Public Meetings - Hawaii County, Hawaii

The Committee held its 14th session on December 16, 2025, at the West Hawaii Civic Center to address Communication 632 regarding the Hawaii Island United Way's presentation on the Aloha United Way 211 statewide helpline. Councilmember Inaba moved to close the file following a presentation by Jessica Thompson of Hawaii Island United Way regarding the service's capabilities, current usage data, and a strategic plan to improve resource accuracy for Hawaii Island residents. Councilmember Kirkowitz was absent. No oral testimony was presented by the public. Consent Calendar - Closed file on Communication 632. Public Comments & Testimony - No oral testimony was presented. Discussion Items - Hawaii Island United Way Presentation (Jessica Thompson): - Project Description: The 211 helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 service connecting individuals to health and human services (housing, food, mental health). Currently, it serves all islands with Hawaii Island comprising 6.18% of calls (Honolulu 78.9%, Maui 13%). In 2025 (through Oct), Hawaii Island had 1,048 cases with an 89.83% answer rate within 30 seconds. Top requests include rent payment assistance, homeless shelter, and utility bill assistance. Unmet needs totaled 106 cases, primarily for housing-related financial assistance. - Strategic Plan: Starting in 2026, Hawaii Island will utilize a team of local volunteers to compile an accurate directory of local nonprofit and government agencies. The goal is to have this curated database ready by March 2026. There is currently no dedicated funding for a coordinator; the organization seeks funding to hire one and eventually hire a contractor for outreach in 2026. Currently, participation for agencies is "opt-in," which has led to low adoption rates due to provider busyness. - Councilmember Inaba (Proponent): - Position: Expressed full support for bringing the 211 resource to the community's attention to ensure residents know about available services for food, housing, and utilities, particularly distinguishing it from 988 for crisis intervention. - Position: Clarified that 211 should be the primary resource for service referrals, not emergency crisis support. - Councilmember Houstis (Inquiry): - Position: Expressed curiosity regarding how "unmet needs" are classified. - Position: Asked if the service ensures coordination with existing partners like Aloha United Way to avoid service gaps. - Position: Noted that while 89% of calls are answered within 30 seconds, there is a concern if residents fall into the 11% who receive no immediate help or if the 30-second metric hides delays. - Councilmember Kagiwata (Inquiry/Concern): - Position: Requested a feedback loop where data on unmet needs is shared with service providers to understand if resources are underfunded or if residents are duplicating efforts (e.g., calling 211 after trying a food basket directly). - Position: Expressed concern about potential duplication of services and the efficient use of funds, noting that Hawaii Island residents use 211 at less than 1% compared to 5% in Honolulu. - Position: Urged the organization to coordinate with its 25 partner agencies to ensure they are "on the same page" and ready to provide services when 211 operators refer clients. - Ms. Sadian (Hawaii Island United Way Board): - Position: Expressed strong support for 211 as critical infrastructure to prevent situations from becoming emergencies. - Position: Emphasized that 211 allows for data collection capable of coordinating multiple organizations, even those not directly associated with the United Way. - Position: Highlighted that while current data collection is brand new (2024/2025), future data will be more direct and valuable for decision-making. - Councilmember Kimball (Inquiry): - Position: Inquired about the definition of "cases" to confirm if they represent unique individuals or multiple calls/contacts from the same person. (Speaker noted the definition was unclear and would be verified later). - Councilmember O'Nishi (Inquiry/Concern): - Position: Expressed concern regarding the reliability of the current service, citing anecdotal evidence of people unable to get through or receive connections. - Position: Stated that the "opt-in" nature of agency participation is a barrier to effectiveness and urged for mandatory participation or a stronger agreement with partners. - Position: Suggested leveraging existing partnerships (e.g., bus drivers, government vehicles) for outreach, similar to previous HELCO bumper sticker campaigns. Key Outcomes - Vote Passed: Communication 632 closed with 8 votes in favor (Councilmember Kirkowitz absent). - Directives: - Hawaii Island United Way (HIUW) is tasked with mobilizing a team of local volunteers to build and maintain a 211 resource database with accurate, Hawaii Island-specific information. - Target completion for the initial directory is March 2026. - HIUW will seek funding for a dedicated Hawaii Island 211 coordinator and a contractor for outreach in 2026; without funding, the work will proceed via volunteers. - HIUW will begin outreach efforts to directors (including Mass Transit, police, and government agencies) to secure placement of 211 information on buses, newsletters, and potentially county vehicles. - Data Clarification: Jessica Thompson will verify the specific methodology for counting "cases" (unique individuals vs. contacts) and provide further details on how "unmet needs" are technically classified and reported by Aloha United Way operations.

