Public Meetings - Hawaii County, Hawaii

On June 2, 2026, at 1 p.m., the 20th session of the Communication Reports and Council Oversight Committee convened at the Hawaii County Building in Hilo. Chair Michelle Galemba presided, with Councilmembers Kagiwada, Hustis, Kirkowitz, O'Nishi, Viegas, and Galemba present. Councilmember Inaba joined later; Councilmembers Kimball and Connie Lee Kleinfelder were excused. The main agenda item was Communication 906, requesting an update on the Ali Drive proposed sewer extension project. Public Comments & Testimony - Shelley S. Makala Hutty (Shelly Makalinakoa the third) testified on environmental management issues, including military dump sites, legacy chemicals from sugar cane, and the need for a county environmental management facility. They linked these issues to the plight of homeless Hawaiians and urged the county to access revolving funds for infrastructure to address environmental challenges. No other public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Ali Drive Sewer Extension Project Update: Councilmember Rebecca Viegas introduced the item and invited Deputy Director Craig Kawaguchi and Civil Engineer Jonathan Simmons from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Key points: - Two years ago, $250,000 was budgeted for a consultant (Bowers & Kubota) to assess the best approach for sewering a one-mile strip between La Aaloa and Kahaluu. That contract was delayed, but a draft preliminary engineering report is now being finalized. - Last year, $350,000 was allocated for the next phase (design), but the contract was not issued until recently because the first report was incomplete. DEM expedited the process, awarded a design contract, and issued a notice to proceed. - The design contract (scope: 100% design and basic environmental permitting) is expected to be completed by June 2027. The conceptual design recommends a low-pressure sewer system connecting to the Calikeha Wastewater Treatment Plant, serving approximately 92 homes on Ali Drive. - Additional homes uphill (on cesspools) would require a separate contract. Environmental permitting and funding (possibly federal) may extend the timeline for construction. - Corporation Counsel Deputy Diana Mellon Lacy addressed contract management: the county now includes liquidated damages in contracts, and DEM is recruiting additional contract staff to improve oversight and ensure timely delivery. - Councilmember Hustis Kirkowitz raised concerns about contractor accountability and the impact of delays on the community and taxpayers. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to close file on Communication 906. The motion, made by Councilmember Viegas and seconded by Councilmember O'Nishi, passed unanimously with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Inaba joined later but no vote recorded; Kimball and Kleinfelder excused). - The project will proceed with design completion targeted for mid-2027. Future steps include construction procurement and funding identification, with a potential need for additional environmental review if federal funds are used.

The Committee on Finance held its 37th session on June 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hilo Council Chambers (note: the meeting start time of 10:30 a.m. specified in the agenda source was not reflected in the transcript, which recorded an 11:30 a.m. start). Vice Chair James Houstis presided with eight members present (Kimball, Galimba, Viegas, Inaba, Oneshi, Kirkowitz, and Kaugiwata) and Councilmember Conley Kleinfelder absent. The committee addressed several communications, a resolution, and a bill. Consent Calendar - Communication 24.35 – Report of change orders authorized April 1–15, 2026, from Finance Director Diane Nakagawa. Closed file with a motion by Ms. Kirkowitz, second by Mr. O’Nishi. Approved unanimously with eight votes. - Communication 24.36 – Report of change orders authorized April 16–30, 2026. Discussion occurred regarding change order 5 for Waikiauka Park (hazardous soil remediation and comfort station additions). The committee clarified that the county contract is $4.8 million, separate from a state contract. Closed file with a motion by Ms. Kirkowitz, second by Mr. O’Nishi. Approved unanimously (eight votes). - Communication 574.2 – Second quarter report of non-capitalized donations, January 1–March 31, 2026. Closed file with a motion by Ms. Kirkowitz, second by Mr. O’Nishi. Approved unanimously (eight votes). Public Comments & Testimony No public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Resolution 575-26 – Authorizes acceptance of donations of securities or personal property not covered under capitalization procedures for fiscal year 2026-2027. Finance Director Nakagawa explained it is an annual authorization to accept donations upon receipt, with quarterly reporting. Councilmember Kirkowitz noted the resolution originated from former council chair Aaron Chung to improve efficiency. Forwarded to the council with a favorable recommendation (motion by