HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FC 2019/04/09 2018-2020Committee on Finance
7th Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
April 9, 2019
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Finance was called to order at
ORDER: 10:58 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Chair.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ms.
Maile Medeiros David, Chair
Mr.
Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, Vice Chair
Mr.
Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member
Ms.
Karen Eoff, Member
Mr.
Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Member
Ms.
Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member
Ms.
Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Member
Ms.
Valerie T. Poindexter, Member
Ms.
Rebecca Villegas, Member
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS:
Melissa Leilani DeMello:
Bruce Torres Fischer:
(representing Hui Ho`olei Maluo)
Ryanna Fernandez:
(representing Easter Seals Hawaii)
Andrea Kaluna:
(representing Easter Seals Hawaii)
Dwight J. Vicente:
Kainalu Steward:
Comm. 95. 1, in support.
Comm. 95. 1, in support.
Comm. 95. 1, comment.
Comm. 95. 1, comment.
Comm. 9.8; and
Comm. 181; comment.
Comm. 95, support.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. And I believe that concludes public testimony for
this morning. And therefore, I'm closing public testimony at this time. And
FC -7 April 9, 2019
moving on, Mr. Clerk, I would like to take Communication 95.2 out of order if
that's okay? So, could you just read that one for us first? I'm sorry, 95 through
95.2.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members,
of Business: the following items were taken out of order:
Comm. 95: FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 NONPROFIT GRANT REVIEW PROCESS AND
FORMATION OF AN AD HOC COMMITTEE
From Finance Committee Chair Maile Medeiros David, dated February 1, 2019,
describing the nonprofit grant review process and requesting formation of an ad
hoc committee. The ad hoc committee would conduct application reviews with
the applicants for the County's annual nonprofit grant awards and then report its
findings to the Finance Committee.
Postponed: February 19, 2019
(Note: There is a motion by Mr. Richards, seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz, to
close file on Comm. 95.)
; and
Comm. 95.1: From Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, dated February 11, 2019, transmitting the
applications from eligible nonprofit organizations for the Council's review and
appropriation of funds for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 nonprofit grant program.
; and
Comm. 95.2: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRANT APPROPRIATIONS TO NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS
From Finance Committee Chair Maile David, dated March 22, 2019, transmitting
the Finance Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations for grant funding to nonprofit
organizations for inclusion in the County of Hawaii Operating Budget for Fiscal
Year 2019-2020. A total of 160 eligible applications were received with requests
totaling $4,289,207. The recommendations have been developed through a
review of all applications with each applicant.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much, Mr. Clerk. And there's already a motion
on the floor, and so what I would like to inform the public, especially, is that the
Ad Hoc Committee spent a lot of hard energy and time in making the decisions on
these recommendations. And I believe we have done as fair a job as we possibly
could, given this situation.
So, Communication 95.2 on this agenda contains those recommendations, but
because our rules provide that Communication 95.2 is a report from the Ad Hoc
Committee, we cannot entertain in any discussion at today's meeting, and we'd
have to postpone this matter for discussion. It gives everyone some time to digest
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the recommendations. And then so, Council Members I need a motion please, at
this time, to postpone to our Kona meeting.
Motion to Postpone: Ms. Lee Loy moved to postpone Comm. 95, 95. 1, and
95.2 to April 23, 2019. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion on the postponement toClerk, what's the date
of our Committee meeting in?
MR. BROWN: It would be the 23rd of April.
CHR. DAVID: In Kona?
MR. BROWN: In Kona.
CHR. DAVID: Okay, thank you very much. So on that, any discussion on the
postponement? Seeing none. All those in favor of postponing Communication 95
and all related communications to our April 23rd meeting, please say "aye."
Vote on Motion to The motion to postpone Comm. 95, 95. 1, and 95.2
Postpone: to April 23, 2019, was carried by the following voice vote.
(Approved)
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David — 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: On that, thank you very much. Thank you testifiers for being
here today and for your patience in waiting to testify. So, thank you Mr. Clerk,
top of the agenda, if you will.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Committee to return to the order of business.
of Business:
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 9.8 MONTHLY BUDGET STATUS REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED
FEBRUARY 28, 2019, FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 21, 2019, transmitting the
above report pursuant to Hawaii County Charter Section 6-6.3(h).
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Motion to Close File: Ms. Poindexter moved to close file on Comm. 9.8.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion? And we have Director Sako here in case we
have questions. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Committee.)
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Hi Deanna. Good Morning. I see you, I
know you're busy. Thank you for being here.
MS. SAKO: Good Morning. Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just have kind of a general question. So,
I'm looking through your status report. Thank you, we get one every month. So
for a fund account that is not used in full or is very low, is that just going to roll
over if it doesn't get used before the end of our fiscal year?
MS. SAKO: Each one is a little bit different. And so, if its general County
appropriation, no it will lapse at June 30th. If there's any encumbrances, those
will carry forward. If it's a State or Federal grant, and usually the account will
have that in the title, those will carry forward. Any of the grants will carry
forward to the next year. And then, the capital projects have a life of two years
after the year in which it's appropriated. So, lots of times those are three years.
So, each account is a little bit different.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. I just happened to catch the
Automotive Division and Mass Transit has a balance of $4.9 million, which is
15 percentsorry, we've used 15 percent so far this year. Can that be applied
towards busses?
MS. SAKO: Yes, and they do have a bus bid out I believe.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: For all of those funds or just one bus?
MS. SAKO: I can't tell you how much for sure. They're working on it.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, and that can roll over into next year?