The 17th session of the Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions convened on December 16, 2025, to consider Bill 111, a rezoning request for a 4.4669-acre property in South Hilo. The meeting featured a presentation by Planning Director Jeffrey Darrell and testimony from applicant consultant Darren Aray. Councilmembers deliberated on road infrastructure, fair share fee structures, and affordable housing compliance before unanimously voting to forward the bill with a favorable recommendation. Consent Calendar - Approval of attendance: Councilmembers Kane Kleinfelder, O'Nishi, and Kirkwitz were excused; Councilmembers O'Nishi and Connie Kleinfelder later joined the session. Public Comments & Testimony - Darren Aray (Land Use Planning Consultant representing Mailani Development LLC): - Expressed strong support for the rezoning, describing the project as "infilling" within an established residential community completely surrounded by single-family homes. - Stated that the applicant has a proven track record, citing a 2019 development in the immediate area that successfully created 27 lots. - Noted that the applicant is actively exploring both on-site and off-site rental opportunities to satisfy the required three affordable housing credits and that they agree to the proposed conditions of approval. - Highlighted that over 90% of similar lots in the area sold to local and Hawaiian residents in the past six years. Discussion Items - Infrastructure and Road Connectivity (Councilmember Kagiwada, Director Darrell): - Councilmember Kagiwada expressed confusion regarding the "non-conformance" of Ahi Street, noting a break in the road. Director Darrell clarified that the dedication of this portion for county improvement was a condition of a separate prior rezoning and that the applicant will dedicate the portion only when the Department of Public Works requests it. Kagiwanda expressed overall support for the building but noted the current lack of connectivity. - Discussion confirmed that access for the existing southern home site would be changed from private Ahi Street to the public Kikaha Street. - Fair Share Contributions and ADU Density (Councilmember Connie Kleinfelder, Director Darrell): - Director Darrell explained this is the first application utilizing the removal of the prohibition on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing up to three ADUs per lot. Consequently, a new "fair share" payment condition was added to address regional impacts. - Clarification of Position/Stats: Stated that the fair share contribution is $17,921.82 per lot/ADU. Councilmember Kleinfelder sought clarification on whether the fee applies per parcel or per ADU; Director Darrell confirmed that each ADU triggers a separate fair share contribution, adjusted annually by the Honolulu Consumer Price Index (HCPI). - Director Darrell noted this fee is paid for the 13 new lots prior to final subdivision, and additional fees trigger when building permits for ADUs are sought. - Affordable Housing and Utilities (Councilmember Inaba, Director Darrell): - Councilmember Inaba asked how the applicant intends to meet the affordable housing requirement. The applicant stated they are exploring off-site rental opportunities to earn the necessary three credits. - Councilmember Inaba expressed concern regarding wastewater constraints; Director Darrell confirmed 13 lots lack municipal wastewater, limiting them to DOH-mandated five-bedroom maximums per septic system, with no nearby sewer availability identified. - A discussion was initiated regarding whether fair share fees should be waived for units required to meet affordable housing guidelines, which previously applied to projects proposing 50% affordable housing, but did not cover the required 20%. Key Outcomes - Vote on Bill 111: The motion to adopt Bill 111 (amending City Code Section 25-8-33 to change zone from Agricultural 3-Acre to Single Family Residential 10,000 Sq Ft) was approved with 8 Ayes and 0 Opposed (Councilmember Kirkwitz was initially excused, then joined; Councilmembers O'Nishi and Kleinfelder joined during the meeting). - Action: Bill 111 is forwarded to the full Hawaii County Council with a favorable recommendation. - Conditions Approved: The rezoning includes conditions regarding the dedication of Ahi Street for future county improvement by the Department of Public Works, and a new fair share contribution fee structure of $17,921.82 per new lot/ADU. - Next Steps: The Director promised to investigate the proximity of sewer systems for future council discussion.

