HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2019-04-10 2018-2020 Hawaii County Council
91h Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
April 10, 2019
INVOCATION: Kahu Brian Welsh of Haili Congregational Church gave the morning's
invocation.
CALL TO The regular meeting of the Hawaii County Council was called to order at
ORDER: 9:03 a.m., in the Council Chambers, Hilo, by Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, 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 Chair directed the Council to the next order of business, Pledge of Allegiance.
ALLEGIANCE:
(At this time, Ms. Eoff led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (There were none.)
EXPRESSIONS OF
CONDOLENCE:
STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Statements
FROM THE from the Public on Agenda Items.
PUBLIC ON
AGENDA ITEMS: The following individuals registered to speak and came forward when called by
the Chair:
Mark Van Pernis: Bill 23, Draft 2 (Comm. 92.3), in opposition.
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Maja Clark: Res. 104-19 (Comm. 182), in support.
(representing Holualoa
Foundation for Arts and Culture)
Michael Abran: Res. 107-19 (Comm. 185), in support.
(representing D.A.R.E. Hawaii)
Victor McDaniel: Res. 105-19 (Comm. 183), in support.
Nancy Seifers: Bill 36 (Comm. 153), in support;
Bill 37 (Comm. 154), in support; and
Bill 46 (Comm. 180), in support.
Eileen O'Hara: Res. 111-19 (Comm. 189), in support;
Res. 113-19 (Comm. 191), in support;
Bill 36 (Comm. 153), comment;
Bill 37 (Comm. 154), comment; and
Bill 46 (Comm. 180), comment.
Kathy Emery: Bill 37 (Comm. 154), in support;
Bill 46 (Comm. 180), in support; and
PC-15 (Comm. 175), in support.
Susan Kim: Bill 36 (Comm. 153), in support;
(representing I Mua Bill 37 (Comm. 154), in support; and
Lower Puna) Bill 46 (Comm. 180), in support.
Marcia May: Res. 117-19 (Comm. 206), in support; and
(representing the Attorney Bill 55 (Comm. 206), in support.
General's Drug and Crime
Prevention Task Force)
Conrad Hokama: Bill 54 (Comm. 205), in support.
(representing Pi`ihonua
Community Association)
Karl Mendonca: Bill 54 (Comm. 205), in support.
Margaret Almada Collins: Bill 54 (Comm. 205), in support.
Abolghassem Abraham Comm. 159, comment;
Sadegh: Res. 117-19 (Comm. 206), comment; and
PSC-8 (Comm. 176), comment.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Dwight J. Vicente: Bill 23, Draft 2 (Comm. 92.3), comment;
Bill 32 (Comm. 120), comment; and
Bill 33 (Comm. 134), comment.
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
(There was none.)
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
(There were none.)
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Clerk, let's go on to "Order of Resolutions." I have a
request by Ms. David to take two matters out of order: Resolution 117 and also
Bill 55. Let's see how quickly we can move through this agenda.
Change Order As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the Council Members, the
of Business: following items were taken out of order:
Res. 117-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL, CRIME PREVENTION AND JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
DIVISION, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7,
FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Federally-derived funds in the amount of$175,000 would be used to purchase
upgraded drug analysis instruments with accessories and training.
Reference: Comm. 206
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 117-19. Seconded by
Ms. Poindexter.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Koge, do you want to come up for one
second? I just wanted you to explain to the—this was waived from Committee
because there was some urgency, and I just wanted you to explain briefly to the
Council the time limitation on this request, the urgency to expedite. And identify
yourself for the record.
(Note: At this time, Criminalist Brian Koge, Hawaii Police Department,
came forward to address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MR. KOGE: I'm Brian Koge from the Hawaii Police Crime Laboratory.
MS. DAVID: Thank you.
MR. KOGE: We're in support of the bill for the grant to purchase two new
equipment. One is called the Gas Chromatogram-Mass Spectrometer or GC-MS,
and the other is called FTIR or Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer. What
we use this equipment for is the identification and confirmation of drugs that we
receive for analysis.
The current equipment that we do have were purchased with grant money in the
early 2000s So, 2003, I believe, and 2005 is when we purchased these two
equipment. But the thing is, because of the age of the equipment, we're having
issues with the manufacturer being able to repair the equipment if they should fail
for some reason. So, the newer equipment would give us some confidence that
the equipment that we're going to have is going to be able to be used for the next
several years.
MS. DAVID: Thank you very much for that explanation. So, I yield, and I thank
you for your patience for being here.
MR. KOGE: Thank you for having me.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair.
CHR. CHUNG: Any further discussion? There being none, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 117-19: The motion to adopt Res. 117-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Which is the companion bill?
MS. DAVID: Bill 55.
CHR. CHUNG: Bill 55, Mr. Clerk.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 55: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the Federal Grants —Priority Drug Analyses
Productivity Project account ($175,000); and appropriates the same to the Priority
Drug Analyses Productivity Project account. Funds would be used to purchase
upgraded drug analysis instruments with accessories and training.
Reference: Comm. 206
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Bill 55: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 55 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Ms. Poindexter and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Mr. Clerk, can we take Bill 54 out of order?
MR. KOGE: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you very much.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 54: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Adds the Public Works Pi`ihonua Levee project to the Capital Budget: United
States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service–
Federal($3,075,000) and County ($1,025,000), for a total appropriation of
$4.1 million. Funds for this project shall be provided from Federal Grants
Receivable ($3,075,000) and General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund–
Fund Balance and/or Other Sources ($1,025,000). Funds would be used to repair
damages to the Pi`ihonua Levee caused by Hurricane Lane.
Reference: Comm. 205
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 54 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion. David, are you guys here for this matter? Yeah?
David, why don't you just come up and very briefly explain what this is all about,
primarily to the community so they can have some peace of mind that this is
moving forward.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director David Yamamoto and Deputy
Director Allan Simeon came forward to address the members of the
Council, via videoconferencing from Hilo.)
MR. YAMAMOTO: Good morning, Council. I'm David Yamamoto, Public
Works Director. So, I can report that the County's already in the process of trying
to restore that levee. We did a survey as well as starting the design. And in that
design, we intend to improve the resiliency of that levee so it doesn't breach, or
not necessarily breach but doesn't fall or tear apart.
CHR. CHUNG: Right. So, now, these are going to be more substantial
improvements than what we had before, right?
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yeah. Before, it was just basically placed soil rock. And in
the repair, we're looking at improving it by maybe installing grout and concrete to
harden it.
CHR. CHUNG: Good. And from all accounts, based on what we heard from
Conrad, and others of course, the levee was—it worked, right?
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yeah. But it's just that when it started to overtop, it eroded
away and
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah. Okay, good. And these are—the majority of these are
what, Federal funds?
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yes, NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, and then we have our contribution.
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yes. I think it's a 75-25 match.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. But it's going to happen, right?
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yes. We're in the process of designing.
CHR. CHUNG: When do you think it's going to be completed by?
MR. YAMAMOTO: We don't have a schedule yet, but we can put one together.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. YAMAMOTO: Sooner the better, huh?
CHR. CHUNG: Of course. Thank you very much. Okay, Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just had a question for you, Director.
Earlier this year, the Council passed Bill 10 which had to do with ansorry,
Bill 9, which had to do with an appropriation to projects in response to
Hurricane Lane. So, I'm wondering, that appropriation was pretty sizable
excuse me, Bill 8. Lots of bills floating around in my mind. Bill 8, it was about
$49 million, and I'm wondering if any of that money has already been used to do
some preliminary work on the Pi`ihonua levee or other projects that have been
identified as priorities for the County in response to Hurricane Lane damage.
MR. SIMEON: Allan Simeon, Public Works. Good morning. So, what we had
done so far—the Hurricane Lane damages were either FEMA-related (Federal
Emergency Management Agency), NRCS, Corps of Engineers. So, as far as the
FEMA projects, we had done inspections with FEMA and HI-EMA (Hawai`i
Emergency Management Agency), and those are being submitted to FEMA
headquarters for additional processing. What comes out of that is for them to
approve and give us a project worksheet that we can use then to design the
project.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
So, we have expended as far as labor from staff dedicated in the inspection and
composing the different project information. So, that's where we are now. So,
until
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Was this levee one of those projects?
MR. SIMEON: The levee is one of those projects. So, basically, our staff had to
coordinate with NRCS to describe the description of damage so it can be funded.
So, pretty much all the damage from Hurricane Lane is in that process.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: You've been working on this for months, and it just goes
to show just how very complex it is to work with the Federal government. If we
think our County processes and forms are hard,just try working with FEMA and
our Federal partners. So, thank you for that.
MR. SIMEON: That's correct. And basically, a lot of these projects will require
permitting, including 401, 404, NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act).
When we can use our Exemption 343 for County projects, we'll use that to
facilitate.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Well, thank you again, both of you, and to folks working
in the department for working on so many different projects. We've got lava
recovery. We have recovery from Hurricane Lane. Our plates are very full. And
on top of that, we're having to do the day-to-day duties of just keeping County
functions and services in government going. So, thank you, and I appreciate
community for coming out today to share your stories. Thank you so much,
Conrad and others in the association, for stepping up the day of to assist your
neighbors. We're all one big `ohana. And in times of need,just like how Puna
took care with Pu`uhonua O Puna, you took care.
And Margaret Collins very poignantly pointed out that we are in for a hotter
summer, warmer waters, which means more storms. So, we also need to have a
more robust conversation about what we are doing as a County to really prepare
for climate change. Because, we're going to get more storms, and they're going
to hit with more frequency and with more intensity. And I want to make sure that
we are prepared to respond and be proactive and to rebuild in a resilient manner.