MS. SAKO: If it's in the general excise tax fund, then it will roll over. The
money will go back into the general excise tax fund balance. If it'sit shouldn't
be in the general fund anymore. If it's in the Highway Fund, then it will lapse
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Vote on Comm. 9.8
(Filed):
April 9, 2019
into the Highway Fund balance. So it could continue to be used for
transportation. Typically, yes, Mass Transit.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay, thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none. Alright, all those in favor of filing Communication 9.8, please say "aye."
The motion to close file on Comm. 9.8 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David — 8.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
Committee Member Poindexter —1.
Excused:
None.
CHR. DAVID: Alright, Mr. Clerk, Communication 10.9, please.
Comm. 10.9: REPORT OF CHANGE ORDERS AUTHORIZED: FEBRUARY 16 — 28, 2019
From Finance Director Deanna Sako, dated March 20, 2019, transmitting the
above report pursuant to Hawaii County Code Section 2-12.3.
Motion to Close File: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to close file on Comm. 10.9.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion, Council Members? Seeing none, all those in
favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 10.9: The motion to close file on Comm. 10.9 was carried by the
(Filed): following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David — 8.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
Committee Member Poindexter —1.
Excused:
None.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Clerk, Communication 11.7.
Comm. 11.7: REPORT OF FUND TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED: MARCH 1 — 15, 2019
From Controller Kay Oshiro, dated March 18, 2019.
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Motion to Close File:
Vote on Comm. 11.7:
(Filed):
Comm. 181
Motion to Close File:
April 9, 2019
Ms. Villegas moved to close file on Comm. 11.7.
Seconded by Ms. Eoff
CHR. DAVID: Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say
Ic aye.
The motion to close file on Comm. 11.7 was carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Poindexter —1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Communication 181.
TABULAR SUMMARY OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS AS OF
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
From Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, dated March 12, 2019, transmitting
the above report pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 47C.
Ms. Villegas moved to close file on Comm. 181.
Seconded by Ms. Eoff
CHR. DAVID: Council Members? Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Ms. Sako, please. And I'm looking at
supporting schedules from this particular communication. Schedule B, State
Revolving Fund Loans (SRF), specifically, the Kalanianaole AISR-Phase IL We
have a principal amount outstanding, looks like $5 million. But is that just for the
Phase II portion?
MS. SAKO: There's been a lot of work done out in that area, and yes, it would
only be for Phase IL Prior to this, a few years ago, we had refunded any other
outstanding SRF loans, because that's just how the interest rates on those loans
were higher. Most of these here now are all about half percent or a quarter
percent. So, you know, it's still our favorite borrowing way. So yes, this is just
Phase II, and I can't tell you if that's the full amount. Sometimes they're a little
slow to request reimbursement.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, it was a little behind schedule, so I just wanted to
understand the funding mechanisms. And then in that same schedule, you know,
you have the Cesspool Conversion, you have the KealakeheI'm assuming it's
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April 9, 2019
the wastewater treatment. And then the Sewer. And then, so we have the
principal maturing amount, right? That is what we'll get
MS. SAKO: So that principal maturing amount is the amount that would get paid
between now and June 30th. So, this is just an update report because we issued
bond anticipation notes. So, it's not the typical June 30 report, so the amounts
that are left to be paid are rather small yet. Most of them have been paid already.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else? No? Oh,
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Good morning, Deanna.
MS. SAKO: Good morning.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm new. And then, I opened up this
schedule here and I saw that we are obligated in bonds for $441 million.
MS. SAKO: Yes, we are.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yes. And can you explain that to me a little
bit.
MS. SAKO: So, over the years, most of our capital projects are funded with
general obligation bonds, which are tax exempt to the people who own the bonds.
And, so they pretty much have the lowest rate of interest that we can borrow as a
government. And so, most of them are average about a three percent interest rate.
So, they date back all the way to October of 2004.
Some of them are smaller than others. The smaller ones are usually the USDA
(United States Department of Agriculture) loans. The larger ones are the ones
that, you know, have done most of our work. So whenever we can, we kind of
refund them when possible, so that we can save money, which is why most of the
debt is in 2016 and 2017. It doesn't mean we went out and got $221 million that
year, but we actually refunded our earlier loan so that we could save money for
the County.
That advance refunding opportunity has been taken away by the current Federal
Administration, so we won't be able to do that in the future. But so far, yes we
owe $441 million.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: How do we—what is like our pay back?
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April 9, 2019
MS. SAKO: So we pay back about $40 million a year, and that's in the budget
that we submitted. It may be a little bit higher than that this year. Our SRF debt
has been going up, and we have anticipation of drawing down additional SRF
debt, as well as possibly issuing new bonds in the coming year.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, increasing our debt then?
MS. SAKO: Yes.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: By how much?
MS. SAKO: I don't know for sure yet. It's going to depend on how quickly
some of the projects move that Public Works and Parks are still working on. But,
on the SRF side, I know that we have like the Hilo Landfill closure. That was
about a $20 million SRF. Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant, the sludge -fills
are finishing up and the R-1 will be starting. And that's a rather larger project.
So, but we're also applying for grant money for that as well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So, if we were to continue paying off,
$40 million a year
MS. SAKO: So, we try
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: About 11 years, if we didn't take on any
more debt.
MS. SAKO: If we didn't, yes. And part of that is interest. So, comparing to last
June 30th statement, we're at $441 right now. And at June 30th, we're at $435
million in bonds. And we still have $3 million more that we'll pay off, so we'll
end up the year just about $3 million more than where we were last year.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: In your history here, is this high or low, or
where are we at, historically?