The Committee on Finance convened on December 16, 2025, at 11:01 a.m. in the West Hawaii Civic Center to review fund transfer reports, change orders, and proposed resolutions regarding agricultural food access. The committee heard testimony from department representatives and district personnel regarding budget allocations and project scopes before voting on multiple measures to close files and forward recommendations to the full council. Councilmember Kimball expressed a need for clarity on contract scope expansions, while Councilmembers Galimba and Oneshi emphasized the importance of follow-on funding for food security initiatives. Consent Calendar - Communication 23.24 (Fund Transfers Oct 2025): Councilmembers Inava and Houstis moved to close the file on the report of fund transfers authorized from October 16 through 31, 2025. The motion carried with 8 votes in favor (Kirkwitz excused). - Communication 23.25 (Fund Transfers Nov 2025): Councilmembers Inava and Houstis moved to close the file on the report of fund transfers authorized November 1-15, 2025. Councilmember Inaba clarified that the Habitat for Humanity

The Hawaii County Council convened on December 3, 2025, at 9:02 a.m. to address the adoption of a landmark plastic reduction bill following extensive public testimony from residents, students, and business representatives. The meeting also featured ceremonial recognitions for a state championship cross-country team and a community-oriented police officer, alongside the approval of multiple routine resolutions and budget adjustments. Consent Calendar - Resolution 384-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) to award $4.1 million to Hawaiian Community Assets for property acquisition (subject to later concerns raised by a private citizen regarding the organization's leadership). - Resolution 400-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) for a five-year lease for mailing system equipment. - Resolution 401-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) for $5,000 to fund the 2025 Magic of the Season holiday open house. - Resolution 402-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) for $5,000 grant to Pet Fix for spay/neuter clinics. - Resolution 403-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) for $10,000 for the Noho Cup Tournament expenses. - Resolution 404-25: Approved (8-0, 1 excused) for $5,000 to Food Basket Inc. for community harvest stands. Public Comments & Testimony - Support for Bill 83 (Plastic Ban): - Jason Higa (CEO, Zippy's Restaurants): Expressed concern that the current bill is too restrictive; urged a delay in passing until composting infrastructure exists and requested inclusion of ASTM standards rather than specific brand certifications to maintain market diversity and economic resilience. - Mayor Kimo Alameda: Expressed strong opposition to Bill 83 in its current form. He argued the bill would double costs for businesses (e.g., forks and cups), unfairly benefit the bill's drafter, and create an unenforceable mandate requiring "plastic police" without necessary infrastructure. - John Pelletier & Nancy Posechio: Testified that Bill 63 (Mixed-Use Zoning) lacks sufficient affordable housing requirements and fails to include parks/recreation, which would lead to urban sprawl. - Josephine Kelly (IPO): Stated opposition to Bill 63, citing the lack of a community development plan for Hilo and recent fires as reasons to pause zoning changes. - Nick Doyle: Expressed opposition to Bill 83 based on a lack of proper composting infrastructure; warned that PLA bioplastics may fragment into microplastics in landfills without industrial processing. - Nicole Larson (Founder, Circular Hawaii): Expressed strong opposition to Bill 83 Draft 2, characterizing it as a "greenwashing campaign" and arguing that bioplastics still cause pollution without effective end-of-life management. - Georgine Adams: Expressed concern that the bill promotes reuse only if infrastructure exists, warning against misleading consumers on environmental claims. - Support for Bill 83 (Plastic Ban): - Matt Binder, Andrew Shanus, Abby Tracy (WorldCentric), and Stella Black: All expressed full support for Bill 83. Andrew Shanus stated he is "100 percent in support of the idea behind this bill." Abby Tracy and Stella Black, along with multiple students (including Kania, Alina, Tashlyn, and others from KAOU), emphasized the environmental devastation of plastic and the need for immediate action to protect the Aina and marine life. - Christina Holt and Christine Kubat: Expressed full support, criticizing the Mayor's memo for lacking data and calling the "waiting for infrastructure" argument a stall tactic. - David Pang: Expressed support for Bill 83 but requested amendments to include all ASTM certifications (not just BPI/CMA) to ensure fair access for all manufacturers. - Alicia Ulukauakane and Students (Malama Aina Compostables): Expressed strong support, highlighting successful local composting efforts and the impending landfill capacity crisis. - Sierra Club Island Group: Expressed strong support, urging the council to pass the bill and build infrastructure if needed. Discussion Items - Bill 83 Draft 2 (Plastic and Polystyrene Waste): - Debate on Infrastructure: Councilmembers