Ms. Kirkowitz, second by Mr. O’Nishi; eight votes in favor). - Bill 163 – Establishes an Aina Kupuna dedication program for real property tax relief. Introduced by Councilmember Houstis. The bill would create a voluntary 10-year dedication for qualifying properties (20 acres or less, owned by a descendant of a person who owned the property before January 1, 1926). Properties would be taxed at the minimum rate with possible waiver of penalties and interest. Councilmember Houstis emphasized preservation of generational family lands. Discussion included: - Real Property Tax Administrator Lisa Muir noted that the county cannot estimate the number of parcels or revenue impact because current data cannot link ownership across 100 years. Referencing Maui County’s similar program, there are 36 applications with a revenue loss of $1,678 in the past year and an average tax break of $27,996. - Councilmember Kimball raised concerns about proving historical ownership and potential conflicts with agricultural dedication definitions. Suggested a sunset date or temporary pilot to assess impacts. - Councilmember Kaugiwata supported the idea but worried about unknown fiscal impacts given county obligations. - Councilmember Galimba questioned the treatment of agricultural tourism and farm stays under the bill. - Administrator Muir provided clarification on several points: the 100-year date vs. Maui’s 80 years; the definition of “residential rental uses for less than six months” (non-agricultural); that penalties and interest would be waived for two years prior to qualification; that the applicant must be a named owner on the record; and that properties with agricultural uses already taxed below $10,000 might not qualify due to the minimum tax threshold. - Councilmember Houstis explained the rationale for the 100-year date (pre-war, prior to significant development) and noted that the onus of proof is on the landowner. - Councilmember Houstis moved to postpone Bill 163 to the June 16, 2026 committee meetings for further discussion. The motion was seconded by Mr. O’Nishi and carried unanimously (eight votes, one absent). Key Outcomes - Communication 24.35: Closed file (8-0-1). - Communication 24.36: Closed file after discussion (8-0-1). - Communication 574.2: Closed file (8-0-1). - Resolution 575-26: Forwarded to council with favorable recommendation (8-0-1). - Bill 163: Postponed to June 16, 2026 committee meetings (8-0-1). The meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m. The committee continued with the Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee at 1:00 p.m.

The Hawaii County Council held a special meeting on May 21, 2026, in Hilo to adopt real property tax rates for FY 2026-2027 (Resolution 574-26) and conduct the first reading of the operating budget (Bill 135) and capital improvement budget (Bill 136). The meeting convened at 9:05 a.m. with eight members present (Councilmember Kimball excused on county travel). After an invocation and public testimony, the council debated and passed the tax rate resolution, then amended and advanced both budget bills toward a second reading on June 4, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Candy Mopuaka (Pahoa district) testified on the bus system, urging the council to restore hourly service (currently every two hours) to accommodate working-class commuters, students, and disabled individuals. She also requested free passes for kupuna (elders) and students, noting that the community is willing to support the system through fare purchases. She emphasized the growing population of Puna and the inadequacy of the current service. - Dwight Vicente (representing the Hawaiian kingdom) argued against the county’s taxation of lease lands, citing the 2004 state Supreme Court ruling State v. Gima which he said limits taxation to ceded lands only. He called for enforcement of that ruling to stop taxation on private leasehold lands. Discussion Items Resolution 574-26: Real Property Tax Rates for FY 2026-2027 Councilmember Inaba introduced the resolution, proposing: - Lower the affordable rental housing classification rate from $5.95 to $5.75 per $1,000 net valuation (a 3.3% reduction). - Lower the homeowner classification rate similarly from $5.95 to $5.75. - Increase the residential tier two rate from $13.60 to $14.50. - Set the new residential tier three rate at $17.00 and the long-term rental rate at $7.75. Finance Director Diane Nakagawa explained that the proposed rates would generate approximately $17 million more in revenue than the mayor’s original budget assumptions, helping to prepare for expected debt service deficits in FY 2028 and FY 2029 (projected at $15.3 million and $44 million, respectively). Mayor Alameda submitted a communication in support of the resolution. Councilmember Kagiwada, who had been working on a more progressive tax plan for three years, moved to postpone the resolution to allow consideration of her alternative proposal, which would generate $30 million in revenue (versus $17 million) by also adjusting residential