MS. SAKO: This is high, because each time we go out to do capital projects,
costs keep increasing. So, projects we do now versus what we did 20 years ago
definitely cost more. So, but what we do compare it to is our total percentage, the
debt service in the budget, as compared to the total budget. And we want to keep
that at 15 percent or lower, and we were currently at about nine percent.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah. Thank you. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else. Ms. Eoff,
go ahead.
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MS. EOFF: Thank you Deanna for going through that, but could you continue
just a little bit about our the bond rating and the normal debt that County or
municipalities usually run at?
MS. SAKO: Yeah. So, I think we all try to keep it within that 15 percent, but
generally General Obligation Bonds are the typical type of debt that most
governments issue. And to get to that, we have to go through a bond -rating
process.
And so, they look at our financial statements; they look at our policies and
procedures, and the economy in our area. And so currently, we're at a double A
plus, which is very good. It's just below Triple A. And so, we're very proud of
that rating. That rating then determines the interest rate you borrow at, or what
people are willing to pay for your bonds. And so, that's how we keep the interest
rate lower. It obviously has to—it depends on the market as well. So, but given
the current market, our rates are usually pretty good compared to that.
MS. EOFF: Thank you. Quick crash course.
MS. SAKO: I know, this is the first one of these you guys have seen in the new
term.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Eoff. Anyone else? Seeing none, all those in
favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 181: The motion to close file on Comm. 181 was carried by the
(Filed): following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David – 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Poindexter –1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Clerk, could we go off schedule right here. I'd like to take,
seeing that Mr. Gyotoku is still in the room, could we take Resolution 115 and
then the Bills for Ordinances. They all relate to Mr. Gyotoku, if we have any
questions. Thank you very much.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members,
of Business: the following item was taken out of order:
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April 9, 2019
ORDER OF
The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
RESOLUTIONS:
Order of Resolutions.
Res. 115-19:
APPROVES AND ADOPTS THE 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMS AND
AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII TO EXECUTE
AND SUBMIT THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND ALL OTHER RELATED
DOCUMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The County's Office of Housing and Community Development anticipates a
Community Development Block Grant allocation of $2.5 million from Housing
and Urban Development and program income of $100,000, for a total of
$2.6 million of Community Development Block Grant funds; and a HOME
allocation of $482,731. Funds would be used towards housing and related needs
of very low, low, and moderate income throughout Hawaii Island.
Reference: Comm. 199
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to recommend adoption of
Res. 115-19. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Gyotoku, could you just give us a summary of, I believe we
discussed this in Housing, but just a summary for the public? Thank you.
(Note: At this time, Housing Administrator Neil Gyotoku came forward
to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. GYOTOKU: This resolution requires that the Council, I mean the Finance
Committee adopt and approve our 2019 Action Plan, which is like an application
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for our 2019 Block Grant
project CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) projects. And also to
include program income, and return of Housing HOME monies of $482,731,
which comes back to the County, which we can apply to the HOME projects.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Council Members, any questions for
Mr. Gyotoku? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say "aye."
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Vote on Res. 115-19: The motion to recommend adoption of Res. 115-19 was
(Approved) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, Villegas, and Chair David — 8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Committee Member Poindexter —1.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Stay right where you are, Mr. Gyotoku. Go ahead with Bill 50.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business,
ORDINANCES: Bills for Ordinances.
Bill 50: 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 - HOME Program account ($482,731);
and appropriates the same to the following accounts: Habitat for Humanity —
Puna Self -Help Housing ($451,221); Tenant Base Rental Assistance Program
($6,104); and Office of Housing and Community Development Administration
($25,406).
Reference: Comm. 200
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Please, a motion to approve Bill 50 and
forward to Council with a positive recommendation.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend passage of Bill 50 on
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Gyotoku, go ahead.
MR GYOTOKU: This bill just creates ordinance and accounts for us to receive
the monies so that we can expend the monies throughout the different projects. It
includes as previously stated on the Action Plan, the amount of monies that we
receive from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and different sources.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Alright, any discussion on this?
Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Gyotoku, I was wondering if you
could just expound upon the Puna Self Help Housing Program. I see somebody
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April 9, 2019
from Habitat for Humanity. So, I don't know if he wants to come up and make
some comments about the partnership that the County has with this nonprofit to
implement that program.
MR. GYOTOKU: Sure.
(Note: At this time, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity -Hawaii
Island, Patrick Hurney, came forward to address the members of the
Committee.)
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Good morning.
MR. HURNEY: Good morning, Chair and Committee Members. My name is
Patrick Hurney, Habitat for Humanity -Hawaii Island, Executive Director. So,
this HOME funds are going to build new homes for Puna relief survivors. Habitat
for Humanity owns about six or eight lots in the Puna district. We identified three
lots that we've cleared and are ready to build, and these funds will help build at
least three homes; hopefully four maybe, and some more repairs.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So, do you have a timeframe for when the build -out is
going to begin?
MR. HURNEY: If we get the funds July 1st, we should probably in nine months,
have three homes built.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, so all the design work is done and all the permitting
has already happened from the County's side?
MR. HURNEY: Permitting not, but that hasn't been a problem yet.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Oh, okay. So, I guess this is a note to everybody that's
working in those departments to hopefully expedite these projects. That way we
can make sure that we have, you know, individuals that were displaced by lava
back into housing, and to have that security. Thank you, really excellent.
MR. HURNEY: Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else?