and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) representatives discussed the "infrastructure argument." Councilmember Viegas and others argued that policy drives innovation, noting other counties passed similar bills without industrial composting facilities first. DEM officials acknowledged the complexity but maintained a position against the timeline given current facility gaps. - Controversy over DEM Memo: Councilmember Houstis and Councilmember Viegas raised serious concerns regarding a 45-day memo from DEM. They noted a factual error citing a non-existent HRS section (205M instead of 201), the late submission of the memo, and the DEM's failure to consult the Office of Sustainability, Climate Equity, and Resilience (OSCAR) during the review process. Deputy Director Alex White and Deputy Corporation Counsel Diana Mellon Lacey clarified the typo and confirmed the review process, though Viegas expressed disappointment at the lack of collaboration. - Amendment Proposal: Councilmember Houstis proposed an amendment (Communication 482.17) to the bill. The amendment sought to remove specific references to BPI and CMA certifications and instead allow any third-party certification compliant with ASTM standards D6400, D6868, or D8410 (including NSF, TUV, and others) to ensure competitive market access for all vendors. - Revisions: The Council debated the definition of "reusable foodware." The Mayor and DEM representatives suggested allowing translucent plastics for alcohol containers in certain events, but Councilmember Viegas and others declined to add loopholes that might weaken the ban on single-use plastics. - Bill 63 (Mixed-Use Zoning): - Councilmember O'Nishi moved to postpone this bill to the January 7th meeting to allow for further review of amendments regarding affordable housing and park access. - Bill 107 (Fire Code): - Councilmember Houstis moved to postpone to the December 17th meeting for additional review. Key Outcomes - Bill 83 (Plastic Ban): Approved at second and final reading via a roll call vote of 8-0 (Councilmember Kleinfelder excused). The bill was amended to allow compostable products certified by any third-party entity compliant with ASTM standards D6400, D6868, or D8410, rather than restricting it to only BPI or CMA certifications. - Bill 63 (Zoning): Postponed to January 7, 2026. - Bill 107 (Fire Code): Postponed to December 17, 2026. - Bills Approved (Second/Final Reading): Bill 89 (Civil Defense Administrator experience requirements), Bill 97, Bill 98, Bill 99, Bill 100, Bill 102, and Bill 104 (Budget amendments) were all approved unanimously (8-0, 1 excused). - Bills Approved (First Reading): Bill 105 and Bill 106 (Budget amendments/revisions) were approved unanimously. - Recognitions: The Council presented a certificate to the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Boys Cross-Country team for their state championship and the Java Award to Officer Ivan Alatan for his compassionate community policing efforts. - Mourning: A moment of silence was observed for the late Steve Hirakami. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded at 10:02 a.m. with holiday announcements and well-wishes.

The Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs convened on December 2, 2025, to review public testimonies and vote on three key agenda items: the appointments of Wesley Sagawa as Director of Public Works and Daniel Gervin as Director of Environmental Management, and the adoption of Resolutions 398-25 and 399-25 regarding workers' compensation counsel and immigration enforcement protections. Consent Calendar - Appointment of Wesley Sagawa (Communication 622): Council moved to close the file and forward the appointment of Wesley Sagawa as County Director of Public Works with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed with a vote of 7 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 absent (Councilmember Kleinfelder). - Appointment of Daniel Gervin (Communication 623): Council moved to close the file and forward the appointment of Daniel Gervin as Director of Environmental Management with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed with a vote of 8 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 absent (Councilmember Kleinfelder). - Resolution 398-25: Council voted to forward the resolution authorizing a three-year employment agreement with the law firm Young Guni Hero Brook and Kim for special counsel regarding workers' compensation matters. The vote was 7 in favor, 0 opposed, with 2 absent. Public Comments & Testimony Testifiers in support of Resolution 399-25 included: - Sam Guggenheimer: Expressed wholehearted support and recommended amendments based on a "No Secret Police, No Troops in Our Streets" toolkit, including banning joint terrorism task forces and limiting state deputization of federal agents. - Martina Wing: Expressed strong support for the resolution, characterizing federal actions as "horrifying" and urging the Council to move beyond a symbolic gesture to a meaningful statement of autonomy. - Corey Harden: Expressed strong support for the resolution but advocated for an amendment requiring the termination of all existing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with ICE and Homeland Security. - Noelle Lindenman: Expressed support and emphasized the resolution as a first step against a "fascistic slide" by the federal administration, recommending the demolition of all 287G agreements and joint task force collusion. - Kendra Gurung (Sierra Club Hawaii Hawaii Island Group): Expressed strong support with a recommended amendment to end all MOUs with ICE, HSI, and Customs and Border Protection, citing constitutional violations by these agencies. - Patty Cook: Expressed strong support, citing the recent joint federal task force intervention on Kauai as a "horrendous" violation of civil rights that requires immediate local and state action. - Terrence McDonald: Expressed strong support, stating the resolution is a vital "statement of where our edges and where our borders must be" and hoping for a unanimous vote. Discussion Items - Nominations and Appointments: - Wesley Sagawa (Public Works): Testified on his transition from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to Public Works. He outlined a vision focused on data collection to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance, streamlining the permitting process, and improving customer service. When questioned about affordable housing, he suggested exploring concessions within building standards to facilitate construction, while the Mayor emphasized a team-based approach to prioritizing infrastructure and housing needs. - Daniel Gervin (Environmental Management): Presented a vision centered on achieving "zero waste" goals, addressing chronic staffing shortages through training investments, and collaborating with the community colleges. He discussed the massive Hilo Wastewater upgrade project, the complexities of cesspool conversion in rural areas (recommending composting toilets as a partial solution), and resource recovery strategies for landfill gas, sharing a success story from Michigan where landfill gas was converted into fuel for steel manufacturing. - Staffing and Contracts: Several council members, including Galimba, Viegas, and Kirkowitz, raised concerns about staffing levels, the need for a shift in union relations from adversarial to collaborative, and questions regarding potential conflicts of interest involving Sagawa's private consulting firm. Viegas specifically questioned the department's contract history and the late submission of comments on Bill 83 (disposable plastic serviceware). - Resolution 398-25 (Special Counsel): Corporation Council staff confirmed that the firm Young Guni Hero Brook and Kim was the sole qualified applicant for the workers' compensation counsel position, with reasonable fees recommended for a three-year agreement. - Resolution 399-25 (Immigration Protections): Councilmembers Kagiwada and Kimball introduced the resolution urging the State of Hawaii to protect citizens from unconstitutional federal immigration actions. Key provisions requested of the state include: 1. Prohibiting masked federal immigration officers. 2. Mandating language access for detainees. 3. Protecting sensitive community spaces. 4. Prohibiting the sharing of confidential data with ICE/DHS. 5. Prohibiting fulfillment of ICE detainer requests. 6. Requiring identification of immigration officers. 7. Prohibiting unmarked vehicles for immigration enforcement. 8. Prohibiting 287G agreements between state/local agencies and the federal government. - Councilmembers discussed the legal landscape, noting potential risks to federal funding under recent executive orders targeting "sanctuary jurisdictions," but reaffirmed their support for the resolution as a necessary message of community values. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed (622): Wesley Sagawa was recommended for appointment as Director of Public Works (Vote: 7-0-1 absent). - Motion Passed (623): Daniel Gervin was recommended for appointment as Director of Environmental Management (Vote: 8-0-1 absent). - Motion Passed (398-25): Resolution 398-25 authorizing the special counsel agreement was forwarded to the full Council (Vote: 7-0-2 absent). - Motion Passed (399-25): Resolution 399-25 urging the state to adopt protections against federal immigration overreach was forwarded to the full Council (Vote: 8-0-1 absent). - Next Steps: All appointments and resolutions are to be presented to the full County Council for final action. Management and Council members agreed to continue dialogue on staffing, union relations, and the specifics of affordable housing policy during the upcoming budget season.

The Committee on Finance convened on December 2, 2025, to review four agenda items, including the transfer of two resolutions and two bills to council, and the withdrawal of one motion. The meeting featured extensive testimony from the Office of Housing and Community Development regarding homelessness funding allocations, as well as discussions from the Fire Department and Real Property Tax Administrator regarding EMS expansion and agricultural tax adjustments. Council members expressed strong support for essential services while voicing concerns over fund efficacy, potential double-dipping in awards, and geographic equity in service delivery. Consent Calendar - No items were processed under the Consent Calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No public members spoke during the