I just ask for your support.
Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Any other comments? Seeing none, all in
favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Bill 20: The motion to pass Bill 20 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 20 is adopted.
Bill 21: 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
Amends the project name and increases the Environmental Management Lanihau
Wastewater Pump Station Force Main Replacement—State Revolving Fund
(SRF)project by $400,000, for a total SRF appropriation of$1.5 million. Funds
for this project shall be provided from State Revolving Fund and would be used to
replace a 677-foot section of the force main to avoid additional pipe failures.
Reference: Comm. 85
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: February 5, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Vote on Bill 21: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 21 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. Bill 21 is adopted.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Bill 22: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants —Improve Forensic Services account
($33,793); and appropriates the same to the Improve Forensic Services account,
for a total appropriation of$63,793. Funds would be used to provide forensic
science training and purchase updated equipment.
Reference: Comm. 86
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: February 5, 2019
Vote on Bill 22: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 22 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 22 is approved.
REPORTS: The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
FC-12 NOMINATION OF LAWRENCE L. HEINTZ TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS
(Comm. 77):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 1, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on FC-12: Ms. David moved to adopt Finance Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 12. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
FC-13 NOMINATION OF JUDY GREENBAUM TO THE SALARY COMMISSION
(Comm. 78):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 1, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on FC-13: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Finance Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 13. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
PC-4 NOMINATION OF RILEY SMITH TO THE KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN
(Comm. 80): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 1, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
(Note: Comm. 80.1 from Rose Y. Bautista, Executive Assistant to the Mayor,
dated February 19, 2019, transmitting clarification of Mr. Smith's term of
appointment, was circulated.)
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
No. 4. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Any discussion?
MR. HENRICKS: Madam Chair,just for the record, I wanted to state that we
provided a communication from the Mayor's Office, Communication 80.1, that
provided clarification as to the term of appointment for Mr. Smith. So, I just
wanted to make sure that was on the record that, that was received by the Council
providing that clarification. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I believe we all received Communication 80.1, and we
understand that he's going to serve the remainder of a term and then will be
eligible for a full three-year term. Thank you. All in favor, please say "aye."
Vote on PC-4: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 4. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
PSC-6 NOMINATION OF ROBERT M. YAMADA II TO THE FIRE COMMISSION
(Comm. 76):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: March 1, 2019 (Section 134(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on PSC-6: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Public Safety Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 6. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by
the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—8.
Noes: Council Member Chung— 1.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries. That took us to the end of our agenda.
So, we have a choice to—well, can we check on the progress or would you like to
take a lunch break?
MR. HENRICKS: If you'd be so kind as to take a brief recess, I can check on the
progress. Or you could take an extended recess, and we can just wait for the
progress to progress.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. Council Members, I'll ask for your opinion on
this. I think we could take aMr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: It's been amended, and it's with Donna in
LRB (Legislative Research Branch) and she's going to take it straight to Laura
and then it'll come to us.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That timeline I am not sure of. It is, like,
12 o'clock on the dot. So, I'm hoping everyone's not disappearing to lunch. But
hopefully they can get it to us as soon as possible.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Then, I would suggest that we—how long of a recess
would you guys like? I think we can
MR. HENRICKS: Based on Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's report, I don't think it'll
be too much longer. I can have Mr. Ruedy be on standby, which looks like he's
preparing to be on standby, and we can expedite this, hopefully.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, why don't I just take a, for now, I'll just say a ten-
minute recess and then we'll check back with each other.
MR. HENRICKS: That should be sufficient. Thank you, Madam Chair.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, we're in recess.
Recess: At 12:03 p.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:45 p.m.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Let's see, where were we? We were waiting for an
amendment to be put into writing, which we have all received. Make sure you
have Communication 23.4. I'm going to go ahead and turn the floor over to
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder if you would like to introduce your amendment.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I would like to
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Wait, hang on. We might have a procedural
MR. HENRICKS: I'm just wondering if we ever took this off the table. My
records indicate we did not.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: You're right. Okay, thank you.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Richards moved to remove Bill 210, as amended, from
Remove from Table: the table. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We're back onto Bill 210. Should I say Bill 210, as
amended?
