HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN COUNCIL 2020-01-08 2018-2020 Hawaii County Council
29th Session
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii
January 8, 2020
INVOCATION: Pastor Howard Nash of Thy Word Ministries 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, Mr. Richards led the Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.)
PETITIONS, The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Petitions,
MEMORIALS, Memorials, Certificates of Merit, and Expressions of Condolence.
CERTIFICATES
OF MERIT, AND (Note: At this time, Chair Chung relinquished the chair to Acting Chair Eoff, then
EXPRESSIONS OF he moved forward with Ms. Lee Loy to present Certificates of Merit to the
CONDOLENCE: members of the Hilo High School's football team for winning the 2019 Hawaii
High School Athletic Association Division 1 Championship.)
Recess: At 9:22 a.m., the Acting Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 9:28 a.m.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Eoff relinquished the chair to
Chair Chung.
Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
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:
Jon Olson: Res. 448-20 (Comm. 675); and
Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Geoff Last: Res. 448-20 (Comm. 675); and
Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Topher Dean: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Maureen Langborg: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Ana Nawahine Kaho`opi`i: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), comment.
Stephen Tarnas: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), comment.
Blake Reid: Bill 126 (Comm. 646), in support.
Cory Harden: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the State Sierra Club)
Rene Siracusa: Res. 441-20 (Comm. 668); and
(representing Malama `O Puna) Res. 465-20 (Comm. 702), in support.
Monica Stone: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Kelly Hudik: Res. 451-20 (Comm. 678); and
Res. 452-20 (Comm. 679), in support.
Kelly Greenwell: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), comment.
Craig `Bo" Kahui: Res. 449-20 (Comm. 676);
(representing the West Res. 450-20 (Comm. 677); and
Hawaii Parks and Athletic Res. 457-20 (Comm. 684), in support.
Corporation)
Elizabeth Weatherford: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
James Weatherford: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Darryl Oliveira: Bill 126 (Comm. 646), in support.
(representing HPM
Building Supply)
Scott Yoshizumi: Res. 440-20 (Comm. 667), comment.
(representing the Aloha Club of
Hilo and Hale `Oluea Clubhouse)
Lukas Kambic: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Gary Harrold: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
Kailin Kim: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the Ho`61a
Honey Bee Relocation Project)
Federick Langberg: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Mark LeRoy: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
Maya Parish: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Eric Tanouye: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
(representing the Hawaii (see Comm. 489.769)
Floriculture and Nursery
Association)
Thong Teng Meo: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
(representing the Hawaii (see Comm. 489.772)
Tropical Flower Council)
Clare Loprinzi: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Misha Kassel: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Joe Kassel: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(see Comm. 489.726)
Kater Hiney: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Olivia Ling: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Eva Uran: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Lucinda Moran: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(see Comm. 489.745)
Pete Wilson: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Julie A. Sharrer: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Lisa Andrews: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Lilli Gross: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Recess: At 11:05 a.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 11:18 a.m.
John Sharrer: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Susan Cabral: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
Randy Cabral: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
(representing the Hawaii (see Comm. 489.692)
Farm Bureau)
Gala Lirette: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Daylynn Kyles: Res. 435-20 (Comm. 662), comment.
(representing Aloha `Ilio Rescue)
Micah K. Washburn: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Regina Weller: Res. 443-20 (Comm. 670);
(representing the Homeless Res. 444-20 (Comm. 671);
Task Force) Res. 445-20 (Comm. 672); and
Bill 130 (Comm. 700), in support.
Maki Morinoue: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Cherie Griffore: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the Surfrider
Foundation - Kona Chapter)
Michele Prevost: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Paul Arceo: Res. 439-20 (Comm. 666);
(representing the Hawaii Res. 446-20 (Comm. 673); and
County Band) Res. 453-20 (Comm. 680), in support.
Koohan Paik: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(speaking on behalf of
Fern Anuenue Holland)
Nancy R. Young: Comm. 489.681, comment.
Setsuko Morinoue: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Sharon Willeford: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Shannon Rudolph: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Janice Palma-Glenne: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Harry Holm: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the Big Island
Beekeeper Association)
Andrea Tischler: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Michael Johnson: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), comment.
(representing Ono Gardens) (see Comm. 489.724)
Hannah L. Hedrick: Bill 126 (Comm. 646); and
Bill 127 (Comm. 655), in support.
Colehour Bondera: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
Anne (Antu) Harvey: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Chair Chung relinquished the chair to Acting Chair Eoff
Phaethon Keeney: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing 350.org)
Joseph DeFrank: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(see Comm. 489.699)
Relinquish Chair: At this time, Acting Chair Eoff relinquished the chair to Chair Chung.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Erica Snowlake: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Mark Crivello: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing 3C Goat Grazing)
Blake Watson: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the Sierra (see Comm. 489.785)
Club —Hawai`i Group)
John Matson: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Kumu Nako`olani Warrington: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Bridgit Lee Loy Bales: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Gary Hooser: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Jaerick Medeiros-Garcia: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Geoff Shaw: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Jenny Bach: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), comment.
(representing the Honeybee
Education Program)
Lorie Farrell: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in opposition.
(representing Hawaii Farmers
and Ranchers United)
Autumn Ness: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing Beyond (see Comm. 489.683)
Pesticides)
Hilary Flaming: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
Laura Acasio: Bill 101, Draft 2 (Comm. 489.338), in support.
(representing the Surfrider
Foundation - Hilo Chapter)
CHR. CHUNG: Is Rose Bautista here? Well, you know what, then? Let's just
go ahead. Let's move ahead with "Other Business," Communication 489.681, the
Mayor's veto message regarding Bill 101, Draft 2, relating to herbicide use, and
Bill 101, Draft 2.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
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:
Comm. 489.681: MAYOR'S VETO MESSAGE REGARDING BILL 101, DRAFT 2, RELATING
TO HERBICIDE USE
From Mayor Harry Kim, dated December 12, 2019, returning Bill 101, Draft 2,
and stating his reason for disapproval.
; and
Bill 101: AMENDS CHAPTER 14, HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS
(Draft 2) AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 24, RELATING TO HERBICIDE
USE
Prohibits the use of certain herbicides on County owned or maintained parks and
alongside County roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, drainageways, and
waterways; and creates a transition committee to research and develop alternative
methods of vegetation management. The ban will take effect on January 1, 2024.
Reference: Comm. 489.338
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
First Reading: November 6, 2019
Second Reading: November 20, 2019
Mayor's Veto: December 12, 2019
CHR. CHUNG: Before I entertain a motion, I'm going to ask Mr. Clerk. I've
never been involved in a veto situation. I want the County Clerk to just tell us
what we're supposed to do.
MR. HENRICKS: It's not too complicated.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: The Charter calls first for a reconsideration of the vote upon
the bill. So, the motion would be to reconsider the vote on Bill 101, Draft 2, and
that is a procedural matter that requires five affirmative votes. And should that
motion be successful, then the subsequent motion would be to pass Bill 101,
Draft 2, and override the Mayor's disapproval. And that would require six votes
for that to be successful.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. So, one after the other, then.
MR. HENRICKS: Correct, with the motion to reconsider occurring first.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David has a question.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MS. DAVID: Thank you. Mr. Clerk, then, on the reconsideration, who would
bring that motion forward? Does it have to be one of the majority or minority?
MR. HENRICKS: Probably better to have somebody who voted on the prevailing
side that sent the bill to the Mayor,just to be more in line with standard
parliamentary procedure.
MS. DAVID: Okay, thank you. Thank you for that.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. So, Ms. Villegas.
Motion to Ms. Villegas moved to reconsider the second and final
Reconsider: reading vote taken on Bill 101, Draft 2, during the meeting
of November 20, 2019. Seconded by Ms. Poindexter.
CHR. CHUNG: You want to discuss this matter?
MR. RICHARDS: I just have procedural questions here.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah.
MR. RICHARDS: So, the vote we are taking is whether or not we are going to
reconsider the vote?
MR. HENRICKS: So, essentially—and that's a good question; I should have
covered this earlier—this really just brings the motion back on the floor for more
robust discussion, and then an ultimate vote on the fate of the bill.
CHR. CHUNG: The motion or the bill?
MR. HENRICKS: A successful motion to reconsider brings the bill back for
further consideration. So, it's a procedural matter in that sense.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: Should it fail, then again you wouldn't have that opportunity
to bring the bill back for discussion and then a vote of the Council.
CHR. CHUNG: All right. Okay. All those in favor, say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Motion The motion to reconsider the second and final reading vote
to Reconsider: taken on Bill 101, Draft 2, during the meeting of
(Approved) November 20, 2019, was 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. HENRICKS: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Now what?
MR. HENRICKS: Now, there would be a motion to pass Bill 101, Draft 2, and
override the Mayor's disapproval of said bill.
CHR. CHUNG: Go ahead.
Motion to Override Ms. Villegas moved to override the Mayor's veto of
Mayor Veto: Bill 101, Draft 2. Seconded by Ms. David.
CHR. CHUNG: Now, let's have a discussion on that matter. Ms. Villegas, go
ahead.
MS. VILLEGAS: I want to start off by thanking everyone that showed up today
to testify, to share your mana`o, to share your visions, your dreams, and your
beliefs for the potential for the future of this island.
One of the questions I was asked is, why am I doing this? Because, I have
children, because I have a grandson, because the science proves that herbicides
are toxic and cause harm. Because, it's my job to protect our County workers,
constituents, and visitors from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals when they
are experiencing their lives in our public spaces. Because, pediatricians are
asking us to stop using herbicides in public spaces.
He ike ana is i ka pono is something I hold close to my heart, which is to see the
right thing and to do it. And I've heard consistently today from people asking us
to recognize the right thing and to do it.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Bees, bees, fabulous bees. Of the list of 13 herbicides purchased and used by the
County in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, one of them is organic certified and would
be allowable under Bill 101. The other 12 are proven to harm bees. When talking
about reentry intervals, for all 23 herbicides listed in Bill 101, the time for worker
protection standards is a minimum of 12 hours, and some going all the way up to
48 hours. Labor laws protect workers but not our public people.
I was hoping that Parks and Recreation was going to be here and DPW
(Department of Public Works). I was told they would be. Oh, David, I'm sorry.
DPW is here. Okay, great. Parks and Rec. (Recreation) hopefully they'll be
here shortly.
The Hawaii State pesticide law, HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes) 149A-31,
prohibited acts listed. No person shall use any pesticide in a manner inconsistent
with its label. The Department of Ag (Agriculture) and regulatory agencies refer
to this as, "The label is the law." When an herbicide is being used in a public
space, all efforts must be made to keep people and pets away from the area for the
specified time on the label. If such efforts are not made, the law is being violated.
I have questions about how our Public Works Department prevents people and
children from walking through wet spray when the trucks leave. Bill 101 requires
use of signage, thus bringing us into compliance with Hawaii pesticide law.
Violations of HRS 149A-41 are subject to one warning, then administrative
action, a monetary fine, and criminal action. Now, I want to make it very clear
that the person held liable is the applicator themselves, the employees of County
of Hawaii. I have deep concerns for the liability for our County employees, not
only their health and safety.
The use of 24 hours' notice, a blue dye, and four-hour inaccessibility are safe
guards to protect our County employees along with the public. They're also
standard practice in many places.
When it comes to cost, we're bringing in pro bono consultants committed to
supporting this full four-year transition period, holding hands with our
departments, identifying and discovering best practices. There will be cost, but
estimates are minimal and will even out over time. There are a number of cases
studies that have been presented not only to the Mayor's Office and the
Administration but to this body which reflect that there's oftentimes a savings
financially over time.
I'm also happy to say that we're already working on opportunities to identify
grants and funding to help supplement some of the financial resources that might
be necessary in order to purchase equipment and resources. It's already been
stated why we need this legislation and why not just ban one substance and why
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
it's more effective and efficient and more responsible to our constituents as a
government to take this issue on and to utilize a1123 of these herbicides. Will you
just allow me a little more time, Chair Chung?
I also want to point out, and I appreciateI very humbly admit to my potential
shortcomings and things I may have missed, and opportunities for improvement in
the potential language of the bill, however I would argue that they are nominal in
comparison to the potential benefits of the bill. I want to point out that I met with
the department heads on June 21". I met with the Mayor; left that office that day
after his direct statements indicated, and I apologize, Mayor, if that was not your
intention, but the words that you said very much communicated that you were in
support of this legislation, as were the other members of the Administration.
We had a Committee meeting October 15'h, Council November 6�h, another
Council November 20th, then I met with the Mayor on December 1 lth, the day
before the veto was due. I presented to him again. And here we are on
January 8th. We have heard testimony. We've seen case studies from Harvard,
South Miami, New York school systems, the city of Irvine. The County of Maui
has decreased the use of herbicides by 90 percent with a zero cost increase.
Gary Hooser sat here today, an expert in policy and regulations and working with
the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and points out the
inadequacies and their inabilities to protect us. Craig Downs, a water scientist
and champion for sunscreen legislation, also spoke about Bill 101 and supported
it. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter, does not get involved
with political issues like this, and they wrote a letter pleading with us to pass this
legislation. The Sierra Club, the Surfrider Foundation, the Big Island Beekeepers
Association.
The Department of Education, after meeting with Lee Johnson, made an
immediate and complete ban of all herbicides on all schools in the State of
Hawaii. Thirteen pediatricians signed onto that letter, one of them being
Routt Reigart. He's a fellow of American Academy of Pediatricians and the
U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Children's Health
Protection Committee. He co-authored the EPA's publication, entitled "The
Recognition in Management of Pesticide Poisoning." He is in full support of
Bill 101.
Native Hawaiian farmers. Kupuna for the mo`opuna. Marine scientist with
toxicology experience. And the environmental caucus of the Democratic Party of
Hawaii. Seven hundred forty-five people wrote testimonies in support of
Bill 101 prior to the Mayor's veto. Only 116 opposed. That's 87 percent of the
people who wrote in testimony supported the passing of Bill 101.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
I also just want to correct,just for anybody, I just want to correct. It was
accidentally misstated in the newspaper that Beyond Pesticides wrote this
legislation. This legislation was not written by Beyond Pesticides. This
legislation, as was stated earlier today, has been in the works for potentially
decades by a number of different people. It's been a challenge to pick it up and
bring it back because I wish I could do it perfectly. I wish I could make
everything exactly as it should be.
However, I have trust, faith, and the determination to follow this through, and to
work with the other members of this body that if, as we enter this four-year
transition period, there are edits that need to be made, even so far as if it's
discovered that the golf course we're not able to transitionhowever,
Chair Chung, I do want to let you know that I did receive numbers from Finance
about the amount of glyphosate used on the County golf course. And according
to their reports, it's ten gallons a year. To me, that seems really hopeful that we
could transition to something else and be very successful in that capacity. And
with that, I know that other members of this body would like to talk. I have some
other things and people I'd like to call up later, but thank you, Chair Chung, for
affording me the extra time. Mahalo.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you, Chair. Thanks, Rebecca, for the conversation, and
I respectfully disagree. I have never wavered on my opinion on this coming forth.
It's about agriculture, but it's also managing the resources we have coming
forward. There's so many places we can have the conversation. We can talk, and
there's no, necessarily, one area more important than the next. What we're
talking about in this whole conversation comes down to initially a management
between hazard and risk. It's interesting that it was actually presented to us
yesterday during the volcano recovery report we got.
And there is hazard in life. It's probably more dangerous to drive to this meeting
today than—that's the risk that we take. Coming over Saddle Road was a big risk
because there was pouring rain. But the point being made there is that we have
hazards in our life, and I don't disagree. And I have never ever swayed from this:
I completely support reduction of all chemicals over time.
We've heard some great conversations today from Mark Crivello. He talked
about managing grazing. I'm a cattle rancher and sheep. We use livestock to
manage this, and it works great. But as Mark said, he said we've reduced
herbicide use by 95 percent—not 100 percent-95 percent. Dr. DeFrank from
UH (University of Hawai`i), he talked about great ways to reduce our herbicide
use, but not eliminate it. We need to have the tools in our work belts to be able to
manage this stuff coming forward.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
We can talk about toxicology and, by my training, by my background, I read
papers all the time trying to glean information out of them. I've read the papers
from the pediatrics association. I've read that. I've read papers on the bees. And
there's no one more supportive of the bee population than me or the need to
manage our environments for the bee population. I am keenly aware and
concerned about our bees coming forward. The queen bee population production
out of this island is estimated somewhere around $40 million for our community
as a whole. That's huge, which will come back into the conversation a little bit
later.
But also, the data is not devastating as would be presented. The actual research
does not support. Now, there may be some impact, and I'm still wading through
all the papers, but again, categorical denial of the use of these tools is wrong. I'm
very much a science-oriented decision maker. I look at the science, and it's not
always popular. But I look at the science anyway. The big thing I see is
agriculture. And we in this island, it's kind of unique. This island, nationally we
have about 1 percent of our population involved in agriculture. Our island, this
County, we have about 2 percent, which is twice the national average but a
miniscule amount compared to the rest of the population. And this is why I
agreed to go into public life, is to speak for agriculture and speak on behalf of
agriculture because I'm deeply concerned about it.
A statement was made the science is clear. It's not clear. It points to that we need
to investigate further. A comment was made about ecological balance, very
important. But we have imbalance in our County right now. We have a fireweed
that if this were to pass, the County couldn't manage the fireweed at all, and that's
not right. But if we have the ability to use all the tools, then we can get a hold on
this.
I'm concerned about agriculture and growing debt for our economy going
forward. A comment was made about being concerned about the kids. Rebecca, I
do not have grandkids, but I do have kids. I've got five-year-old twins. I've got a
24- and a 22-year-old. I'm very concerned about the future. I'm also concerned
about feeding that future. And I think Hawaii agriculture can really do it, but if
we take the tools out, we're going to hamstring them again. It's so hard to make a
living in agriculture now.
And so, I do not support the categorical denial of all herbicides. That doesn't
make sense. People say, "Well, it's not about agriculture." No, but it's a stepping
stone, and I've been down this path before.
Point of Order: MS. VILLEGAS: Point of order. Chair, if I can call a point of order? I would
just respectfully ask that you return to the topic at hand. This bill does not involve
agriculture. This is relevant to County properties.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. RICHARDS: This is relevant.
CHR. CHUNG: How about this? I'm going to let you complete what you were
saying, but this is what I would suggest. We went through Committee. We went
through two readings. Let's not rehash the arguments. What happened from the
final reading to now is that the Mayor vetoed the bill. So, let's address whether
we're going to support the veto or not and our reasons therefore. I think that
would be the best way, okay? But why don't you finish up?