public comment periods. The committee noted the absence of testimony for Resolutions 396-25 and 397-25 and Bills 108 and 103. Discussion Items - Resolution 396-25 (Tennis Court Donation): The committee received a favorable recommendation to forward the resolution to donate professional services from the United States Tennis Association (valued at $145,463) to the Department of Parks and Recreation for resurfacing Lincoln Park Tennis Courts. A related motion to withdraw a previous request was also approved. - Resolution 397-25 (Homelessness and Housing Fund): - Presentation: Office of Housing administrators presented a proposal to award 12 grants to 8 nonprofit organizations totaling $6 million from residential tier two property tax revenues. The approach emphasized strategic allocation, geographic equity, and leverage of outside funds. Five specific county projects (shelters and permanent supportive housing) were reserved for separate RFPs. - Councilmember Viegas Position: Expressed frustration that the "lion's share" of funding continues to go to the same organizations with "very little impact." Raised concerns about a specific organization (Neighborhood Place of Puna) receiving significant funding despite prior legal contentions. Questioned data accuracy regarding the 60% concentration of unsheltered individuals in Hilo, arguing the West Side is undercounted due to staffing issues. - Councilmember Kirkowitz Position: Expressed deep concern that despite tens of millions invested, the community does not appear "better off." Highlighted visible issues like drug use, safety hazards in parks, and the inability of current programs to reach individuals who do not seek help. Argued for a "radical reset" on the program and questioned where the prevention pieces are. Expressed frustration that organizations receiving millions are not effectively holding individuals accountable for community responsibility. - Councilmember Kagiwada Position: Expressed support for the strategic approach and the work of the Office of Housing team. Urged the need to balance equity by ensuring services reach rural areas where community pushback exists. Requested data on the number of people requesting but unable to receive assistance to better understand the gap between need and funding. - Councilmember Kimball Position: Emphasized that "optics matter" to voters and urged better documentation to address concerns about potential "double dipping" or overlap in expenses across multiple awards. Stressed the temporary nature of the program and the need for a clear evaluation path. - Office of Housing Response: Administrator Costa and Program Manager Hiraishi defended the funding choices, noting that 60% of unsheltered counts are in Hilo based on real-time engagement data. They clarified that travel for client reunification (e.g., flights home) is permissible, distinguishing it from staff conference travel. Acknowledged the difficulty of funding only a portion of the unmet need and the complexity of addressing visible homelessness versus the "tip of the iceberg" of unsheltered populations. - Bill 108 (EMS Expansion): - The committee discussed a bill to appropriate $1,750,000 in state grants to open ambulance operations at Makalet Fire Station in Kona and create six new positions. Battalion Chief Kirikonai testified the initiative would reduce call volume to Kailua Kona by 25% and increase pre-hospital care availability. - Councilmember Kimball Position: Expressed strong gratitude for the bill, thanking state legislators and Fire Department staff for their efforts. Stated the initiative is "only fair" for his district and critical for local tax revenue holders. - Bill 103 (Agricultural Tax Cap): - The committee considered an amendment extending the sunset date of the program to December 31, 2029, and adjusting the eligibility requirement to a sliding "10 out of 15 years" window. Administrator Sumira and Councilmember Kimball presented the changes. - Councilmember Houstis Position: Expressed concern that the 15-year window might exclude long-term farmers (20-30 years) who need support most. Argued that those who have "paid their dues" over decades should be the primary beneficiaries rather than recent entrants. - Councilmember Kagiwada Position: Raised philosophical concerns about decreasing land value relative to building value in agricultural zones, questioning if this maximizes land use. Noted the program is a safety net for aging farmers on fixed incomes living on their homesteads. Key Outcomes - Resolution 396-25: Motion to forward to Council with a favorable recommendation was adopted (8 ayes, 1 absent). - Resolution 397-25: Motion to forward to Council with a favorable recommendation was adopted (8 ayes, 1 absent). The committee directed staff to investigate potential "double dipping" in expense lines (telecommunications, lease, insurance) prior to the next hearing. - Bill 108: Motion to forward to Council with a favorable recommendation was adopted (8 ayes, 1 absent). - Bill 103: The amendment to extend the sunset date and adjust the eligibility window was adopted (8 ayes, 1 absent). Subsequently, the main motion to recommend passage on first reading was adopted (8 ayes, 1 absent). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:34 p.m.