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: You know, after I met you I couldn't stop
talking about what you were talking about, in our grant -in -aide. I really liked
your ability to take finances and directly put people in homes. Can you just
explain quickly what we talked about, which was the ability for families to get
into a home? And I think you also discussed, and correct me if I'm wrong, that
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April 9, 2019
you can buy foreclosed homes or houses that were existing on the market with a
three-year program. And then, get families into those homes as well. Can you
just kind of touch on that a little bit for me? Because I really liked that.
MR. HURNEY: Sure. So, Habitat does two things: We build new homes; we
renovate or do critical repairs on older homes. We've done about 48 critical
home repairs. We haven't been successful at taking foreclosed homes yet. We
just haven't had the avenue to get into that market yet. So, we're looking to do
so, but we could turn those homes into new units, affordable housing, pretty
rapidly as well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then for the family or the people who
buy the home through your help, how does that work in their benefit?
MR. HURNEY: So, the families put in 500 hours of sweat equity. So, they're on
the job site working side by side with the volunteers. They learn skills and how to
fix and repair their home, and they become more vested into their home. We then
provide them, once the home is completed we basically add a ten percent admin
fee and that's what the families pay. Whatever it costs us, so there's no profit.
And depending on the funding source, there is no interest on the loan, so families
will receive a 30 -year mortgage with no interest. The monthly mortgage rate is
about $500 a month. As I mentioned last time, The National Low -Income
Housing Coalition just rated Hawaii as a state, the highest for the housing wage
rate at $36.12 an hour is what it takes for a person to afford housing in this state,
which is highest in the country right now.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: What is the quote you used regarding
people? They need capital, not, what is that? Can you read that for me because I
like that saying.
MR. HURNEY: The founder of Habitat, Millard Fuller back in 1976 said, "The
poor don't need case managers, they need capital, and that's how we end
poverty."
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I've been trying to repeat that but I couldn't
remember the wording and I really wanted to say that again. So, thank you. One
more time, sorry.
MR. HURNEY: The poor don't need case managers, they need capital. That's
how they get out of poverty.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And that's justI mean, that really to me
sums up a direction that we could go here on our island with the amount of open
homes and emptier subdivisions through the help of Neil and different
departments and different grants. I'm going to keep pushing on that. So, I
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appreciate what you're doing. Thank you. Thank you, Neil, for helping
collaborate that and everyone else who was involved.
MR. HURNEY: Thank you, Matt.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. Anyone else? Seeing
none, I just want to make note that Ms. Poindexter has joined us. So, all those in
favor, please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 50: The motion to recommend passage of Bill 50 on
(Approved) first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes:
Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David — 9.
Noes:
None.
Absent:
None.
Excused:
None.
CHR. DAVID: And Mr. Clerk, Bill 51 please.
Bill 51: 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 - Block Grant account ($2.5 million) and
the Block Grant - Program Income account ($100,000); and appropriates the
same to the following accounts: Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter —
Renovations ($280,500); West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter — Renovations
($195,250); West Hawaii Homeless Emergency Shelter Improvements
($600,000); Kulaimano Elderly Housing — Phase III Renovations ($284,250);
Kiheipua Family Shelter — Certified Kitchen Construction ($200,000); Hale
Maluhia Shelter — Accessibility Improvements ($300,000); Boys and Girls Club
— Accessibility Improvements ($240,000); and Administration, Planning & Fair
Housing ($500,000).
Reference: Comm. 201
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Please, a motion to approve Bill 51 and
forward to Council with positive recommendation.
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to recommend passage of Bill 51 on
first reading. Seconded by Ms. Eof£
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April 9, 2019
CHR. DAVID: Discussion? If not, I'm sorry, Mr. Gyotoku could you give us a
summary of this?
MR. GYOTOKU: Bill 51 creates the accounts so that we can receive the 2019
CDBG monies if it's approved. Then it'll set up where we can disburse the
monies to the different projects that are listed over there.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Gyotoku, I think we kind of
touched upon this earlier, but I'm going to need you to elaborate for me a little bit
more. So with Bill 51, we're essentially creating a placeholder for funds to
support these projects?
MR. GYOTOKU: Right, correct.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: What if we don't get the $2.5 million? What is the
contingency plan? Do we then tell these organizations, "So sorry, but money's
not here this year." Or, are there Council funds that you have set aside to support
these projects and help see them through to fruition?
MR. GYOTOKU: These are 100 percent HUD funds which we received through
the block grant, CDBG program. So, if this application this year is not funded we
don't get anything. We won't have any projects, then would have to just close the
accounts. Right now, it's just opening accounts in anticipation that we do get this
block grant funds. And there's no contingency plans as far as I know, unless the
County is willing to give me $2.5 million.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'm not. I know that there are a lot of really important
projects, and I see Chad Cabral from Boys and Girls Club. Do you mind, just
coming up? Because we're talking about a number of projects that could be
funded with the CDBG money, and I see $240,000 allocated for Boys and Girls
Club for accessibility improvements. And so, could you just elaborate for the
Council how critical these improvements are?
(Note: At this time, Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Officer
Chad Cabral came forward to address the members of the Committee.)
MR. CABRAL: Sure. Aloha everybody, Chad Cabral CEO (Chief Executive
Officer) for Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island. Working with Neil and
OHCD (Office of Housing and Community Development) for the past three years
that I've been in my position, these monies are essential for us to continue our
services and to increase and expand our service offerings to Hawaii Island's most
needy and incomed-challenged families, which include Hilo, Kea`au, Pahoa,
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April 9, 2019
Pahala, Ocean View, and in Kealakehe. Without these monies, our kids, our
families would not have options. Because we are a program at $10 year, 67, 68
years now on Hawaii Island, we are a foundation for these families who cannot
afford the often high cost of after-school support.