tier one and apartment tax classes. The motion to postpone failed (2-6). Councilmember Kagiwada then offered an amendment to substitute the contents of her alternative resolution (via Communication 905.3), which kept some of Inaba’s rates but increased tier one, tier two, and apartment rates, and set the long-term rental rate at $7.65 (matching the mayor’s proposal). The amendment was defeated (2-6). After debate, the main resolution was adopted 8-0. Councilmember Galimba voted against, citing process concerns about not considering all proposals together. Bill 135: Operating Budget (First Reading) The council heard no additional public testimony. The mayor’s amended draft two (Communication 754.7) was adopted, increasing estimated revenues from $966.9 million to $976.4 million and appropriations to $975.98 million. An amendment (Communication 754.8) was approved to add 10 student helper positions in the Department of Human Resources for a pilot program targeting high school students islandwide. The bill passed first reading 7-0 (with two excusals). Bill 136: Capital Improvement Budget (First Reading) The mayor’s amended draft two (Communication 755.3) was adopted, reducing the number of projects from 45 to 44 and increasing total appropriations by $16.96 million (to $375.7 million). Several amendments from Councilmember Houstis were approved: - Communication 755.4: Reappropriated $2 million for the Waikoloa Village gymnasium project (previously $200,000). - Communication 755.5: Added $1 million for the Lindsay Road extension in Waimea, connecting to Alohia Road, with contributions expected from Parker Ranch. - Communication 755.6: Expanded the Kamakoa Nui mini loop road infrastructure project to plan for full connectivity across the property. - Communication 755.7: Added $500,000 for a public comfort station at a Pāhoa (Punk) parcel in North Kohala. The bill passed first reading unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Resolution 574-26 was adopted (8-0), setting property tax rates for FY 2026-2027, including reductions for homeowners and affordable rentals, and establishing rates for new residential tier three and long-term rental classifications. The measure is expected to generate $17 million in additional revenue for the county. - Bill 135 (operating budget) passed first reading and will be considered for second reading on June 4, 2026, along with Bill 136. - Bill 136 (capital improvement budget) passed first reading with four amendments, adding funding for a gymnasium, road extension, infrastructure planning, and a public restroom. Second reading will occur on June 4, 2026. - The council directed the Department of Environmental Management to report on the status of the Kahaluu sewer project contract encumbrance and noted that animal control should follow up with Councilmember Kagiwada on funding for dangerous dog signage under new state law. Next Steps: The council will hold a special meeting on June 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Hilo for the second and final reading of both budget bills.

The Hawai'i County Council convened its 39th session on May 20, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. in the Hilo Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, numerous resolutions, and extensive debate on Bill 66 (General Plan 2045). After hours of public testimony and council discussion, Bill 66 passed first reading by a 6-3 vote. Ceremonial Items - Java Award: Presented to Fire Recruit Eddie McClellan and Fire Equipment Mechanic Elmer Longboyer for restoring a 1948 fire engine used in former Chief Todd's memorial service. - EMS Week Recognition: Battalion Chief Kili Kunai and Chaplain Renee Godoi highlighted the work of EMS providers, noting that EMS calls make up over 75% of the department's call volume. - Hilo High Girls Water Polo Team: Recognized for an undefeated 2026 season. Coach Kanoe Lyons described the team's three-year journey from losing by 20 points to winning the BIIF championship. Consent Calendar - The council approved 26 resolutions by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including: - Resolution 503-26: Roadway dedication in South Hilo. - Resolutions 518-26, 544-26, 545-26: Amendments to council rules (permitted interaction groups, voting/disclosure, excused absences). - Resolution 548-26: $477,266.50 in stewardship grants to four nonprofits. - Resolution 549-26: Multi-year housing assistance contract for 29 vouchers at Kinoli Senior Residences (up to $550,000/year for 20 years). - Resolution 550-26: Four-year contract for Hawaii Firefighters Association (estimated $25,292,860). - Resolution 551-26: $150,000 grant for coffee berry borer and leaf rust pesticide subsidy. - Resolution 552-26: Acquisition of 1.26 acres in South Kona for conservation (highest priority in 2025 PONC report). - Resolutions 557-26 through 573-26: Various transfers and grants for community events, youth programs, and public safety equipment. - Resolution 568-26: Recognition of Job Challenge Academy Class 4 graduating