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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 22, 2025 Youth Commission Special Meeting Minutes YOUTH COMMISSION c/o Office of the Mayor, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 YOUTH COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 2025, 12:30PM BUILDING, PUEO CONFERENCE ROOM HILO 25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 2601 CALL TO ORDER Chair Hayden Konanui-Tucker called the meeting to order at 12:39 p.m. ATTENDANCE Present: Hayden Konanui-Tucker, Commissioner Paige Tominaga, Commissioner Perseas Vanebo, Commissioner Jaya Davenport, Commissioner (Via Zoom) Kolt Baptista, Commissioner (Via Zoom) Wehiwaalani Gapero, Commissioner (Via Zoom) Kenneth Ha, Commissioner (Via Zoom) Damon Nagata, Commissioner (Via Zoom) , Commissioner (Via Zoom) Not Present: Sage Huston, Commissioner , Commissioner Benjamin Rudo, Commissioner Marquis Fonoimoana, Commissioner Ryder Beechler, Commissioner Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada, Ex-Officio Member ____ Also present: Mayor C. Kimo Alameda William V. Brilhante Jr., Managing Director Alanna Barber, Adult Advisor Vanessa L. Carlson, Adult Advisor Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel Micah Alameda, Office of the Mayor STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC No statements from the public. CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS None YouthCommissionSpecial Meeting Minutes September 22, 2025 NEW BUSINESS a. Mayor Alameda opened by thanking everyone for their commitment and service, and then asked each person to introduce themselves. Mayor Alameda shared his experiences on his recent trip to Nevada the week before, discussing the state's strategic investments in public education, charter schools, and homeschooling. Mayor Alameda also discussed his visit to the Pentagon in Virginia and the importance of national security, highlighting the need for a robust military ussed the 30 Meter Telescope as an opportunity for cultural programs and national initiatives, highlighting the need for compromises and benefits for the County and Country. Commissioner Halemanu asked the Mayor what his next big project is or what he is looking to tackle in terms of conflicts or issues facing the County. Mayor Alameda answered by focusing on the importance of Wastewater management, mentioning the recent upgrades that have cost over $330 million on the Hilo discussed the challenges of maintaining septic systems and the need for better science and data to support long-term solutions. Commissioner Davenport asked a question based on access for local fishermen. The Mayor responded by emphasizing the importance of preserving Hawaiian cultural sites and other significant locations through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC), ensuring public access to the ocean and such spaces. The County has already secured over 10,000 acres, spread across 27 different purchases island-wide, since the inception of the PONC program. Commissioner Baptista asked if the Mayor had any plans to address the homeless situation, specifically mentioning the individuals in cars parked along Ane Keohoklole Highway. Mayor Alameda shared his thoughts on the need for increased housing and mental health services island-wide to address homelessness. He referenced an example on a neighbor island where houseless individuals with cars park in a secure parking lot with hygienic amenities, etc., and they sleep overnight. The Mayor also referenced the successful strategy in Hilo, where the Salvation Army provided 50 sleeping cots under a large canopy. for a similar approach. Commissioner Gapero asked how the County can maintain Hawaiian Immersion schools so that students can continue to learn the language and the culture. The Mayor mentioned he can help by leveraging interests. For example, if an entity wants to build a structure on the Mauna, how do they plan to assist us in these endeavors? How can they help fund immersion schools and programs like these? 2 YouthCommissionSpecial Meeting Minutes September 22, 2025 Commissioner Nagata asked about renovations or updates to public recreation sites. The Mayor highlighted recent renovations to Clarence Lum Won Park, providing 80 additional parking stalls, upgrades to the William Charles Lunalilo Playground commonly referred to as Blue Park, and the Arthur L. Commissioner Vanebo asked the Mayor what he thought the Youth Commission should be involved in or what was something they should be working on and then followed up with a question on environmental sustainability. Mayor Alameda suggested involving the Youth Commission in organizing a youth summit to address issues like natural disasters, transportation, and education. He discussed the importance of safe sleeping programs for homeless youth and the need for more housing and support services. Mayor Alameda highlighted the Youth Commission's role in promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. He encourages the Youth Commission to undertake ongoing efforts to address youth issues and provide ongoing support. Commissioner Tominaga shared her experiences regarding the recent July 29, 2025, tsunami advisory and posed a question regarding the readiness and preparation of our emergency personnel. Mayor Alameda touched on disaster preparedness and the challenges experienced on July 29, 2025. He vowed to continue improving our preparedness, as it is one of the County's primary functions to protect its residents. Adult Advisor Alanna Barber spoke about the homeless population and the youth shelters that are emerging, for example, with Neighborhood Place of Puna. Mayor Alameda mentioned that he was proud of the County for helping provide grant funding to Neighborhood Place of Puna. The Mayor went on to further visualize the dire situation and expressed hopes that no youth should ever be homeless. He wants to expand homeless youth programs to West Hawaii. Adult Advisor Vanessa L. Carlson shared remarks in favor of a Youth Summit. She is hopeful that the youth summit can be a bridge to more continuous conversations and initiatives, and it will not be just a one-off event. Mayor Alameda and his managing director, William V. Brilhante Jr., offered advice to the Youth Commission, emphasizing the importance of education and the value of pursuing as much education as possible. Mayor Alameda shares his personal experience of balancing work and education, highlighting the long-term benefits of obtaining a degree. Commissioner Tominaga asked a follow-up question, inquiring how the Mayor determines what needs to be done, and how the youth pursue opportunities like internships. Mayor Alameda referenced Executive Assistant (EA) Micah Alameda, who manages the County's volunteer program. If individuals are looking to volunteer or intern, they can reach out to EA Micah Alameda. For 3 YouthCommissionSpecial Meeting Minutes September 22, 2025 potholes or highway/road maintenance, we have Acting Director Neil Azevedo of Public Works to help. For wild dogs or other wild animals, you can contact Animal Control. Commissioner Vanebo asked a follow-up question regarding being priced out of paradise, and if the Mayor has any plans to help with that. Mayor Alameda broke down the average expenses for his household to help visualize the cost of living in Hilo, and where permitting. Help our residents build and live on property that is already owned by Mayor Alameda closed with brief remarks. Chair Konanui-Tucker announced the details for the next regular meeting on the following day, September 23, 2025, at 3:45 p.m. Chair Konanui-Tucker adjourned the meeting at 1:26 p.m. 4