So, thank you, and I yield the floor.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. I'm glad Ms. Kierkiewicz mentioned that because
we are looking—it's not just this year, but moving forward because of global
warming and everything like that, all reports are that we have to be more prepared
for more severe storms.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Very quickly, though, what about the integrity of the Pi`ihonua bridge? I mean,
not that it's going toI'm hoping it's not going to fall apart or anything like that.
But do you have any comments on that?
MR. SIMEON: Our bridge section that went to inspect as far as integrity for the
bridge, it didn't get that much damage.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. SIMEON: What was affecting the ponding on the bridge was basically the
clogged drain that happened after silt covered it.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. And the last question I have, and you guys probably are
not familiar with this little bridge, but there is a little culvert or bridge right before
the Pi`ihonua bridge. Right? And that's where all the debris was getting stuck,
and it was causing a lot of the flooding. Are there any plans to fix that situation?
MR. SIMEON: As far as our facilities' structures,we maintain those. As far as
what happened above those, where it belongs to private property
CHR. CHUNG: No, this is on the County road. And I think, you know, it's
really a small culvert. I don't think it's going to cost too much to really improve
it or to fix it because it's not a big stretch of road. But maybe you guys should
look into that.
MR. SIMEON: We'll look into that.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, `cause my non-professional eyes just looked at it and said,
"This is not good." It's not good.
MR. SIMEON: My understanding is that if the levee didn't breach, then they
shouldn't have, in that small culvert
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, it should be no problem.
MR. SIMEON: Shouldn't have experienced that much water.
CHR. CHUNG: Well, anyway, take a look at it, but thank you. Any further
discussion? Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: I just want to say thank you for all your work, and I know
that this will be a priority like many of the bridges and roads that you're having to
deal with because of Hurricane Lane. We know how many closures, I mean,
we're looking at one way in, one way out in Laupahoehoe, and you have a
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
$10 million low-water crossing there. And you have a low-water crossing near
Papaloa up on the top that took two lives already in a matter of years, but not in
the recent Hurricane Lane.
But we're looking at the dangers all around our island. So, I appreciate your
efforts in prioritizing saving lives. When it comes to the health and safety of our
community, it's putting that at the top of the priority. I've seen you do it. We've
gone out to some community meetings where one bridge in my community is
failing, and we don't know when it's going to collapse and we're just trying to
work fast enough to get another route so we can do the fix on that bridge. So, I
know the work that you guys are having to go through.
I tell my community all the time. I just told them this two days ago, that I voted
to increase the GET (General Excise Tax) because I know the amount of
roadwork, not only from the damages from Hurricane Lane, but the amount of
roadwork and maintenance that is desperately needed on our County roads. So, I
want to make sure those monies stay for our County roads and not go to our State
roads. But thank you. I just want to say thank you for your attention and detail to
all of these communities who are struggling with the health and safety there.
Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Before I call on Ms. David, I'm glad Ms. Poindexter brought that
up because today we're only focusing on Pi`ihonua, but there are other areas of
the island that were impacted severely and are at risk going forward. So, thank
you. Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Director and Mr. Simeon,
Deputy. Because this was requested as a waiver, and it's critical that you folks
get these monies started and I appreciate the fact that the association, the
Pi`ihonua Association, came out today and testified. Thank you for your stories
because, other than that, we would not know how bad and desperate your
situation was.
Timewise, the request to expedite the receipt of funds, what is the timeline once
you get the funding before you can actually start construction? When are those
funds expected to be received from the USDA (United States Department of
Agriculture), Federal grants, yes? I'm sorry?
MR. YAMAMOTO: There's a reimbursement process where the County actually
would pay the contractor and turn around and submit the invoice to NRCS for
reimbursement of its share.
MS. DAVID: So, right now we're able to start it, like, right away since it's going
to be a reimbursement?
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MR. YAMAMOTO: We have already started the design and stuff As soon as
we complete it, then we can bid out the project. But we would need the funds in
place to be able to award the contract.
MS. DAVID: The design is finished and now
MR. YAMAMOTO: Not quite. We're in the process of
MS. DAVID: Not quite?
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yeah.
MS. DAVID: Okay. Because, then, the bid process is another couple of months,
a month or so?
MR. YAMAMOTO: It's about a month, and then maybe another month to
execute the contract.
MS. DAVID: Okay, great. And I know you folks are working as fast as you can,
but there are processes that you have to follow. So, I really appreciate just the
information about this one project and this timeline.
MR. YAMAMOTO: So,prior to bidding out the project, usually we are required
to have the funding in place to be able to
MS. DAVID: At least move forward, right?
MR. YAMAMOTO: Yeah.
MS. DAVID: Yes, okay, thank you. I appreciate that. Mahalo, I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, thank you. Anyone else? Mr. Richards. Oh, I'm sorry.
Karen, I'm sorry. Go ahead, Ms. Eoff I'm sorry.
MS. EOFF: I just quickly wanted to acknowledge the work within the
Department of Public Works to go after the USDA grant funds for this project and
other projects because these reimbursements to the County is so significantly
helpful because we have to do a lot of these repairs. But thank you for exploring
the grants and being successful.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Do you have a list of all
the projects that you guys are submitting for? Can you generate ?
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MR. SIMEON: Yeah, we can generate the list for you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And because it pertains to every district, can
you please send that to everybody on the Council so we can all see these projects
so we know what's coming up so we can kind of be prepared mentally for that?
MR. SIMEON: Yeah.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you. And thank you very much for
your hard work on this.
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Thanks, David. Thanks, Allan. The
design portion, it's not too common in Hawaii when you talk about levees `cause
that's not usually our geography here. Is that—Army Corps of Engineers, are
they involved in any of this? `Cause they usually are the ones that deal with a lot
of this stuff.
MR. SIMEON: No. It's NRCS; that's in building.
MR. RICHARDS: NRCS, okay.
MR. SIMEON: We have the Army Corps and the Wailoa bridge by
Kapiolani School. They're helping us on that project.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, but NRCS is doing the design work?
MR. SIMEON: We're doing the design work. They're providing 75 percent of
the funding.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. All right, thanks. I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: All right. Any one else? And thank you very much, you guys,
and to the community members who came up. I've been around Hilo a long time.
Some of you guys weren't around during the `70s, but this Hurricane Lane was
probably the worst that I've seen since the `70s. That `70s flood is what
necessitated the improvements at Alenaio Stream. I saw houses coming down
that stream. It was really bad. But thank you again.
Conrad gave credit to a lot of people who were involved during the time of the
flooding. But I just wanted to share that, you know, he talked about
Neil Azevedo. He was all over the place. But you know who was also with him?
It was Human Resources Director Bill Brilhante. I just wanted to mention his
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
name, too, because he was with Neil every step of the way, all over Hilo and other
parts of East Hawaii. All right, we have a motion on the floor. All those in
favor, signify by saying "aye."
Vote on Bill 54: The motion to pass Bill 54 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Richards, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Villegas — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, thank you. And thank you, all of you. Mr. Clerk, can we
take three more items out of order? They would be Bill 32, Bills 23 and 33.
Bill 32: AMENDS SECTION 25-8-3 (NORTH KONA ZONE MAP) ARTICLE 8,
CHAPTER 25 (ZONING) OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY CHANGING THE DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL - FIVE ACRES (A-5a) TO
FAMILY AGRICULTURAL - ONE ACRE (FA-la) AT `O`OMA, 1sT
NORTH KONA, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP KEY: 7-3-005:112
(Applicant: Martin M. Ohan Trust) (Area: 5.966 acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this change of zone, which would allow the applicant to apply to subdivide the
property into five parcels. The applicant intends to extend Lalei Place through the
subject property and connect to Hane Street, and also intends to keep one or two
lots for family purposes and sell the remaining lots.
Reference: Comm. 120
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Approve: PC-16
Vote on Bill 32: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 32 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Planning Committee Report No. 16. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Let's go on to Bill 23, Draft 2.
Bill 23: AMENDS: (1) ORDINANCE NO. 09-049, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE
(Draft 2) NO. 95-118, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 92-036, WHICH
RECLASSIFIED LANDS FROM UNPLANNED (U) AND DOUBLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL—3,750 SQUARE FEET (RD-3.75) TO MULTIPLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL—2,500 SQUARE FEET (RM-2.5) AND VILLAGE
COMMERCIAL 7,500 SQUARE FEET (CV-7.5), RESPECTIVELY, AT
HIENALOLI 4TH AND 5TH, NORTH KONA, HAWAII, TAX
MAP KEY: 7-5-010: PORTION OF 013 (FORMERLY 7-5-023:063); AND
(2) ORDINANCE NO. 09-050, WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 06-138,
WHICH AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 90-010, WHICH AMENDED
ORDINANCE NO. 86-049, WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS FROM
MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL—2,000 SQUARE FEET (RM-2) TO
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL—7,500 SQUARE FEET (CV-7.5) AT
HIENALOLI 5TH AND 6TH, NORTH KONA, HAWAII, TAX MAP
KEY: 7-5-010: PORTION OF 013 (FORMERLY 7-5-023:064 AND 067)
(Applicant: T & M Properties, LLC (formerly Samson, LLC) (Area: approx.
6.467 Acres)
The Leeward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation to
this amendment to change of zone Ordinances 09-49 and 09-50, to consolidate
these ordinances with one ordinance with a single set of conditions of approval.
The applicant is requesting a five-year time extension to Condition C (Complete
Construction), and to amend Conditions D (Dedicate Road Widening Strip), and
N (Fair Share Contribution). This amendment would allow the applicant to
develop a 104-unit senior independent living community. The property is located
along the north and east side of Hualalai Road, northwest of the Aloha Kona
Subdivision.