The monies, $240,000 that we were awarded from OHCD through the CDBG
program was a small portion of our initial ask to really continue the improvements
needed at our Hilo facilities. As many of our Council Members know, we started
a meal program three years ago, and it was through HUD, through OHCD, and
through the CDBG Block Grant Program that we were able to construct a brand
new commercial certified kitchen, which not only supports Hilo kids, we're
transporting daily nutrition out of that kitchen to our outer rural area sites
throughout the island.
So, this is very essential to our program and the $240,000 for this year's
improvements will be focused on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
enhancements that will allow greater accessibility for families who are physically
challenged or not able to access program services like our kitchen program, like
play spaces, our homework spaces throughout our facilities that their peers are
able to access. And important, our locker rooms and showers, because we know
families are utilizing Boys and Girls Club programs for after-school support, but
they're also utilizing our services for essential basic need resources. Locker
rooms, showers, a meal every day. It's hugely important for our families who are
unable to secure and locate these essential needs.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you for sharing. And I guess, you know, I think it
was important to bring Chad up, Mr. Gyotoku so that we can see just how very
essential these monies are. So, I just get a little nervous knowing what the climate
is on the federal level. If we don't get these critical funds, you're just going to
send a letter that says, "So sorry, maybe next year." Is that the plan or are there
plans in the works with our federal delegation to identify additional or other
funding opportunities that, you know, we can potentially tap to fund these
projects?
MR. GYOTOKU: As far as our office is concerned, our main and only source of
income is the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the
Community Development Block Grant Program. Every year they threaten to cut
it out, even the HOME Program, but so far we've been able to—the
Congressional Legislation have been able to save those in the budgets. I
anticipate you'll probably get the same amount, hopefully. We wish we could get
more, but we've tried and tried a lot. But this is—its formula calculated, yeah, by
the Department of HUD and I cannot tell you, yes, if we don't get it,
unfortunately, this is a bad situation for our office—
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April 9, 2019
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I'm just looking for a way for us to make lemonade, like if,
you know, in looking at the past historically, by now should we have received the
CDBG monies?
MR. GYOTOKU: Oh, we've gotten 2018 monies which we reported earlier
today. This is for 2019.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So when are counties typically alerted that they received
the money?
MR. GYOTOKU: It goes according to the federal budget, so around October we
will know, or prior to that we'll know whether the budget is approved. And then
we will be getting the 2019 CDBG monies. And come November or so, we start
the 2020 cycle where we will start soliciting applications from the nonprofits and
County Agencies for the different projects for 2020. And we anticipate about
$2.5 million, but that could fluctuate too. It depends on
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: It's also not guaranteed. This is just based on previous
years what we have received, but that could change at any moment.
MR. GYOTOKU: Yes.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: We could have a government shutdown where nobody gets
anything.
MR. GYOTOKU: Basically, yes. That's what happened about three months or
four months ago. And we were scrambling to try to see how—the monies that we
got for 2018 and prior years is already in the bank in the account, so we were able
to carry those—
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: But we've already awarded for 2019 and we don't have the
money.
MR. GYOTOKU: No, this is part of the Action Plan. We submitted it to HUD
and if they approve it, the budget, we'll get in October or so. Or, maybe prior to
that, and then we can start spending the monies if we create this ordinance and
budget accounts.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Okay, I'm probably going to follow-up with a
communication to your office, just getting a progress report on where we are and
any kind of communication you can share with us in terms of your dialogue with
our Federal legislators on where we are just so that we insure that we get this
critical money directly into the community to support the amazing work like Boys
and Girls Club.
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April 9, 2019
MR. GYOTOKU: Sure.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Ms. Poindexter, go ahead.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, and I think we have a responsibility to contact our
congressional delegation as well. As us being leaders to do to make sure that
they're pushing it on their end to make sure that we do get this money. And if we
don't get this money, I totally understand that. We just got to deal with the
consequences, because there's, you know—God bless Boys and Girls Club, you
do great work. There's also other places that you don't serve, like in Hamakua
that we're struggling with too.
So, when we talk about if they don't get the money, the County maybe should be
doing something, but you got to think about the things that we have in rural
communities that are not being addressed as well. And we talked about that, and I
appreciate your CDBG team coming out to Hamakua this past week and working
with our youth center there. And I want to thank the Boys and Girls Club for, you
know, being in Hamakua for a while and then stirring it up so that we could
continue that work. So that I appreciate all that you've done there.
The biggest thing I think we need to start focusing in on is the 2020 census is
coming up, and we all have to start educating our communities on the 2020
census and how critically important it is to fill it out so we can get the HUD
funding. Part of it is, if you don't fill it out, like in some areas, they're not going
to qualify for the HUD funding. The Federal funding doesn't come. So, we need
to start now educating people on how critically important it is that surveys get
filled out, because that's how we get the money from HUD. Correct Neil?
MR. GYOTOKU: That is correct and we've gone over this, that we're currently
doing a Housing survey study statewide, and the purpose is to determine what
census tracks are low income, which is a requirement of HUD. If we are to get
any projects for CDBD that it has to serve low and moderate income families.
MS. POINDEXTER: Right.
MR. GYOTOKU: And it's critical. We've had hard -time with people filling out
that Housing survey, and like you say, 2020 is the census. Hopefully, we can get
a better return on that.
MS. POINDEXTER: So if you could use us, I mean, we all have community
associations. I have a ton of them. So, I could get that information to the
community associations and then back. I think we've just got to figure out a way
to get these surveys out in the best way possible, networking with whomever.