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thanks, Chair. I'm in support of agriculture, and I see
this as a non-supportive move for agriculture in the future. With that, Chair, I will
yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. Ms. Lee Loy.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Chair, and following that lead, because I did not
support the bill. And so, I actually want to give the Mayor an opportunity to
address this body. Because as Chair Chung just mentioned, we had our reasons
why we didn't support the policy, and now we're getting feedback from the
Mayor through his veto message. So, I don't know if this is the opportune time
for the Mayor to address us. I know he put it in the communication, but it would
also give us an opportunity to hear from the Mayor and even question him.
CHR. CHUNG: I don't want the questioning to go too far afield, okay, because it
is what it is. He did state his reasons. But I don't mind him coming up and just
giving a real short summary as to what was in his mind maybe when he was
thinking about this thing. Because, he must have had some conflicts, I'm sure. I
think that would be more productive. If not, we know what the issues are, right?
Mayor Kim, do you want to just say a few words on this thing and tell us what
you had to go through maybe? And highlight some of the points that you would
like us to really look at.
(Note: At this time, Mayor Harry Kim came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
MR. KIM: First of all, if I may digress a little bit. I wish Mr. Hooser was here.
It's very difficult to sit back there and listen to everything. I need all members of
the Council to know that. I listened there, and imagine how hard it is going to be
for you regardless of what position you take. The reason I pick on Mr. Hooser is
when he made a statement in regards to pressure and business and all of that. If
he was here, I would tell him that's an insult because he was chair of the
Department of Health committee when they received the proposal from the
Governor's Office to allow geothermal exploratory drilling throughout the whole
State of all lands without a permit, except for conservation lands.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
I wasn't Mayor then. This is between, and he knows the truth of going there
myself. Who was it against? The Governor, the Senator, private business,
etcetera. I don't yield to pressure of business. I resent that. I resented all
statements that said that, quite frankly, I don't care. That was even in the media.
I'm not caring for children or the community? You'd better look at how I spent
the past 50 years before you make statements like that. I swear to you I will keep
this of truth, and I'll keep this professional that the person is out.
In doing this, as soon as I received the bill, I called a meeting and I told certain
departments that we don't have much time, and you will put away all things to
address this bill. You will keep it all—only one thing of what is truth: None of
them was told to do this or do that. And with all that time spent, we still were not
satisfied with the wording, the time was over. I just had half an hour to get it
down here, and that's how tight it was.
In regards to this bill, a veto, I would assume all of you have read it very carefully
because it is so controversial. Truthfully, in the last meeting that you mentioned
in our office, I asked that certain things should be changed, and I explained why.
With our attorney there and others there, it fully was explained. You explained
why that was not practical because it would cause a delay. I'm sure you
remember that.
The thing that I mentioned then, Mr. Chair, is the same thing that I mentioned in
here but to only be refined. And I'll just pick on certain things. One thing that
bothered me when I asked the question, Mr. Chair and members of the Council,
was where did this list come from that was listed? And the wording was very
strong wording: Exposure to these substances subjects the public, County
workers, domestic animals, wildlife to a high risk of exposure to dangerous
chemicals. I'm sure all of you know my background. That word "risk" is a
different word from "hazard." We are saying publicly that these 23 chemicals
pose a high risk to all of those things of wildlife and to people, County workers,
domestic animals. And it was discussed with you.
Identified—one of the assignments given, Mr. Chair, members of the Council,
was to find out where this list came from and find out if any or all of it is of truth.
And I think a couple of them are very easy to identify because one of them says
there is no risk by all members of evaluation, including world health, including
EPA, including the Department of Health. And my position, members of the
Council, was this, and I talked to Corp. (Corporation) Counsel: Our
responsibility. Is it not wrong for us, as County government, to say to the public,
whether they be a business, user, or anyone, or children, that "These chemicals,
all of them, are of high risk to you"—and the wording is very strong on that—and
then when you get the best information you can from the best sources you can,
that it poses no risk? What is my responsibility, Mr. Chair? And that was pointed
out to you in that private meeting, that I wish those things could be taken out.
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I think if you read the way I require this be sent back to you, not just a veto but
explain the veto as best as we could, and with that explain what the
recommendations were to address this veto, the concerns. I'm very disappointed
in some of the statements made in regards to our veto. I asked for careful
consideration of the reasons for the veto.
Councilwoman, you know at the time you came to the office—and there were
enough people thereI did not say I support the bill. You know that. I said I
support the objectives of the bill. I said, "Will you help us?" You know that. I
said to identify with Parks and Recreation certain parks to see how we can do this
to get better. I didn't even see the bill then because I said, "This meeting's going
to be cut short." Those were my exact words. "Will you work with us on this."
And if what was said was misunderstood, then I'll take the rap for that. That
won't bother me. But I'm correcting what is said in regards to interpretation, but
that is what I said.
And if you look at, and I'll read to you, members of the Council, and I know it's
been a long morning. On the veto billoh, it's afternoon already. This is in the
last two paragraphs, if you'll bear with me, sir, ma'am. You have this
Administration's pledge to form a committee to guide County operations in
identifying and using best practices for the management of vegetation on County
property with the goal of reducing the use of herbicides. The function of this
committee is critical to the success of a program that they choose to continue
protection of the community from exposure to harmful chemicals. We are
committed to the environment and the health and welfare of residents, visitors,
and wildlife. The commitment to work with you on this very important issue to
protect the people from exposure to harmful chemicals and doing our job of
controlling invasive species is critical and reaffirmed.
Mr. Chair and members of the Council, not one single word in this veto says
we're against the intent of reduction. When I called and talked to one of the
professors for guidance in regards to information, he said something so common
sense. Sometimes we forget. He said your first and most exposed people to the
chemicals you use are obviously your workers. They're the ones that make it;
they're the ones that spray it. And yeah, I'd better make sure that you know that.
So obviously, that's our responsibility.
I'm proud of the training we're going through and are trying to get better. We
were asking for help to make us better. None of it in this whole message here
states to justify we've got to use it. When we were asked in regards to present,
one of the criticisms of our Administration was, "Why didn't you say things more
strongly during the bill introduction?" On my side, I thought I did by saying in
regards to what I said at the office. On the department's side, I think if I look at
the video on your meeting and what was responded in regards to asking questions,
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
our position was clear: We could not answer certain questions. We need to have
professional help to know exactly what we're going to have to do to conform with
100 percent elimination of pesticides.
But when you have the job of Mayor, Mr. Chair, you know the job because you
have that too. All of you have that too. You have to make a decision for the
whole. Whether you like it or not, you have to do that. And it takes time to get
that kind of information to make that kind of decision. And I will say it again, I
said to you and all those in the room I agree with the intent of the bill to get better
to minimize the usage. Parks and Recreation told you that we had decreased
herbicide use by 40 percent or so in the past few years, and we will get better. We
ask you for your help.
You know what I hate about this the most? I'm looking at my two friends from
Mauna Kea, and we are friends. We just reaffirmed it just a couple of days ago.
They come up here and say they're on the opposite side of me, but that doesn't
taint the fact that we are friends. I can honestly say that all the people of
Mauna Kea, they're on this side and I'm on this side. They're the same goal. We
just have a different way of reaching there, and I think we're the same. There
isn't anybody I know that, even if it was just for money, this is not about the farm.
And the reason of the farm is very simple because there are words in here that
projects, causes fear because we identify things that they use and say, "This is
high risk," and it is not. I'll answer any questions you have.
CHR. CHUNG: All right. But let's kind of streamline this, okay, guys really.
MS. LEE LOY: Yes. Real quick. So, thank you, Mayor, for that. I'm going to
look at Hannah. I hear what she's saying about Bill 101, and she's actually
complimenting me on Bill 126. And so, in that space, I'm trying to find
consensus. And so, I can honor what Ms. Villegas is saying about, you know,
there were opportunities to refine it and it might not be perfect but we're here.
And so, I have to pound on the policy, and that's where I was when I voted
against Bill 101. And I think there are things within this veto message, and I'll
just ask Mayor. However this moves forward and if it should not, if we were to
lift up some of the great work that Ms. Villegas did along with refining some of
the language and put it in another, maybe a resolution that would actually ping
everybody that this is something we want for our island, is that something you can
support?
MR. KIM: Absolutely. Basically, that's what we asked for and the help in doing
that and even in other things. And I'm sorry for prolonging the discussion.
CHR. CHUNG: No, go ahead.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KIM: Even on things that—and I promise all of you, we took this absolutely
seriously, word for word, on what it's requiring us to do and how it's going to
impact us to settle on our job. And I have to look at what our job is too. Then in
regards to the committee, Mr. Chair, I talked to people at the university. They
said—and Rose is back there. I told her that you went and called her. She came
in after me. I asked her about forming this committee because she's responsible,
as you know, for all of the commissions and boards, and she told me about the
difficulty and she went to talk to them. And I kind of chuckled when they said,
"They expect us to do this for free?" Look at the wording of what you're
requiring them to do. If that's what you want, fine, but know that's going to come
with a cost because we're going to have to hire people.
Volunteers, as Rose can be called up and verified, is that one of the professors up
there has said that they're all busy. That requirement will take a lot of time. If
that's what you need and that's what you want to get this bill going, we have to
tell you we will need money from the beginning. Because, I'd rather be worried
of what days are required to do. It says in the beginning of the transition period,
we will consult with them or they will advise us. To make this work is what we
did, not to stop it. I wish you could all, not you all, but I wish people would see
that before all of this, you know,just we are for or against.
I think my two friends back there from Mauna Kea heard the same speech when I
went up there and told them I'm not for or against; I'm just trying to make it
better to get somewhere. And that's what I'm doing here. I stated that we need
professional help to guide us. I need time for that. Rose, we're going to need
time to find the people. I remember what you said, the professor said if you are
willing to get people who are trainees or things like that, they'd like to have that
kind of experience and those kinds of things.
This letter dated to you at four o'clock in the afternoon on December 12, half hour
before my deadline. It took every day I had to get all the information possible to
make sure this report to you was a good report. The one comment was made in
regards to four hours. We follow the rules of safety to a tee, Mr. Chair. And if
the rule says, of drying time, well, if we're satisfied with drying time, why should
we have to make four hours regardless the minimum? And that's all we pointed
out.
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, I yield. I have what I need. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: I think Ms. Poindexter had her light on.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yup. So, Mayor, you talked about,just now, you just said
this is going to cost us money. But I don't know if I heard a rumor, but didn't you
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
just contract somebody for weed control or how toI heard Stanley Nakasone,
you got into a contract with him already. So, can I ask you how much is that
contract?
MR. KIM: First of all, on answering that question, everything is going to cost us
money, I know that. But that contract—and the Public Works Director is here
was in response to the kind of questions asked in regards to do this. I think their
response, and you can call them up because that's what they're regurgitating, was
simply that we don't have the expertise to answer that.
MS. POINDEXTER: So, you hired Stanley Nakasone under contract.
MR. KIM: I didn't sign it yet
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. So, what is the contract amount for?
MR. KIM: Because I don't get involved.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay.
MR. KIM: I know this is blanket, and you can check me. I don't get involved in
any kind of employee contract
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay.
MR. KIM: Or companies. Let me finish please.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay.
MR. KIM: I'm answering your question. They said they needed to get
professional help to get an expense of what it will do and what it will cost or what
we have to do to go from here to there. It was as simple as that, and you handled
that, meaning them.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. So, we already started spending money on it.
MR. KIM: No, we didn't. I didn't sign the contract yet.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay, you didn't sign but we're looking at a possible
contract.
MR. KIM: If we want answers to the questions, yes.
MS. POINDEXTER: Right. And how much is that contract for?
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KIM: Oh, I don't know.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. But anyway, we started. So
MR. KIM: I'm sure he can answer it because they wrote it.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah. David, do you want to come up?
MR. KIM: And on salaries and all those things, we confer with HR (Human
Resources). HR determines for us what will be the appropriate salary. I know
that much, but I don't know the amount.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. I'd like to ask DPW (Department of Public Works)
that question. How much is that contract for? Is it a monthly or an hourly
contract?
(Note: At this time, Public Works Director David Yamamoto came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. YAMAMOTO: It's an 89-day contract and is hourly. The rate is $60 an
hour and limited to 19 hours a week.
MS. POINDEXTER: Okay. So, I would hope, and I'm not going to get into the
contract because we're not going to see it or anything, but that that person does
have the qualifications to make these kinds of decisions. I would trust them,
okay. So, you don't have to answer that anymore. I want to continue because I
know we've had a long day.
Mayor mentioned that there was some strong language in here and one of the
reasons for his veto, and when you say high risk exposure to dangerous
chemicals. And I don't take that lightly either, but I personally had a family
member who was sprayed by a County worker who had open sores for three
years, who had to go to the eye doctor several times because the first time had
damaged her eyes. The second time she went back, there was drift on it. So, as
the County continued to spray but sprayed far away from that playground, when
she was coming to work, other kids, the students, she has letters from them about
being sick. She was vomiting blood.
She has been to the ER(Emergency Room) I don't know how many times in
these years since she had been sprayed because of lung damage, yeah. Have we
seen a lawsuit from that? She hasn't sued us yet. And I don't know if she can, if
the statute of limitations has run out or whatever. This happened, and I think
Parks and Rec. would have all that information because the letter came from
Parks and Recreation to acknowledge the spraying and that they would—and I
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
have a copy of that letter also—that in the letter, it says, "We will make sure that
when we spray the next time, it's when there is less usage in the park." So, not
saying that there is nobody around, but when there is less people around.
So, the County has acknowledged and knows that we have—and the person who
was spraying was covered. Unfortunately, the people and the place he was
spraying, they were not protected. And that's what we're talking about when we
talk about, yes, the strong language in the bill. It needs to be in the bill because
there is strong health risks and damages happening in our community already and
has happened for years. And if this doesn't go through, I'm afraid they will all
come out indefinitely.
This bill, to me, needs to stay intact because the public needs to hold us
accountable to their safety and the safety of all the kids—not only the kids, our
kupuna. My relative is not a kupuna nor a child but got injured as well. And she
suffered. It hurt her family. She couldn't go back to work for, I mean, they
struggled because of this. The other thing was, you know—okay, go ahead.
MR. KIM: I hope you know what you're saying is not tolerable by anybody,
should not be. I hope you know that what we're asking for is to make sure that
we don't do that in the transition period as well as the time after. I hope you
know that your lead-on question in regards to an employee that we're paying and
how much was to give us the information on what we have to do to comply with
that. What does that have to do with what we both agree on what we're trying to
do here?
MS. POINDEXTER: Right, okay. So, Mayor, I agree with you. We need to hire
people to look at how are we going to transition. You are moving in the right
direction, but this bill needs to stay intact to make sure that they hold us
accountable to making sure that we follow through on this.
The other portion that I was going to next is when you talked about, in your veto,
about the concern about that committee, okay. On the day you met with
Ms. Villegas, I sat with Deanna in the office waiting to come and see you also.
Of course, unfortunately, we weren't allowed in. However, I did give Deanna a
name, you know, this guy by the name of Nick Koch. I mean, it's not hard to find
the people on this island who have the degrees.
I have a guy I go to church with on Sundays, Bachelor's in forestry, 21 years'
experience in weed management, certified pesticide applicator, State of Hawaii,
in three categories. I mean, he has worked all over the world; Alaska, Guatemala,
New York, Mexico. We have people here on this island. So, it wasn't a concern
for me in this area.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
The good thing about having that committee was that we had four years. And
when I met with Parks and Recreation, their maintenance and recreation
department, I met with them, we have four years to come up—this committee will
bring recommendations forward. I told them I'd be willing to put in some
amendments to this bill as we move forward, to figure out how do we massage it.
Do we need to massage it or maybe not massage it? But this committee that will
be put together will be able to bring recommendations forward so we can make
amendments if necessary. It's not just hiring or contracting one person to see if
we can do this transition. It's the committee that will put a lot of heads together
along with the input from community members and concerned citizens to bring
the recommendations forward, and that's how we compromise, right?
No bill that any legislator in the world has put forward has been an absolute
where everybody agreed on it. There is no absolute in life, period. We all agree
to disagree. There's pros and cons, and we work at it. No bill is always perfect.
You have people for and against. And that's just the nature of the beast when we
talk about all the legal issues, but it's democracy. So, I would say that I am
definitely wanting this bill to stay intact and work on it. Because if we lose it,
God knows what will happen. And we don't know. Administrations change. So,
we may be stuck in this whirlwind of not getting anything done. So, I'll yield at
this time. Thank you, Chair.
MR. KIM: I would like to answer that. Mr. Chair, may I answer that?
CHR. CHUNG: Why don't we wait for all the comments to come in, okay.
Because, I think that was just her commentary, basically, and we know what your
position is. Ms. Eoff
MS. EOFF: (Inaudible.)
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair Chung, and mahalo, Mayor and Director, for
being here. Before I start my question, I had a question for the Clerk. Hi. What
are our options today regarding the decision on whether we vote this up or down
or we support the bill as is. If it fails, this cannot be brought up again, right?
MR. HENRICKS: When you say, "this,"what does that mean?
MS. DAVID: Okay, if this Bill 101, Draft 2, if it fails to pass and is voted down,
basically approving the Mayor's veto, can it be brought forward in this term?
MR. HENRICKS: The same words with a new bill number?
MS. DAVID: The same bill.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. HENRICKS: No, that wouldn't be permissible. It's the same time.
MS. DAVID: So, however, if it moves forward, anyone can amend it at any time,
is that correct, once it gets ?
MR. HENRICKS: This becomes an ordinance. It's an ordinance like any other
ordinance.
MS. DAVID: Like any other ordinance, it can be amended whenever.
MR. HENRICKS: I'll let you use those words.
MS. DAVID: Well, it can be amended by any Council Member.
MR. HENRICKS: It's an ordinance. It doesn't have any special status. It's an
ordinance.
MS. DAVID: Right, okay. So, we can start from there and address some of the
issues that probably are being raised today as far as procedure-wise. But if it
fails, Bill 101, Draft 2 fails, we can't touch this or bring it forward in its same
MR. HENRICKS: Substantially the same form.
MS. DAVID: Substantially the same, which
MR. HENRICKS: The key words are "substantially the same form."
MS. DAVID: Yes. And I can't—yeah, okay. Now, that's my question because
that's what we're trying to decide here, whether we support the pros and cons. I
mean, we can talk all day about it because we know each other's positions on this.