cohort (amended to include names). - Bills 148, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155 passed at second and final reading (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Support for Resolution 568-26 (Job Challenge Academy): Three associates (Matthew Kupa, Troy Stagermeyer, Genesis Nakihei) testified about earning certificates, high school diplomas, and life skills through the program. - DARE Program Support: Royland Valera testified in support of Resolutions 562-26 and 564-26, funding Dare Day events in East and West Hawaii. - Bill 66 (General Plan 2045): Extensive testimony, with approximately 25 speakers: - Opponents (majority of testifiers): Express concerns about UN Agenda 21/30 influence, loss of property rights, data centers, eminent domain, mapping errors, lack of public input, and potential litigation. Speakers included April Lee, Donna Grable, Aaron Zeman, Kaleika Ilikini, Sarah Steiner, Robert Patrice, and others. Several called for a moratorium on data centers and water bottling facilities. - Supporters (including John Pelletier, Nancy Pisekio, Chris Ewan, Ruth Robison, Chuck Flaherty): Argued the plan is necessary after 11 years of work, provides updated tools for resilience, climate change, and sustainability, and that amendments can be made later. The Kona CDP Action Committee and Sierra Club Hawaii Island Group offered conditional support. - Other: Opposition to communication 372.192 (proposed GP 2026 amendments) and support for resolution 563-26 (Kekuaokalani Gymnasium flooring). Discussion Items - Bill 66 Draft 2 (General Plan 2045): Councilmembers debated the plan's merits and flaws: - Supporters (Galimba, Connelly Kleinfelder, Viegas, Kagiwada, Kimball, Houstis): Emphasized the plan's biocultural stewardship, climate goals, and the need for a guiding document after 11 years and $2 million. They noted it is a general plan, not a regulatory mandate, and that amendments can follow. - Opponents (Kirkowitz, O'Neishi, Nava): Raised concerns about implementation, governance, and the lack of a clear mechanism for follow-through. Councilmember Kirkowitz offered an alternative framework but acknowledged it was not vetted. Councilmember Houstis highlighted mapping resolution issues and the need for corrections. - Amendments: Councilmember Kimball's proposal to add data center restrictions was not introduced; she stated they are effectively prohibited in current code. Councilmember Houstis submitted map corrections for District 9. Councilmember Kirkowitz's communication 372.192 (GP 2026) was opposed by the Kona CDP Action Committee and others. - Legal Warnings: Testifier Aaron Zeman warned that the process is "void ab initio" due to missing Ramsay formatting and a pending court case (July 15 hearing). Key Outcomes - Bill 66 (General Plan 2045) Draft 2: Passed first reading on a 6-3 vote (Ayes: Galimba, Houstis, Kagiwada, Connelly Kleinfelder, Kimball, Viegas; Nays: Kirkowitz, O'Neishi, Nava). - Resolution 545-26: Amended and approved (9-0) to require council members to notify the chair of absences, with committee chairs announcing excused/unexcused. - Resolution 550-26: Approved (8-1, Kirkowitz recused) for firefighter salary increases. - Resolution 568-26: Amended to include cadet names and approved (9-0). - All other resolutions and bills: Approved unanimously (9-0) or with minor recusals. - Next Steps: The council will reconvene May 21 for special council on real property tax rates and the operating and capital budgets. Bill 66 will proceed to second reading.

The 34th session of the Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs convened at 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2026, in the Hilo County Council Chambers. The committee considered four nominations, a resolution for a postal task force agreement, and two bills, including a controversial charter amendment to create a county manager position. The meeting adjourned at 11:27 a.m. Consent Calendar - Communication 895: Nomination of George Applegate to the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency. Approved unanimously (9 ayes). - Communication 896: Nomination of Jacob K. Andrews to the Leeward Planning Commission. Approved unanimously (9 ayes). - Communication 897: Nomination of Bobby Jean Akani Leitehead Todd to the Board of Ethics. Approved unanimously (9 ayes). - Communication 898: Nomination of Jim Monk to the Cost of Government Commission. Approved unanimously (9 ayes) with the understanding that the nominee would appear at the full council meeting. - Communication 899: Nomination of Nick Risnik to the Water Board. Approved unanimously (9 ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Debbie Hecht (via Zoom) testified in support of Bill 158, advocating for a county manager form of government. She cited the need for merit-based, at-will professional leadership to improve long-term project completion and consistency, noting that 45% of U.S. counties use such a model. She commended the current administration’s work on roads and parks but argued