The Committee on Finance convened on November 19, 2025, with Councilmembers present in both Kona and Hilo chambers to review finance communications and bills related to county budget status and affordable housing initiatives. While routine reports were unanimously closed, significant deliberation occurred regarding the Affordable Housing Production Fund, specifically concerning fund lapses due to fiscal year timing and contract execution delays. Councilmembers expressed mixed sentiments, with some supporting immediate adjustments to prioritize local residents while others demanded more transparent accounting and a slower pace to prevent future funding lapses. Consent Calendar - Communicate 23.23: Closed file regarding fund transfers authorized October 1 through 15, 2025 (9 in favor). - Communication 73.9: Closed file on the monthly budget status report for the month ended May 31, 2025 (9 in favor). - Communication 118.3: Closed file on the first quarter reallocation report for July 1 through September 30, 2025 (9 in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was received during the session as no members of the public registered in the chambers or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Resolution 384-25 (Grant Awards) & Bill 105 (Reappropriation): - Staff explained that $7.3 million from the 2024-25 fiscal year and additional funds were required to reappropriate due to the lapse of funds on June 30, 2025, when contracts were not executed or funds were encumbered via Memorandums of Agreement for infrastructure rather than direct developer contracts. - Councilmember Onishi expressed concern that the current structure allows developers to use county funds as leverage for other funding, potentially stalling projects if other sources are rejected. Position: Cautious support for the shift toward direct homeowner support but highlighted the risk of leveraging. - Councilmember Kagiwata sought clarification on the number of families supported by specific grantees (e.g., 20-28 units for Hawaiian Community Assets, 8 families for Hawaii Community Lending) and confirmed that funds are deed-restricted for affordability in perpetuity. Position: Full support for the shift toward home ownership models for local families. - Councilmember Kirkowitz, creator of the original fund, voted against Bill 105 due to "muddy" data, the large $16.5 million reappropriation figure representing systemic failure, and the lack of a clear breakdown of lapsed funds. Position: Strong opposition pending better accounting. - Councilmember Igabo requested a spreadsheet detailing all units built versus dollars spent since the fund's inception and the status of projects in the pipeline. Position: Supportive of the program but concerned about the lapse mechanism. - Councilmember Viegas raised concerns about public accountability, funding oversight, and whether residents receive priority over outsiders. Position: Supportive of the project's intent but demanded stronger assurance mechanisms for public fund usage and resident prioritization. - Councilmember Galimba expressed happiness with the blend of methods but noted the difficulty of getting funding to work. Position: Full support for the program's direction. - Councilmember Kirkowitz (regarding Bill 105) reiterated that a 16 million dollar reappropriation indicates something is not working and demanded a schedule of funds before future votes. - Councilmember Kimball proposed Bill 103 to amend tax assessments. - Bill 103 (Senior Farmer Tax Abatement): - Councilmember Kimball introduced a bill to freeze land assessment values for senior farmers retiring after 10 years of agricultural use (out of the last 15), capping annual increases at 3% for two tax years. Position: Proponent, arguing for fairness to prevent tax cliffs for aging farmers. - Councilmember Kagiwata philosophically supported the concept of tax fairness and questioned if incentives could be built to keep retired farmers leasing land for production rather than just lowering taxes. Position: Conditional support dependent on productive land retention strategies. - Councilmember Onishi suggested the concept requires more technical work with Real Property Tax administrators before committee action. Position: Recommends postponement for further technical definition. - Councilmember Inaba stated the concept is good but premature, lacking consensus on numbers and sunset dates. Position: Recommends postponement. - Councilmember Galimba supported the sunset date to prevent negative incentives on agricultural use and was open to adjusting the 10-year requirement (e.g., to 5 or 7 years). Position: Supportive with amendments. - Real Property Tax Administrator Mira noted the potential revenue loss (estimated $169,000 if retroactive) and the administrative challenge of notifying confused beneficiaries. Position: Informative, highlighting data gaps. Key Outcomes - Resolution 384-25: Approved and forwarded to Council with a favorable recommendation (8 in favor, Councilmember Galimba absent). - Bill 105: Forwarded to Council with a favorable recommendation (Motion: 8 in favor, 2 opposed (Councilmembers Kirkowitz and Viegas)). - Bill 106: Forwarded to Council with a favorable recommendation regarding Emergency Rental Assistance (9 in favor). - Bill 103: Postponed to the December 2, 2025, committee meeting (9 in favor) to allow for further technical work and discussion on the 10-out-of-15-year requirement and sunset dates. - Directives: Councilmembers directed Office of Housing to provide a spreadsheet of housing production fund performance and requested more structured reporting on how funds are utilized and outcomes for beneficiaries.