But what I'm worried about is whether we can work with the Administration to
address some of their real concerns. And I think one of the ones that would be is
the implementation and the start date of January 1st for some of those things,
right? And I believe we've got to start somewhere, Mayor, Director.
And Parks and Rec., I know this falls a lot on you folks. And I think because we
feel like we're on a deadline, and we are, we have to make a decision on this
today. But I believe that, given what we've just heard from our Clerk and what
our actual procedural options are, I think we have an opportunity to actually keep
working with the department on this because it's important to everybody, whether
you're for or against it.
I see what Mr. Richards is saying too. But I believe that had this bill applied to
farmersI'm a generational coffee farmer. So, if you told me I cannot use
Roundup or I cannot use an equivalent of an herbicide to do my family farming, I
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
don't think I would support this bill. But the reason I am looking positively at
this is because whether it's a slippery slope, we're not going to be around here
when that slippery slope occurs. It will be left to the next people that sit on this
body because it's not going to happen overnight. We've got a four-year
transitional period; half of us won't be here during that discussion time. And
that's what I'm saying.
We can work to resolve all your issues and also maintain the concerns of the
community. I really believe that. And I believe that because this process allows
us to. And it's very hard to sit here and not take this emotionally and just do it as
a legislator. It's really hard, and you cannot separate the two. And so, my
thinking is, because of what our procedural options are right now, I would like to
say that I am willing to work with the Administration as long as I'm here and to
address some of the concerns, valid concerns on operational issues and the like.
So, I'm just looking for an equitable and balanced compromise here. Because if
we stick to our guns on pro or against, we're never going to get anywhere. So,
that's my position, and I respect the department's because we don't know what it
takes to implement something that's this huge and changing the way we have
done business, but we have done things for years. And yes, it's hard. But I think
if we put our heads together, I think we can work something out. But we have to
allow ourselves, this body the opportunity to not delay it for a whole year because
we won't be able to bring this back on the table. And that's my position. So, I
respect your position, Mayor, but that's my explanation of where I have to stand
on this because I do see it from both sides.
MR. KIM: Mr. Chair, I know what you said, but may I answer?
MS. DAVID: Oh, I don't think it was a question but
CHR. CHUNG: (Inaudible) for the ending. Let's call on Karen.
MS. DAVID: Yeah, okay. Thank you very much. I yield.
MS. EOFF: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to stick to the process that we're in
right now as Chair Chung has asked us to, but I do have to commend Council
Member Villegas for tackling this. It's timely. It's important. And it's her first
term, so you can imagine it's been a learning experience as well. But I'd just like
to thank the community. I mean, you're putting, from what I hear, you want us to
be on the cutting edge. I know some of the testimony is against doing this, but
basically, even the Mayor feels it's a direction we should go in. So, we need to go
in this direction. I think we can all agree to that.
How we get there, I think this four-year transition with the committee, however
this committee gets populated, I have people writing to me wanting to volunteer.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
I don't think we're going to have to pay the committee. You may need a contract
person. You may need some experts now and then, but I think the committee can
flesh out over the next couple years as we transition where the problems are and
how we can address them. If it means coming back in and amending this
ordinance down the line, that's doable. But I don't think we should delay. I agree
with Ms. David on that. But we should just do it. Now is the time.
The problems will be the problems, and we're going to have to face them but we
can work them out. Nothing's going to happen right away except for, I think, the
signage and the coloration and the chemical to alert people. So, if that needs to be
changed right away, that doesn't seem like a big deal or shouldn't hold us back. I
don't know what the insurmountable issues will be, but I think there is going to be
a will, there's a way. And it feels like everybody want to move in that direction.
You're concerned about the strong language. Well, that's really not in the law. I
mean, it's in the preamble to the bill, and it's what leads up to her wanting to
introduce something like this. But the law is more of the process and the
implementation, which, like I said, could be looked at in the next couple years
when we come upon something that's possibly insurmountable. But for now, I
think we owe it to our community to support this. And just on a side note, I'm
just proud of my friend who was willing to bring this forward. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, anyone else? You, Ashley? Okay, go ahead.
Ms. Kierkiewicz.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Our principal charge as Council
Members is legislation and public policy formation because we are governed by
words on paper. So, for me, precision matters. You all know that I voted for
Bill 101 with reservations because language wasn't precise and it seemed that the
mechanics of implementation by the department still needed to be worked out.
And that really mattered to me, that leadership and staff, the "boots on the
ground,"were onboard.
We're coming to find out now that there were opportunities that we missed to hit
the pause button. Many of us, including myself, encouraged let's address the
concerns, build unanimous consensus by our colleagues and the Administration. I
think we were led to believe, Mayor, that your departments and yourself bought
into the bill. And so, I will say that I was surprised by your veto, and your
decision has made me look a little bit closer at the legislation. And I'm sad
because I feel like it's something that could have been avoided if we were a bit
more collaborative. So, I did my due diligence. I met with Beyond Pesticides. I
met with you, Mayor. I met with your team. I called the departments. I talked to
boots on the ground. I talked to friends and constituents. People are on both sides
of the issue. This is not easy.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
I think what was hard for me was to hear directly from County employees who
said, "Hey, is there any way we can postpone this bill because nobody talked to
us?" How's that! The people that deliver the bread and butter services of our
local government felt they should have had a seat at the table and be part of the
solution.
I really appreciated our new Managing Director Roy Takemoto coming to the
Council yesterday. And I'm going to hone in on some of the values he presented
in his management approach. One of the things he said was we must appreciate
the wisdom of those doing the work. So, I went on ride-alongs. I got to see for
myself the incredibly hard work and pride that our County employees have in
what they do. I don't take this task we have before us lightly. I am a mother who
fiercely wants to protect her children and the community that I was born and
raised in and had the honor to serve. But I also want to protect my kids and my
community from imperfect laws that may impact our community despite having
best intentions, right.
Several constituents today called out needing workable solutions. One said it's
important to be for something, not just against something and not offer anything
up. And I agree with you, sir. I think that was John Matson. I am for a better
way. I agree with reducing and eliminating, where possible, herbicide use,
especially by our County. But I'm going to support the Administration on this
one but not without offering up a way forward. Council Member Lee Loy asked
you, Mayor, if you can support a resolution that lifts up the best aspects of 101 but
also addresses the concerns by yourself and your team. We've actively listened to
our community and we are trying to build consensus. This is the kind of work
that should have happened last year, and there were opportunities to. We've tried
really hard, literally, this morning to resolve these issues and honor our
community, but also keep the Administration accountable and articulate a clear
timeline for action.
Staff is working right now to process our proposed language, and it's a slightly
different way forward. But it's that workable solution. It's a better, more
informed, responsible way forward. It creates that space that we need to do things
the right way, and to include the people who are going to be doing the work in the
conversations in building those solutions. Chair, I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Anyone? Ms. Poindexter first.
MS. POINDEXTER: I just want to say that, with no disrespect to
Ms. Kierkiewicz, because she has not been on the Council. We have worked on
this for years. We have worked on this for years. The community has been
crying about this for years, or we should say not crying but expressing. It's come
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
to a cry already. It's like, "Help us already! Enough!" When do we get started?
Because, we have been. A resolution, everybody knows it has no force of law.
Right? The bill has the force of law.
The committee, we have four years. Four years. Some people are saying, "Hey,
you guys should do it right away." Now, if it was right away, yes, I would agree
with Council Member Kierkiewicz: "Maybe not right now,"you know, if it's
going to be right away. But four years. Four years with setup, a committee of
knowledgeable people to help us move forward. And the Mayor knows this
because he already, or DPW already decided to start looking at hiring a consultant
to look at about transitioning. Right? This is great. He knew it because he knew
the bill passed, and we have four years. That's a long time.
And we can start putting in amendments almost immediately, right, once things
get all settled and the ordinance is in place. We can start to do that. That's what
is the beauty of this bill. It allows us as legislators to look at the
recommendations from this committee, hear from the people, talk with
Administration and try to see how we can do it. So, when we say we never talked
with people, I've talked to employees. I've talked to people in DPW who said,
"Hey, I've given suggestions on how to do it without that and supporting this ban,
but they're kind of not ready for it yet." Right? So, kind of just let them go. A
resolution is not going to do us any good. It's nothing. It does not have any teeth
in it. It's just a resolution.
And God bless you, Mayor. You may not be here on the next Administration.
Then what? Right? Who's going to sit here too. So, all I'm saying is this bill is a
safeguard for the people. It will allow the Mayor and his Administration to
continue to work with his departments and with this commission [sic] and the
public on how to massage this. This is your opportunity, Mayor, to work with the
public through a commission [sic]. How wonderful. What a better way to do it.
A resolution is nothing. So, I'm disappointed that it's moving in that direction,
and I'm disappointed that you did do the veto and did not honor the decision of
the Council and an opportunity to work further with your community. So, I yield
at this time.
CHR. CHUNG: Matt, you haven't had a chance to speak yet. Go ahead.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, Chair. Sue, could you remind
me, please? What is the cost per minute for a Council meeting? What is that
magical minute or that magical, for the hour? Ten thousand an hour to have a
Council meeting? Ten thousand an hour just to have this meeting, for the County
cost? Okay, we'll go with that number. So, we started at 9:00. It is 2:30. Five-
and-a-half hours. So, we are at, what, almost $60,000. Is that right? Sixty-
thousand dollars we spent talking about something we've talked about many other
days, and for many years.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
We're arguing about what the cost is going to be to the County. We spent
somewhere in the range of, depending on which document you go by, $31,000 on
Roundup last year, as a County. And then we spent, on all of our herbicides in a
different document, maybe just from Parks, $18,000 for all herbicides. We spent
$50,000 talking about it today. I find that kind of ironic.
I'd like to mahalo Rebecca and for every other Council person and for everyone
who put work into this to get it to this point. I am worried. I really appreciated
Maile David's point as to what happens if we vote this down today because it
goes away. And if this goes away, then years and years of work goes away. And
I would say more than $50,000 is going to go down the drain just so we can have
this discussion today and let it go away.
There's been some concern that the cost to the County will be extreme. I have
seen to date no real document from any department that shows without question
what that increase is going to be. Never. I don't know how long it takes to do a
report or a study or just an overall, "Hey, how much did it cost last year? What's
it going to cost? What's it going to cost for labor?" But to date, nothing.
And when we're asked to do something, like yesterday we had a nomination. We
were, on the fly, trying to look up who this man is and figure out what this
disciplinary action was against him. We had minutes. I guess we had about six
days actually. But if we're expected to do that in six days, you had since June 21st
of last year. And we're here and we're going, "Oh, well, what are we going to
do? How much is it going to cost?" Seven months ago. This is 2020. This
began in 2019.
I'm worried about bees. I'm worried about the health of the people who live here
and who use our parks and walk our roads and our beaches. I'm especially
worried about the health of our County workers in light of people winning
lawsuits because they're getting cancer. These are the guys who go home to their
families at night who live here who work underneath this County, who work as
friends of ours as people that we know. And this is the remote chance that they're
going to get cancer and die from spraying this chemical for years. It's enough for
me to say let's find something else to do. What else do you need to know? Just
the chance of. The chance knowing that my kids can get cancer and develop it as
they grow older is horrific to me. It's my kids. You go to enjoy. "You've got
cancer"—that's not enjoyable. We shouldn't be thinking in the line of money
when it comes to public safety. It's public safety first.
And finally, we're not banning chemicals across the board. There's a certain list
of chemicals on this list, and we have four years to think about it. We're not
banning chemicals on agriculture. We're not affecting agriculture. It's
frustrating. I heard the same thing again and again. I understand the argument. I
see your purpose. But the point of this bill is for the County itself. The County of
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Hawaii. Not the entire County of Hawaii. Within the County of Hawaii use.
And you can argue yourself left and right on that, but at the end of the day, it's the
County of Hawaii and its own uses. Not every member of this County on this
island. You can still go to Walmart and buy a gallon of it and take it home and
mix it and spray it in your yard and have fun. Spray it over yourself. Drink it.
But when it comes to public areas, that is what this ban is for. So, I'm going to
support it again. I supported it the first time. I'm not going to stop supporting it.
If we let it go, it disappears; and then what was all this talk for? What did we
waste so much money doing? We spent more talking about it than it's going to
cost us in the long run, possibly, because I still couldn't tell you much it's going
to cost to transition. So, I support it. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Deep breaths. First of all, I wanted to address, Mayor Kim,
your concerns about some of the terminology being high risk, and some of the
other words used. I also want to correct myself, and my apology for any issues I
may have had. And I want to strongly state to those who don't think this
legislation is good enough, this legislation is good enough. It may not be perfect
for you, but this legislation is written well. It's been gone over by LRB
(Legislative Research Branch), by Corp. Counsel, by other lawyers and doctors
and other groups. This legislation is sound. It is good enough. This is good
legislation. I am proud of this legislation.
Mayor, your concerns about stating these harsh terminology about the herbicides
listed in this legislation, I've printed out the EPA labeling for each one of them,
gone through them one by one. Statement, precautionary statement: "Hazards to
humans and domestic animals, this product is toxic to fish and aquatic
invertebrates." Every single one of them, within their own labeling, identifies
them as such. So, I would argue that it is relevant, necessary, and completely
appropriate to have the terminology within what's been presented in Bill 101.
However, I would also agree with Councilwoman Karen Eoff in that some of this
is listed in the findings and purpose, which doesn't eventually, it's my
understanding, end up actually in the ordinances.
Second of all, I want to point out I spoke with the head of Highways. His
comment to me is they're doing this; this is not that hard. He's come to DPW and
told you what he needed and had pushback. He said, "It's not going to be that
hard. It's not going to cost that much. It's totally doable." So, to hear from the
man who works with and alongside those that are boots on the ground that he's on
board tells me this is doable.
I also want to go back to if the true intent was to work with me in the creation of
this legislation in a formation and with all the correct terminology in something
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
that you would be comfortable with, then when I presented this legislation to you
and all the directors of the departments on August 8�h, more consideration would
have been given instead of putting me off until the day before the veto decision
needed to be made. And only then presenting these, and I'm going to call them
"manini" concerns with this piece of legislation.
I find it ironic that the members of this body who in this last year have
consistently sat at this table and questioned the Administration, and their
communication has pretty consistently indicated that there are issues with trust
and concerns with how the Administration works with us, would not see the
disconnect between any authentic claim to work with me to work out any
perceived issues with the terminology or semantics utilized in this bill.
I also want to point out that I've asked for the numbers from Finance, from DPW,
and Parks and Recreation of the amounts of herbicides used in our County
currently. According to the numbers I was provided by Parks and Recreation, in
fiscal year 2017-2018, Parks and Rec. used 108 gallons of a list of a number of
herbicides, including Roundup, Confront, Diuron, Turf Mark, whatnot. And in
the interest of time, I won't go—because these need to then be broken down into
what the ingredients are in the specific herbicides utilized in them because these
are brand names for these products.
In fiscal year 18-19, Parks and Rec. lists here that they used 240 gallons. That's
more than doubling of the usage. However, in the next document, according to
Parks and Rec., they spent in 2018-19, or 17-18, it was $36,000 in 18-19;
$18,000I'm sorry? Oh, I'm sorry. Breathe. Thank you for your patience. And
DPW reports that in fiscal year 2018-2019, they spent $40.74 on Roundup and
$42.19 on Aquamaster. That's a total of$82.93. Then for fiscal year 19-20, they
report $46.48 on Roundup, $49.25 on Aquamaster, with a total of$95.73.
I want to point out those numbers because when I went to the Department of
Finance and asked for, I mean, it shouldn't be that hard to find, right? We get
invoiced for this. Everything specifically is labeled. Comes from vendors. Very
challenging to get these numbers from vendors. It does not behoove the vendors
of these chemical companies to provide all this information when there is
potentially a risk that they may no longer be selling these products to our County.
So, I'm going to go back to Parks and Rec. For fiscal year 2018-2019 according
to the Department of Finance, in management of the zoo, which Parks and
Recreation is responsible for, and Parks and Rec. in general, Finance reports that
412 gallons were used at a total cost of$6,565, compared to the 108 gallons at
$36,000 provided by Parks and Rec. So, my point here is these numbers don't
match. The same thing in 2019 except that the spreadsheet I was given only lists
the parks with the zoo and no Parks and Rec., which leaves me to wonder where
are those numbers.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
DPW, saying that they spent $95 last year. According to the Department of
Finance, oh, and I apologize, according to the Department of Finance, this is just
on Roundup. So, this doesn't even include what some of these other reports
maybe include from the departments, but there's no way to know. In 2018, DPW
reports using upwards of a thousand gallons of Roundup at the cost of
approximately $16,000-$17,000 in 2018-2019. And then moving into 2019-2020,
oh, I'm sorry, and that's compared to the numbers I got from DPW where they
spent $82 that year on herbicides.
Anyway, I don't need to continue to go on with these numbers. What I want to
point out is there is a massive discrepancy between the department reports and the
Finance reports. And this is reflective of the need for Bill 101, which requires a
system of accountability. There is a template already in existence that requires by
State law that restricted-use pesticides use be reported annually. So, the template
exists that could be replicated, which is one of the requirements in Bill 101, is to
provide reporting for all herbicides used. I think that this example with the
discrepancy in information that's been provided here highlights—Mr. Gary
Hooser stated that the State doesn't know how much glyphosate is used, and I
argue here that the County is revealing evidence that we don't know either.
Something that really concerns me, Mayor Kim, was your quote, and I had to
write it down during our meeting, that you would not stand behind a piece of
legislation that identified herbicides used in the agricultural industry as prohibited
for use on County properties because it might hurt the reputation of the herbicide.
MR. KIM: Do you want me to comment?
MS. VILLEGAS: No. You went on to explain that you have fears or you had
concerns and you would not make people afraid to eat foods that may have been
treated with those herbicides in the agricultural industry. However, I will point
out consumers can decide what foods they want to eat, if they're going to be
organic or not. Parents aren't provided the opportunity to decide if they're going
to play in the park with their children if they are not notified. Children getting off
the bus walking home are not given the opportunity to decide if they're going to
be exposed. We have been asked by the constituents of our County to change the
way that we treat our open spaces and our County properties.
The reason it must be law, not a resolution, the reason it must be law is that
administrations change. Priorities, policies, protocols for administrations change.
The law will remain. This is a good law. This is a fair law. This is a just law.
And I behoove the other members who would claim otherwise to take into
consideration the affirmation from the number of experts who agree. I yield.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Anyone else? Is that it? Okay, I'm going to make a
comment. I voted against this the last time. I'm going to vote it, you know, I
don't know what you call it, but vote against the override.