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April 9, 2019
And then if it doesn't work where some people don't, we'll still have the option
of—which will be harder work to hire a consultant to do HUD approved surveys
like we did in Hamakua when we didn't qualify at one time. And we did a HUD
approved survey to make us qualify so we could get those grants and loans. So
that's another possibility. So there's a lot of options out there, but I think
critically right now, we've got to start talking about the 2020 census. So, thank
you. Thank you, Neil.
MR. GYOTOKU: But I think the 2020 census is more of a Research and
Development kind of issue. This Housing survey is specifically for Housing
needs, like CDBG.
MS. POINDEXTER: Right. So, we can do both. We can help you with those
Housing surveys, right? Or I know, I can speak for myself. I can help get that
information out, but I just also wanted at the same time, piggyback and make sure
that people know the importance of the 2020 census. Because the CDBG funds
are connected to that, correct?
MR. GYOTOKU: Correct.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay, so that's why we need to tie it altogether, and we
need to get the education out there. So, thank you Neil for all you do.
MR. GYOTOKU: You're welcome.
CHR. DAVID. Thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Thank you to both my colleagues, Ms. Kierkiewicz
and Ms. Poindexter because this is where the hipbone is connected to the leg
bone. And what we have, and thank you Mr. Cabral for being here, because
you're the boots on the ground, right? You're touching the families who are
struggling. What is alarming is we don't have the contingency plan if the money
doesn't come through. And what Ms. Poindexter is pointing to is how we insure
those funds. And so, ultimately, and this is something our Chair touched upon,
government cannot be everything to everyone, but we've got to put our heads
together. Because at the end of the day, our most vulnerable population, our
children and our future will begin to demise, and that is alarming to me. And I'm
sure shared by each and every one of you. So, I appreciate what Ms. Kierkiewicz
is doing because I do believe that a future status update, so that we know if we're
getting this funding or not, is critical to the future planning of our island and as a
community as a whole. I want to leave it there.
I did have one question though about this bill because I'm noticing that it's all
about renovations. Was that the common thread for the use of this money? It
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Vote on Bill 51
(Approved)
April 9, 2019
seems that improving ADA access or creating a community kitchen, or just
overall shelter improvements or renovations.
MR. GYOTOKU: The bulk of it was—the priority has been for improvement of
facilities. We had applications for transportation needs and so forth. But, my
office, what we do when we receive all these applications, they actually go out
and they survey the facilities or whatever, and they rate each application
according to how it's going to serve the community. It's placed in and they rank
it out and these were the top projects that came out on top, and it does seem like a
lot of it is for ADA. And ADA is a law, it's very important, but a lot of it is for
renovations and improvements of the facilities.
MS. LEE LOY: And thank you for that because we have Mr. Cabral here who
touch our youth, right? But on the backend is this improvement for ADA
compliance which touches our kupuna. So, that's why I like to see how these
monies are utilized kind of on both spectrums, right? Because if we do take care
of our youth and we take care of our kupuna, we take care of the bookends of our
community, which is incredibly important. So with that, I yield. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Anyone else. Seeing none. Alright.
And I just want to say, thank you Mr. Gyotoku and Mr. Cabral for being here. All
these projects that you list are very important like my colleagues just said. And
we will all do our best and hope that we get this funding, and work on some
alternative measures if we feel like we're not. But on that, all those in favor,
please say "aye."
The motion to recommend passage of Bill 51 on
first reading was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David – 9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Mr. Gyotoku. Thank you, Mr. Cabral. And then we
can go to the last item on our agenda. Mr. Clerk, Communication 209.
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April 9, 2019
Comm. 209: REQUESTS DISCUSSION REGARDING COUNTY COUNCIL OVERSIGHT
OF STATE LEGISLATIVE DISASTER AID PROVIDED FOR RELIEF,
RECOVERY, MITIGATION, AND MEDIATION ASSISTANCE FOR
DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND SUFFERING CAUSED BY THE 2018 KILAUEA
ERUPTION
From Council Member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, dated April 2, 2019.
MR. BROWN: Excuse me, Madam Chair.
CHR. DAVID: Go right ahead.
MR. BROWN: Just noting for the record that on Line 3 in the agenda, it should
not say, "Mediation." It should say, "Remediation." So, just making a correction
for the record.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. That's in the third line of the title?
MR. BROWN: Yes, correct.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. So noted. So, Mr. Richards, please may I have a
motion?
Motion to Close File: Mr. Richards moved to close file on Comm. 209.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. DAVID: Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah, thank you, Chair. And this is something I put little bit
of a placeholder, but needed to have the conversation. As we know, our State
legislative contingency, House and Senate, work very diligently and very hard to
get us this $60 million approved to come for our recovery in our County. With
that, they were very clear about having oversight. And I was there last week
when we had the vote on the Senate bringing it forward. And so, I wanted to be
sure that we had the conversations to be sure that they understood that we clearly
understood our responsibility in going forward. So I put this forward, and I know
Council Woman Kierkiewicz has been taking the lead as far as it goes. I got this
in because I came back from Oahu, so with that I'm going to yield to her at this
point.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Chair, if I may? Thank you.
And Mr. Richards brings up a really good point. We need to make sure that there
is accountability because this is a lot of money. When you think about everything
that's required for say the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
$1.7 million Case Management Grant. We're having to hire three temporary
individuals to basically do the paperwork to manage and report to FEMA. And
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April 9, 2019
so, when you think about $20 million no strings attached from the Legislature, I
mean we got to make sure that we're accountable to the Leg. and to the
community. And I want to be able to sleep at night knowing that everything is
spent in a responsible way to support recovery. If I can call up Director Ley and
Director Sako.
