Public Meetings - Hawaii County, Hawaii

The Hawaii County Council convened on November 5, 2025, at 9:03 a.m. with a quorum of six members present to conduct the 26th session. The meeting featured the presentation of awards to community heroes, extensive public testimony on environmental legislation and zoning measures, and the approval of various resolutions and bills. Consent Calendar - The Council minutes were approved with no comments received. Public Comments & Testimony - Support for Bill 83 (Plastic Reduction): - Tanya Yamanaka (Chamber of Sustainable Commerce) expressed strong support for Bill 83, stating plastic has no place in a resilient community and advocating for a transition to a care-based economy. - Corey Harden (Hawaii Island Group) urged the Council to continue supporting Bill 83, noting that businesses have offloaded plastic costs onto the public and environment. - Leah Gauker (Pohoa High School teacher) testified in support of Resolution 379, requesting funding for a field trip to the Hawaii Island Film Festival. - Sarah Ward, representing a compostable packaging supplier, expressed support for Bill 83, arguing that compostables are not cost-prohibitive and help build the foundation for future composting infrastructure. - John Elkcher expressed support for Bill 83, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment, reducing waste, and aligning with the Zero Waste Hawaii goals. - Megan Lampson (Hawaii Wildlife Fund) expressed strong support for Bill 83, citing research on plastic endocrine disruptors and microplastics in human brains. - Christine Kubat (Recycle Hawaii) expressed support for Bill 83, challenging the narrative that commercial composting facilities are required immediately and highlighting that the cost of plastic is artificially low due to subsidies. - Malia Kipapa and Curtis Tyler expressed support for Bill 85, which updates tax map keys for Kipapa Park, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the park. - Colonel Deb Lewis expressed support for Bill 96 and Resolutions 372-25/382-25, advocating for broader membership on the Veterans Advisory Committee and encouraging community support for the upcoming Veterans Day Parade. - Opposition/Concerns regarding Bill 83 (Plastic Reduction): - Stephen Uyeda (Sui Sang Company) respectfully opposed Bill 83 in its current form, arguing that Hawaii County lacks composting infrastructure, which renders compostables less beneficial and significantly more expensive (40-100% increase), and recommended delaying implementation until infrastructure is ready. - Amy Koch (Papaloa) expressed opposition to Bill 52 (Hens), arguing for the reinstatement of fenced area allowances over mandatory enclosed coops to respect rural culture and animal welfare. - Elena Wiley (Backyard flock owner) expressed concerns that Bill 52's regulations (prohibiting sales, requiring enclosed coops) ignore the reality of keeping hens, constitute government overreach, and are poorly written. - Jason Higa (Zippy's Restaurants) respectfully opposed Bill 83, warning that without proper composting facilities, compostable containers will end up in landfills producing methane, and highlighted the significant economic burden on businesses (40-100% cost increase). - Mixed/Clarification on Bill 52 (Hens): - Elizabeth Logston expressed that she is not in support of Bill 52 as written, requesting it be postponed for clarification, arguing that two chickens are insufficient for a family and citing her experience with seven chickens posing no issues. Discussion Items - Bill 52 (Household Hens): Councilmembers Kirkowitz, Kimball, Viegas, and others discussed the bill's intent to legalize backyard flocks in residential zones. Due to lack of quorum for the introducer (Councilmember Kimball) and concerns raised by public testifiers regarding regulations, the Council voted to postpone Bill 52 Draft 3 to the November 19 meeting. Councilmember Viegas clarified that the bill does not prohibit hens in agricultural zones. - Bill 83 (Plastic Reduction): A significant debate occurred regarding the environmental necessity versus the economic impact and infrastructure readiness. Councilmember Houstis proposed an amendment to provide a five-year exemption for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Councilmember Kagiwata, Kimball, and Kirkowitz expressed strong opposition to the amendment, citing it as a loophole that could compromise the waste stream. Councilmember Golemba could not support the amendment due to the need for immediate action on the waste bill. Councilmember Houstis argued the amendment was a soft landing for mom-and-pop stores to adjust costs. The amendment failed (2 ayes, 5 noes). Following the failed amendment and further discussion on the need for Department of Environmental Management (DEM) input and educational outreach, the Council decided to postpone Bill 83 Draft 2 to the November 19 meeting to allow for a fuller body of members and further dialogue. - Bill 91 (Safe Routes to School): Councilmember Viegas questioned the geographical equity of project selection. Acting Director Neil Azevito and Public Works Director Kelsey Kalua Lewis provided updates, confirming that projects are being selected on a rotating basis across the island, including upcoming projects in Volcano, Hilo Union, and Kaonao Elementary, and acknowledging plans for Kohala and Mountain View. - Veterans Advisory Committee (Bill 96): The Council discussed and approved the bill, which broadens membership eligibility to allow any council member to appoint representatives, removing the previous requirement for specific veteran organization affiliations. Key Outcomes - Bill 52 Draft 3: Postponed to November 19, 2025, for further discussion with the introducer and to address community concerns. - Bill 83 Draft 2: Postponed to November 19, 2025, following the failure of the small business exemption amendment and a consensus to await further departmental input and a fuller council. - Bill 84: Approved at second and final reading, repealing the 8-hour parking meter zone requirement at the Alapuni Center parking lot. - Bill 85 Draft 2: Approved at second and final reading, amending the schedule for Kipapa Park to officially recognize the updated tax map keys. - Bill 94: Approved at first and final reading, appropriating $4,045 in emergency solutions grants. - Bill 95: Approved at first and final reading, transferring $62,500 in community development block grants. - Bill 96: Approved at second and final reading, amending the Veterans Advisory Committee membership requirements. - Bill 101: Approved at second and final reading, appropriating excess fuel tax revenues totaling $1,493,554.75 for roadway, bridge, and local road projects. - Resolutions Approved: - 343-25: Lease agreement for Civil Defense copy machine. - 344-25: Software licensing for Department of Information Technology. - 345-25: Mutual aid agreement with DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. - 368-25: Cafeteria plan implementation. - 371-25: Lease for Mass Transit copy machine. - 372-25: Grant to Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council for Veterans Day Parade. - 373-25: Grant to Parks and Recreation for 3D printer equipment. - 374-25: Grant to Alexander and Duke DeRigo Foundation for Homoke High School scoreboard. - 378-25: Grant to Ka'ala'au Health Center for breast cancer awareness event. - 379-25: Grant to Malama Opuna for Pohai High School field trip. - 380-25: Grant to Hawaii Fire Department for Ocean Safety storage units. - 381-25: Grant to Food Basket Inc. for Kokua Harvest Fruit Stands. - 382-25: Grant to Big Island Resource Conservation Development Council for Veterans Day Parade. - Community Recognition: Aaron Buyuan was awarded the Java Award for his maintenance work with the Fire Department, and Preston Paglinawan received the 2025 Daniel R. Sarah Memorial Foundation Award for his role in a suicide prevention rescue. - Announcements: Upcoming events included the Veterans Day Parade (Nov 8), Hawaii Island Film Festival, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, and various community gatherings.

The Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs convened on November 4, 2025, chaired by Jen Kagiwata, to address appointments, administrative communications, and legislative matters. The committee received public testimony regarding the qualifications for the Civil Defense Administrator and reviewed nominations for two board positions. Councilmembers Inaba and Kimball were excused from the proceedings. The session concluded with the advancement of Bill 89 to the full council and the favorable forwarding of two nominations. Consent Calendar - Communication 40.3 (HSAC minutes): Motion to close file passed with 7 ayes. - Communication 358 & 358.1 (County Auditor Ad Hoc Committee): Motion to close file passed with 7 ayes, acknowledging the work of the ad hoc committee and thanking Councilmember Kirkowitz and Chair Inaba. Public Comments & Testimony - John McBride (Hilo Bay CERT Team Leader): expressed significant concern that the proposed requirements for the Civil Defense Administrator might be set so high that they would disqualify local applicants. He argued that while experience is necessary, he prioritized "hot" (cultural affinity and community love) over top-tier mainland qualifications, stating that a local administrator who understands Hawaiian culture and traditions is essential for the role, warning that an outsider with high credentials but no local connection would be ineffective. - Patty Pintel: echoed John's concerns and specifically expressed strong opposition to the appointment mechanism, stating it is "unwise and unsafe" for the Civil Defense agency head to be appointed by the Mayor every four years at the "whim of a mayor." She argued this creates a loss of institutional knowledge and continuity, which is critical for civil defense response, and urged the committee to consult with the current state-appointed authority before finalizing qualifications. Discussion Items - Bill 89 (Civil Defense Administrator Appointment): Councilmember Kirkowitz introduced the bill to amend the county code regarding the appointment and qualifications of the Civil Defense Administrator. She stated the bill's intent is not to critique current leadership but to ensure a standard of excellence following past disasters. She emphasized that the position is not coterminous with the mayor. Councilmember Kirkowitz presented an amendment (via Communication 514.1) to clarify that the appointment must occur within 60 days of a vacancy. Councilmember Houstis questioned the enforceability of the 60-day deadline but accepted that the council cannot mandate the process due to statutory limitations on appointing authority. Councilmember Viegus, Kirkowitz, and others discussed the need for balancing experience with local cultural knowledge, though the motion focused on codifying the qualification standards. - Nomination of Don S. Mende (Communication 591): Mayor Alameda's nominee for the Liquor Control Adjudication Board was introduced. He is noted for a background in banking, government service (Deputy Director of Research and Development under Mayor Kinoy), and current role as Loan Manager at HFS Federal Credit Union. Councilmembers commended his volunteer history and commitment to the community. - Nomination of Thomas E. Fratenardo (Communication 592): Mayor Alameda's nominee for the Windward Planning Commission was introduced after recovering from a stroke and sepsis shock. Testifying personally, Mr. Fratenardo shared his background as a combat veteran, former police officer, and advocate for affordable housing (having bought his first home through the Paniolo State subdivision). He expressed a position of supporting development but emphasized "Aloha" (love) and local stewardship. He argued that county land should prioritize local residents over the global market and highlighted the crisis of empty homes and the need for infrastructure in agricultural areas. Councilmembers Viegas and O'Nishi expressed full support, praising his resilience, service record, and commitment to serving the community first. Councilmember Kleinfelder raised questions regarding the balance between ADUs and rural agricultural housing, to which the nominee agreed that the "cup must overflow" locally before serving the global market. Key Outcomes - Bill 89: Amended with the contents of Communication 514.1. The committee voted to recommend passage of Bill 89 on first reading and forwarding it to the full council with 6 ayes and Councilmembers Kleinfelder, Kimball, and Inaba absent. - Communication 591: The committee voted with 7 ayes and 2 excused members (Inaba, Kimball) to close the file and forward a favorable recommendation to the full council to confirm Don S. Mende to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board. - Communication 592: The committee voted with 7 ayes and 2 excused members (Inaba, Kimball) to close the file and forward a favorable recommendation to the full council to nominate Thomas E. Fraternardo to the Windward Planning Commission.