When this bill first came up, I had decided in my mind that I was going to place a
great deal of weight on what the Administration had to say about this. Because,
after all, whether it's this Administration or another, they're the guys who have to
deal with this thing, right? So, when we began the exercise, Ms. Villegas, said
that it had the support of Mayor Kim. I worked within that context, and my votes
all the way through will substantiate that. I voted for it at the Committee level. I
voted for it at first reading. But during those two times, I also voiced my concern
about these listed chemicals, which I really had no idea what they were. And no
one really, I mean, I don't care. Till this very day, no one has really given me a
complete explanation as to what all of those things were.
Now, Ms. Villegas looked at me today and she said, "Mr. Chung, I just want you
to know that I did some research and the municipal golf course uses ten gallons of
Roundup a year." No offense to my colleague, but that just shows that she wasn't
listening to what I was saying during the course of that entire discussion. During
that last go around, I said, "Look, the reason why it's important"—and again this
is not something that I came up with as far as that golf course; it's what came up
from the Parks and Recreation Department—"and the reason for that is they need
selective poisoning." So, what I said is, "Get rid of all these 23 listed chemicals
and just ban glyphosate, and you would have my vote on this thing."
And if I voted"yes" on this matter, there's no way I would have changed my
vote. I would have stuck with my colleagues. That's all I asked for. Ban
glyphosate but allow selective poisoning on the greens, I specifically said.
There's only 18 greens on the golf course. Right? But anyway.
Then when I read the Mayor's veto message—and first of all, let me back up a
little bit. You have two sides to this equation. You have some people from the
agriculture community and some who are against the use of Roundup and other
types of chemicals. I'll say this, and I'm not going to be making any friends with
anybody on either side of this argument, but they're both just listening to who
they want to listen to. The agriculture committee, I mean, the agricultural
community, this thing doesn't relate to you guys. I know you guys are worried
about the slippery slope and all of that stuff, but I think some of the members here
said they wouldn't go there.
And on the other side of the equation, I hear all of these scientific evidence but
there's reallyI have the impression that nobody's listening to the other side.
You only listen to what you want to listen to. That's all. And if you hear
something that's supportive of your side: "Hey, that's great." If not: "That can't
be good." So, as I said, I'm not making any friends with anybody in this
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
audience, but that's how I look at it. We have to take a balanced approach. When
we make decisions here, we have to look at what affect it's having on our
community. And this measure, unfortunately, has driven a wedge between many
segments of our population, and that's not good.
So, when I saw Mayor Kim's veto message, I looked it over. I'm not saying that I
agree with it in total, but I thought this actually is a very balanced perspective,
and I agree with it. It brought up that thing about the listed chemicals, which I
had talked about, and then other things. But the real message that we have to look
at is what he said on his second-to-the-last paragraph, that they're willing to do
something.
Now, some people here are looking at forming a committee with experts. Why
the hell do you have to get experts? All you've got to do, Public Works, Parks
and Recreation,just convene a meeting with all of your employees who are doing
this kind of work. Solicit their input and ask them, "Let's get an inventory as to
exactly where we're using Roundup," and then get them to engage in a discussion
as to how we can reduce the usage of Roundup and or other chemicals. It can be
done within the departments.
Now, if you find that some employees are being obstructionists because they just
want the easy way out, then you discount them. But you utilize those guys from
within. How easy. You don't need experts. Maybe at some point you might
want to enlist the support of some experts, but there's no end because which
experts are you guys going to pick? I just think it's so common sense. It's very
easy to solve this thing.
Somebody said, "Mayor, if you had a commission, it's the better way because you
can engage the community." But all throughout this discussion, I've been talking
about volunteerism, the rise of volunteerism. You can have volunteer groups go
to the parks and cut the grass with their hands or weed wacker or whatever they
are, and you can create these many groups of volunteer people. You can engage,
like, guys like Mr. Crivello over there, right? Well, he's business of course. But
it can be done.
I know how Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder rolls. What we could do, within the
context of a disapproval of this bill, is to have the departments, Parks and
Recreation and DPW, come up periodically to explain, to just give us an update
on what efforts have been made and what identifiable, well, and how much the
usage of glyphosate, Roundup, or other chemicals are being decreased as pursuant
to that program. I don't see anything wrong with that. It would keep you guys on
task.
Many years ago, and this is before Ashley, Matt, Rebecca, and even Tim, I think,
well, got to be Tim, were on board, we hadn't—it was an ethics bill that came up.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
It was by Margaret Wille. And about three of us voted against it consistently, and
we were getting nailed. It's like we're against ethics, right? But we voiced our
concerns as to how this thing could be better, and so it worked through. And to
Ms. Wille's credit, she incorporated those things into that bill, and we went
through over and over, and at the very end, we had a bill which everyone
approved. And I asked Ms. Wille, "Ms. Wille, is this a better bill than what you
started with?" And she said on the record, "Yes." And I said, "That's all I
wanted to know." And that's all we were trying to achieve. We're not against
bad ethics.
I'm not against children or bees or whatever it is. I'm for good legislation.
Right? So, that's all I've got to say. But, yeah, I'm going to be voting against or
for. I don't even know what we have to do today, quite frankly, but anyone else?
If not, let's take a vote. What vote—what are we voting on?
MR. HENRICKS: A "yes" vote supports the bill.
CHR. CHUNG: A "yes" vote supports the bill. A "no"vote supports the veto.
Okay.
MR. HENRICKS: The simplest way, an "aye"vote supports the bill to become
an ordinance.
CHR. CHUNG: Right.
MR. HENRICKS: Would you like a roll call?
CHR. CHUNG: Go ahead.
MR. HENRICKS: Very good.
Vote on Motion The motion to override the Mayor's veto of Bill 101,
to Override Draft 2, failed by the following roll call vote:
Mayor Veto:
Failed Ayes: Council Members David, Eoff,
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Poindexter,
and Villegas –5.
Noes: Council Members Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Richards, and Chair Chung–4.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
(Note: Per Hawaii County Charter Section 3-12, a vote to override a
Mayor veto requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the entire Council, or
six aye votes.)
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, so the motion is defeated for the lack of a super majority,
right, to override the Mayor's veto?
MR. HENRICKS: That is correct.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, let's take a short recess on this, yeah.
Recess: At 2:57 p.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 3:11 p.m.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, we're going to go back on the record for just a little while,
take up a few matters so we can get some of our employees back to work, and
then I've also been informed that Mayor Kim would like to just take up a minute
or so of our time to make a statement. Go ahead, Mayor.
MR. KIM: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to repeat what I told Moe that there
is absolutely no feeling of a victory of any kind.
CHR. CHUNG: Of course.
MR. KIM: I want to talk especially to you. First of all, if you looked at our
comments, not one time did I mention the word "money." Not one time was
money the reason for why we did oppose. And I'll close with this: This Council,
you have this Administration's pledge to form a committee to guide County
operations in identifying the use and best practices for the management of
vegetation on County property with the goal of reducing the use of herbicides.
The function of this committee is critical to the success of a program that ensures
the continued protection of the community from exposure to harmful chemicals.
We are committed to the environment and the health and welfare of residents,
visitors, and wildlife. The commitment to work with you on this very important
issue to protect the people from exposure to harmful chemicals in doing our job of
controlling invasive species is critical and reaffirmed. I promise you all of that.
And I know you said a resolution doesn't have power, but I give you the power of
my absolute trust and my word. I worked for you for 45 years as a County
employee. I have never lied to one single person, even of those supporting or in
opposition. And, Mr. Chung, you've been with me a long time and you know
that, even when it insulted you.
CHR. CHUNG: Right. Anyway, okay, let's see. We have Rose here. So, Rose,
why don't you come up.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Rose Bautista came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: And we have four? How many do we have for you?
MS. BAUTISTA: No, only the two reappointments.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, okay, right. So, two communications, 692 and 703. And
Rose will explain what the situation is, and I think it's quite simple.
Comm. 692: REAPPOINTMENT OF JUDY GREENBAUM TO THE SALARY
COMMISSION
From Managing Director Roy Takemoto, dated December 20, 2019, submitting
for the Council's review and confirmation the above nomination.
Waived: FC
Requires Council
Confirmation by: February 2, 2020 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
Vote on Comm. 692: Ms. Lee Loy moved to confirm the reappointment of
(Approved) Judy Greenbaum to the Salary Commission. Seconded by
Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung—6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas —3.
Excused: None.
(Note: Ms. Bautista provided information regarding Ms. Greenbaum's
reappointment to the Salary Commission.)
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Let's take up Communication 703. And, Rose,
I understand that's the same situation, right?
MS. BAUTISTA: Exactly, yeah.
Comm. 703: REAPPOINTMENT OF STACEY E. AGUTAR TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS
From Managing Director Roy Takemoto, dated December 20, 2019, submitting
for the Council's review and confirmation the above nomination.
Waived: PC
Requires Council
Confirmation by: February 2, 2020 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to confirm the reappointment of
Stacey E. Aguiar to the Board of Appeals. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion? We know what the—it's the same situation as
the last nominee. All those in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Comm. 703: The motion to confirm the appointment of Stacey E. Aguiar
(Approved) to the Board of Appeals was carried by the following voice
vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung–6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas –3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Thank you, Rose.
MS. BAUTISTA: Okay, and then let's take up Bill 129 because we have a
member of the police force here. And he has been waiting patiently all morning
and afternoon.
Bill 129: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants –Speed Enforcement account
($137,715); and appropriates the same to the Speed Enforcement account,
bringing the total appropriation to $287,715. Funds would be used for speed
enforcement operations.
Reference: Comm. 699
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to pass Bill 129 on first reading.
Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Is there any discussion? We have Mr. Torey Keltner here. He's
the program manager for Traffic Services.
MR. RICHARDS: A quick comment.
CHR. CHUNG: If you could just let us know what this is all about.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
(Note: At this time, Traffic Safety Coordinator Torey Keltner came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KELTNER: As it reads there, the speed grant is obviously intended to be
used to, I guess, mitigate the speeding issues across the island. We're focusing on
areas where there are major accidents, injury accidents and fatalities. Officers use
these funds to fund the projects that we do in those areas and overtime shifts on
that. So, we have additional officers functioning in there.
With that as well, we have in the budget 40 new Stalker radars that are important
to the project and then 40, I'm sorry, 20 of the LTI (Laser Technology, Inc.)
lasers. This is fairly expensive equipment, but it's really needed for us to perform
the duties as they are required.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Is there a companion resolution or anything like that for this
one? No?
MR. KELTNER: I don't think so.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. All right. Matt.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Is there a list of the areas that you've chosen
as your kind of high-priority areas for enforcement?
MR. KELTNER: Each district commander makes assignments of where they
want to have those because the monies are broken up, and then the district
commanders have those. We focus on the areas where we do have those high
incidents of crashes. And then we have, like, a pin map—and that is where the
fatalities are—that we try to get in the areas or directly around that affect those
particular areas. Because, we know that speed is a major factor in many of the
injury accidents and fatality accidents as well.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Just in light of how many accidents we've
had, lethal accidents, I'm wondering what your priority list is. That's good.
Good to know you have something you're basing off of.
MR. KELTNER: Just in addition to that, if we see that our major accidents and
our fatalities are on a decline, I realize that because we've hadI guess it's been
publicized, but really the efforts are out there, and they're actually making a
difference and having an impact. And I have some numbers and handouts if you
guys wouldn't mind. They're just little brief
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KELTNER: Could I give those to you?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I don't know if you need—you can do it
after.
MR. KELTNER: Yeah, okay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Thank you, sir. Thank you, Chair.
CHR. CHUNG: Thank you. We have a motion on the floor. All those in favor,
say "aye."
Vote on Bill 129: The motion to pass Bill 129 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung–6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas –3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Okay, let's go on now to, let's see,
Resolutions 443, 444, 445, and Bill 130, housing matters. What happened to
Duane? Anyway, go ahead.
MR. HENRICKS: Okay.
Res. 443-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOMELESS
TASK FORCE FOR ITS OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT SERVICES
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services –Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Office of Housing and Community
Development, Transfer to Housing Fund account.
Reference: Comm. 670
Intr. by: Ms. David
CHR. CHUNG: I thought Mr. Hosaka, you know,he asked for these things to be
taken out of order. Why don't we hold off until at least Ms. David and
Ms. Villegas are here, yeah, so they can speak on behalf of their contingency
relief. I just was doing this as a courtesy to Mr. Hosaka.
MR. HENRICKS: Okay.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, that's it then. Let's take the breakwall matter up.
Res. 448-20: AUTHORIZES THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO
AGREEMENTS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION HARBORS DIVISION, AND THE UNITED STATES
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO ASSIST WITH A HILO BAY
WATERSHED STUDY IN SOUTH HILO, HAWAII, PURSUANT TO
HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7
Establishes a joint agreement to fund and conduct the watershed study to improve
the quality of water in Hilo Bay.
Reference: Comm. 675
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 448-20. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Mayor, do you want to say a few words? And then I know Matt
has some real interesting comments, positive stuff.
(Note: At this time, Mayor Harry Kim came forward to address the
members of the Council.)
MR. KIM: First of all, thank you, everybody, for your work. In regards to this,
this story goes way back when Senator Inouye came to my office shortly around
2005 or so and asked me if I had any major projects. I said I had dream projects,
and breakwater was identified. It was because of his work that he went to
Congress to get the monies, which was big monies, to do the study of the
breakwall, and that site was finished in 2009. And what is showed was that if
certain adjustments were made, it would increase the waterflow and quality of
Hilo Bay significantly, was the exact words of Corps Engineers. And naturally,
there was a break, so it was not followed up. And when he came back, I
happened to ask if that was still alive, and it was.
I think we have an opportunity. We presented this the first time around to the
board of directors and the whole committee at the Downtown Hilo Improvement.
And I think if you check the records on what our dreams and goals were, it was
the first time that association voted unanimous to do this. I think anybody from
Hilo or uses Hilo Bay realizes the bad condition of the water. And I'll read this:
"Results for the four-harbor configurations model indicate that they would result
in a significant positive impact to the water quality of Hilo Harbor." So, even
though it is not a total thing, because the total thing includes addressing the
inflow—and naturally, that's a dream for tomorrowI ask for your participation
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
in this. I am elated that the Corps of Engineers and the Department of
Transportation agreed to the process of doing this, and I need Council approval to
proceed.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Matt, you've got some interesting discoveries.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Yeah. It was actually a meeting with the
Mayor that was on something completely different and then, by chance, he
brought up that he was looking at doing the study. And then I mentioned that
when I was in college, I had written an essay about three things that could
economically benefit Hilo specifically. And one of them that I chose—there were
some other ones—but I think this was interesting to me, reconfiguring the
breakwall, because it was built on a barrier reef. That was beautiful, called
"Blond Reef."
And they dumped I don't know how many tons of rock and cement over the reef,
creating this natural kind of one-way-in flow that two rivers empty into, which
has created this huge layer of sediment which has killed the reef. It killed the
surf. It killed the reef. And before, looking at pictures that I found, pre-breakwall
times, they had this beautiful break, pristine bay, fishing grounds. Reefs are, like,
the core of ocean life. So, that reef was the support of a huge population of fish
and other animals.
So, as I read into that, I realized if we were to eliminate parts of the wall or cut
holes in the wall or create more flow into the wall, you start to clean out the bay
area and you start to see things come back. Whether you call it surf or whether
you call it animals, there was a hawksbill turtle breeding ground. There's so
many pluses.
And then I found a 1983 Army Corps of Engineers study that talked about four
different configurations of the break wall and turbidity, salinity—go down the list
of water quality, what it used to be, and different styles of wall. Shortening the
wall, breaking holes in the wall, and studies of each one and how it would
improve the bay. It just added so much to my essay, and it seemed so silly at the
time, you know,just being a freshman in college and just spouting off in an essay.
But then, actually seeing this come about and understanding that we have a
chance possibly to do that, I would love to see that bay back to what it was.
And it may never be what it was, but just an inkling of what it used to be 50 years
ago, 60 years ago, I cannot imagine the beauty of that break, especially watching
these last few winter swells come in. If we can see an actual break come in, like a
north swell or a northeast, northwest swell hit that spot and then line up and go all
the way down into where Suisan is, my goodness I tell you.
CHR. CHUNG: He's a surfer.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KIM: That's great to hear.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: That is where my mind went. So, I brought
it up to the Mayor and then, yeah, here we are.
MR. KIM: The condition of the study was the purpose of the breakwater, which
is safe harbor would not be sacrificed.
CHR. CHUNG: Right.
MR. KIM: And I do want to say, by the way, what he said, when the first study
came out that this would be a game changer for Hilo as far as the economy also.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, I think so. And I don't know if you recall, but prior to you
becoming mayor a long time ago, you got in 2000, right?
MR. KIM: Right.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah. So, before 2000 and actually got to be prior to 1996
because I was still at the Corporation Counsel's office.
MR. KIM: Oh, you were a young boy then.
CHR. CHUNG: And then I remember you telling me about that. You had this
idea for a long time, right?
MR. KIM: It's a boy's dream.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah. And so, now, I'm glad that it's at least moving towards
fruition. So, anywayoh, Mr. Richards, go ahead.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah,just quick. Matt, share that report or whatever. The
pictures, I'd love to see them. Bring it sometime just so we can all share.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: The report's online. It's huge. It's, like,
similar to what you just pulled out.
MR. RICHARDS: Oh, okay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: It says, "Army Corps of Engineers, 1983
Hilo Breakwater Study."
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. All right.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: It's huge.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. RICHARDS: That's really cool.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And then pictures,just randomly,just pull
pictures. They're beautiful. Like, what the bay was and what it used to be in that
reef.
MR. RICHARDS: It's a little bit scary and you're getting all excited, the break
and all kinds of stuff
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I love surfing. I love the water. So, it
really, this is interesting to me.
MR. HENRICKS: Mr. Chair,just for the record, we need to know what grade
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder got on his report.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Being a good student, I'd say it was
probably in the range of an "A."
MR. HENRICKS: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: I'm kind of interested to find out what his other two suggestions
were. We can talk about that later. But the main thing is we've got to maintain
that safe harbor, though, I mean, surf breaks and all notwithstanding. So, okay,
we have a motion on the floor. All those in favor, signify by saying "aye."
Vote on Res. 448-20: The motion to adopt Res. 448-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung–6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas –3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
MR. KIM: Thank you, sir.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, thank you. Okay. Sharon, what—well, Jules asked first.