MR. HENRICKS: Yes, please.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. So, we're back to Bill 210, as amended, and now
we're looking at another proposed amendment. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
Motion to Amend: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to amend Bill 210 with
the contents of Comm. 23.4. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'll let Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder explain.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: This was a very basic change—changing the
dates from March 1st, beginning date 2019, to April 1st, 2019, as well as amending
Section 5 to take effect March 1st, 2019, to take effect April 1st, 2019.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. I think everybody understands. Are
there any comments or questions? Hearing none, all in favor please say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
Vote on Motion to The motion to amend Bill 210 with the contents of
Amend: Comm. 23.4 was carried by the following voice vote:
(Approved)
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We have adopted Communication 23.4 and amended
Bill 210 for a second time. Okay, now, do I need another motion to suspend our
rules?
MR. HENRICKS: I was thinking about that, and it seems redundant but maybe
just out of caution. It doesn't take long.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
Vote on Motion to Mr. Richards moved to suspend Council Rule 24, to waive
Suspend Council the holdover for the substantive amendment of Bill 210.
Rules: Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following voice
(Approved) vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff–9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Now we're back to the main motion, and we can continue
discussing it. Is there any further discussion? Mr. Chung.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, I think I know how the votes are going to go on this one. I
don't want to belabor the point, but if I could just call Mr. Kucharski up. I just
have one or two questions—really has nothing to do with how I'm going to vote
right now. You set $52 for the single-unit residential as being the break-even
point, right, in three years?
(Note: At this time, Environmental Management Director William
Kucharski came forward to address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
MR. KUCHARSKI: Bill Kucharski, DEM. We had the $52 the setup was to
get us off the General Fund in three years. To do that, the $52 was set as the
number.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. So, I'm just wondering, let's use Hilo as an example.
First of all, what percentage of residential lots or occupied properties are sewered
in the Hilo area, more or less?
MR. KUCHARSKI: In the Hilo area
MR. CHUNG: Off the top of your head.
MR. KUCHARSKI: I know the numbers are about 18 percent of the whole
County. And assuming that it's in there, it's probably a little bit higher in Hilo
but, say, 20 percent.
MR. CHUNG: So, let's say we went and embarked on an aggressive sewer
development program and we got it up to, let's say, 70 percent. What would the
cost per unit for a residential property be? Would it be less or would it be about
the same?
MR. KUCHARSKI: The operating cost would not increase significantly if we
added sewer. What would change would be the amount of money that we had to
put into the construction.
MR. CHUNG: Well, let's not even talk about the capital cost,just the
operational.
MR. KUCHARSKI: That would provide more income for, essentially, the same
operating cost. So, the cost per unit would, theoretically, reduce if we added more
users, yes.
MR. CHUNG: Yeah, that's what I kind of figured intuitively because we have
the same wastewater treatment plant. It could handle that capacity?
MR. KUCHARSKI: We can go up—we're doing about 2.2 million gallons a day
at Hilo, and it's designed for 5 million gallons a day.
MR. CHUNG: Okay. And again, as I said, it's not really going to—that
information isn't going to really affect my vote today `cause I'm going to vote
"no." But I really think we should start to develop a real serious plan on sewering
the rest of our island as much as possible. That's all. I'm in full support of that. I
want every property to be on the sewer system. It's just right now because of the
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Hawaii County Council-6 February 20,2019
low amounts of persons on these sewer lines, I just find it hard for me to vote in
favor of assessing them a higher amount than the people who are polluting our
island. But you've heard it a lot of times. So, that's all. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Mr. Chung. Are there any other
comments? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Just a brief comment, following up on Chairman Chung's
comments. That's where the direction's going. Again, I had conversations with
Mr. Kucharski about this. The wastewater management. Our County's growing
up. We're going to have to take some big steps to get that done. And though I
appreciate what the sewer fee is trying to do, I think it's a stopgap method and I
won't be supporting it right now. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? Questions?
Okay, hearing none, would you like to take a roll call vote on this one? Okay.
Mr. Clerk, on Bill 210, as amended with both communications. Can you please
take a roll call?
Vote on Bill 210: The motion to pass Bill 210, as amended to Draft 2, on
Draft 2 second and final reading was carried by the following roll
(Adopted) call vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Poindexter, Villegas, and Acting Chair Eoff—5.
Noes: Council Members Chung, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
and Richards —4.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. The bill has been adopted with the
twoamended by two communications. Do I need to restate those numbers?
MR. HENRICKS: 23.3 and 23.4. Correct?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you.
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
(There were none.)
OTHER The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
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Hawai`i County Council-6 February 20,2019
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:54 p.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Chung, David,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff— 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: The meeting is adjourned.
Council Approval: UR 2 8 2019
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