Reference: Comm. 92.3
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
Postponed: March 13, 2019
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 23, Draft 2, on second
and final reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion? Yes, Ms. Eoff
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I know we've been moving this through and
I'm going to support it today, but I just wanted to acknowledge Mr. Van Pernis
and his comments throughout this exercise. We were able to memorialize some
of the intentions from the Planning Commission's recommendations into the
conditions now in Bill 23, as well as make sure that in the future a time extension
would need to come back to the Planning Commission and the Council rather than
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
any more administrative approvals. But it also helped further the conversation,
not just this bill but there's several others coming forward requesting time
extensions for very old rezonings.
And although a time extension itself does provide a relook at conditions and a
revision to outdated conditions, there is an opportunity now, through discussions
at the Planning Commission, both Leeward and Windward, to take a harder look
at what exactly time extensions are, what we can do to improve this process, and
make sure that zonings are still appropriate as designated in the ordinance.
But this particular one, I am hoping that we do see a senior living facility built on
this parcel. I think the zoning is still appropriate. And although, as Mr. Van
Perms represented today, nothing has been done there for many years. And we
are not in the business of just approving things for the benefit of the landowners,
but we do also have to look out for our communities. And I'm hoping that,
through the conditions placed in this ordinance, that is what we're doing here.
I know that doesn't make Mr. Van Pernis satisfied, but I think, as we move
forward with other applications for time extensions, we're going to see some
more appropriate outcomes as far as time extensions and conditions on zoning
applications. So, I want to thank him for his participation and diligence. That's
all I wanted to say.
CHR. CHUNG: Any further discussion? There being none, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Bill 23: The motion to pass Bill 23, Draft 2, on second and final
Draft 2 reading was carried by the following voice vote:
(Adopted)
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Bill 33.
Bill 33: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 06-107, WHICH RECLASSIFIED LANDS
FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL— 10,000 SQUARE FEET (RS-10)
TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL—20,000 SQUARE FEET (CN-20) AT
WAIAKEA, SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, COVERED BY TAX MAP
KEY: 2-2-034:012
(Applicant: Makalika 521, LLC) (Area: 20,000 Square Feet)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
The Windward Planning Commission forwards its favorable recommendation for
this amendment, which would allow five-year time extensions to Condition B
(Time to Complete Conversion), Condition D (Future Road Widening), and
Condition E (Off-site Infrastructure Improvements). The extension would allow
the applicant to construct a new commercial structure intended for office and
small retail types of uses. The property is located at 680 Manono Street, along the
west side of Manono Street, midway between Kekuanao`a Street and
Hualani Street.
Reference: Comm. 134
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Vote on Bill 33: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 33 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Mr. Clerk, there's a request to, well, we're very
close to the beginning anyway. Resolution 93-19.
Res. 93-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII, BY ITS DIRECTOR OF
TRANSPORTATION, FOR THE COOPERATION AND PROVISION OF
ASSISTANCE FOR VARIOUS ROAD AND/OR ROAD RELATED PROJECTS
ON OR FOR STATE OR COUNTY HIGHWAYS, PURSUANT TO HAWAII
REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7
The agreement would provide for sharing of services, equipment, and materials,
and the potential for the sharing of certain costs, reimbursements, and other forms
of remuneration, subject to a limitation of$2 million in total value of assistance
provided by either party for a particular project.
Reference: Comm. 160
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: PWMTC-5
Relinquish Chair: ACTING CHR. EOFF: Let the record show I've assumed the chair for
Chair Chung.
Page 16
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 93-19 and Public Works
and Mass Transit Committee Report No. 5. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: No, I don't have any comments other than thanking both Public
Works and the Department of Transportation for being here. I think this is a great
model on how we can work collaboratively together and use different synergies to
accelerate the money and, in addition, deliver better roads to our island. Thank
you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Are there any other comments? Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Earlier I stated, "Don't use our money for State roads," and
Donald Smith is sitting right next to me and then I turn and I go, "Sorry," and I
blow him a kiss. But I just want to say that we work together, County and State,
on some projects throughout Hamakua. So, I appreciate that.
So, this here is exactly what is needed, an official agreement. So, I just thank
both of you for all of your networking and working together and continuing to
work together. So, thank you. And I also apologize to say I'm not trying to be
greedy, but you know.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Any other comments,
Council Members? Seeing none, then, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Res. 93-19: The motion to adopt Res. 93-19 and Public Works and
(Adopted) Mass Transit Committee Report No. 5 was 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Are we just going in order now or was there another
request? Was there another request for taking something out of order? Okay,
let's take Bill 52, Mr. Clerk, `Bills for First Reading."
Page 17
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 52: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Adds the Environmental Management Kealakehe Scrap Metal Yard Remediation
—State Revolving Fund project for $4 million to the Capital Budget. Funds for
this project shall be provided from State Revolving Funds (SRF). Funds would
be used to complete removal of debris to meet Department of Health
requirements.
Reference: Comm. 203
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 52 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, I don't believe I have any questions. Unless the Council
Members have questions, Director Kucharski is here. Otherwise, I ask for your
support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, any questions or comments, Council Members?
Seeing none, all in favor please say "aye."
Vote on Bill 52: The motion to pass Bill 52 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: And what was the other one? Oh, the next one, Bill 53.
Page 18
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 53: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 16-29, WHICH AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR
TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR A
STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR
SOLID WASTE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; AND AUTHORIZES
THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE COUNTY
OF HAWAII FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING QUALIFIED SOLID
WASTE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
Increases the original bond issuance from $6 million to $10 million for the
Kealakehe Scrap Metal Yard Remediation project.
Reference: Comm. 204
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 47-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Eoff relinquished the chair to
Chair Chung.
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 53 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion?
MS. DAVID: None for me. I just ask for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, there being none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 53: The motion to pass Bill 53 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
MS. DAVID: All right.
CHR. CHUNG: Bill 43.
Page 19
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 43: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 17-48, WHICH AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR
TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR A
STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR
SOLID WASTE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND AUTHORIZED THE
ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FINANCING THE SOUTH HILO SANITARY LANDFILL FINAL CLOSURE
PROJECT
Increases the original bond issuance from $20 million to $24 million.
Reference: Comm. 170
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 47-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 43 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion? We have Mr. Kucharski. I think we might also
want to ask some questions of Deanna. Anyone? Nobody? I have a question of
Deanna, then. Come.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
CHR. CHUNG: Deanna, yesterday Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder was asking you
some questions about our bond capacity and stuff How does this affect it?
MS. SAKO: It does affect it. But as we've said before, this is a much lower
interest loan. So, the SRF (State Revolving Fund) loans are at, like, half percent.
Some are at a quarter percent, which is why we try to utilize that as much as
possible. So, we do track that as part of our total percentage so it's still within
that. And you previously approved the 20 million, so this is just the additional
four. I didn't calculate the new percentages, but I'll include them in the next one.
CHR. CHUNG: But were the other amounts included ?
MS. SAKO: The 20 million was already included, yeah.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. So, we're only talking about the additional amount.
MS. SAKO: The additional four.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, okay. So, kind of minimal.
Page 20
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MS. SAKO: Minimal, right.
CHR. CHUNG: All right, very good. All right, thank you. Anyone else? Okay,
there being no further discussion, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 43: The motion to pass Bill 43 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Joe, this Resolution 20-19, you're ready with
that? Okay, let's take it up, then. Oh, Glenn, what are you here for? 118? Why
don't we take that up, then? Resolution 118.
Res. 118-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, PURSUANT TO HAWAII REVISED STATUTES
SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAII COUNTY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Funds in the amount of$60,000 would be used to subsidize the cost of pesticides
used to combat the coffee berry borer.
Reference: Comm. 207
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 118-19. Seconded by
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion?
MS. DAVID: Mr. Sako is here in case we have questions. But this is a very
important subject matter, the coffee berry borer. So, I ask for your support. It's
self-explanatory.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, I think we all know how important that is. So, okay, no
further discussion, all those in favor say "aye."
Page 21
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Res. 118-19: The motion to adopt Res. 118-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Hey, you know what? Why don't we take up
those Puna bills first?
MS. DAVID: Do you want to take the companion?
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, yeah, sorry. We have to take up Resolution, I mean, Bill 56.
Bill 56: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy
Program account ($60,000); and appropriates the same to the Coffee Berry Borer
Pesticide Subsidy Program account. Funds would be used to subsidize the cost of
pesticides used to combat the coffee berry borer.
Reference: Comm. 207
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Vote on Bill 56: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 56 on first reading.
(Approved) Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Richards — 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. So, Ms. Kierkiewicz, which one do you want to
take up first?
Page 22
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, I've actually asked Public Works to come back so
that they can answer some questions related to some of the bills. So, as soon as
they get back, could we take it out of order then?
CHR. CHUNG: All right.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Why don't we skip Resolution 20-19 for now, and let's just
move down as quickly as we can. Resolution 100-19.
Res. 100-19: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR LEASE
FOR ONE MULTI-FUNCTION COPY MACHINE FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF MASS TRANSIT
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with an
approximate monthly cost of$200.
Reference: Comm. 167
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-22
Vote on Res. 100-19: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 100-19 and Finance
(Adopted) Committee Report No. 22. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter
and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 23
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 104-19: 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
HOLUALOA FOUNDATION FOR ARTS AND CULTURE TO SUPPORT ITS
EXHIBITION PROGRAM
Transfers $2,500 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Hawaii County Resource Center account.