Jules, is yours going to take a long time?
MS. UNG: No, it's really quick.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, come then. Resolution 461. This doesn't look like it's
too straight forward.
Res. 461-20: AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF A LATER FISCAL YEAR
AND OF MORE THAN ONE FISCAL YEAR FOR A MULTI-YEAR
AGREEMENT FOR SOFTWARE LICENSING
Authorizes the Mayor to enter into a three-year Microsoft Government Enterprise
agreement for Microsoft software used county-wide.
Reference: Comm. 695
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 461-20. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: We have Jules here. Jules, do you want to just say a little bit
about this thing?
(Note: At this time, Information Technology Director Jules Ung came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. UNG: Sure. Thank you for having me. Jules, Director of IT (Information
Technology). This is a renewal of our three-year Microsoft licensing agreement.
So, this agreement covers all Microsoft licensing for a variety of users
countywide, including our server licensing. So, this is the most competitive best
value to manage licenses centrally and efficiently on the County network.
CHR. CHUNG: It's a renewal.
MS. UNG: Yes.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: A quick question, Jules. I know the Prosecuting Attorney's
Office had a bunch of computers sitting there, and there was a licensing issue
getting those up and running. What's the status of all that? Does this cover that?
MS. UNG: So, the only question I had for Prosecutor's was whether or not their
standalone licenses included Core CAL (Client Access License), and we're
working with them on that now. Hopefully, they are included in the current
agreement, and they won't have to pay additional monies for licensing.
MR. RICHARDS: This one?
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MS. UNG: Yes.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay thanks, Chair, I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Anyone else? If not, we have a motion on the floor. All
those in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Res. 461-20: The motion to adopt Res. 461-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung—6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas —3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Thank you, Jules.
MS. UNG: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Hey, Sharon, what are you here for? Going be fast? Oh, you
and Roy? Okay, come up here.
MR. HENRICKS: Just before you get started, this does require a unanimous vote
to pass, though, yeah, because it requires six votes. Just saying. I don't want to
predict anything.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, yeah.
MS. LEE LOY: I don't know, Sharon.
CHR. CHUNG: You've got to be real nice to everybody. Go ahead.
MR. HENRICKS: You want to do it? Okay.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Bill 132: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Adds the Office of Management Village 9 Homeless and Affordable Rental
Project for $4 million to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be
provided from State Grants Receivable. Funds would be used for planning,
design, construction, and dedication of an access road.
Reference: Comm. 704
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. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 132 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Sharon, go ahead.
(Note: At this time, Executive Assistant Sharon Hirota, Office of the
Mayor, came forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. HIROTA: Good afternoon. Sharon Hirota, Executive Assistant, Office of
the Mayor. So, requesting approval of Bill 132. The $4 million will be used to,
as it indicates, the planning, design, and construction of the access road going into
our proposed Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in
West Hawaii. These funds are coming from the State of Hawaii, Hawaii
Housing Finance and Development Corporation, under their what they call DURF
funding, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund.
CHR. CHUNG: All right.
MR. RICHARDS: I have a question.
CHR. CHUNG: Yes.
MR. RICHARDS: Has this been in the works for a while? Because, we're
halfway through the fiscal year.
MS. HIROTA: This funding just became available at the end of last year.
CHR. CHUNG: All right, anyone else? Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Did they just give this a new name? Were
we talking about this yesterday or, no, it was different?
MS. HIROTA: No, different.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Different? Okay.
MS. HIROTA: This is the proposed project that is off of Kealakehe Parkway,
diagonally across the West Hawaii Civic Center. It's a new project.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Okay. Sorry.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, anyone else? There being no further discussion, let's take
a vote. All those in favor, say "aye."
Vote on Bill 132: The motion to pass Bill 132 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung—6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas —3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion is carried. Thanks, Sharon.
MS. HIROTA: Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Let's take the first Communication 312.7. Get that out of the
way.
MR. HENRICKS: Let's do minutes, maybe, too?
CHR. CHUNG: Hmmm?
MR. HENRICKS: Let's do maybe the minutes just so we don't forget. I might
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, okay, go ahead. Take that one up first.
MR. HENRICKS: Yeah, sorry.
Return to Order The Chair directed the Council to return to the order of business.
of Business:
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
APPROVAL The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Approval
OF MINUTES: of Minutes.
Vote on Approval Mr. Richards moved to approve the Minutes of
of Minutes: December 4, 2019. Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy and carried
(Approved) by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
and Chair Chung—6.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David, Eoff, and Villegas —3.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
CATIONS: Communications.
Comm. 312.7: REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OF COUNCIL MEMBERS DAVID, EOFF,
RICHARDS, AND VILLEGAS AT THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN LAW
TRAINING COURSE HELD ON DECEMBER 16, 2019, PURSUANT TO
HAWAII REVISED STATUTES SECTION 92-2.5(e)
From Council Member Karen Eoff, dated December 19, 2019.
Motion to Mr. Richards moved to close file on Comm. 312.7.
Close File: Seconded by Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Discussion?
MR. RICHARDS: This was just a training on native law held in Kona Chambers
that four of us attended.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. We have a motion on the floor. All those in favor,
signify by saying "aye."
Vote on The motion to close file on Comm. 312.7 was carried by
Comm. 312.7: the following voice vote:
Filed
Ayes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members David and Eoff—2.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. We're going to take a short lunch break, maybe
only 20 minutes I think, yeah. Okay, let's take a recess.
MR. HENRICKS: So, we'll reconvene around four o'clock.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, thank you.
MR. HENRICKS: Okay, thank you.
Recess: At 3:36 p.m., the Chair called for a recess.
Reconvene: The meeting reconvened at 4:01 p.m.
CHR. CHUNG: Let's go on to 126.
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:
Bill 126: AMENDS CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 5-84, OF THE HAWAII
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Updates the County's Energy Conservation Code provisions by replacing the
2006 International Energy Conservation Code with the 2015 International Energy
Conservation Code, and incorporating 46 amendments to promote the design of
energy-efficient building envelopes and the installation of energy-efficient
mechanical, lighting, and power systems in the County of Hawaii, while taking
into consideration local conditions and providing options to mitigate increases in
the cost of construction.
Reference: Comm. 646
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
Approve: PWMTC-20
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to pass Bill 126 on first reading and
adopt Public Works and Mass Transit Committee Report
No. 20. Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Any discussion?
MS. LEE LOY: Chair, no. I think we saw a favorable recommendation at
Committee, and I'd just like to see this continue forward. It's something the
community has been asking for.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Anyone else? There being none, all those in favor say
Ic aye.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Bill 126: The motion to pass Bill 126 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Public Works and Mass Transit Committee Report No. 20
was carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Okay, what else? What shall we do? Let's go
to the top, "Order of Resolutions." Oh, Deanna, what are you here for? Okay,
127 then. Let's go to 127.
Bill 127: AMENDS CHAPTER 12 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983
(2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS FOR
THE FORMATION OF IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
Modifies provisions to increase efficiency and program flexibility to encourage
the formation of improvement districts.
Reference: Comm. 655
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-99
Vote on Bill 127: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 127 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 99. Seconded by
Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. And, Deanna? 131? Okay. All right, 131, go
ahead
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Bill 131: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Increases the Mass Transit Agency Hub and Spokes project by $1.45 million, for
a total appropriation of$2 million. Funds shall be provided from General
Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other Sources
and would be used for land acquisition, planning, design, and construction.
Reference: Comm. 701
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: FC
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
(Note: Comm. 701.1, from Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz dated
January 8, 2020, transmitting a disclosure of information, was circulated.)
Motion to Approve: Ms. Kierkiewicz moved to pass Bill 131 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Before we go on, though, I did receive this disclosure of
information statement, dated today, from Ms. Kierkiewicz to myself as the
chairperson. I'm going to read it, if that's okay, all right, because it has to do with
this matter.
(Note: At this time, Chair Chung proceeded to read aloud the contents of
Communication 701.1.)
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Clerk, so what do we do with this?
MR. HENRICKS: What you just did. It was submitted to you. It's on the record.
It's been numbered. It's been read into the record in full. So, it's
CHR. CHUNG: Well, may I just ask a few questions of Ms. Kierkiewicz?
MR. HENRICKS: Absolutely.
CHR. CHUNG: Do you have any kind of financial interest in this property that
we're talking about?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No, Chair.
CHR. CHUNG: None whatsoever?
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: No.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Mr. Kamelamela, do you have any comments? Because
from my perspective, I think that kind of distant relationship would not disqualify
her from participating. It's a balancing test, really, of trying to encourage Council
Members to participate, but we still have to uphold the rules of ethics, right?
(Note: At this time, Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. KAMELAMELA: Yes, and I do agree with you; there's an unlikely conflict
here.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. KAMELAMELA: But, Chair, you're the Chair. You make the call.
CHR. CHUNG: No, based on the information that I have, right, no pecuniary
interest. A distant relationship, the nature of which is unclear. I'm going to say I
prefer that you participate and vote on this matter if that's okay.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Who wants to start off? Brenda? Go ahead.
(Note: At this time, Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MS. CARREIRA: For the record, Brenda Carreira, Mass Transit Administrator.
Deanna Sako is also here for finance, and I have Trixy Groaning, my
administrative services assistant, who's outside if there's any questions that you
would have.
We are actually ahead of the Pahoa hub. This is all part of the Mass Transit
Master Plan. And I think we were thinking possibly we would get this going after
July of the new budget, new fiscal year. But we had SSFM (SSFM International,
Inc.) who took charge, if you will, to look for a potential site for the Pahoa hub.
We wanted to start with the Pahoa hub because of the devastation that had
happened last year, trying to give something back to the community. They did
that. They had two community meetings. They looked at approximately five
sites. And I'm sorry, I wish I had brought that recommendation—seven sites,
sorry.
And their ultimate recommendation was this particular site, 3.4 acres. Gilbert is
here; he could probably correct me. But there were other sites, like the Puna Kai
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Shopping Center in the back across the street. And for those two particular
properties, we had two separate community meetings. The first meeting,
somebody appeared at that and we were able to talk to that person. When we
wanted to pursue more avenues, because part of the things in looking for a Pahoa
hub is to have a shopping center available where people could go. So, it was quite
a good place for us to do.
They called and called, and there was no response. So, we moved on, and they
went to other particular areas. They came down to where this was the No. 1
recommendation. At the time, my boss was Managing Director Wil Okabe. And
after we looked at all the recommendations, SSFM turned it over to myself. I
talked it over with Wil, and we looked at what they were saying and all the
different sites and chose this particular site. And then, Wil took it over and went
through with Property Manager Hamana Ventura and started the ball going on
that.
This particular site, frankly, is almost ready for getting the hub open except for
paving it and putting in the parking stalls. Because, one of the good things or
positive things, as you would say, about this particular place is the water, the
sewer, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), wheelchair with the
parking stall. All of that is done. There are three particular buildings on there
with electricity. We could probably do medical, a possibility of putting in a
restroom and things like that. So, that was one of the reasons. So, my
understanding is Hamana Ventura, they did everything. They did the appraisal,
found out what the amount was and did whatever assessments needed to be done,
and it's completed.
Now, at the time we put in this money, I believe, not thinking that we possibly
had the Pahoa hub already, put in only $550,000. The purchase price is $900,000
plus all the extras that we need to put in. And that's why we put in this ordinance
to ask to increase that amount. There is capital funding available. I believe it's
$10 million, but it's for the mass transit as well as the Department of
Transportation, Highways.
Also for the record, I would say because I know Ms. Kierkiewicz gave you that
letter is I can also state, for the record, that I know she was present during the first
community meeting. But she definitely was not part of any decision making of
this. Let's put that on the record.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. I'm just kind of curious. You said that nobody answered
any of the calls for that shopping center. How would that have rated you think?
MS. CARREIRA: Probably it would have been favorable, especially the one with
the shopping center which is the one that's due to open pretty soon. That's the
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Puna Kai Shopping Center. Because, it would have been in the back. And I
know Cheryl Soon, who's head of SSFM and it's not like they do just one call.
They can be very persistent.
CHR. CHUNG: She tried. Yeah.
MS. CARREIRA: At that point, if you don't call us back then we're going to
move on.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, of course. Yeah.
MS. CARREIRA: We've got to move on.
CHR. CHUNG: Who's the owner of the property anyway?
MS. CARREIRA: Which one?
CHR. CHUNG: The one that you're talking about, the shopping center. Never
mind. But Cheryl Soon guys tried their best. So, this would have been pretty
good too.
MS. CARREIRA: Yes. It's the shopping center. The one across the street would
have been more because you would have to build from the ground up. It's an
unimproved property. This one, I would also say with the Pahoa hub, because of
the three buildings, what I was hoping to do is talk to other departments to see if
they wanted to share it, use it, the County Council, whomever, because that's a lot
of buildings for us. We may not use it all. But I'm just not buying it for Mass
Transit.
CHR. CHUNG: Right. But the property that you guys are looking at is really
good too.
MS. CARREIRA: Yes.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. What is a transit hub anyway? I mean, what comprises
that?
MS. CARREIRA: Okay, so, even for myself, we were wondering what is this
hub and spoke. So right now, we have four routes: Pahoa 1, 2, 3, and 4. They all
go between Pahoa and Hilo. So, the idea of a hub is the hub would be in Pahoa.
So, we would have, like, the big bus that would be waiting. You would have the
little baby buses going into the district bringing them there, and the big bus would
bring them into Hilo. Or if we had the Kea`au hub, you'd come to Kea`au. And
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if you have Volcano, they'd come here then you can go back and do more runs.
And then the baby ones just would stay in Puna, and they wouldn't have to come
back to Hilo.
Now, how many that would take I don't know, but we'd have already three. And
that, my belief, is what the idea is behind the hub and spoke.
CHR. CHUNG: I see.
MS. CARREIRA: Yes.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. All right, any discussion on this matter, anyone? Oh,
Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thank you. Brenda, thanks for that explanation. To me, that
makes sense because then you'll have your baby buses shuttling more fast and
then getting to the central so people can go shopping and go home.
MS. CARREIRA: Yes. Absolutely, sir.
MR. RICHARDS: So, that makes a lot of sense. And like I said before, you're
the first administrator I've seen since I've sat in this chair that I have confidence
is going to get the big picture done. That being said, Deanna, that one-and-a-half
million or 1.45, whatever it is, looking at it, it says it may come out of this or this
or this. Is that going to be bonded?
MS. SAKO: That's our standard language in all of our CIP (Capital Improvement
Project) appropriations, but it's actually going to be coming from the General
Excise Tax Fund.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay.
MS. SAKO: We have transferred part of that, according to the budget, into the
capital project fund to be used for transportation projects. And this is one of the
ones we've been talking about for a while.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah. And so, we're actually bumping our total budget for
fiscal 19-20 up 1.45 right now?
MS. SAKO: We actually already had designated some of it for capital projects
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, so just rearrange. Okay, thank you, I yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Anyone else? Matt, go ahead.
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Ashley, I appreciate this. I appreciate your
bill. Mass Transit hub has been in the works for a while. We have the Mass
Transit Master Plan from SSFM to stand on. We have GE (General Excise)
funding; we've been saying this for a long time. So, you went the next step and
said let's actually put funds towards something.
I attended the first meeting, and the first meeting was a mishmash of ideas. And
at the end of that meeting, there was kind of a want to put it near Puna Kai. And I
fought for that because I believe that a hub and the location of should be close to
the center of where the town is beginning to accumulate, which has been more
towards the Hilo side of the town where you have Malama Market. And then,
you have Puna Kai being built, post office, fire station, DMV (Department of
Motor Vehicles), police station, gas station, Subway. I mean, go down the list.
So, I was surprised when I noticed that, in the next two meetings that occurred
that my staff were at, there was a switch from the Puna Kai center, or that side of
town, to Gilbert's lot. I did begin to ask questions, and I found out that
Wil Okabe was kind of running point on this and he's not here anymore,
unfortunately. So, I don't know how that went down.
But out of seven sites that we had, there were two favorable recommendations at
the end, which were No. 3 and No. 6, one of which was Gilbert's property. And
the other one was this man named Jon McElvaney who works with Puna Kai
Shopping Center. He was recently involved in an accident. He is no longer
available. But he was not being responsive, and that was very frustrating because
he was working to help us get a property closer to the center of the town. So in
that aspect, I do take responsibility for that lack of follow through.
But I still do believe that this hub should be located more close to the center of the
town. The current location at Gilbert's lot, although it is graveled and graded and
there's three buildings on that lot and utilities to them as well, as a hub there is
nothing else there. You have to cross the highway to get to, the high school
would be your next thing, and then from there you've got a good walls into town
if you're going to use that as a hub and then a walking point from.
If you use it as a hub and spoke, then you would take a smaller bus back through
town or through town and to it, but I don't find the location to be suitable as a
hub. I have some good reasons for that, like I've stated. And I also just have a
my gut instinct is telling me this is not the best place for it. So, this "where," I'm
disagreeing with you on this one. And I wish we could have talked about it
before this came out because I would have shared that with you as well.
So, I'm all for a mass transit hub. I don't like the location. And with the letter
that I got earlier, I mean, I appreciate this as well because you're putting this out
there. You're not letting it kind of—it's not under the radar. It's in everybody's
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face that you're saying we don't have a family tie, but this lot was distinctly the
lot of a family member in some sort, or an uncle, however you want to state that,
and also was the hub which was like campaign headquarters for
Ashley Kierkiewicz.
I'm just putting this all on the table. And I don't mean to poke, but I'm going to
be very real about this. Because, I watched this evolve through a series of public
conversations to the point it's at now, where how I felt about it and how other
members of the community felt about it as far as the location has come about to
switching gears altogether. So, I know we can probably get people to come in
and say we're on both sides of this.
I guess what I'm looking for is more of a consensus between you and I about
where we want to put this that serves the public the best. That's really what it
boils down to for me. Everything else aside, does this location serve the public
need for a hub at that location in the best way possible? So, there's a lot there. I
know it's a big subject. That's why you wrote this letter because there's a lot of
different things involved. But that's where I'm at right now.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. Who wants to go first?
MS. DAVID: Doesn't matter.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Kierkiewicz?
MS. DAVID: Ms. Kierkiewicz can go first.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah, go ahead.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Chair. Matt, you have my cellphone number.