that the four-year electoral cycle disrupts major projects. Discussion Items - Resolution 556-26: Authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to designate certain Hawaii Police Department officers as Postal Inspector Task Force Officers. Captain Boyten explained the agreement would help combat drug trafficking, firearms, and human trafficking. The resolution was forwarded to the full council with a favorable recommendation (9 ayes). - Bill 156: Amended Chapter 2, Article 25 of the Hawaii County Code to require nonprofit organizations applying for county grants to certify, under penalty of perjury, that they have internal policies on management, audits, fiscal procedures, nepotism, and conflicts of interest. Councilmember Inaba, the bill’s sponsor, stated it would streamline the review process. The committee forwarded the bill to council with a favorable recommendation (9 ayes). - Bill 158: Proposed a charter amendment to create a hybrid council-manager system, replacing the managing director with a county manager appointed by the council and mayor for a six-year term. Councilmember Kimball, the sponsor, argued the change would improve fiscal stability, bond ratings, and long-term project management by depoliticizing administrative functions. The mayor’s office indicated a veto was likely. Debate focused on the balance of power, accountability, the appointment process, and the potential for political influence. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 5-4 to forward the bill to council with a favorable recommendation. Key Outcomes - Nominations: All four nominations (Communications 895, 896, 897, 898, 899) were approved unanimously and sent to the full council with favorable recommendations. - Resolution 556-26: Approved unanimously and forwarded to the full council. - Bill 156: Approved unanimously and forwarded to the full council. - Bill 158: Approved by a vote of 5-4 (Councilmembers Galimba, Kimball, Viegas, Kagiwada, and Connelly Kleinfelder in favor; Councilmembers Houstis, Inaba, Kirkowitz, and O’Nishi opposed) and forwarded to the full council for first reading. The mayor has indicated he will veto the bill, but the committee proceeded. The deadline for charter amendments to appear on the ballot is July 30, 2026.

This public hearing was held on May 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Hawaii County Building Council Chambers in Hilo, pursuant to Hawaii County Code Chapter 19, Article 11, Section 19-90. The purpose was to receive public testimony on proposed real property tax rates for all classes of property for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Council did not engage in discussion or decision-making; a resolution on tax rates and readings of the operating and capital improvement budgets are scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Public Comments & Testimony - Dwight Vicente: Representing the Hawaiian Kingdom, argued that taxation is illegal based on historical treaties and court cases, stating the county and state lack taxing authority. - Nelson Harano: Applauded the council and Mayor Alameda for initial steps to close the budget deficit, supported higher taxes on non-residents and the wealthy to achieve equity. - Heather Heddenshaw: Principal broker of Big Island Brokers, generally approved of proposed tax increases, particularly the new long-term rental rate. Suggested that the long-term rental rate be closer to the affordable rental rate, and that high-value properties be taxed in tiers (e.g., first $2 million at a lower rate, the remainder at a higher rate). Also supported keeping affordable rental and homeowner rates low. - Corey Harden: Supported tiered property taxes, citing that Hawaii has the lowest property tax rates per Forbes but is the most expensive state for housing per UH statistics, with high rates of homelessness and rent burden. Argued higher rates can discourage speculative buying and encourage full-time residency. - Jane Tullisrud: Supported taxing non-resident and high-value properties at much higher rates to protect local residents and resources, expressing fear as a senior renter. - Dwayne Tollopsrood: Resident of Kau, supported increasing tax rates for high-value investment properties for non-Hawaii residents. Noted that his multi-generational landlord is taxed at the same rate as mainland investors, which is inequitable. - Jalen Brendlin: From Hawaiian Acres, supported the tax increase, citing LLCs buying and selling properties quickly and driving up prices. Mentioned a specific incident of a corporation purchasing lava tube properties and Netflix filming, with no safety net for neighborhoods. Hoped tax revenue could be directed to repair private roads. Key Outcomes - No decisions were made during this hearing. The public hearing concluded with the announcement that the Council will discuss and vote on the property tax rate resolution and the operating and capital improvement budgets at a special meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Hilo Council Chambers.