Reference: Comm. 182
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 104-19. Seconded by
Ms. Poindexter.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion?
MS. VILLEGAS: I just would—if I could, Chair?
CHR. CHUNG: Yes, Ms. Villegas. I'm sorry. Go ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: No worries. I just want to say thank you to Maja for showing
up this morning and sharing about a lot of the work that happens at Donkey Mill
Art Center. It's an amazing place where people of all ages and ethnicities and
inspirations get together and create amazing works of art. And this program that
they have with the exhibitions really allows for an opportunity for community to
gather and to take note and have reverence for that art and support one another in
that capacity. So, I just ask for your support on this. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Anyone else? There being none, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 104-19: The motion to adopt Res. 104-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung–8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder– 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 24
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 105-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KEALAKEHE
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD FOR EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS
2019 KEALAKEHE PROJECT GRAD EVENT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 183
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 105-19. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion? Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha. Once again, thank you to all of the staff and the people,
I mean, the volunteers that work so hard at Project Grad. My daughter was a
participant last year and had a phenomenal time. We lost a lot of young people
when I was attending Konawaena before Project Grad, and I really believe that
this program has reduced the number of fatalities and accidents and incidents. It
also is a really awesome evening into the wee hours of the morning for all the
different businesses in Kona that get together and donate their time and their
services or their resources or their equipment. And so, it's really cool to see so
many different people come out and participate with our young people who are
celebrating a transition into a new chapter of their lives. So, I thank you for your
support on this.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, any other discussion? There being none, all those in favor
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 105-19: The motion to adopt Res. 105-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 25
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 106-19: 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
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS FOR ITS HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Fire Prevention
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 184
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 106-19.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just ask the Council for its favorable, for
this resolution.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. There being no further discussion, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 106-19: The motion to adopt Res. 106-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 26
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 107-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
D.A.R.E. HAWAII FOR ITS 2019 D.A.R.E. DAY CELEBRATION IN
WEST HAWAII
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. 185
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 107-19. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion? Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I just want to thank the officer for showing up this morning in
Kona and testifying and for the hard work that's being done to encourage our
young people to dare to say no.
CHR. CHUNG: All right.
MS. VILLEGAS: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. There being no further discussion, all those in favor
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 107-19: The motion to adopt Res. 107-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 27
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 108-19: 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-HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR
THE 2019 HONOKA`A WESTERN WEEK FESTIVAL
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 186
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 108-19. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: It's pretty self-explanatory if you have any questions. I just
ask for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. There being no further discussion, all those in favor
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 108-19: The motion to adopt Res. 108-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 109-19: 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
HAMAKUA YOUTH FOUNDATION, INC., FOR THE HONOKA`A HIGH
SCHOOL 130 YEARS CELEBRATION
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 187
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 109-19. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, again it's self-explanatory if you have any questions.
I just ask for your support. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: All right, thank you. No further discussion, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 109-19: The motion to adopt Res. 109-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Page 29
Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 110-19: 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 PAHOA
SCHOOLS SUPPORT FOUNDATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES INCURRED AT ITS SECOND ANNUAL PAHOA COMPLEX
SCHOOLS HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 188
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 110-19. Seconded
by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. I just ask my colleagues for their
support. The second annual health and wellness fair was a great success. It
featured a color run and exhibits throughout the Pahoa Complex school campus.
Many families from Puna and the community at large showed up and learned how
to better integrate healthy practices and wellbeing measures into their lives. So, I
just ask for your support. Thank you, I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. There being no further discussion, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
Vote on Res. 110-19: The motion to adopt Res. 110-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 111-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO BASIC
IMAGE, INC., FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH
THE "UNKO BOOGIE'S"POHO`IKI BAY SURFING CLASSIC
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 189
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 111-19. Seconded
by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. As you know, because of last year's
lava eruption the landscape of Puna has changed, including that of the beloved
Poho`iki, which is a surf spot and beach park that I often took my family to. And
so, it was really amazing to see the hard work that Parks and Rec. and the Kalama
`ohana and many volunteers throughout Puna put in to setup what I felt was really
a word class event. It was really beautifully well done and executed. So, it's nice
to be able to support this kind of event that was part of the healing process for our
community but also, I think, helped to celebrate just the beauty that is still there in
Puna. I ask for your support. I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. No further discussion, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 111-19: The motion to adopt Res. 111-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 112-19: 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 PAHOA
SCHOOLS SUPPORT FOUNDATION TO ASSIST WITH PAHOA
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S FIELD TRIPS
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 190
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 112-19. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I think one of the planets is in retrograde because my
numbers game is off a little bit today. I apologize for that. This project in
particular is very special to me. I met with one of the constituents in the area,
Nick Francisco, who lost his home during the eruption. He resided in
Leilani Estates, and he's relocating. It was just a check-in, and I knew that he was
a teacher through Kamehameha Schools at Pahoa Elementary. And I said, "Hey,
we've got some contingency money. Are there any projects that you feel would
be really beneficial to your keiki?"
And so, we came up with an idea of a couple of field trips for fourth- and fifth-
grade students. And I'm happy to report that the fourth graders were able to visit
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a couple of days ago, and they were all dressed
up in traditional Hawaiian outfits over their uniforms. And it was really special
for them because, as you know, the keiki of Puna have really lived through a very
traumatic event. And so, there's a lot of fear in not knowing why. And so, that
field trip in particular was very helpful to help them kind of process and
understand mother nature at work and how we, as individuals, are just chapters in
this longer story.
Yesterday, fifth graders went to the Kohala Center's Honoka`a community farm.
That was very important to them because this class at Pahoa has created a lo`i.
There is a taro patch where they are able to cultivate these Hawaiian foods. So, it
was a really wonderful cultural educational experience for them. And so, I'm just
asking my colleagues for their support. And these field trips were very special to
the kids who otherwise wouldn't have these kinds of experiences. I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, anyone else? There being no further discussion, all those
in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Res. 112-19: The motion to adopt Res. 112-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 113-19: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO SELF
DISCOVERY THROUGH ART FOR ITS "RECOVERY, RESILIENCE,
RECREATION MODEL OF WELLNESS"PROGRAM
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 4); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 191
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Res. 113-19. Seconded
by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion? Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I just want to share we're making it rain today, Council
District 4. One of my constituents, Kevin Kushel, met me at the Pahoa office and
said, "I need to tell you about this amazing program that has really done wonders
for myself and my mother." It's a self-discovery-through-art program. It's a
12-week series where individuals do various art projects, and they focus on
processing just the various emotions that have resulted because of the lava
eruption. So, I'm very happy to be able to support this program, and I'm a fan of
the arts having dabbled in it myself. So, I just ask my colleagues for their support
on this measure.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, any further discussion? There being none, all those in
favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Res. 113-19: The motion to adopt Res. 113-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 114-19: 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
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES
RELATED TO THE HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Hawaii Fire Department, Fire Prevention
Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 192
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 114-19. Seconded by
Ms. David.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion? Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: I'm just asking for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: All right. There being no further discussion, all those in favor
say "aye."
Vote on Res. 114-19: The motion to adopt Res. 114-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 116-19: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF A YAMAHA
GOLF CART TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Donated by Marylou Greisser with a value of$3,000, for use at
Kamehameha Park.
Reference: Comm. 202
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 116-19. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, thank you. I just ask for your support, and I really would like
to thank Ms. Greisser for this donation and mahalo.
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Richards, this is in your district I know.
MR. RICHARDS: Yes,just echoing that. Kamehameha Park has been making
great strides in upgrading a lot of the facilities there, and this is just one more
thing to help move the needle forward. So, thank you very much.
CHR. CHUNG: Does anyone know anything about this Marylou Greisser?
MR. RICHARDS: I do not.
CHR. CHUNG: It's very nice of her, though.
MR. RICHARDS: I'm going to reach out to her, that's for sure.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. No further discussion, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 116-19: The motion to adopt Res. 116-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. We're going to skip over 119. I know that's
something very dear to Mr. Richards, but let's go on to the Puna matters.
Ms. Kierkiewicz, which one do you want us to take first? The 20 million or the
40 million matter?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, why don't we start with the 20 million? We'll just
go in order, Bill 36.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, Bill 36.
Bill 36: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-68, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019
Appropriates revenues in the State Grants —Lava Disaster Assistance—State
account ($20,000,000); and appropriates the same to the Lava Disaster
Assistance—State account. Funds would be used to provide relief, recovery,
mitigation, and remediation assistance for damage, losses, and suffering caused
by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Reference: Comm. 153
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
First Reading: March 13, 2019
Postponed: March 28, 2019
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Kierkiewicz, seconded by Mr. Richards, to
approve Bill 36.)
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I may?
CHR. CHUNG: Yes, please.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. We had a very robust discussion yesterday,
and thank you, Council Member Richards, for creating that space where we could
talk about fiscal oversight and the importance of
CHR. CHUNG: Do we have a motion?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: It's on the floor.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, okay. All right, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you. So, thank you for creating that space, Council
Member Richards, where we could talk about the importance of being
accountable as a County to our community as well as to the State Legislature.
`Cause, our County really is creating the framework for how we handle disasters
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
and the expenditures of these very important funds. With that said, I would like
to defer the vote on this bill to our Council meeting in Kona on April 241h. I think
it's important that we articulate a very clear process for how we are going to be
working in partnership with the Administration to spend monies. Our discussion
yesterday articulated that process. And so, I want to formalize it in writing and
introduce it as an amendment to the bill at our Kona meeting.
CHR. CHUNG: All right. Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: Chair, yeah, before we defer it or postpone it, can I just
make a statement?