If you have reservations, feel free to call, text anytime. I'm always available. I
think early on in the process when we were provided these locations, I also
expressed reservations publicly about this location, Gilbert's property, because I
didn't think it was ideal. But when I thought about the service I could be bringing
to the region to both of our constituents, I was concerned about wanting to utilize
all of the resources that we had available to bring service to our community
immediately. We just had cancellation of route services where I had constituents
who are disabled calling me saying, "What happened?" Thankfully, I gave
Brenda a call, and she got service restored for Pahoa Route 2.
But our community needs relief. They just went through the lava eruption. And I
want to make sure that they're gaining reliable mass transit service today. I don't
know how long it would take to stand up the other locations, and maybe that's
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something that Brenda can comment on. But I want to make sure that our folks
have bus service to get to jobs, access resources, whatever they need immediately,
not maybe down the road.
And I'm sorry we don't disagree, but I feel that the Administration has done their
due diligence and really evaluated this very closely, very carefully. And I
appreciate you for doing that and coming to a decision and really starting to take
action, right, on this really beautiful award-winning master plan that we have. So,
Brenda, I don't know if you want to comment about the importance of selecting a
site now to bring service to community or if it's better to pursue other options.
Bottom line, I just want to be acting for Puna.
MS. CARREIRA: Thank you, Ms. Kierkiewicz. So, when we looked at the sites
and for SSFM, the consulting team SSFM looked at the following: How quickly
could the site be available and then used as a hub? Two, was there sufficient
room for the buses to maneuver and to provide park-and-ride? How did the
location support the economy of Pahoa Town? Was there a short-term and a
long-term solution?
Number one, how quickly—basically in my mind, after purchasing is towhether
we have to put a bid I'm not sure to pave and do the parking stalls. That's it.
What we did is we went out with Polynesian Adventure Tours, their manager,
Chris, and he took a big bus. Because, we asked Mr. Aguinaldo can we go to the
site to make sure our buses can get in. We went in. He said it was fine. We
know exactly what direction we're going to do. Clearly, if the big bus can make
it, definitely the small buses can. Two, sufficient room. So, that answers the
second question. Now the third, as far as supporting the economy of Pahoa
Town, I know it's not in the shopping center but all the baby buses, if you will,
will pass by the Puna Kai. Malama Market can do all of that.
I know that you've got to cross the street for the school, but it's there for the
school. I don't think it will take away—having this up there will take away from
the economy of Pahoa Town. And for this particular site, you could possibly go
for a lease, but the decision was made to go to a purchase because we could do it
right now and get involved. This is also the site that was usedI wasn't here; I
was in Kona at the timeduring the eruption of the Fissure 8, that I think people
went to this particular property as a recovery, or I'm not sure. Maybe that's not
the proper word. But the community knows where this place is. It's not
something you—yes, I believe probably Puna Kai could have been better. But
and I'm sorry for whatever may have happened to Mr. McElvaney.
At the time we were looking, we couldn't get calls back. I'm not sure how long
you would want us to wait, but I'm thinking why wait. We found this particular
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site, and it really works well for us. But again, I yield to the Council. I know you
guys have your constituents and what you need to do, but I do believe this is
really the best property for this hub at this time.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Brenda, hypothetically speaking, we acquire the property,
put in the driveway, how quickly can we start service utilizing that as an actual
hub for Puna?
MS. CARREIRA: Well, we could do the one bus and the three minis right away
because that—assuming we have all the other buses. (Inaudible.) At the end of
this month, we're going to inspect the four new buses. We expect a delivery
beginning next month so that, hopefully, I can put the buses into service in March.
I don't understand construction and that, so I don't know how long that might
take but that might be the amount of time it would need to get it paved and stuff
But if I have to do bids and all of that, by the time that happens as long as it's
paved and the parking stall is there, almost instantaneously once that is done.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: So, end of Quarter 1, maybe beginning of Quarter 2 of this
year.
MS. CARREIRA: Yes. Hopefully it'd be by June, no later. But again, it just
depends on what I have to do to get the pavement and the parking stalls and the
procurement, the bidding process, that I would talk to Deanna and Public Works
to see where we could do—because you've got to do planning and all that. But as
soon as that is done, that property is ready.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Thank you, Brenda. I appreciate that. I just want to
address a comment that was made that that location served as my campaign
headquarters. I kind of take offense to that because what the hub was, was
community driven. And I was part of community that stepped up to help respond
at a very traumatic time for Puna. So, certainly wasn't a campaign headquarters.
It was a hub of services, a place of aloha for Puna. Thank you, Brenda, for being
here. I appreciate you answering questions.
CHR. CHUNG: Before I call on Ms. Poindexter, I did want to make one point,
though, yeah,just so that there is no misunderstanding. When this thing came to
me and then it was, you know, I was alerted to it by the Administration that this
bill was coming up. And inasmuch even if I didn't know exactly what a bus hub
was exactly, I kind of had a good idea of what it might be. And then, I'm the one
who asked Ms. Kierkiewicz if she would like to do the honors. Normally, that
would go to Ms. David. But I'm the one who asked just out of courtesy to her.
So, it's not something that she prepared or anything like that. I just wanted to
make that comment, yeah. And then I read, of course, in the paper that, I saw that
her uncle was— Maybe I made a mistake in having her introduce it, but now
she's explained the relationship. Yeah, okay. Ms. Poindexter.
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MS. POINDEXTER: When you talk about how fast it can be done paving, we
saw how fast at the Civic it was done because we did it in house. So, it happened
real quick. I definitely would want to support a hub. My only concern is that
both Puna Council Members may be at odds on this, and I don't know if
postponing it to the next meeting so that maybe they could get together with the
community and come in together saying, "Hey, yes, our community is all okay
with this." I don't mind supporting it because I'm not getting that they're both on
the same page on this. So, I definitely want to support the hub there definitely.
Where it's at I think is where I'm hearing maybe there was some kind of
miscommunication. I don't know. But I'm just hearing some doubts in Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder's decision for this, and I want to be able to support
Puna as a whole, and I would hope that both Council Members could agree.
Because, I'm hearing that the community maybe didn'tI'm hearing what you're
saying and then I'm hearing what Ashley's saying and there's a little bit of
disconnect. So, I don't know where to go with this right now, and I'd love to hear
from both of you to see how we can move forward together. Okay? Aloha.
MS. CARREIRA: If I can answer just one thing. For me, the only thing is I
would just need to talk to Mr. Aguinaldo because I don't know how long he's
open to keeping the offer open. If I could ask him. I don't know when the next
meeting would be. I'd like to ask him
MS. POINDEXTER: It would probably be in two weeks, but I guess you could.
I don't know if you want to—but anyway, I'll yield at this time. I'd just love to
hear more conversation and hoping that we can support both. I don't want to
choose because I don't know. I want to listen to both, and I know Matt is saying
one thing and Ashley is saying one thing. So, I cannot choose at this point on
how to vote. So, thanks.
MS. SAKO: So right now, we're scheduled to close at the end of the month on
the deal. And when I was working with Hamana and with Wil on it before he left,
we relied on the report that SSFM did, and they did meet with the community.
So, that's kind of the basis for a lot of their decisions. And I believe they did
have, like I said, some community meetings. So, we kind of relied on SSFM.
And they had a number of factors, like Brenda read off earlier. And so, this is the
best suited site. So,just so people know kind of where we're coming from. But it
was an independent selection.
CHR. CHUNG: Maile.
MS. DAVID: Thank you, Chair. I kind of feel like Council Member Poindexter
on this; there's two different positions on this. And I understand what you're
saying, Deanna, that the consultant basically did the groundwork and came up
with the suggestions. And so, I'm curious on the timeframe for that, whether this
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other property, the other possible selection, the Puna Kai one that
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder was referring to, whether how much time or whether
the owner was willing to participate.
But we don't know that because it was done by the independent contractor, yeah.
And that's where I fall back on not wanting a conflict between the two Council
Members that have different understandings about this. And then, I understand
the closing deadline, that you said they have to close by the end of this month,
right? So, I'm not sure how much time we've got,but I'd like to see some time to
work till you guys talk story, you know, and come up with either an agreement or
something. Because, we're going to have to choose either to approve this or not.
But I mean, there's some questions, and I think maybe SSFM would have been
good to have here if we had questions regarding recommendations and the public
hearings and stuff like that. Right now, that's my comments. And I'm going to
yield for now and see what everybody else thinks about this. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Did you speak?
MR. RICHARDS: I did once already, yeah.
CHR. CHUNG: Well, speak again.
MR. RICHARDS: Okay.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, no, Ms. Lee Loy. I'm sorry.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you, Chair. Brenda or Deanna, could you read to
me that evaluation criteria again that was utilized in this kind of process?
MS. SAKO: So, they looked at three main areas. And there's actually additional
analysis in here, including the location and, like Brenda said, can the buses turn
and all of that too. But some of the main questions in the end were how quickly
could the site be available and in use as a hub, and then the lot size and
configuration and the effect on the economy of Pahoa Town.
And so, from the perspective of how quickly the site could be ready for hub and
spoke, they said the best site is Site 6, which is this property that we're discussing.
And then, the other sites, they kind of listed any issues there might be. And then
the lot size and configuration, they actually said Site 3 would be the best. But
when they went out to lay out the path and the park-and-ride, it determined that
Site 6 is viable, which is the one we're talking about.
And then the effect on the economy of Pahoa Town, they said that Site 6 has, the
one we're talking about, has a slight edge and it's in walking distance of the
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school, downtown, and connects best with Kapoho. And so,just based on the
various roads and areas, each one has its factors, and we're happy to talk about
them more.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you. And this was given a weighted system, right?
So, what emerges up from this evaluation process is the scoring, right? They
score it and thenso, this kind of floats up because of that scoring process. And
then, Brenda, tell me again about the community input part. Because, here's
where I'm at: Puna has been asking for so long now for help in recovery. And
I'm on the fence because I want to demonstrate to them that government can
provide them what they're asking for, which is what they've been asking for, for
over a year now. Yeah. So, Brenda, talk to me a little bit about the community,
kind of input and community engagement. And was it SSFM that did that?
Okay.
MS. CARREIRA: So, SSFM did all the publicity. A community meeting was
held on March 25�h, 2019, at the Pahoa Neighborhood Center. During that
meeting, four possible locations were mentioned and then the consultant then
researched each parcel: ownership, address, tax map key, size, and zoning. After
the meeting, two additional sites were identified by a Council Member and by the
County Administration. These two sites had owners who heard about the site
search and thought they had something that might be of interest.
A second community meeting was held July 31", 2019, at the Pahoa
Neighborhood Center. The results of the research were presented, and site
advantages and disadvantages were discussed by attendees. A seventh location
was identified by one of the attendees. The meeting led to an article the next day
in the Hawaii Tribune Herald. And so, yeah. So, there were two community
meetings. I attended the first one, and SSFM was actually in charge. I'm not sure
how many people there were, and there were people there.
And it might have been that, it's possible, I could be wrong, that Mr. McElvaney
might have been there at the first meeting. So, that was a positive thing for us
because he was the man that we were, you know, going to for the Puna Kai. And
that is the man that SSFM tried to pursue after, and they never got any calls back
or anything because, you know, Puna Kai is a shopping center. It would be in the
back there; great for our riders. And we didn't understand, really, why they didn't
call back but they tried and it was unsuccessful. So, decided to go to the other
sites, yeah.
MS. LEE LOY: Deanna, the nuclear option, right? If we pull the pin on this,
what happens? And then, what does that timeline look like to try and secure
another site which may not materialize?
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MS. SAKO: Yeah, it may or may not materialize. That's part of it. The current
property is currently for sale, which is why we put an offer in. It may not
continue to be for sale, so we may end up with neither parcel.
Just unrelated to either site but just for more informationI'm not advocating for
either site—but we currently have bus shelters, or not necessarily park-and-rides,
but bus stops at two different malls, at least, on the island. And I get complaints
on those. We've had to put in security and other things to protect the shopping
center and the businesses there. So, this would be an independent facility. And
we may still have to put in insecurity, but at least we wouldn't be impacting
others and their businesses. So,just based on some of our previous experiences,
having an independent location also sounds good.
MS. LEE LOY: Roy, we heard you yesterday kind of lay out some administrative
goals and objectives. I'm a planner too, Roy, so I like the way you think.
(Note: At this time, Managing Director Roy Takemoto came forward to
address the members of the Council.)
MR. TAKEMOTO: Yeah, okay, from a planning perspective, as well as
recovery. Planning, typically, a hub would be a catalyst for higher density
development around that area. In this situation, Puna and the recovery situation, I
think, presents some unique factors that need to be taken into consideration. One
is that Puna is unique in the sense of its vastness and substandard subdivisions.
And to put a hub-and-spoke system in that context, I think it may require more of
an almost like how the Pahoa police and fire station are not right in the town.
They're outside where it's very accessible along the arterial.
And because of the need to span out into all of these vast subdivisions and
hopefully the frequency and the multitude of different routes that have to be
converging into this hub, it may make a distinction here where a hub in this
situation may not work that well in the center of a town, but more on an area that
is at the crossroads of arterials. And in this case, this site would be accessible to,
like, Nanawale, Hawaiian Beaches,just because of that access to Highway 130.
Plus with the opening of Highway 132, it's also accessible in that direction.
And in terms of recovery, the speed of implementation, I think, is a big factor
because funds, we can marshal funds that are at our disposal. They may not
necessarily have to be totally funded by GET (General Excise Tax) County
funding. We may be able to match it with EDA (Economic Development
Administration) or other types of funding that is available for recovery. But it
needs to be, like, almost shovel-ready kinds of situations.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Roy. I get the sense this is a lot closer to plug and
play than other sites and the infrastructure that goes with it. You mentioned
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something interesting about its connectivity and its ability for the highway. Share
with me a little bit—and, Chair, if you would indulge me a little bit—what does
the walking path look like from that hub and spoke into Pahoa Town? Because,
that's also something that we have on our radar as far as Complete Streets or
Connectivity and Vision Zero and all of that. Does that also meet some of those
goals and objectives, or will we be looking at having to improve sidewalks or
pedestrian paths?
MR. TAKEMOTO: I'm sure it would be a good idea to improve the pedestrian
access to this hub site, particularly because children will be using it for buses, but
also to encourage other ways to get to the hub besides just drive you or relying on
the feeder buses into the hub. So in that sense, we can supplement this acquisition
with other types of planning: safe routes to school and other kinds of pedestrian
improvements. So, that would be a good idea.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you, Roy. Chair, I yield at this time.
CHR. CHUNG: Before I call on our next two, either Mr. Richards or
Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Deanna, what was that you said about the shopping
centers complaining?
MS. SAKO: Lots of times, people have to wait a while for their bus. And when
they get bored, they sometimes do other things. And so, we frequently have to
put in security when it's at a mall so that we can supplement the security they
have to kind of take care of the people that are waiting. And they blame all
vandalism and whatnot on having
CHR. CHUNG: So, we have to put in the security.
MS. SAKO: Yeah.
CHR. CHUNG: Why? Because, it's an attractive nuisance or something?
MS. SAKO: Yeah, that's probably the better term for it, yes.
CHR. CHUNG: That's interesting.
MS. CARREIRA: So, Aaron, for example, only because Deanna brought it up.
Like, Prince Kuhio Shopping Center, before I came here I knew we used to go
into the shopping center to pick up people. We got kicked out. So, by the time I
came here, we pick up outside. And, yes, we pay for security for the Prince
Kuhio Shopping Center. The shopping centers didn't want us in there anymore.
So that is true.
CHR. CHUNG: Why?
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MS. CARREIRA: They believe that the ridership waiting were committing
vandalism.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh, so you mean while they were waiting—so there's no formal
bus stop then. You pick them up next to the shopping center then?
MS. CARREIRA: It's right on that
CHR. CHUNG: That was the designated stop.
MS. CARREIRA: Yeah, we used to go inside, and there was something else.
Now we're on the sidewalk outside. That's the only place we can pick up now at
that shopping center. They won't let us go in.
CHR. CHUNG: Oh.
MS. CARREIRA: Even in Waimea where Foodland is. Yeah, we got kicked out
of there too.
CHR. CHUNG: I see. Okay, interesting. Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Thanks, Chair. Quick question. It was requested waived
through Committee, and Deanna this is probably a question for you. Is this
because of time sensitivity?
MS. SAKO: Yeah, it's of time-sensitive nature and we thought we had an
appropriation and we didn't. So yeah, that's partly our fault, so
MR. RICHARDS: Okay. Thanks, yield.
CHR. CHUNG: Matt.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I live in the district. I drive there. I drive
through there to get juice from Kalapana a lot. I just, I wonder about people
having to cross the highway to get back into town if they are on foot. Most
people who ride a bus don't have a car. That's why they're using the bus. So
we're putting people in the middle of—and I'm going to say middle of not too
much because going down 130 there's nothing. It's all residences and vacant lots.
Going down 132, you have Nanawale and then you have the end of the road
because Pohoiki's not open and we just finished repaving a part of 132.
Economically, by putting the hub on this lot I feel like we're not offering as much
as we could by putting it somewhere else.
And that's my big concern, is for dropping people off in the middle of nowhere
and then having them walk back into town. There's no sidewalks in Pahoa. We
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all are painfully aware of that. And there never has been a plan to put sidewalks
in, but it's been a pipe dream for a long time. The community would love that,
but we don't have it.
Going back to the report that was given to us by SSFM, at the end of the report,
they listed it. They listed seven sites. A few of those are owned by the State.
One is owned by the County. So these are lots we wouldn't even have to pay for.
Their short-term recommendations were open discussions with the owner of site
six for a three- to five-year lease, not a purchase.
They do stress time, and I get that. I know that we need a hub in Puna. We all
know that. We're not going to discuss whether we need it or not, but it was clear
that it was to be more of a short-term thing, not a—and it wasn't called the best
site. During that time period, it was explore the interest of owners of site two,
four and seven, to see if they're still on the table, and the permanent decision by
SSFM on their report for alternate locations, which we should have in front of us
but we don't to go along with this bill, would be "resolve to make a permanent
decision no later than 2022,"which I agree with Ashley is way too long. And
from what it is known now, I'm quoting, it is between sites three and six, but
should that change, or that could change, as new sites could appear.
So there never was a set in stone site six. I get it, it's easy. But when someone
tells me, "Hey, I want to sell this to you. I'm ready to go." That doesn't mean I
go buy it. It still means you walls in and make the best decision you can.
Especially when you're talking about a million dollars or a million and a half
dollars.
So I'm kind of questioning the process a little bit, especially since we're missing
the man who made this happen, Mr. Wil Okabe. And I go back to is it serving the
community the best that it can. I would be open to a lease. And again, yeah, I've
got your cell phone number, but it's also good to have that conversation
beforehand.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And I'm just going to touch on John
McElvaney again. I actually am very frustrated with him as well. Because I
reached out to him many times, and he was very excited and he was pushing hard,
and then he disappeared, which is very much like John McElvaney. So, I give
you that.