The Hawaii County Council convened to discuss and vote on forwarding Bill 107, a legislative proposal aimed at streamlining the county's fire code by aligning adoption timelines with the state level. The meeting featured testimony from Battalion Chief Royd Henderson of the Hawaii Fire Department, who explained the current complexities designers face regarding shifting code adoptions and the county's existing discretionary provisions for infrastructure challenges. Council members expressed general support for the initiative to reduce uncertainty, with one member proposing a specific friendly amendment to refine how county-level amendments interact with new state codes. Consent Calendar - Motion to forward Bill 107 to the County Council with a favorable recommendation made by Councilman Runishi and seconded by Councilmember Galimba. Public Comments & Testimony - Battalion Chief Royd Henderson (Hawaii Fire Department): - Project Description: The current fire code process involves three phases (national, state, county), causing confusion for designers regarding adoption timing and changes. The proposal seeks to automatically adopt state code changes immediately upon state adoption to simplify the process. The county currently maintains specific provisions in its planning code section regarding water pressure requirements (GPMs) to accommodate varying infrastructure capacities in different districts, avoiding mandatory, costly infrastructure upgrades for all projects. - Position: The Fire Department is committed to being "friendlier and more helpful" to the public, offering workarounds like movable tanker trucks to assist projects where fixed infrastructure is insufficient. They expressed willingness to entertain amendments that make the code clearer for the public. - Councilmember Kimball (Hilo): - Position: Expressed full support for the concept of the Bill 107 amendment, stating it provides necessary certainty for the design and engineering community. - Proposal: Proposed a "friendly amendment" to align the process with Maui's building code adoption model. This would involve automatically adopting the state fire code alongside existing county amendments, with the proviso that if the new state code prohibits a specific county amendment, the state code would take precedence. - Councilmember Inaba: - Position: Expressed appreciation for the guidance provided by Jacob Perry of the Land Use Review Board (LRB) branch, crediting him with successfully guiding the committee through the construction code update. - Councilman Runishi: - Position: Highlighted the specific challenge of water pressure requirements (2000 PSI or GPM) in commercial plans where local infrastructure (e.g., six-inch lines) is insufficient, agreeing that the current code allows necessary flexibility without forcing millions of dollars in unnecessary digging. Discussion Items - Code Simplification and Adoption Strategy: Chief Henderson detailed that under the current system, designs often fail or require rework because the county adopts codes at a different time than the state. The proposed change fixes the county's adoption date to match the state's to eliminate this confusion. - Water Infrastructure Flexibility: Discussion ensued regarding water pressure standards. The council noted that strict adherence to a single standard could be financially detrimental to developers in areas with smaller pipe infrastructure (e.g., six-inch lines). The current code allows for project-specific adjustments, a flexibility the committee did not wish to remove. - Maui Model Amendment: Councilmember Kimball suggested incorporating language similar to Maui's code, where the county adopts the new state code plus existing amendments unless the new state code explicitly disallows them. Chief Henderson agreed to work with Mr. Perry to draft this language to ensure the public understands that not all existing local requirements will be immediately invalidated. Key Outcomes - Vote Result: The motion to forward Bill 107 to the County Council with a favorable recommendation passed unanimously (9-0). - Action Item: Battalion Chief Henderson agreed to work with Jacob Perry to draft the language for the friendly amendment proposed by Councilmember Kimball regarding the interaction of state and county codes, and to share it with the council prior to finalization. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded at 9:40 a.m. Meeting Discrepancies Note - No discrepancies were found between the transcript and the agenda items discussed; the summary reflects the consensus that Bill 107 was the sole item on the agenda.

A hybrid session of the Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs convened at 9:02 a.m. on November 19, 2025, hosted in the Kona chamber with attendees joining remotely from Hilo. The meeting focused on a single nomination for the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee. Public testimony was not received. The committee voted unanimously to forward the nomination to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Consent Calendar - Communication 616: The committee voted to close the file on the nomination of Maile K. Lavea Maloy to the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee. Public Comments & Testimony - No public members testified. The Acting Clerk confirmed via the testimony provider that there was no testimony for the meeting. Discussion Items - Nomination of Maile K. Lavea Maloy: - Speaker Positions: - Micah Alameda (Executive Assistant, Office of the Mayor): Expressed strong support for the nominee, stating she possesses a "strong record of service" and will "add immediate impact" to the committee. - Councilmember Kimball (Hamakua District): Expressed full support, stating the selection would bring a "really important and fresh perspective" and advocating for "more voices of women, more voices of Native Hawaiians" on the committee. - Councilmember Golembo: Expressed gratitude for the nominee stepping forward, noting the importance of action committees for community engagement. - Project Description: Maile K. Lavea Maloy is a native Hawaiian born in Anchorage, Alaska, who helped charter the Nakeiki Oh Hawaii civic club. She is a graduate of Hawai'i Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (BA in Administration of Justice and Political Science). She served nearly three years in AmeriCorps (Education, Environmental Stewardship, Disaster Response) and raised five children through the Kula Kaiapuni system. If confirmed, she will serve a term expiring December 31, 2027. Key Outcomes - Vote Tally: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent (Councilmember Kleinfelder). - Decision: The committee voted "aye" to forward the nomination of Maile K. Lavea Maloy to the Council with a favorable recommendation. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 a.m.