CHR. CHUNG: Sure.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. I sat here and listened to testimony, and it was hard
for me to sit here and listen to testifiers from Puna `cause I know the struggle.
We all—in fact, all of us, my colleagues, we all have struggles in our own
communities as well. And so, to hear them say things like, "Your Council
Members, don't throw them under the bus," "political government,"blah, blah,
blah. Our colleagues that our Council Chair assigned to go and help to advocate
to get the money here worked very hard to do it. All I ask is, like the community
of Hawaii Island, whenever we're in some type of devastationI speak from
experience at Hamakua Sugar as well. We didn't go bashing our political leaders
because we needed them to work alongside of us. What we did is we stood
together. United we stand, divided we fall.
And our Council, the same here. We may not agree on everything. We'll agree
to disagree, but we're one body. United we stand for our people, and we ask that
the community stand together and show our leaders and our officials and just
everybody else that's looking in on us, that we're working together as one `ohana.
We pride ourselves of`ohana, yeah. So, all I askI know that some people got
misinformation.
All I'm saying—and I know I don't see anybody in the Pahoa office that had
come and testified; and I hope they watch this as Na Leo puts it out if you get
secondhand information and you get upset with that, call my colleagues that have
worked so hard on this to get clarification and understanding of the process and
the laws that we have to follow. There's some things we cannot break. We
would love to. I'd love to break a lot of laws to get things done in my
community, but I cannot. I have to follow a process.
But all I ask is communities, people out there, instead of coming and bashing us,
come and get clarification on why things are happening this way. And a lot of
times you'll call and maybe there's something that, there was a puka or something
falling through the cracks that we can help manage, right? But we don't know
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
until you come to us. Right? But then, when you come to us and bash us in
public and we cannot dialogue at that same moment, it's very difficult `cause
people out there. We're creating a forest fire, right? Now, we've got to go put
out the fires and calm people down.
So, all I ask is call the people, you know, Council Member Lee Loy,
Ashley Kierkiewitch I'm talking Kierkiewitch; I'm sounding like Mikela trying
to pronounce your name. And even Tim Richards who have been up there. You
all know who has been sent up there. No sense sending all of us, right? Going
cost our County too much money if all of us are going. We had assigned people
going to help. You all know who they are. Contact them and work together. We
are family on this island.
We only survived during the sugar days—no more money, poor, we lived off the
land, did everything. Why? Because we had each other. So, the people who
moved to this island and are not familiar with our culture, go familiarize yourself
because that's how we made it through the tough times is together. So, please, all
I ask is let's work together. And we're here to help. Okay, thank you very much.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you for saying that, Ms. Poindexter. Deanna, can you
come up? Ms. David has a question.
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Director Sako. And it's a really
short question given the fact that I believe Ms. Kierkiewicz is going to ask that we
postpone. Timewise, are there any issues that we'll be looking forward if we
postpone this to the Kona meeting?
MS. SAKO: On Bill 36, we're fine with that.
MS. DAVID: Okay.
MS. SAKO: We can live with that, yeah.
MS. DAVID: Okay, perfect. That's all I needed to ask. Mahalo.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. And before you make your motion,
Ms. Kierkiewicz, and thank you, Deanna, I just wanted to follow up on something
that Ms. Poindexter was talking about. We had a testifier earlier, Nancy Seifers,
right, from Pahoa. And she's always so positive, always just really a—you can
just see the good in her coming out, right? But she's getting kind of frustrated.
You could tell, right, from her comments. And I just wanted to let her know that
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
we share those frustrations and we're all trying to work together in getting this
thing, but there are a lot of systemic constraints that we have to, as a government,
face.
But as Ms. Poindexter stated, we're here to answer any questions and try to clear
up any miscommunication or misconceptions that may exist. We stand at the
ready to be able to talk to anyone. I've invited Kathy Emery to give me a call.
I'd be willing to meet with her and her group. I know there's a lot of
apprehension, miscommunications going around. But we share the frustration as
well. Okay.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: But, Chair, I had a few more things that I wanted to add.
CHR. CHUNG: Sure, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Because, Bill 36 is very important. It's $20 million. It's a
subsidy. I see that as a gift on a silver platter from the State. No strings attached.
And like I said yesterday, the FEMA contract that we had, $1.7 million for case
management, that is so restrictive that we're having to hire three people
temporarily to manage $1.7 million.
So, the fact that we don't have strings attached to this 20 million, I want to make
sure that we are creating an expenditure plan in partnership with the
Administration that's driven by what the community wants and needs, and that we
have this plan in place and a very clear process and procedure for how we are
going to spend the money and make sure that we are keeping ourselves
accountable and meeting those goals and expectations.
There was an assertion earlier about the Council being limited in its ability to take
things home and work with the Administration. And I'd like to counter that by
just saying, "Bill 12, Exhibit A." It was very easy for myself and Council
Member Lee Loy to work in partnership with the Administration to amend that
bill so that we could provide relief to constituents. Not everybody can do that.
But Ms. Lee Loy and I could because we have good working relationships
throughout the County. I just have to press upon that for a little bit because I was
sick in bed last month, 104 fever, texting constituents. I'm very available to my
constituents. I may not respond immediately; sometimes I'm sick. But, hey, I do
make an effort to respond back. I'm very available.
And Susan Kim, who is here today and one of the principal folks behind I Mua
Lower Puna, I feel we have a good working relationship and I've definitely been
giving her as much information that I have so that she is equipped to make good
decisions and share that with her network. But I feel that the Administration and
individuals within the County bent over backwards to accommodate the request of
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
constituents to get $12,000 to do some additional roadwork through that really
wonderful road that PGV(Puna Geothermal Venture) and Lono Lyman were able
to make happen for residents in that kipuka.
I'm sorry, but there are forms. We've got to fill out forms. Thankfully, and thank
you, Director Ley, for being here today. You are providing us with a vehicle to
do just that. And you've also assigned staff to basically hold the hands of our
constituents to walls them through the paperwork. And I've been assured that this
is going to be expedited. I showed up. I did my part. This is a partnership
between government and community, and we all have to play our role.
So, I just ask if there are individuals within the kipuka that need some help, there
is a designated person within R&D (Department of Research and Development)
or call me. I will have my staff sit down and help you fill out the paperwork. But
I just have to say I'm very glad that these individuals are now able to go home.
And that's thanks to a lot of work from PGV and Lono Lyman and even working
with Public Works to make that happen.
So, again, Chair, if we could just defer this measure to the Kona meeting, that
way we'll have a clear process in place for how we're going to be spending those
funds.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to postpone Bill 36 to April 24,
Postpone: 2019. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the
(Approved) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. This matter is postponed.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 37: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Adds the General Government, Island-wide 2018 Lava Flow Project Assistance–
State Loan project for $40 million to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project
shall be provided from State Loan Receivable. Funds would be used to provide
relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation assistance for damage, losses, and
suffering caused by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Reference: Comm. 154
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
First Reading: March 13, 2019
Postponed: March 28, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Kierkiewicz, seconded by Mr. Richards, to
approve Bill 37.)
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I may?
CHR. CHUNG: Yes, please.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I would like to move forward and adopt Bill 37 today, and
I've asked Director Sako to come and address the Council. It's really critical that
these funds be available because it's not just about the roads and the
infrastructure. There are critical pieces such as the radio tower, that's my
understanding, that will help to provide health and safety for residents of the area
because the fact of the matter is that Poho`iki is now open and folks are going
there, and individuals are allowed access back into their homes. There are just
more individuals in the area, and we want to make sure that they're safe and that
our first responders are able to communicate and be there when called upon. So,
Director Sako, could you just talk a little bit about how these monies will be used
to make sure that happens?
(Note: At this time, Finance Director Deanna Sako came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MS. SAKO: Yeah, so, you have approved various appropriations so far, many of
the FEMA and whatnot in the capital project fund. And these are to be the
matching funds, basically, for those projects—and not only FEMA, but also
Federal Highways. I think those are the two main ones that we're working with
on this particular disaster.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
But while there's a lot of big projects that I know you know we're still completing
studies, we're trying to determine if we do permanent or temporary and there's a
lot of work to be done, there's other projects that are moving forward, whether it's
fixing up the Pahoa gymnasium and the new park complex after it was used as a
shelter or whether it's getting the radio tower. And the tower itself may not be
built, but we need an alternative. So, Civil Defense is working hard to get that
whole radio system back up and operational to protect both our employees and the
citizens that go down there to enjoy the beach.
So, there are things that are moving forward. They may seem small, but there's
some critical pieces. And so, this funding will allow us to do the match for those
projects.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Director. I really appreciate you being here
and just expanding upon that. So, my colleagues, as you can see, these monies
are incredibly critical, and this is the $40 million loan from the Legislature and
it's to be used to match Federal funds. So, I'm hoping for everyone's support on
this measure.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, anyone else? Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Deanna, for being here. I just
want to expand a little bit on how we are trying to put all of these different pieces
together in a succinct way. And I will be supporting approving this measure. But
I also want to remind my colleagues that, in addition to this money, we also got a
reallocation of$2.5 million from the Legislature to help stimulate the economy
here. So, this multiprong, multilane approach is what is needed, and we are
working across all types of bandwidth to really stand the island back up.
I found this picture, which I just shared with the rest of my colleagues. It's rather
simple. It says, "Success, what people think." And they think it's just a straight
line. But what it really looks like is a bunch of squiggly lines all over the place,
but at some point, we move upward. And so, they've really begun to focus on
this that people think it's really simple and vertical movement is just seamless, but
it's not.