MS. CARREIRA: You know, Matt, I appreciate it. We had actually talked about
this before so I knew that this was going to be brought up. You know, I believe
we all want something that's good for the community. I don't know how long it
would be before we could try and get Puna Kai. I'm not even sure if we're going
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to get it. I understand this would be the fastest route and some people may be
against it. We are looking at other hubs too, in Kona, in Kea`au, and things like
that. Right now I think it doesn't mean we would stop looking, but this is one
that, because we tried those sites, maybe we'd try again. I'm not sure when this
opportunity would come again, but you know, if it doesn't, it doesn't.
But it's going to be your decision to make on that, and we've got to look at the
other hubs and stuff like that. It's unfortunate that Mr. McElvaney didn't get back
to us or something, because I think then I'd be here—or we'd find out one way or
the other. That would have helped. But because we are faced with this, I don't
know how long we've got to keep trying and trying and trying. I am also trying to
work with Roxcie Waltjen from the Department of Parks and Recreation to see
what kind of stuff we can do with other hubs and other sites. So you know, really
it's up to you guys what you want to do. We present this to you.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: What would it take to look at a lease? Or
Gilbert, I don't know if you want to come up. Do you want to come up? Would
you be interested? Deanna, do you want to come up and say that?
MS. SAKO: I mean Mr. Aguinaldo could come up. I'm just saying the property
is actively for sale, so I don't know if anyone's willing to enter into a lease right
now, or if it is sold if the new owner would be willing to continue that. Is that
correct?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I also, I mean, I have questions about the
process too, but I'm looking for options. I do not want to stand in the way of
progress, but I do want to make smart progress.
(Note: At this time, site six property owner Gilbert Aguinaldo came
forward to address the members of the Council.)
MR. AGUINALDO: Thank you for the opportunity, Council. And to answer
Matt's question is my property subject for a lease. From the beginning, I would
just, you know, if it's okay to explain about my—yeah, a little about my property.
So basically this property is like they said, it's kind of ready to go. Obviously for
Matt, maybe he has reservations. This property has an EA (Environmental
Assessment)phase one already done, a K-2 (land survey required by Paragraph
K-2 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules Purchase Contract), already done, in
addition to the property. It there was an opportunity to lease and then purchase no
make sense, because by then all the capital improvement is going to be done.
You're paying a lease, and you're going to buy them out later. In addition to that,
it wasn't my decision. The County had their own appraisal done. So it's pretty
much, that's how things went.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
But basically, you know, I'm just listening. I'm not making a—it's not my
decision, it's your guys' decision. Obviously Matt was looking at McElvaney. I
live in Pahoa. I know there's two sites. One is owned by a different property
owner, not Puna Kai, not McElvaney. The other one is with Department of
Homelands. So that's the stuff that I discovered because they approached me.
But with that there, because the process where we're at right now with County,
it's that they wanted to purchase, Matt, because they did their own appraisal, you
know, what was said is "no penny more, no penny less." So whatever decisions
they made, it's on the County itself. So to answer that question, at this time,
because we signed the documentations with the County, I'm not going to back off
on what was already started. Because the process has been started.
I totally agree, you know, again this question was asked before it became part of
the County, but serve, you know,just serve. "Gary, you had anything to say?"
And this is what I'm going to say to you all, because this is the same thing we
face, no matter who you sit next to, no matter what, we live on the same island,
same area code. We may have our differences, we put them aside. We had to
serve the community; we cannot make everybody happy. But I just foresee this as
this was their decision that, "Hey, we're interested in your property, were you
willing to sell?" Any negotiations after that, I don't get involved. I just stay
away, I let my consultants take care of it. Whatever manifests from there, I can,
you know, basically just tend to my representative.
So I'm not too sure with that, Matt, because the ball was rolling. It was
something that I signed, my spouse signed, and went, you knowI guess that's
why they're here today.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So it reminds me of something else. I think
we're back in the "Everything's done, I need you're approval" again kind of
situation. I find it interesting.
Gilbert, I appreciate. Because you came to us. You're a part of the hub. You've
had that land. You had plans for that land. And I know from the beginning, and
we had a meeting in our restaurant where you were like, "I want to do this," and
you showed us all your plans. You've had plans for this property. I just, I'm
trying to do like you said, I'm trying to serve my community. A lot of the
community is saying we want it closer to everything is starting to build out and
where Pahoa is starting to stretch into, versus like old town Pahoa, versus like
new town Pahoa. So I'm trying to balance that.
But I am trying to serve my community. I don't want to hold this up, but I do
want to make a really good decision. I am a little bit interested in how this all
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came to be, and how we have signatures and we're done again, and now we're
coming back to the same process. This isn't your fault, that's more of, it seems to
be an internal issue we keep having.
I'd like to have a better discussion. Ashley, would you mind postponing this
today? I get this could be a setback, Gilbert, and I don't mean to set you back.
MR. AGUINALDO: No.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: But I hate to be forced into something
because, "Oh, we're going to sell it." Like when you buy a car they tell you, "Oh
if you don't get it right now, I've got someone else interested that will buy it right
now." But I want to make sure we make really good decision. Can you give us
an extra two weeks?
MR. AGUINALDO: So pretty much as far as that there, to answer that question,
I would have to go back to my representative on that. Because as far as that
decision making, whatever's on the table, I don't get involved. But I—yeah,
that's my boss. So pretty much, you know, to make things fair, you know, I'm a
citizen like you folks. To have transparency in the body in our government, you
know, I'm going to honor you that, Matt. Why? Because you know, cannot have
all the Council members in one canoe and one not steering. You no more one
steersman. To me to kind of go over things
And you know, like again, I was out of town. I was in Portugal. I have leads.
People give me links, so this would manifest. So if you really look at it, out of six
sites, I'm a construction guy, I own two constructions entities in the State of
Hawaii, in the BC (building construction) and in electrical as well. If you really
look at it, if you look at funding, yes, there are proposed sites. Some sites you
guys own them. Some sites you guys don't. Some sites is questionable. Are they
going to sell it or not? If you look at it today, how much money you would think
you're going to spend on an undeveloped site when one is ready to go.
You know, and a lot of stuff as well. Like Brenda asked about paving. Valerie
kind of talked about it. I just share what I listen, because I like to listen and be
observing. It would be way cheaper to do it in house because you guys have the
right thing, the right DPW leader that can pave it. Yes, I see what she's asking as
far as cost-wise. She's being conservative. If she doesn't spend that much
money, she can give it back. But a lot of stuff already, it's ready.
I'd like to re-correct Brenda if you don't mind. There's not three buildings,
there's four buildings. Like she said, if you want to put a guard shack, it's right
there. There's a kiosk already in the front. You know, I had the opportunity to
own the property. I don't know what was that lady from SSFM, they're not going
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
to just enter your property. They looked at it. I let them be. I don't linger
around, but if I'm asked a question to ask a question, I'm going to answer the
question with a question being asked, thoroughly.
Out of the sites, if that's their determination, it's not Brenda's, it's not mine, but
was the consultant that the County hired to make the right decision for you folks.
So as far as that, Matt, if you guys put it on record,please let me know. But I can
answer any questions you guys have pertaining to the property. Main thing it's
not discussed dollar amounts. That building has a 20x40 open pavilion. It could
be bigger than Mo`oheau bandstand. It has two buildings. These buildings do not
require any fire sprinkler system, reason being is I consulted, worked with County
Planning. They're strategically sized correctly. It has fire extinguishers. All four
buildings have CO (Certificate of Occupancy), an occupancy to use.
I respect Matt. But when is the shopping center going to be open? See, that's the
question. When is it going to be open? It will not open until you have a tenant in
place, do all the interior build-out, have a building final, in order to get a seal to
occupy that building. These building are ready to rock and roll. Whatever the
County wants to do with them, they can do with them. Is there future stub-outs?
Yes.
It was used asI don't know what you want to call it. It was a gathering place,
and unfortunately I bumped into T-Mobile. I said, "You guys one more portable
cell tower?" And they said, "Yeah, we have a cow." I said, "One cow?"
So I thought they were joking, a real cow. They had cell on wheels. So they did
install two infrastructure conduits inside, under the ground, ready to go. At that
time, unfortunately it was under the emergency proclamation, it wasn't permitted.
Is that conduits permitted now? So whatever County wants to do, mass transit
hub, whatever they want to do with this, is it ideal? Yeah.
You know, I mean sorry Matt. They wouldn't put sidewalks. If you just cross the
street, they get sidewalks. Why we have a traffic signal there that is operable
right now is because before we had kind of like one four-way stop. It wasn't a
four-way stop. It was just to cross. Someone actually died because they just went
across. Do I see hitchhikers there, do people use the crosswalk? Yeah. My
personal—my mom's sister's grandkids cross the sidewalk. If it wasn't unsafe,
then we'd have an issue and problem. That's why we have infrastructure built.
But to answer that question, Matt, I guess I can—you know, whatever's on the
table already is on the table. I cannot turn back the clock. But if it has to be an
extension for the County Council to further discuss this matter to move forward or
agree, then I will honor that. If I have to come before you folks again and speak,
then I can do that. But do bear in mind, yes, there is also approved at the
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engineering department and Planning, is a proper ADA (Americans with
Disability Act)parking as well already. So at that, the hub and spoke that they
had, I was emailed links.
So pretty much, guys, this property is a little over—almost two acres. This site
here proposed is way better. There's two sites on Oahu. In Wai`anae and
Mililani. Mililani's one would be the one that they kind of did the drawing for the
proposed site off of Puna Kai. It was a small horseshoe. This one here had a
roundabout. So this site here apparently is on my property outweighs Wai`anae's
one in Honolulu. Are we going to set a precedent? I'm sure, in our County.
CHR. CHUNG: Well anyway, yeah. You through, Matt? You have some more
questions?
MR. AGUINALDO: Oh yeah, you had questions? Ask them.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm sorry. I'm the Vice Chair of Public
Works and Mass Transit. I've been to all these meetings. If I wasn't there my
staff was there. I've been very involved from the beginning. I've been watching
this with great interest, because I'm very interested about where this hub goes. I
have no ties to anybody. John McElvaney was a contact who was in the Puna Kai
shopping center development group. I've known him from waiting tables, so he's
just my easy contact but he's not very easy to get ahold of so that kind of fell
apart.
So I would like to move the postponement, and I don't have any further questions.
CHR. CHUNG: Try wait. Hold on one second though. If I could just ask a
couple more questions. Actually of Brenda. So if the hub were at site six, how
would guys get to the shopping center with the transit system?
MS. CARREIRA: Okay, only the baby buses take them down there.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, the baby buses, right.
MS. CARREIRA: And the big bus takes them—brings them.
CHR. CHUNG: And the last question would be, so who owns the site by Puna
Kai that you guys are looking at? I've heard McElvaney, but you just said it's not
him.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: No, not McElvaney.
CHR. CHUNG: So why were we trying to get in touch with McElvaney?
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MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: He's one of the developers—he's one of the
guys developing Puna Kai.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, so but the site that you guys were looking at, is it on the
property, or it's a separate property?
MS. CARREIRA: At Puna Kai there was two.
CHR. CHUNG: Two, right.
MS. CARREIRA: There was one on the shopping center, and there was one I
believe across the street. That's unimproved. It's empty.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay. So you guys weren't trying to get in touch with
McElvaney, you guys were trying to get in touch with the owner of that ?
MS. CARREIRA: I would have to ask Cheryl, but I'm sure they've tried to talk
to McElvaney and the owners. I know Cheryl is very perfectionists, so whoever it
is we needed to contact to make sure we could continue talking or seeing what we
needed.
MR. AGUINALDO: Yeah, to answer that questions because I'm very familiar.
So basically on Puna Kai, if I'm on the traffic light, there's a highway extension.
CHR. CHUNG: What? Never mind. You know what?
MR. AGUINALDO: It was on the
CHR. CHUNG: I've got to pick my wife at 8:00 o'clock that's why. So what
about this as a possibility? I know Mr. Aguinaldo has said that he's willing to
give an extension to you, but would it be possible to move this ahead? It's only
on first reading. We go to second reading, and if we need to pull the plug at that
time, then no harm no foul. Because he didn't give an extension, there would be
for an extension.
MS. CARREIRA: It's just two weeks so that's still within the end of the month,
which is the closing date.
CHR. CHUNG: Well I'm just saying move this thing forward so that we either
say yay or nay at that time, and it would take no really—yeah, he wouldn't have
to be giving up, you know, an extra two weeks for us.
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MS. SAKO: So, you know, Property Management just followed instructions they
were given. So if it's kind of moved forward so we're at least at the same point,
in the next couple of weeks I can have them research some of the others and try
and contact some of the owners. Because I have the report now.
CHR. CHUNG: So you're agreeing with me then.
MS. SAKO: Yeah.
CHR. CHUNG: That would be better, right?
MS. SAKO: Yeah, I think that's a good idea.
CHR. CHUNG: I mean it would be the same result really. You know, you guys
would have more time. Maybe not a month more to talk about it, but at least
because I agree with Val, and then Maile, you know, it would be good if the two
Puna people can come on a unified front, but at the same time, I listened to Roy
and from a Planning standpoint, you know, it makes perfect sense, right. But I
don't know. I'm okay with anything, okay. This is not my district.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I'm just goingI'm want to say one more
thing. We have County- and State-owned properties in the area, which is no cost
to buy. So we're talking about best use of money. Those are sites we own
already. So when you're talking about cost, I mean, there you go. That's easy.
That's free besides the build-out.
CHR. CHUNG: No, I'm just saying though, is it necessary for us to postpone this
on first reading, or to move it ahead and then either kill it or pass it in two weeks?
Or even defer it at that time.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: We can go for the vote today. I'll give you
that. I agree with you. Then that does give me two weeks to continue to think
about it. It's a bill like anything else.
CHR. CHUNG: Then we have options too, in two weeks. As I said, yay or nay,
or hopefully Mr. Aguinaldo will allow us another two weeks if we need it. At
least move it along.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: Agreed. Voice of reason. Thank you.
MS. POINDEXTER: So I just have a clarification. Say it goes four-four, it just
moves negative to the second reading, or it doesn't kill the bill?
CHR. CHUNG: Well, I'm hoping everyone will vote in favor of it to move it to
second reading, and then we really—you know, everybody's like kind of
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
braindead right, today, after the whole thing. Well let's see how people are going
to vote. I mean, we don't want to kill it right now. That kind of flies in the face
of everything people were saying here today.
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, and I think that will give them enough time to speak
and talk with the community.
CHR. CHUNG: Do you want to ?
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: Yeah,just some final thoughts.
CHR. CHUNG: Sure.
MS. KIERKIEWICZ: I certainly want Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder to emerge
forward from this unanimously. If we can talk about this location being an
interim solution while we look at other locations, I'm open. I'm flexible. It's not
either/or for me, it's making sure we deliver for Puna. I no like miss any buses,
right? This is the bus that's coming, we goin' leap on and see what comes after.
I'm going that if we do move this out of first reading, that by the Kona meeting,
what we can expect from the Administration—because I'm with you, Matt. I'm
always suspect of the process. It would be great to get a copy of the analysis, and
I think a lot of the burning questions we have here with each of the sites is this
one is quickest to provide service to like tomorrow if we can. Other sites,
County- State-owned properties,just how long is it going to take? And if it's
going to take a year, if it's going to take five years, what the costs are, we just
need to know so we can make informed decisions and have contingency plans.
We want services for our community, but we want to make sure that in the long
run we're making the best, most responsible decisions.
So I'm hoping the Council is going to honor what Chair Chung is requesting, that
we move this forward from first reading and then get the Administration to
provide this information prior to second reading. Thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: Yes?
MS. LEE LOY: If I could build upon that request. You know, yes, I want to help
Puna, but I also hear there's a number of assets already existing, and entitlement,
right, an environmental assessment that was done. We have assets on that
particular property. So Matt, if there are other County or State parcels, if we
could kind of evaluate all the assets, and like Ms. Kierkiewicz said, like the
timing elements. Because yes, those properties are free, but in the long run doing
the entitlement work, because it's a County or State parcel, we would have to—it
would trigger an EA process because it's the use of County or State funds, and
then what that process looks like.
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So yeah, I think my request to the Administration is could you provide that white
sheet so we can compare apples with apples and understand that evaluation
process. Real quick, Gilbert, what is the property zoned?
MR. AGUINALDO: The property is zoned with special use for the community,
so like again, that property has four seals, all entitlements, building, electrical,
county-approved driveway is done. There's two blank meters lateral there. The
County just has to put their own meter boxes there. Each—all four buildings have
its own electrical. There's also cable TV and telephone routing conduit as well.
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, for the Administration, for Deanna, if you can provide that
infrastructure that's there, because that's another asset that, you know, other sites
might be available, but to bring the power, bring the water, put in a connection to
sewer.
MR. AGUINALDO: Also, it'sso that building there also has a building permit.
At that time I wanted to do my own pilot program. You know, check things out,
right? You no like, "Oh my gosh, I put the patch in the wrong place." So the
entitlement of this building has an open building permit. No construction has
been erected on a bathroom. It has an approved Department of Health sewage
system drawing as well. There's an ADA bathroom as well on the design. So
that goes with the package. In our Environmental Assessment Phase 1, it is
required by any County, State agency when they're planning to lease or purchase
a property. It already has been done. A K-2 survey has been recently done. I
think that went to Hamana. So all those required documents for any project. You
know, I'm not favoring—of course this is my property, I'm going to just share
with you folks, be transparent, what it has, consists, and what it can do.
MS. LEE LOY: Thank you. Thank you Gilbert. Yeah, Chair I'm ready to vote.
If we're kind of done discussing it, I'd like to call for the question.
MS. POINDEXTER: That's a vote though. If you're doing a call for the
question, then we have to go into a vote for the call for the question.
CHR. CHUNG: Well, why don't we just let Ms. Poindexter
MS. POINDEXTER: Yeah, no, no, no. I was just going to say if we really just
want to call for the question or we just want to go ahead and vote. Because if we
call for the question, then we have to vote on call for the question.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, then let's just vote. Let's vote already. Okay, we have a
motion on the floor. Roll call vote:
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Vote on Bill 131: The motion to pass Bill 131 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy,
Poindexter, Richards, and Chair Chung—6.