And everyone here knows that Council Member Lee Loy and I meet with the
Recovery Team every couple of weeks to just touch base and get a pulse check on
where we are with everything, because this is a very, very complex situation.
And so we've talked about, I think a process so that we can be very clear to the
Leg., to the State side but also to the community about how we're going to be
accountable with these funds.
And so preliminarily, our discussions, and I'm really happy about the progress
that we've made towards this, is we're going to start to articulate what the
expenditure plan is. And what was really helpful about our discussion earlier this
week with Council Member Lee Loy and myself, and Director Ley, was that we
were made aware of just how very restrictive some of the monies from the
Governor are. We've been harping on, "Oh, we've got all this money, let's spend
it." But knowing that there are requirements for how that money can and should
be spent is really important. And so, just want to lay out for the Council, you
know, a lot of work through the eruption and aftermath of the lava flow has gone
into reaching out to community.
And so, when Director Ley and Roy Takemoto presented to the Council in Kona,
they laid out for us near-term and long-term priorities. And so, to get there, those
are the outcomes, those are the goals. That's where we want to go. The idea is to
spend the most restricted monies first to support achievement of those goals. And
then use, say the $20 million and other money that's coming in from other sources
as the gap money to fill in the blanks. To really, I think, maybe even elevate what
we see to be successful programs and services. So, we I think as a Council, after
a couple of weeks ago talking about the expenditure plan is, I think there's going
to be some fine-tuning on your end to help us and the community visualize, here
are the priorities, here are the monies that are going to support that work. And
that's the plan that we all want to make sure we're comfortable with and can all
get behind.
And so then my understanding is once we approve Bills 36 and 37, I would like to
amend those to include a communication and exhibit on how this process is going
work. But essentially, we have the expenditure plan and we as the Council are
going to get a monthly financial status report, a summary, that will show us how
the money has been spent according to the plan. And we as the Council can
evaluate for ourselves if it's being spent correctly. And my understanding is that
report is also submitted to Budget and Finance in order to meet the requirement in
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April 9, 2019
HB -1180 (House Bill) HD-1 (House Draft) that monthly status reports are
presented to the State.
And so, we will be getting that and it's very similar to the Monthly Budget Status
Report we get in Finance. And then what we've asked the recovery team to do is
for the first three months, just coming the Council and preparing a narrative of
where we are with achieving our goals, those measured outcomes, and then
moving to a more quarterly report, a presentation from the recovery team that lays
out, well this is how the money has been spent to achieve these goals; these are
the goals for the upcoming three months. That way, we as a Council can really
evaluate the progress that's being made. If you're meeting goals. If you're
slaying them, right? If you're going beyond expectations. We want to make sure
that we're able to celebrate those successes, but also be real about if we're falling
short. Well, why and should we be putting more resources around that?
So, I'm going to turn it over to my colleague, Ms. Lee Loy, to just kind of
comment on this. But I think, you know, what I've described, Council Member
Richards, is a good path forward to keep everybody on the same page and
accountable. And I think we're really setting the tone for the future. You know,
this disaster was unprecedented, and typically counties, when you take a look at
disasters that happened across the U.S., they're not managed by municipalities
and so I think this is a really good exercise for every county and the state to see
this is how we work together. Policy makers, folks in the administration to really
lead—to make leaps actually, not just steps toward recovery, but leap toward
recovery in an accountable way. Council Member Lee Loy.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, you yield? Go ahead, Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Again, thank
you, Mr. Richards for this communication. We all know that so much of our
conversations continue to be siloed. I think what Ms. Kierkiewicz has described
is really an amazing framework that's being developed in collaboration with the
Administration. And, you know, ourselves as policymakers.
I think in moving forward, there's a number of ideas that Ms. Kierkiewicz will be
presenting as far as policies to help frame up how this money is spent and create
some really hard corners. Also, provide the larger checks and balances that not
only the Legislature is looking for, but Budget and Finance is looking for. And
let's not ever forget the public, our taxpayers who has entrusted us with this
money, to insure that it's really being accelerated and used in a very thoughtful,
smart and strategic way.
What I think the premise of all of this, and I think is what we're all striving for is
the checks and balances. And something Ms. Kierkiewicz just touched upon, this
by far is an unprecedented event. No one, nobody has the playbook for this. But,
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April 9, 2019
walking back to the other counties and the Legislature, they're watching us.
They're watching us because they want us to help develop that playbook, because
if we do this smartly and strategically, it will become the model for any future
devastating event on any island in the State.
I really want to open it up to more discussion and more conversation. You have
me ready, and Ms. Kierkiewicz ready to continue to listen, to collaborate with the
Administration, and then work with our State delegates, and even our members at
the Federal level, in kind of piecing this puzzle together that has never really been
pieced together. And I'm actually really excited. Without going too far, we're
going to be moving forward a number of policies that will help drive a lot of this
in a very succinct and synergetic way. So with that Chair, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah. Okay, thank you, Chair. And coming back to Council
Women Lee Loy and Kierkiewicz; and then also, Deanna and Diane. During our
conversations, when we're talking about this, and you know, I was bringing
forward this communication, the intent was to have a structure that gives enough
latitude, but oversight in going forward.
And you heard me say I was very concerned about being too restrictive there by
slowing down the recovery. Paradoxically, we can't really discuss this until we
have a forum that we can discuss this so here we are. And, I'm very happy and
very pleased to hear what ideas have been floated. I was trying to articulate this,
and I think Diane, you and I were kicking around some thoughts and ideas
coming forward, and I'm very pleased that this has been quite well articulated by
these two Council Women.