And as our Chair mentioned earlier, we stand at the ready to keep working hard,
keep our nose to the grind stone, and keep moving items forward. And I just
wanted to share that with my colleagues, that I think us, as an entire body, has
demonstrated a lot of unity. And I'm reflecting on what Kahu shared this
morning about serving our diverse communities. And I've said this before:
Community ends in unity.
And so, I really appreciate everyone here on the dais and for all the hard work that
each and every one of us has put in, but more importantly, the more recent
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
collaboration with the Administration and the focus that everybody has taken. So,
Deanna, thank you. Diane Ley, thank you. David Yamamoto, Public Works,
thank you so much for all of your hard work. I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you, again, for all of your hard work, you and Ashley and
everyone else who had a hand in this. I just wanted to make a comment, and
Ashley really articulated it well, that this 40 million is much different from the
$20 million which we just deferred taking action on. This is a loan. It's intended
to leverage Federal monies. Right? We're going to advance monies. You know
what? We're going to leverage a far greater amount of Federal funds, but we
need an upfront money. So, we have to move quickly.
I just wanted to make that explanation so that people, in case they're wondering
why are they moving without specification on the 40 but still holding up on the
20. The 20 is a blank check. So, we have to scrutinize that a little bit closer.
Okay, any further discussion? There being none, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 37: The motion to pass Bill 37 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Congratulations, all of you, and thank you for
your hard work. Let's see. Shall we go to the Waimea-Kohala? You want to do
that?
MS. LEE LOY: Public Works is here for Bill 46.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, Bill 46.
MS. LEE LOY: And (inaudible).
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, okay. We'll take Bill 46 up.
MS. LEE LOY: And then 38 and 39.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, 38 and 39. All right.
MS. LEE LOY: This is a squiggly line.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
CHR. CHUNG: Yes, but we shall achieve success.
MR. HENRICKS: Absolutely.
Bill 46: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Adds the Public Works Highway 132 Road Restoration project to the Capital
Budget: Federal Highway Administration ($40 million) and County
($10 million), for a total appropriation of$50 million. Funds for this project shall
be provided from Federal Grants Receivable ($40 million) and General
Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other Sources
($10 million). Funds would be used to restore 3.2 miles of road which is
inundated by lava, in order to provide property owner access and connectivity to
Highway 137.
Reference: Comm. 180
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 46 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Chair, if I could just call up Director and Deputy Director
of Public Works to talk story with the Council about where we are with
132 restoration. I know that, in our months of discussion, you've provided the
community with updates on all the various processes and permits and various
avenues you're having to navigate to move forward on this. And this
appropriation will help with that, but I'm just hoping, for the record, you can
provide us an update on where we are. I know that Director Yamamoto has stated
it would be great if we could get this road in by October 5h so that it could be
fully financed by the Federal government. So, the floor is yours.
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director David Yamamoto and Deputy
Director Allan Simeon came forward to address the members of the
Council, via videoconferencing from Hilo.)
MR. YAMAMOTO: Good morning, again. I'm David Yamamoto, Director of
Public Works. In as far as 132, we are currently completing the NEPA CAT-X
(Categorical Exclusion) application that is required for the Federal Highway aid,
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
part of this project. We've also submitted the NPDES (National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System)permit to the Department of Health, and they're in
review of the application.
We're also completing or in the process of completing the survey that is required
to design the roadway. And with that, we will establish the new profile that we
will have to have over the existing or the lava flow area. And we also are
preparing and getting a price-term agreement for equipment and operator rental.
So, as soon as we are completed with the design as well as the permits being
approved, we can start construction without having to go out to bid. We'll go
through this price term where we basically are playing the general contractor and
identifying the equipment we want and controlling the construction. And
hopefully we can get it all completed by October 4h where we will be eligible for
100 percent reimbursement from the Federal Highway.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Excellent, Director. It sounds like things are moving, and
that is exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm just wondering if you could also clear
up why can't we just take a bulldozer and just plow through and create a new
road? I mean, I think it would be helpful if we can explain to the Council and
community why, in that particular location, it's just not so easy.
MR. YAMAMOTO: Right. Well, we're also in the process of getting the right of
entries being that some of the work along the existing highway alignment will
require us to enter into the private properties to complete the work. So, we're in
that process. But we can't just start bulldozing being that there's a lot of Federal
and State laws that require us to get these permits prior to starting the work. And
that's always been the frustrating part of it, knowing that you, you know, what's
the big deal? But that's the requirement, and we're not here to break any laws to
get our work accomplished. So, it's like a really long—sometimes, it takes years
to get permits that are required to do the work that we do. For instance, there's
bridges and
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: In this situation, our State and Federal partners understand
just how critical and unprecedented this situation, this experience was for the
community. So, it seems to me that they are working in close partnership with
you folks. And I just want to thank you. I mean, this is one project on top of
hundreds that you're having to juggle for our entire island. So, thank you. Thank
you so much for your hard work and for being here today. It's much appreciated
by myself and the community.
MR. YAMAMOTO: I just wanted to clarify one thing regarding a comment that
was made by Eileen O'Hara. We are proceeding with constructing this temporary
road, but we do still have concern in that if the alternative study comes back and
says to use an alternative route or to not restore that highway, the County is then
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
faced with having to maintain a substandard road being that it's just going to be
gravel. Maintaining a gravel road with the amount of traffic that will potentially
be going on there is going to be a lot of work.
So, the County will be faced with basically, I think, right now, three options:
whether to close the road, whether to do the permanent restoration itself with
using its own funds to do this `cause there's not going to be any Federal
reimbursement for that part of the work, or continue maintaining a substandard
road. So, while we're proceeding ahead with the work to install a temporary road,
we are still concerned with the fact that we might be left with a temporary road.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Director, I appreciate you clearing things up for the record.
It's true there's been a lot of misinformation from the community, not by anybody
at the dais because we are clearly articulating everything in its entirety in terms of
what you've shared with us. So, thanks for calling things out and setting the
record straight. That's very helpful to all of us.
Since we're on the discussion of roads, Susan, you had mentioned 132, 137,
Poho`iki Lighthouse Road. These roads are projects that have been identified as
priorities in terms of Bill 10. That was introduced by myself earlier this year, and
that does provide monies for these roads from the Federal government. So, it is
on Public Works' radar just like 132 and many other projects. Thank you. I yield
the floor, Chair.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. And thank
you, Mr. Yamamoto, for really setting the record straight. I think all too often we
have a lot of conversations and they happened three weeks ago, but there's been
brand new information that comes forward while people are still parroting old
information, which makes some of the conversation a lot more challenging. So,
thank you very much.
But more importantly, taking on Public Works as the Committee Chair, I knew it
would be challenging because of the amount of permitting requirements and so
much of what Public Works does is incredibly complex. And I just, for the
record, want to thank you so much for really stepping up and looking at ways to
get over, under, around, or through complex situations. And what we've seen
right now is a demonstration of that with the restoration of Highway 132, the
price-term agreement.
We have a number of tools in our tool belt that we can find other solutions with.
And, Mr. Yamamoto, really, I am so pleased and cannot express enough gratitude
for your hard work and diligence. `Cause, this has been incredibly challenging
just from all sectors. So, with that, again thank you so much. Chair, I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
CHR. CHUNG: Anyone else? David communicates well, yeah, after all. Okay,
there being no further discussion, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 46: The motion to pass Bill 46 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Thanks, you guys, and thank you, everyone.
Okay, 38 and 39, go ahead.
Bill 38: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 1, OF THE HAWAII
(Draft 2) COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
SPEED LIMITS
Amends Section 24-257, Schedule 5 (35 mile per hour limit), Subsection (c),
South Hilo, by revising an existing listing for a portion of Kukuau Street.
Reference: Comm. 156.2
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Vote on Bill 38: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 38, Draft 2, on second and
Draft 2 final reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz and carried by
(Adopted) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 39: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 1, OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO
SPEED LIMITS
Amends Section 24-256, Schedule 4 (30 mile per hour limit), Subsection (c),
South Hilo, by adding a new listing for a portion of Kukuau Street.
Reference: Comm. 157
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Vote on Bill 39: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 39 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Mr. Richards and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Let us now go to Resolution 119-19.
Res. 119-19: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A
MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
The two-year agreement would allow for continued Essential Air Service at the
Waimea-Kohala Airport.
Reference: Comm. 208
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 119-19. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
MS. DAVID: I'd like to defer to Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Sure. Thank you. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. I think most of the Council Members
remember from last year my trying to sort through this problem. Long story
short, it's an Essential Air Service at the Waimea-Kohala Airport. And it is a
contract with the Federal government that funding must come out of the
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
community. It's a $400,000 contract where the community must come up with
5 percent or, roughly speaking, $20,000. We have funding in the budget this year
for that. Actually, we have funding for the next two years. And so, I'll be asking
for your support.
In the meantime, I am working with Senator Schatz's office to see if we can get
this thing re-designated while we go forward. The reason it's important to keep
this going is it literally takes an act of Congress to have this contract authorized.
So, if we were to lose it, we'd lose a lot for that community as a whole. And we
are seeing an increased use of that airport. So, I think the timing is very good.
I'll be asking for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, anyone else? I think we all saw that article in the
newspaper the other day, and I really wanted to congratulate Mr. Richards. I
know it's taken a lot of your time. You've absorbed yourself in this matter for the
better part of a year, I would think. And really, congratulations to you and the
community. Okay, we have a motion on the floor. All those in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Res. 119-19: The motion to adopt Res. 119-19 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—9.