Noes: Council Members Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
and Villegas —2.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, well hopefully we'll get a lot of action going over
the next two weeks. And if need be, then we can hold it over another two
weeks, if you're so inclined.
MR. AGUINALDO: Yeah, and if County Council wants to see other
records, by all means, you guys can go to your guys' Property
Management Department, Hamana. Everything is all transparent.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah well, okay. Very good. Thank you very much,
you guys. Appreciate it. Okay, that motion passed. Alright let's go to
the Order of Resolutions. Top of the list.
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
RESOLUTIONS: of Resolutions.
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Res. 433-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KA HALE
O NA KEIKI INC. FOR ITS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 660
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 433-20: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 433-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Ms. Lee Loy and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried. Let the record reflect, is Mr. Richards here?
Where is he?
Res. 434-20: 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 FOOD
BASKET, INC., FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE BODACIOUS WOMEN
OF PAHOA'S HO`OULU NA KEIKI `O HAWAII—KEIKI BACKPACK
PROGRAM
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 661
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 434-20.
Seconded by Ms. Villegas.
CHR. CHUNG: Matt?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I just appreciate your support for this. Any
program where we can help the kids in our district, or on our island for that
matter, versus anything else I think is the most beneficial thing we can do. So I
appreciate your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 434-20: The motion to adopt Res. 434-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder,
Kierkiewicz, Lee Loy, Poindexter, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and Richards —2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 435-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ALOHA
`ILIO RESCUE TO SUPPORT ITS SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 662
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 435-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 435-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 436-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO KEAUKAHA
ONE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES
INCURRED DURING THE DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION'S 2019 BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT
Transfers $5,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 663
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 436-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 436-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 437-20: 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 FOOD
BASKET, INC., FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS "WE'VE GOT YOUR
BACK" KEIKI BACKPACK PROGRAM
Transfers $20,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 5); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 664
Intr. by: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder
Motion to Approve: Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder moved to adopt Res. 437-20.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Matt?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: If I can. This was a big give for me with my
funds. But this is basically we're going to do three gives. We did a pre-
Christmas vacation, we're going to do a couple more of the long holiday
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
vacations that we have, and I'm planning to give to Na Wai Ola. We did every
students. It's a charter school in our district. Pahoa, we did third grade
pre-Christmas. We're going to do all the grades, then we're going to do all the
grades for Mountain View as well. Which is three of my most hard-put residents
in my district for my kids. I just—when I saw this program I couldn't help but do
this, because this is something I can really get behind. I cannot beat that. So I'd
hope for your support if I don't ask for it, but mahalo for listening.
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Way to go, Matt. Because this is feeding the kids, that I keep
railing on. One out of five in our County don't get dinner every night.
CHR. CHUNG: You know, try explain this thing to me. What is this?
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: So the Keiki We've Got Your Back program
is through Food Basket. They also work with the Keiki Backpack program. It's
called Keiki Backpack Program/We've Got Your Back. Keiki Backpack
Program. Either way it's usually—it can be a backpack with food, water, snacks,
whatever that may be; it can also just be a reusable shopping bag full of goods.
It's usually given the weeksorry, the day before a long weekend. Some of these
kinds go home and they rely on the food they get in school to survive on, and
when they go home on a long weekend, these third, fourth, fifth graders, even
older, it doesn't mean they're eating.
So this program puts food in a bag for them to take home with them. Even more
so, I'm just, I'm hitting some of these key areas on my district. We do a lot of
things. We give a lot of money to a lot of nonprofits, but this program goes right
to kind of the core of what I feel we should be doing, which is just taking of the
kids who are going to grow up to be the next workers and the next "usses." So I
mean, whether they get a backpack or not, I let that one go, but I mean these kids
are just pulling the stuff out of the back as we're giving it to them, and they're
cracking beef jerky. And just to see a smile over beef jerky, I mean I wish my
kids would actually do that. That would be nice.
But if you get the inkling, you know, look this up. Call Kristin Albrecht of the
Food Basket, check with her. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you. Or
Bodacious Ladies in Pahoa, which is Maddie Green. Amazing, and you're going
to put a very physical thing in a kid's hand, and that kids going to look you in the
eye and be very thankful. And probably the best feeling that I've gotten so far.
CHR. CHUNG: Good. Very nice.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: And Sue did warn me you don't get that all
the time. So it was a really nice event. And it's easy, and you get to help and you
get to hand it out. It just, it feels good.
CHR. CHUNG: Very nice.
MR. RICHARDS: Chair?
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah?
MR. RICHARDS: There's a couple of programs on island that are doing this.
This is a really good way to go, Matt. The Boys and Girls Club also does that.
We've got a lot of kids that like Matt said, they eat as school or they don't eat.
The long weekends, that's where they really take it hard. So way to go, Matt. I
yield.
MR. KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER: I've got one more. One more thing. So
working through R&D (Department of Research and Development) as well, they
have some other programs than can actually put emphasis on local food. Seeds,
those kinds of things they can take home with them. So they can grow food later
on. They can eat local products where we start benefitting our local economy
versus things that are brought in, which kind of goes back to Ag and taking care
of our island. So please look up this program, they're great. And mahalo.
CHR. CHUNG: Sounds very cool. Thank you, Matt. And thank you, Tim, too.
Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 437-20: The motion to adopt Res. 437-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 438-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ALOHA
`ILIO RESCUE TO ASSIST WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS DOG
SURRENDER PROGRAM
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 665
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Vote on Res. 438-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 438-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 439-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
HAWAII COUNTY BAND'S ISLAND-WIDE PERFORMANCES
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Hawaii County Band Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 666
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Vote on Res. 439-20: Ms. David move to adopt Res. 439-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
Res. 440-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ALOHA
CLUB OF HILO FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED
DURING THE 2019 HALE `OLUEA CLUBHOUSE HOLIDAY EVENT
Transfers $1,100 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 667
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 440-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: You know, I don't normally speak too much on these types of
matters, but I would strongly urge any of you who are interested to go check out
this program. It's really neat, and you know, the, I guess you'd call them clients,
they're just so polite and helpful. It gives you a very good feeling about how
things are progressing. Anyway, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 440-20: The motion to adopt Res. 440-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 441-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MALAMA
O PUNA TO REIMBURSE EXPENSES RELATING TO THE
6TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON RAT LUNGWORM
DISEASE
Transfers $700 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 2); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 668
Intr. by: Mr. Chung
Vote on Res. 441-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 441-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 442-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST WITH THE COST OF
REPLACING VANDALIZED POOL CHAIR LIFTS AT CHARLES "SPARKY"
KAWAMOTO SWIM STADIUM AND AT THE NAS SWIMMING POOL
Transfers $7,250 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Aquatics Pools Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 669
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Motion to Approve: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 442-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Yeah?
MS. LEE LOY: Yeah, thank you, Chair. This is just half the money that it would
take to fix the pool chairlifts at that particular pool. This really is for our disabled
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
community. So I'm just going to challenge my other Council Members to try and
meet this community halfway. I got them halfway there, so if anybody has
contingency money and wants to help kokua,please, see Parks Department.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 442-20: The motion to adopt Res. 442-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 443-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOMELESS
TASK FORCE FOR ITS OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT SERVICES
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Office of Housing and Community
Development, Transfer to Housing Fund account.
Reference: Comm. 670
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 443-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 443-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards and carried by the following voice vote:
Ayes: Council Members David, Kierkiewicz,
Lee Loy, Poindexter, Richards, Villegas,
and Chair Chung—7.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Members Eoff and
Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder—2.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 444-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOMELESS
TASK FORCE FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS HOMELESS OUTREACH
INITIATIVE
Transfers $1,500 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Office of Housing and Community
Development, Transfer to Housing Fund account.
Reference: Comm. 671
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
Vote on Res. 444-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 444-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 445-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HOMELESS
TASK FORCE FOR ITS OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Office of Housing and Community
Development, Transfer to Housing Fund account.
Reference: Comm. 672
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 445-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Just ask for your continued support. I'm excited about the
Homeless Task Force and the work that they're doing.
CHR. CHUNG: Alright, all those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 445-20: The motion to adopt Res. 445-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 446-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
WEST HAWAII BAND
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Hawaii County Band Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 673
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 446-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Excited to support the West Hawaii Band with the resources
necessary to continue serving our community with art through music.
CHR. CHUNG: All in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 446-20: The motion to adopt Res. 446-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 447-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
AND RECREATION TO PURCHASE NEW STAIRS FOR THE
LAUPAHOEHOE SWIMMING POOL
Transfers $7,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 1); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Aquatics Pools Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 674
Intr. by: Ms. Poindexter
Vote on Res. 447-20: Ms. Poindexter moved to adopt Res. 447-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 449-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
WEST HAWAII PARKS AND ATHLETIC CORPORATION TO ASSIST
WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE 2020 SENIOR SOFTBALL
TOURNAMENT
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 8); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 676
Intr. by: Ms. Eoff
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 449-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 449-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 450-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
WEST HAWAII PARKS AND ATHLETIC CORPORATION FOR ITS
8TH ANNUAL SENIOR SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 677
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 450-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 450-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 451-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE REFRIGERATOR
EQUIPMENT FOR THE HONAUNAU RODEO ARENA
Transfers $800 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 678
Intr. by: Ms. David
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 451-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Thank you. This and several other resolutions are just to provide
new refrigerators and one, in Pahala, a new stove for our community centers that
we have. They're all outdated and the amount of use that they get, they need new
refrigerators, and a stove. So I appreciate your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Alright. All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 451-20: The motion to adopt Res. 451-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 452-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE REFRIGERATION
EQUIPMENT FOR YANO HALL IN SOUTH KONA
Transfers $800 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 679
Intr. by: Ms. David
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 452-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 452-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 453-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION WITH EXPENSES RELATED TO THE
WEST HAWAII BAND
Transfers $2000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Hawaii County Band Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 680
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 453-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 453-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 454-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO ALOHA
`ILIO RESCUE TO SUPPORT ITS EFFORTS TO SAVE ANIMALS FROM
EUTHANASIA
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Business Development account.
Reference: Comm. 681
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Motion to Approve: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 454-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. Villegas.
MS. VILLEGAS: Just asking for further support for an organization's efforts that
are directly impacting a lot of communities and the animals on our island.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 454-20: The motion to adopt Res. 454-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 455-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
HAWAII ISLAND UNITED WAY FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS
AND SUPPLIES FOR ITS MARKETING INITIATIVE
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public
Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 682
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 455-20: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Res. 455-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 456-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE A STOVE FOR THE
PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER
Transfers $700 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Recreation Division Equipment account.
Reference: Comm. 683
Intr. by: Ms. David
Vote on Res. 456-20: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 456-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 457-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO
WEST HAWAII PARKS AND ATHLETIC CORPORATION TO SUPPORT
THE 8TH ANNUAL HAWAII SENIOR SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Transfers $1,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 7); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation,
Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 684
Intr. by: Ms. Villegas
Vote on Res. 457-20: Ms. Villegas moved to adopt Res. 457-20. Seconded by
(Adopted) Mr. Richards 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 460-20: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MONETARY DONATION OF $500
TO THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
Donated by Walmart Kona, funds would be used to purchase an Ipad Pro for fire
inspections and code research.
Reference: Comm. 694
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 460-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes,just want to thank Walmart for the donation.
CHR. CHUNG: Alright. All those in favor say "aye."
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Res. 460-20: The motion to adopt Res. 460-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 462-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT
Transfers $4,000 from the Parks and Recreation Administration Other Current
Expenses account; and credits to the Contingency Relief account to return funds
previously granted via Resolution No. 211-19 and Resolution No. 217-19.
Reference: Comm. 696
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 462-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: A waiver was requested to expedite this process. It's because the
funds were returned. They couldn't use all the grant funds, so they're returning it
to us. So thank you.
CHR. CHUNG: All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 462-20: The motion to adopt Res. 462-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Res. 463-20: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF FUNDS TO BE
USED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWARDS TRAVEL AND OTHER
EXPENSES TO ATTEND AN INTERNATIONAL HOMICIDE
INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION MEETING
Accepts a monetary donation of approximately $1,500 from the International
Homicide Investigators Association.
Reference: Comm. 697
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 463-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, this waiver was requested for this so we can actually use the
donation as quickly as possible. Ask for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 463-20: The motion to adopt Res. 463-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Res. 464-20: AUTHORIZES THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF FUNDS TO BE
USED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWARDS TRAVEL AND OTHER
EXPENSES TO ATTEND THE COLD CASE/NO-BODY HOMICIDE
INVESTIGATION/PROSECUTION COURSE
Accepts a monetary donation of approximately $3,500 from the International
Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA).
Reference: Comm. 698
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to adopt Res. 464-20. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Ms. David.
MS. DAVID: Yes, and I just want to say thank you to the IHIA for this donation.
CHR. CHUNG: All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 464-20: The motion to adopt Res. 464-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
Res. 465-20: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A
DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO MALAMA
O PUNA FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED RELATING
TO THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON RAT
LUNGWORM DISEASE
Transfers $3,000 from the Clerk-Council Services —Contingency Relief account
(Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Research and Development,
Agriculture Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 702
Intr. by: Mr. Richards
Motion to Approve: Mr. Richards moved to adopt Res. 465-20. Seconded by
Ms. Lee Loy.
CHR. CHUNG: Mr. Richards.
MR. RICHARDS: Yeah,just real quick. I was trying to get it in for yours before
you shut me down, but I did attend this on Monday. It was an interesting
program. It was quite well attended. It was outlined by our testifier. This is a big
deal for Hawaii, Hawaii County. Really for the State. And we had the
Lieutenant Governor there, gave some opening remarks, and the real fascinating
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
thing was it was a joint human and veterinary presentation. So most of the
veterinary presenters were from Australia which I found kind of interesting. But
it was international. So I ask for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Alright. All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Res. 465-20: The motion to adopt Res. 465-20 was carried by the
(Adopted) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
BILLS FOR The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Bills for
ORDINANCES: Ordinances (First Reading).
(FIRST READING)
(Note: Items in this category were taken up previously, out of order.)
Bill 124: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Adds the Public Works Paniolo Avenue Rehabilitation project for $5.5 million to
the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from General
Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other Sources.
Funds would be used for paving and rehabilitating Paniolo Avenue in Waikoloa.
Reference: Comm. 644
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-97
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 124 on first reading and
adopt Finance Committee Report No. 97. Seconded by
Mr. Richards.
CHR. CHUNG: Maile?
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
MR. RICHARDS: Okay, we talked about this for a great length in Committee.
This is moving forward with the resurfacing of Paniolo Drive, and specifically as
well the intersection, for a safety thing. That's been on the docket for 10 years I
think now. So I ask for your support.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay, all those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 124: The motion to pass Bill 124 on first reading and adopt
(Approved) Finance Committee Report No. 97 was 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Bill 125: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Adds the Public Works Plumeria Street Rehabilitation project for $4 million to the
Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from General Obligation
Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other Sources. Funds would
for paving and rehabilitating Plumeria Street in Honoka`a.
Reference: Comm. 645
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Approve: FC-98
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire
membership to amend, pursuant to
Section 10-6(e), Hawai`i County Charter
Vote on Bill 125: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 125 on first reading and
(Approved) adopt Finance Committee Report No. 98. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Bill 130: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Increases revenues in the Transfer from General Fund account (6,000); and
appropriates the same to the Homeless Taskforce account. Funds would be used
for outreach and engagement services in West Hawaii.
Reference: Comm. 700
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
Waived: FC
Motion to Approve: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 130 on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Richards.
MS. DAVID: I just want to ask for your support,because the waiver was
requested to expedite the process giving out these funds for Districts 6, 7 and 8.
Thank you very much.
CHR. CHUNG: All those in favor say "aye."
Vote on Bill 130: The motion to pass Bill 130 on first reading was carried by
(Approved) 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.
CHR. CHUNG: Okay.
ORDER OF The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Order of
THE DAY the Day (Second or Final Reading.
(SECOND OR
FINAL READING):
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Bill 120: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-73, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING JUNE 30, 2020
Appropriates revenues in the Fire Department Private Contributions account
($125,000); and appropriates the same to the Fire Department Private
Contributions account. Funds provided by the West Hawaii Community Health
Center, Inc. would be used for the expansion of the Community Paramedicine
Program.
Reference: Comm. 632
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: December 18, 2019
Vote on Bill 120: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 120 on second and final
(Adopted) reading. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
Bill 121: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 19-74, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Adds the Public Works Banyan Drive Roadway Improvements project for
$500,000 to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from
General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund—Fund Balance and/or Other
Sources. Funds would be used for sidewalks, roadway widening, drainage, and
additional street lighting.
Reference: Comm. 633
Intr. by: Ms. David (B/R)
First Reading: December 18, 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-29 January 8,2020
Vote on Bill 121: Ms. David moved to pass Bill 121 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, Richards,
Villegas, and Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
REPORTS: The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Reports.
FC-96 NOMINATION OF ALEXANDRA KELEPOLO TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS,
(Comm. 654): OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
Requires Council
Confirmation by: January 12, 2020 (Section 2-215(k),
Hawaii County Code)
Vote on FC-96: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Finance Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 96. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
PC-39 NOMINATION OF NATALIE KURASHIMA, PH.D., TO THE HAWAII
(Comm. 651): COUNTY CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on PC-39: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 39. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
PC-40 NOMINATION OF SCOTT H. MAHONEY TO THE HAWAII COUNTY
(Comm. 652): CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Vote on PC-40: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 40. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
PC-41 NOMINATION OF PATTI PINTO TO THE PUNA COMMUNITY
(Comm. 653): DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Requires Council
Confirmation by: January 12, 2020 (Section 13-4(1),
Hawaii County Charter)
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Hawaii County Council-29 January 8,2020
Vote on PC-41: Ms. Lee Loy moved to adopt Planning Committee Report
(Adopted) No. 41. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
CHR. CHUNG: Motion carried.
REFERRALS The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Referrals
FOR for Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION: (There were none.)
OTHER The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business, Other
BUSINESS: Business.
(Note: Bill 101, Draft 2, and Comm. 489.681 were taken up previously,
out of order.)
ANNOUNCE- The Chair directed the Council to proceed to the next order of business,
MENTS: Announcements.
(There were none.)
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Hawai`i County Council-29 January 8,2020
ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 5:53 p.m., Ms. Poindexter moved that the
MENT: meeting be adjourned. 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 Chair Chung—8.
Noes: None.
Absent: Council Member Eoff— 1.
Excused: None.
Council Approval: FEB 0 5 220
COUNT_ _ ,
JH/ja
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