The Hawaii County Council held a public hearing on May 19, 2026, at 5:01 PM in Hilo, with all nine council members present. The hearing, conducted under Section 10-4 of the Hawaii County Charter, covered the proposed operating budget and capital improvement budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Council members did not engage in discussion or answer questions; the session was solely for public testimony. Six individuals testified, offering comments on bridge projects, sewer infrastructure, wildfire safety, affordable housing, and property taxes. The hearing closed at approximately 5:30 PM, with the council scheduled to debate Bill 135 (operating budget) and Bill 136 (capital budget) on May 21, 2026, at 9 AM. Public Comments & Testimony - Joshua Andrews (Hilo resident): Reviewed the $1.4 billion budget, noting challenges with infrastructure projects. He questioned the slow progress on a bridge north of Hilo (affecting cyclists) and asked for an investigation into the failure of a park project at Isak Halle Park (south of Pahoa), where an additional $15 million is allocated for remediation. He also encouraged more cycling programs. - Debbie Hecht: Urged the council to include $350,000 in the budget to complete the design for one mile of sewer line to protect Kotalu Bay, citing 69 cesspools and 14 septic tanks along Ali Drive. She noted the design from Bowers and Kubota is nearly done and requested that funds be used to reach shovel-ready status for potential pilot project financing. - James Hoover (Hilo resident): Criticized the Coconut Island Bridge project ($8 million) and other bridge projects (Waiakaumuli and Four Mile Creek at $18 million each, Kilauea Avenue Safe Routes at $20 million), demanding itemized cost breakdowns and bidding transparency. He argued that $1-2 million for affordable housing is inadequate and proposed progressive surcharges on high-value non-resident properties (over $3 million) to fund housing, childcare, and solar programs. - Bob Yunkey (Waikaloa Village): Raised wildfire safety concerns, stating the budget exacerbates the evacuation risk by including $11 million for workforce development at Kamakoa Nui (adding 3,000 residents) without funding a second access road promised since the 2008 community development plan. He warned that if priorities are not adjusted, residents may try to block the budget under the county charter for misalignment with community plans. - Matt Chocker (Executive Director, Wildfire Safety Advocates, Waikaloa Village): Detailed that recent developments (Nahale Makoa workforce housing at $84.5 million, a new $21 million state library, and a proposed community center) add population but no new road. A 2.5–3 mile second road is needed, but only $2.5 million was committed last year. The mayor secured a temporary emergency egress route on existing graded dirt paths, with $4.5 million from the state for chip sealing, but that remains gated and insufficient. He urged real funding for a permanent road. - Janet Tiari (Hilo): Proposed that the Coconut Island Bridge be designated pedestrian and bike only to reduce costs, suggesting debris could be removed by barge instead of heavy vehicles. She also supported higher taxes on high-value investment properties owned by non-residents. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken during the public hearing. The hearing was officially closed at approximately 5:30 PM. - The council will deliberate Bill 135 (operating budget) and Bill 136 (capital budget) on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9 AM in the Hilo chambers. - Immediately following the hearing, a separate public hearing on proposed real property tax rates began at 5:30 PM.

The Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being held its 8th session on May 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Hawaii County Building, Hilo, to discuss Bill 157, an ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Hawaii County Code relating to disaster recovery. Three members of the public testified in strong support, and council members deliberated on the bill's details, including the structure and authority of the proposed recovery officer. The bill was postponed to the June 2, 2026 committee hearing to incorporate friendly amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - Amadeo Markov (Executive Director, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum) testified in strong support of Bill 157, stating that it is essential for the island's resilience but argued the bill does not go far enough. He urged the council to grant the recovery officer greater administrative authority and expedited operational powers during declared recovery periods, and to accelerate implementation timelines (e.g., six months for an interim strategy is still too slow). He emphasized that recovery is a generational process and that the county must institutionalize recovery before the next disaster. - Susan Osborne testified in strong support, sharing her personal experience of losing her home, animals, and school in the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. She praised the bill as a first step and commended Councilmember Kirkowitz for her leadership. She also urged the council to ensure that the current recovery team compiles and stores final recovery documents for future use. - Eileen O'Hara testified in strong support, echoing previous testifiers and adding that the county lacked a framework in 2018, leading to a chaotic response. She stressed the need for better financial reporting and audit mechanisms to track recovery funds, noting that the county lost federal highway funds due to slow action. She also noted that other communities have recovered from similar disasters in five years, while Puna remains in recovery after eight years. Discussion Items - Introduction of Bill 157: Councilmember Kirkowitz introduced the bill, explaining that it establishes a county disaster recovery program housed within the Civil Defense Agency. The program is activated upon