Noes: None.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. What do you guys want to take up now? Let's
go to the top, Resolution 20-19.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Res. 20-19: AUTHORIZES THE EMPLOYMENT OF A PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO
REPRESENT THE COUNTY OF HAWAII IN LITIGATION AGAINST
OPIOID MANUFACTURERS WHO MAY BE LIABLE TO THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII FOR THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
The Office of the Corporation Counsel requests the Council's approval to hire
Napoli Shkolnik PLLC and its local counsel, the HI Accident Law Center, with
any and all compensation to be provided from potential settlement or award
amounts.
Reference: Comm. 12
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-15
Postponed: March 13 and 28, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership, pursuant to Section 6-5.5,
Hawaii County Charter
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. David, seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz, to approve
Res. 20-19.)
Relinquish Chair: ACTING CHR. EOFF: Ms. Davidoh, I'm sorry. Let me state that I've
assumed the chair.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. Mr. Kamelamela, thank you for being here, for
your patience. Would you like to give us a summary of this resolution?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KAMELAMELA: Good morning
MS. DAVID: Good morning.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Chair, members of the County Council. So far, we had
what I thought were two good robust discussions back on January 8 and
February 19 as to what we intend to do in this case. So, unless there's any
questions, I'm here to answer anything else, any other concerns that people might
have. Any questions?
MS. DAVID: Thank you. I have none, and thank you. Yes, we did have some
robust discussions, but I'll yield for now. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Council Members? Ms. Poindexter.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
MS. POINDEXTER: When this first came before us, I was kind of leaning
towards not supporting it. And then I turned to my right and I see a book here
that my colleague has about opioids, and I'm kind of like, you know, curious. So,
I'm kind of reading it, and then I did more research and I looked into the
pharmaceutical companies and their aggressive marking campaigns. They made
billions of dollars. Right? So, it was, like, profit over patient safety.
So, it's time for them to fork over some of those monies that they made billions
off of our people people who have lost their lives. I had a classmate who
committed suicide, and it was tied to opioid use. I know a lot of people who, you
know, that we've got to deal with these devastating effects of their aggressive
marketing campaigns. And they just, like I said, they need to fork some of that
money over so that we can start addressing this epidemic that they helped create.
So, we're all in this together. So, I say patient safety over the profits. So, thank
you.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Thank you for those comments.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Ms. Poindexter. Are there any other
comments? Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. If I missed something, forgive me.
There's a request for an Executive Session as it pertains to this conversation
and
ACTING CHR. EOFF: No.
MR. RICHARDS: It's not?
MR. KAMELAMELA: It's a different matter.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, all right. So, I've, with all due respect to my colleague
Ms. Poindexter, I am on the other side of this as I have yet—I've repeatedly asked
for information to be brought forth that would convince me otherwise. I don't
disagree there's an opioid epidemic. What I am concerned about is that we are
going for a deep pocket rather than actually the root of the problem. I said it
previously, in going after a manufacturer I think we're ignoring the bigger
problem.
And so, again, I will state my request that I'd like to see some credible
information that would convince me otherwise. Because, I think we're going
after the deep pockets because of the deep pockets rather than, necessarily, the
problem which is the end user. I have not been given any information to convince
me of that. So, I'm curious to hear what my colleagues will say. But like I said, I
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
have not seen any information as of yet. And doing an internet search, you can
find almost any answer we want on both sides of the argument there. That's not
the credible information. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Any other comments from
Council Members? Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Sure. Because I'm so new at this, perhaps I just don't have
it's not my assumption that somebody needs to bring me the information to
convince me. I guess I'm a little disappointed that Mr. Richards hasn't gotten
information, but I would love to encourage him to, if you just google it, there's
more information about this issue and the current lawsuits and all the different
facts associated with it, even so much as to now it's being indicated that certain
manufacturers of the family that owns the drug company not only marketed the
drugs with false pretenses and not indicating the true nature of the potential
demise that would come to people utilizing these pharmaceutical drugs, but also
that they are manufacturing the drugs to help quote, unquote "cure"it.
So, I guess in my mind, that just is a really big red flag that not only was it
intentional to provide something that what would do harm to people, but that it
was for the intention of making money and so much so that, then, they went to the
next step, which is to make money off of the cure.
So, I guess and in all due respect, Mr. Richards, I suppose I have a question
about—and I understand you're a doctor, but you work in a veterinary practice
so, my question would be, would it have been appropriate for a drug manufacturer
to present you with just how does thatI mean, it's not surprising to me that
you haven't had that experience because of the nature of your doctoring. I'm
sorry, I'm not sure if the nature of your medical practice is not necessarily as
directly related to pain medicine for humans.
In closing, it's been really interesting to me. This is a national topic. This is a
statewide topic. This is an island epidemic. We're seeing one of the largest
corruption cases in the State of Hawaii drawing right into, locally in Hilo, the
writing of opioid prescriptions. And I do want to also state that it's not for lack of
taking and acknowledging how the doctors have been involved and patients in
their own consumption—and all those other platforms have and are being
addressed—but this is taking it to the next level and holding accountable those
that created a poison and sold it as a magic pill. And the devastation socio-
economically on our communities is vast and far reaching.
And as we continually try and figure out how to house our homeless people with
dual diagnosis, whether or not that's mental health issues, some related to opioid
addiction or just drug addition and substance abuse addictions, it ties into some
accountability for corporate greed and the ability of corporations to not always
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
have to be held accountable because they're not they get the rights of a person
but they don't have to be held responsible necessarily. And I just firmly believe
that, in this situation, there's an opportunity for little to no risk for the County
with an opportunity for some reward. So, I believe that the rewards outweigh the
risks in participating in a lawsuit as such. So, thank you.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards, I think there was a question in that
testimony for you.
MR. RICHARDS: Yes, there was.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. And again, Ms. Villegas, I will politely but
emphatically disagree with you on a couple of areas. First of all, I do carry a
license to prescribe opioids. And I have so for the last 30-plus years. The
marketing has never—I've never seen it in the veterinary world. I've never seen
it in any veterinary discussion, first thing.
Second thing you touched on and you proved my point, that you said all I have to
do is do a Google search. I find it interestingly humorous that April 1st is the only
day people question the validity of things we read on the internet. I'm not saying
that there's not good information there. What I'm saying is it can be very jaded.
And so, a credible source would be a credible source. Google is not necessarily a
totally credible source.
Secondly, you touched on it and you proved my point for me. So, thank you. The
prescriber of the opioid is the end user, and that's where we need to focus. You
also made a comment that this medication is poison. It's not poison. It's
absolutely not poison. `Cause if that was the case, we should outlaw it completely
and have no pain mitigation. But that's not the right direction either. What we're
talking about is managing a crisis. And if there is culpability in manufacturing,
I'm all for it. I have yet to see credible information that makes me think
otherwise.
But I also believe that the end user—the prescriber, the one that carries the DEA
(Drug Enforcement Administration) license—is to be held accountable. You've
made the point. We have that going on in our State this very moment. And that is
accurate. That's what we need to do, is go after the end user. But either these
supplies are coming through an unscrupulous or illegal end user prescribing them
or they're coming through some other channel. If that channel is not addressed,
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
it's not the manufacturer because these are not poisons. Used inappropriately,
yes, they are poisonous. But to make a categorial statement is inaccurate. And
so, I emphatically disagree with you. Thank you, I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Richards. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, but
I think Ms. David had her light on first. It just went off So, you guys can decide.
Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: He very gentlemanly said, "Women first." So, thank you. I
appreciate the discussion from both Mr. Richards, from the professional aspect,
and also from the human perspective that Ms. Villegas has shared with us. And I
believe that both sides are, to me, accurate in what they believe in.
And because this is a class action lawsuit, I think some of the information that
Mr. Richards, in my mind, is trying to obtain in making his decision is the reason
why I believe a class action lawsuit to discuss this or to address this very serious
problem that we have. It touches everybody in this room. And from personal
experience, opioids—not my personal experience, but family—the destruction to
a human being that it does to address pain, I think people have no choice.
There's a very old epidemic of people that use the drugs not for pain but just for
the feeling that they have, abuse. But I think before we can even answer the
questions that Mr. Richards has, this lawsuit will determine whether it is a
manufacturer's responsibility or they are to blame for this epidemic of sorts. But
I think we have to start somewhere. And it's a 50-50 chance on a class action.
And if we win, they will win on legal determinations and then we'll find out. If
we don't win, it's not costing the County any money. But I really believe that if
we win, we will at least have an opportunity to address something that everyone
in this room has been touched by in one way or another. So, I am supporting this
for the mere reason that I think we need answers. And I hope we are successful.
So, I yield.
MR. KAMELAMELA: I just wanted to clarify one point. It's not only the
manufacturer but also the distribution chains that we also are looking at.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. And Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Joe clarified what I was about to say. Thank
you, Joe.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you. Ms. Poindexter.
MS. POINDEXTER: I just wanted to say that my research wasn't just on Google.
I spoke with healthcare providers in both medical facilities and substance abuse
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
treatment facilities. I talked to their counselors about the situation and the
devastation that they're facing in their communities and what is going on because
of it. So, I just wanted to make that clear, that mines wasn't just a google. I was
trying to get a lot of factual information. And a lot of the factual stuff, too, came
from some family members of those who committed suicide and talked about the
opioid use that was beyond that person's control. When it affects your brain, they
say it's a brain disease more. But anyway, I just wanted to make that clear.
Thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you Ms. Poindexter. Any other comments?
Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: I also would just like to clarify that I actually have a book
written by a gentleman who's an expert in the field and it goes through all the
historical data and statistics and the findings in doing research. I don't have the
book with me today. I apologize. But I would gladly loan it to you,
Mr. Richards, to take a look at and see if you would deem it to be a reliable
source. So, I'd be happy to share that with anybody if they'd like to look at that.
