Public Meetings - Hawaii County, Hawaii

The Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development convened on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 3:18 p.m., delayed by approximately 1.5 hours due to a prior committee running late. The meeting addressed two major bills: Bill 66 (the General Plan update) and Bill 147 (transient accommodation regulations). Seven council members were present, with one excused. Extensive public testimony was heard on both bills, covering the General Plan 2045 vs. 2026 debate and short-term rental regulations. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Marie Ruland (Hilo) testified in support of her short-term rental, stating she had paid all taxes since 2000 and that enforcement of the current Short-Term Rental Law (enacted 1992) has been "arbitrary and excessive," resulting in an eight-fold property tax increase after losing her homeowners' tax classification. - Dr. James Juvik (Hilo) urged the committee to include climate adaptation elements in the General Plan, sharing that freezing nights at Mauna Loa have decreased from 100 days per year in the 1950s to about 30 days per year currently. - Chris Ewan (via Zoom), former Planning Director (2000-2008) criticized the 2026 plan for downgrading the role of General Plan maps, reducing map categories from 14 to 4, and for being overly general. - April Lee (via Zoom) argued the 2026 General Plan lacks accountability and financial transparency, and called for a rerun of the public process. - Kenneth Honma (Hilo) expressed support for GP 2026, stating it "stripped out the illegal and insidious WEF and United Nations language," and opposed Bill 147 as an unconstitutional taking without just compensation. - Donna Grabo (Hilo) called for deferring Bill 66 due to lack of public insight on changes, and supported GP 2026. - Chuck Flaherty (Kona, Sierra Club Hawaii Island Group) opposed Communication 372.192 (GP 2026), supported the planning director's communication 372.196 (option one), and opposed enabling data centers without a moratorium. He also supported amendments to Bill 66 draft two to address wastewater and watershed reforestation. - Bob Bianchi (Kona, Wildfire Safety Advocates) highlighted the failure to implement the Waikōloa second road (a priority for 18 years) and requested cost estimates and budget alignment for community development plans (CDPs). - Michelle Melendez (via Zoom) strongly supported GP 2026, stating it is "a thousand times better than 2045," and opposed Bill 147, calling for the sponsor to be removed from office. - Krista Olsen (via Zoom), a farmer opposed Bill 147, noting that farm stays are integral to agricultural operations and that the economics of the B&B pathway would not work for farmers. She encouraged a "farm stay" category. - Darren Morris (Hilo) supported hosted vacation rentals in Honokaʻa, asking for a clear compliance pathway and grandfathering for existing operators. - Ronald Riley (Volcano Village) opposed Bill 66, citing that GP 2026 removes the climate change chapter (chapter 3) and state law requires working toward net-zero and fossil fuel independence. - Matt Chalker (Waikōloa Village, Wildfire Safety Advocates) emphasized that community development plans (CDPs) must be implemented, noting that the second road for Waikōloa has been a stated priority since 2008 but has not been funded. - Josephine Kalipio (Kailua-Kona) now supports GP 2045 over GP 2026, as GP 2026 does not provide for CDP committees. She urged against introducing data centers into the General Plan until the public is fully educated. - Heather Karati (via Zoom), a farm stay operator raised concerns about Bill 147's impact on farms and requested clarity on grandfathering, the special permit process, and whether farms can continue operating while applications are pending. - Janice Paul Maglaney (Kailua-Kona) opposed Bill 147, arguing it opens the door to more vacation rentals and worsens affordability. She also opposed GP 2026, calling it a "dangerous non-plan" that undermines decades of community effort. - Aaron Zieman (Hilo) stated he filed a temporary restraining order challenging the process behind Bill 66, calling for a pause on the vote until the court reviews the legality of the process. - Millicent Cummings (Hilo) argued that GP 2045 and its offshoots are procedurally illegitimate due to the "gut and replace" tactics by the planning director, and called for deferral of Bill 66. - Jason Isert (Kona), owner of Rising Kona Coffee Farm Tours opposed Bill 147, describing how he built his business based on written guidance from the planning department that Bill 147 would erase. - Jewel Rain (via Zoom) opposed GP 2045, called GP 2026 "way better," and opposed Bill 147, sharing that she stopped doing VRBOs after a three-year back-tax assessment. - Margaret Willie (via Zoom) encouraged continued discussion on both bills and called for further debate and comparison of GP 2026 and GP 2045. - David DeCleene (Hilo), a high school English teacher supported GP 2026 for removing outside influence and expressed concerns about data centers. - Noelle Lindenman (via Zoom) opposed GP 2026, conditionally supported Bill 66 draft two (GP 2045), and called for improvements regarding wastewater, flooding, public access, and climate change. - Roger Jensen (Kailua-Kona), a trustee of a legally established bed and breakfast opposed Bill 147, fearing it would make legal B&Bs illegal overnight and asked for protection for non-owner on-site operators. - Chris Hirose (Hilo) supported GP 2026 and its amendment, and raised concerns about food security and fertilizer imports in light of geopolitical conflicts. - Caitlin Miller (via Zoom), Executive Director of Hawaii Mid and Short Term Rental Alliance asked for clear grandfathering for existing permitted B&Bs and urged alignment of penalty structures. - David Webb (via Zoom) opposed GP 2045 and supported GP 2026 as a clear, concrete starting point. - Robert Golden (via Zoom, co-founder of Puna Rising ʻOhana) supported a balanced approach to Bill 147, noting that short-term rentals are essential for local economic circulation in Puna. On Bill 66, he suggested using citizen assemblies (as done in Europe) to inform the public and reach consensus. - Fran Kopp (Hilo) opposed GP 2045, concerned about county