So going forward, Chair, I'm pleased with this coming forward. I'm looking
forward to going forward with the further policies, but I think the structure, at
least the foundation for the structure is set in place now. Now we can actually
start moving forward with that, so with that I yield. Thank you.
CHR. DAVID: And Director Ley, Director Sako, do you have anything to add to
this before we proceed?
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako and Research and
Development Director Diane Ley came forward to address the members of
the Committee.)
MS. LEY: Thank you. This is Diane Ley, Director for Research and
Development. I appreciate the opportunity to comment. Yes, we think this is a
doable vehicle to move forward with or process. We agree that transparency for
the community is needed, as well as decision makers. And those who have
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April 9, 2019
stepped forward and supported our communities, we really appreciate it. And we
look forward with working with the Council on this.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. Ms. Sako, you?
MS. SAKO: No, I think, you know House Bill 1180 just clearly says, you know,
we have to report Budget and Finance. So, as we do that report, we'll just copy
the Council on it. And Diane's office will take care of the rest.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much. And so, anyone else, Council Members?
Ms. Lee Loy, go ahead.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you, Chair. And just for a follow-up comment, you
know, May will be one year since this event occurred, and here we are in April.
And when myself and Ms. Kierkiewicz, when we get in there, we're driving it
with so much passion and we're placing a lot of deadlines on the Administration,
on ourselves, we're pushing and driving staff, and I cannot thank the
Administration and Ali (Alexandra Slous, Kilauea Disaster Recovery Program
Coordinator, Department of Research and Development) enough for constantly
meeting us with the same energy and same passion. Because it is my hope, and I
think Ms. Kierkiewicz shares this, is that when we get to that one-year
anniversary, we want to demonstrate back to the community that we're bringing
home something that's going to help recover you a year later. And that's been
something that Ms. Kierkiewicz and I constantly hold as a goal line for us, that
these policies and these ideas need to be demonstrated back to the community that
we didn't forget them. We did not forget them and we will constantly be looking
out for them. So, thank you, Chair. Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Ms. Kierkiewicz, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. You know, Council Woman Lee Loy
and I, we just feed off of each other's energy and are always constantly inspired.
And I'm really excited about the opportunities that lie before us. And you know,
reflecting on many of the lessons learned, I think, by the County and community,
and how we respond in times of intense disaster. But also how we help our
community transition to the next phase of life and how we plan the long-term
recovery.
I'm amazed at the amount of work that has gone in on the backend to support this
work, and I'm excited because the policy pieces that Council Member Lee Loy
and I are working on, it will set the framework, it will set us up for success in the
future so that, in the event of any other future disasters, trigger ready. We're
ready to go. It's going to transcend this Council, and I think be something that
can be used, you know, decades from now.
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April 9, 2019
And I just have to point out that Ali Slous from the recovery team, she showed us
yesterday, the backend of this Federal framework that basically tracks all of the
myriad of tasks which help to keep us accountable and on track, which lends itself
to support the fiscal oversight piece. And if you out there, if you use the system,
Asana, which is kind of like a task manager, it is that on steroids. I mean, it is so
comprehensive, just the level of detail and just the collaboration that we are able
to create within the County, and also at the Federal level.
And I like it because the way we're reframing everything is to be in line with the
same kind of language and vocabulary that's articulated on the Federal and State
level. So when we start talking about disasters, and supporting recovery, and
fiscal oversight, we are now using the same language, which I think helps to make
just everything much more efficient in getting things done.
So, like I said earlier Chair, I'll be working on a communication exhibit to the
bills to provide the fiscal oversight that Council Member Richards has mentioned
earlier today, that I think, is an expectation from the State Leg. and the
community. So with that, I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you very much, Ms. Kierkiewicz. Anyone else wanting to
speak? Okay, then before I take the vote, just listening to the achievements that
you folks have had so far in this very complicated event that has some major
impacts to this government as a whole, one thought came to my mind. This is so
specific to the $60 million. I'm thinking, Mr. Richards, along the same lines that
you thought, ad hoc committee, I don't know. I'm just throwing that out there,
because you guys are focusing primarily on one issue which is, how do we spend
the $60 million? And so, just a thought to throw out there guys, because you
know, this would seem like a task that you would be able to work with the
departments; have your ad hoc committee meetings, and generate basically some
pretty good recommendations. And we don't need it right away, basically, I
think, you know. Go ahead, I see you smiling. So, go ahead, Mr. Richards, go
ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: So, what I'm hearing is that this would be a good idea to have
an ad hoc committee.
CHR. DAVID: Just a thought.
MR. RICHARDS: It's a great thought, Chair.
CHR. DAVID: It's very specific to be investigated and to come back with
recommendations. So, just throwing it out there.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, so with that. Okay, we're going to ruminate on it.
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FC-7 April 9,2019
CHR. DAVID: We can ruminate till the next meeting if you want, okay? Think
about it.
MR. RICHARDS: Alright, with that, I will take that advice. I yield.
CHR. DAVID: Thank you. Alright on that note people, all those in favor of
filing Communication 209, please say"aye."
Vote on Comm. 209: The motion to close file on Comm. 209 was carried by the
(Filed): following voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: May I please have a motion to adjourn?
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:14 p.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn
MENT: the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Committee Members Chung, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair David—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. DAVID: Clerk, we are adjourned. Mahalo, everybody for coming.
Approved: �--
Ms. Maile Me os David, Chair (Date)
Finance Committee
MD/dt
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