I do understand that a lot of the stuff on the internet is not always accurate but
there are some very reliable and viable sources of information that you can find
on the internet. I actually came across this book after listening to NPR (National
Public Radio) and an interview with the author and talking about the different
facets of this issue. So, thank you. I yield.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other discussion?
Mr. Kamelamela, anything to add?
MR. KAMELAMELA: No.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Well, then, I guess I'll just make a
quick comment. First of all, I just want to remind everybody there's a note here
that this requires two-thirds of a vote of the entire membership. So, that would be
six "ayes" to approve. And I believe that we should join this class action, and I'm
hoping that we'll have enough people to support that here today. I'll take a roll
call vote. Mr. Clerk.
Vote on Res. 20-19: The motion to adopt Res. 20-19 and Finance Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 15 was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Poindexter, Villegas, and
Acting Chair Eoff—6.
Noes: Council Members Lee Loy and Richards —2.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Motion carries. Thank you,
Mr. Kamelamela.
MR. KAMELAMELA: I thank all of you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, we've covered all the resolutions. We've covered
"Bills for First Reading," and we have a few things left under "Second and Final
Reading." Mr. Clerk, Bill 40.
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.)
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): (Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Bill 40: DESIGNATES TAX MAP KEY: 6-8-041:008 AS THE"KAMAKOA NUI
PARK"PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 15-67 OF THE
HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED); AMENDS
SECTION 15-68.1 TO ADD THE "KAMAKOA NUI PARK" TO THE PARKS
AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY SCHEDULE; AND AMENDS
CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 14-1, RELATING TO PROHIBITING
THE POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS AT
ALL TIMES
Reference: Comm. 158
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to pass Bill 40 on second and final
reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: You've heard me talk about it previously. I went back and
looked through a little history. This all started well over ten years ago, and we're
cleaning up some paperwork to have Kamakoa Nui Park designated as
Kamakoa Nui Park. So, thereby, once we get that done, then we can move on and
get some other things done for Kamakoa Nui. So, I ask for your support.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you. Any other discussion? All in favor,
say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Bill 40: The motion to pass Bill 40 on second and final reading was
(Adopted) 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: The bill is adopted.
Bill 41: 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 Short Term Vacation Rental Registration Fees
account ($800,000); and appropriates the same to the Short Term Vacation Rental
Enforcement account. Funds would be used to hire temporary workers and
purchase software to implement the provisions of Ordinance 18-114.
Reference: Comm. 168
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Vote on Bill 41: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 41 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Bill 42: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Increases the Office of Management Village 9 Homeless and Affordable Rental
Project by $20,000, for a total appropriation of$204,000. Funds shall be
provided from State Grants Receivable and would be used to develop master
plans for a Homeless Facility and an Affordable Rental Project.
Reference: Comm. 169
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 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 42: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 42 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Villegas and carried by the
following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
Bill 44: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 18-69, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 30, 2019
Increases the Environmental Management South Hilo Sanitary Landfill Closure—
State Revolving Fund project by $3 million, for a total appropriation of
$23 million. Funds for this project shall be provided from State Revolving Funds
and would be used for construction management and contingencies.
Reference: Comm. 171
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Bill 44: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 44 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 44 is adopted.
Bill 45: 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 Hawaii Island Bikeshare System - Federal account
($120,000); and appropriates the same to the Hawaii Island Bikeshare System—
Federal account. Funds would be used to purchase bikeshare stations and
bicycles for the Hawaii Island Bikeshare System in Kailua-Kona.
Reference: Comm. 172
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: March 28, 2019
Vote on Bill 45: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 45 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Bill 45 is adopted. Okay, moving down to "Reports."
We have Planning Committee Report 14.
REPORTS: The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
Reports.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
PC-14 NOMINATION OF DEAN AU TO THE WINDWARD PLANNING
(Comm. 174): COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 21, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on PC-14: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Planning Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 14. 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
PC-15 NOMINATION OF JULIE HUGO TO THE WATER BOARD
(Comm. 175):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 21, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on PC-15: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to adopt Planning Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 15. 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion carries.
PSC-8 NOMINATION OF JOHN BERTSCH TO THE POLICE COMMISSION
(Comm. 176):
Requires Council
Confirmation by: April 21, 2019 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on PSC-8: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Public Safety Committee
(Adopted) Report No. 8. Seconded by Ms. David 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung– 1.
Excused: None.
REFERRALS FOR The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
EXECUTIVE Referrals for Executive Session.
SESSION:
Comm. 159: CLAIM AGAINST THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`ULEILEHUA OSORIO
From Deputy Corporation Counsel D. Kaena Horowitz, dated March 7, 2019,
requesting an attorney-client confidential discussion to consult with the Council
on a claim submitted by The Law Offices of Brian De Lima, on behalf of its
client, Leilehua Osorio.
Motion to Close Ms. Lee Loy moved to close file on Comm. 159. Seconded
File: by Mr. Richards.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Go ahead, Mr. Kamelamela.
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KAMELAMELA: Okay, before we make a motion, Joseph Kamelamela—
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We only made a motion to file Communication 159, but
we'll wait to make a motion for Executive Session.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Joseph Kamelamela, Corporation Counsel. If there's
going to be no questions in Executive Session, then there's no purpose to have it.
So, it's up to the Council as to whether you really want to talk about it or not.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay. So, everybody understands that if we have
questions, then we need to move into Executive Session. Council Members, is
there discussion?
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to enter into Executive Session in
Enter into order to hold attorney-client privilege discussion regarding
Executive Session: Communication 159, as authorized by Section 92-5(a)(4) of
(Approved) the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Seconded by Ms. David 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: None.
Absent: Council Member Chung— 1.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We'll take a recess while we prepare the room.
Recess: At 12:07 p.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess to clear the
room.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 12:56 p.m.
Vote on Motion to Ms. Lee Loy moved to concur with the recommendation of
Concur: Corporation Counsel regarding Comm. 159. Seconded by
(Approved) Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you.
MR. KAMELAMELA: Thank you.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 12:59 p.m., Ms. Lee Loy moved to adjourn the
MENT: meeting. Seconded by Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and carried by the following
voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Motion is carried, and we are adjourned. Thank you,
Council Members. You know
MR. HENRICKS: Oh, we didn't vote to close file on Communication 159.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I know. I just realized that. I'm sorry. Can we undo the
motion to adjourn?
MS. DAVID: Can we withdraw the motion to adjourn?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Oh, we've got to do the whole special ?
ACTING CHR. EOFF: We have to
MS. LEE LOY: Motion for reconsideration.
MR. HENRICKS: Bring the meeting back to order.
Withdraw ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, and I forgot to do something else too. So, I'm glad
Adjournment: we're going to go back. Okay, we're going to withdraw the motion to adjourn.
MR. HENRICKS: Withdraw your announcement.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I'm going to withdraw my announcement that we are
adjourned, and we're going to go back to Communication, was it 159? 159. And
I need a motion to close file.
MR. HENRICKS: No,just a vote.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: I just need a vote on Communication 159. All in favor,
please say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 159: The motion to close file on Comm. 159 was carried by the
Filed following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-9 April 10,2019
OTHER The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
BUSINESS: Other Business.
(There were none.)
ANNOUNCE- The Acting Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: May I make an announcement? Before Chairman Chung
left, he had asked me to please recognize former Council Chair and Council
Member Elroy Osorio who passed away earlier this month at the age of 94. He
had served in various capacities from the `60s to the `90s. He was a political
participant in government. He was a volleyball coach, and he was esteemed by all
of his colleagues for the legacy that he has left. So, I just wanted to mention him
and if anyone else has any comments.
MR. HENRICKS: If you don't mind, I would
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Sure.
MR. HENRICKS: It's a little bit out of order for me to comment, but I've read
his name a lot through the records and the years. He was here for many years,
and clearly, his legacy will live on as far as his time here. And he's a beloved
figure, and I'm also a friend of the family. So, I just would like to take this
opportunity to extend my condolences. A wonderful family. He's a wonderful
man, and he's a great leader of that family. They're awesome people, and I feel
for them right now. So,just thank you for that.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Okay, thank you, Mr. Henricks. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. I had the privilege of actually working for
Papa O, as he was affectionately known. When I started my term on the Council,
he was elected as Chair and I had the privilege of serving as his Council Aide. It
was just a wonderful experience. He was just a wonderful warm gentleman back
in the day when politicians weren't politicians; they were statesmen.
And one thing I will always remember about Papa O was he had the most perfect
penmanship, something that I think we take for granted now because we type and
text so often. He would constantly handwrite notes in the most perfect
penmanship. It was that demonstration of aloha that I picked up myself and try
and teach my kids that a thank you note, a handwritten thank you note is really a
very thoughtful and kind thing to do because of the energy and aloha that's put
into it.
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Hawai`i County Council-9 April 10,2019
Like our Clerk, our families are very close. The Osorio's down in Keaukaha, they
are cornerstones of community. But bigger than that, they are a force to be
reckoned with on the volleyball court. So, with that, I do miss him very much.
And my love and aloha does go out to Aunty Delene and the Osorio family. He
will really be missed. Thank you.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you, Ms. Lee Loy. Okay, is there anybody else
who would like to comment? Then, seeing none, now we can ask for another
motion to adjourn.
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:04 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 David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Acting Chair Eoff— 7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Chung and Richards—2.
Excused: None.
ACTING CHR. EOFF: Thank you very much.
Council Approval:
MAY 082019
COUNTY CLERK
JH/dg
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