a federal disaster declaration, state proclamation, or mayoral determination. It creates a recovery officer (cabinet-level, appointed by the mayor, not confirmed by council, and not a civil service position) responsible for recovery planning, interagency coordination, community engagement, and funding management. Key deliverables include an interim recovery strategy within six months and a long-term recovery and resilience plan within 12 months, adopted by council resolution. The bill also requires annual reporting to the council. - Council Questions and Discussion: - Councilmember Gimbel questioned the removal authority of the recovery officer (answer: at will by mayor) and suggested adding language clarifying that the position is not civil service. She also raised concerns about oversight of departmental resources committed to recovery and proposed an amendment for a timeline on the after-action report. Administrator Magno from Civil Defense noted that timelines for after-action reports are difficult due to back-to-back events. - Councilmember Kaniela Kleinfelder expressed support, citing frustrations with delayed projects (e.g., $1.4 million grant for Kalapana Armory with no work done) and the need for a dedicated recovery team to expedite spending and project completion. - Councilmember Kimball asked about the decision not to make the recovery officer a permanent civil service position. Councilmember Kirkowitz explained the majority consensus of the working group was against permanence, emphasizing the need for a singular focus on a specific disaster rather than ongoing mitigation. Administrator Magno advocated for a permanent position with additional mitigation duties to retain institutional knowledge and improve project tracking. - Councilmember Kagawa asked about multiple simultaneous disasters; Councilmember Kirkowitz responded that one recovery officer could oversee divisions for each disaster. - Chair Yonishi and others expressed support, noting the lessons from the 2018 eruption and the need for proactive coordination (e.g., helping businesses and farmers document losses before lava destroyed their property). - Friendly Amendments and Postponement: Councilmember Kirkowitz offered friendly amendments to add definitions and clarify language, and moved to postpone Bill 157 to the June 2, 2026 committee hearing to incorporate these changes. The motion was seconded. Key Outcomes - Motion to Postpone Bill 157: Councilmember Kirkowitz moved to postpone Bill 157 to the June 2, 2026 committee hearing to allow for friendly amendments (including definitions and clarification). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Cherinaba and passed unanimously (9 ayes). - Meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.

The committee met on May 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Hilo Chambers to consider a single agenda item: Bill 132, which proposed to regulate parking rates at private parking facilities in Kailua Village. After public testimony and discussion, the bill’s sponsor withdrew the measure. Public Comments & Testimony - Manuel Martinez (in person in Kona) testified in opposition to Bill 132. He argued that the bill is part of a growing pattern of government restricting private parking decisions while exempting resorts and hotels and not opening additional county-owned spaces. He compared the proposed price caps to hypothetical mandates on other goods and services, characterizing the approach as overregulation. - Brian Mick (via Zoom), representing the State Department of Health’s Disability and Communication Access Board, testified in support of the bill. He noted that the bill’s section on accessible parking requirements would be the first county-level ordinance addressing design standards for accessible parking spaces statewide. He offered minor amendments to align language with state law and expressed hope that the regulation would eventually extend to all parking facilities. Discussion Items - Councilmember Viegas (bill sponsor) opened discussion by acknowledging the second testifier’s support for the accessible parking provisions. She noted conflicting legal advice about whether that section was already covered by state law. She then asked Director Darrow (Department of Public Works, via Zoom) for an update on signage enforcement at commercial parking lots in the Kailua Village Business Improvement District. - Director Darrow reported that inspectors investigated complaints about unpermitted signs. Most signs (small, informational) did not require a permit, but several larger signs along roadways—identifying parking operators such as Diamond Parking or ParkLink—needed a sign permit and possibly a review by the Kailua Village Design Commission. The department will instruct those businesses to apply. He noted that the larger signs were associated with existing Special Management Area permits covering the overall development. - Councilmember Viegas expressed disappointment that businesses often disregard rules and only comply after complaints, effectively legalizing past violations. She then announced her decision to withdraw Bill 132 because it could jeopardize the county in potential lawsuits. She apologized to the community and encouraged continued engagement, vowing to introduce other legislation that falls within the county’s legal authority and to work with the state on changes that would give the county clear authority over paid parking lots. She characterized the current private parking practices as “predatory.” - Councilmember Inaba thanked Viegas for bringing the issue forward and noted that a related measure, Bill 154, which addresses parking island-wide, is under review by the planning commissions. He assured the public that the effort is not dead. Key Outcomes - Bill 132 was withdrawn by Councilmember Viegas (motion made and accepted without objection). No vote was taken on the bill’s passage. - The committee adjourned at 3:16 p.m. - No other actions were taken; the consent calendar was not addressed.