bankruptcy and data centers, and urged focus on infrastructure and food security. On Bill 147, she raised concerns about rules forcing property owners to sell. Discussion Items - Bill 66 (General Plan Update): Chair Kirkwitz explained that her GP 2026 proposal is an amendment to GP 2045, distilled from community input and edited to focus on county authority and land-use connection. Corporation Counsel provided guidance on the amendment process: the 2005 General Plan sets a blackout period for substantial amendments, but the Charter grants the Council authority to amend without restriction. The committee discussed whether mapping changes are substantial, with Councilmember Houstis noting errors in the current maps and Councilmember Kimball arguing the Council can determine substantiality. Several council members expressed support for GP 2045 (Councilmembers Viegas, Kimball) or GP 2026 (Chair Kirkwitz, Councilmember Inaba). Councilmember Inaba stressed the need to pass a plan by the end of the council term (first Monday of December). - Bill 147 (Transient Accommodations): Councilmember Kimball explained that the bill aligns state law, county code, and the Rose Hill decision regarding short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts. Key points: hosted rentals are defined as bed and breakfasts; a use permit is no longer required in residential areas but a special use permit is still required in agricultural districts due to farm dwelling definitions; previously issued permits run with the land; a grace period (6 months to a year) will be provided for compliance. The committee voted to forward the bill to the planning director and commissions for review. Key Outcomes - Bill 66 (Draft Two): Postponed to the May 4, 2026 committee meeting, with a request to schedule it at 9:00 a.m. to allow adequate time for public testimony and deliberation. The motion passed 7-0 (Councilmembers Kane K. Kleinfelder and Onishi excused). - Bill 147: Forwarded to the planning director and commissions (Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions) for their review and recommendation. The motion passed 7-0 (Councilmembers Kane K. Kleinfelder and Onishi excused). - The committee acknowledged that the Council plans to develop codified General Plan amendment procedures for future use. - Chair Kirkwitz stated she will conduct public outreach outside formal meetings to gather community input on the General Plan in parallel with the commissions' review.

The Hawaii County Finance Committee met on April 7, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:11 PM, chaired by Councilmember Connelly Kleinfelder. The committee considered several items, including Resolution 475-26 authorizing the lease of six county-owned residential properties to nonprofit organizations for permanent housing at $10 per year. After extensive public testimony and a closed executive session on Fair Housing Act compliance, the committee voted 7-2 to forward the resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Other items, including communications closures, a fire department lease, Kilauea recovery grants, a tennis court grant, and three bills, were passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Communication 734.2 (annual revenue report) and Communication 785 (COVID-19 temporary hazard pay expenditures) were closed without testimony, both unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Over 20 testifiers spoke on Resolution 475-26. Opponents, including residents of McCanie Circle and nearby communities, argued that the process lacked transparency and community engagement, questioned the purchase of luxury homes for transitional housing, and criticized the $10/year lease as a "sweetheart deal." They called for audits of prior housing spending and requested that the county sell the properties and use funds more effectively. Some raised concerns about safety and the suitability of single-family neighborhoods for such programs. - Supporters, including staff from Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) and Hope Services, as well as individuals in recovery, testified that the programs provide structured, supervised therapeutic environments. They highlighted success stories, noting that 93% of those placed in permanent housing through Hope Services retain it. They emphasized the urgent need for permanent housing to move families from shelters and prevent homelessness, stating that without these leases, vulnerable populations would remain unsupported. Discussion Items - Resolution 475-26: Housing Administrator Kehau Costa explained that the properties were purchased with federal ERA2 funds and are deed-restricted for affordable housing. The RFP process selected nonprofits based on experience. Councilmembers queried the low lease rate, property management alternatives, and potential impacts on future federal funding. The committee entered executive session with corporation counsel to discuss Fair Housing Act requirements. After returning, Councilmember Galimba summarized that decisions must be free from consideration of protected classes. Councilmembers expressed mixed feelings, with some citing a flawed process but ultimately voting to forward the resolution. - Resolution 494-26: Authorizes a five-year lease for fire department facilities at $2,547.23/month; passed unanimously. - Resolution 495-26: Provides $501,100 in Kilauea recovery grants to nonprofits for disaster relief; passed unanimously. - Resolution 496-26: Accepts a $160,000 USTA grant for resurfacing Lincoln Park tennis courts and installing a smart access system at Edith Kanakaʻole Multipurpose Stadium; discussed timeline and possible cost overruns; passed unanimously. - Bill 144: Adopts the 2026 salary ordinance; passed unanimously. - Bill 145: Amends the operating budget to appropriate $1 million for housing choice voucher subsidies; passed unanimously. - Bill 146: Appropriates $1 million for transit-oriented development affordable housing; passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Resolution 475-26 forwarded to the full council with a favorable recommendation (7-2; dissenters: Chair Connelly Kleinfelder and Councilmember Kirkowitz). - All other items (Communications 734.2 and 785, Resolutions 494-26, 495-26, 496-26, and Bills 144, 145, 146) were forwarded unanimously.

The Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions held its 23rd session on April 7, 2026, from 10:55 AM to 11:24 AM, chaired by Councilmember Kimball. The committee considered three resolutions: a property exchange in Honomu, grant funding for easement maintenance in Pepeekeo, and a conservation easement acquisition in North Kohala. All resolutions were forwarded to the full council with favorable recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - Dane Kealoha (Hawaiian Land Trust) testified in support of Resolution 513-26, describing the historic and cultural significance of the Kaloha family Loi in Niulii, North Kohala. He noted the property's role in flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and food production, and that the trust would take on monitoring and enforcement if the county co-holds the conservation easement. - Belden Kealoha (fourth-generation descendant and landowner) testified in support of Resolution 513-26, sharing the family's history of kalo cultivation and the ongoing restoration efforts involving students and community members. He emphasized the cultural and educational value of the project. - Blake McNaughton (President, Makahana Law Fishing Association) testified in support of Resolution 500-26, explaining the association's long-standing volunteer maintenance of public access easements in Pepeekeo and the need for stable funding to continue the work. Resolutions Considered Resolution 499-26: Property Exchange in Honomu (South Hilo) - Councilmember Kimball noted that the resolution addresses a common issue of road alignment discrepancies and thanked the parties for their patience. The motion to forward to council with a favorable recommendation passed 8-0 (Councilmember Kleinfelder absent). Resolution 500-26: Grant to Makahana Law Fishing Association for Easement Maintenance - Councilmember Kimball explained that the resolution serves dual purposes: awarding a $25,000 grant to the association for maintenance of public access easements and creating a permanent record of the easement history and boundaries. The county has a unique responsibility for maintenance of these easements. The motion passed 8-0. - Discussion: Blake McNaughton clarified that the grant would primarily cover labor (libera) and some consumables like gas, as the association already has equipment. Property Manager Shannon Architola noted that expense monitoring details have not yet been discussed. Councilmember Kimball indicated that the grant may need to be larger in the future and that an RFP process would be required for ongoing contracts. Resolution 513-26: Conservation Easement Acquisition for Kaloha Family Loi (North Kohala) - Councilmember Houstis introduced the resolution, noting the property scored 91% on the 2025 PONC commission list and has matching funds from USDA NRCS ($150,000). The Hawaiian Land Trust will co-hold the easement and monitor the property. The motion passed 8-0. - Discussion: Councilmember Houstis raised concerns about the timing of NRCS matching funds and encouraged coordination with the Department of Finance. Councilmember Viegas expressed gratitude for supporting lineal descendants and traditional agricultural practices that aid flood mitigation. Shannon Architola confirmed that further conversations about timing would occur after the resolution passes. Key Outcomes - Resolution 499-26: Forwarded to full council with favorable recommendation (8 ayes, 1 absent). - Resolution 500-26: Forwarded to full council with favorable recommendation (8 ayes, 1 absent). - Resolution 513-26: Forwarded to full council with favorable recommendation (8 ayes, 1 absent). - The committee adjourned at 11:24 AM. Note: Councilmember Coney Lee Kleinfelder was absent for all votes.

The Hawaii County Council held its 35th session on March 18, 2026, at the West Hawaii Civic Center, with members joining from Hilo chambers. The meeting opened at 9:04 a.m. with an invocation by Pastor Heather Moore and the Pledge of Allegiance. After ceremonial presentations, the council approved a series of resolutions and bills, with Councilmember Galimba excused for the entire meeting. Ceremonial Presentations - Java Award for March 2026: Presented to Ocean Safety Officer Kalani Awo for rescuing two surfers and a teenage girl off-duty during high surf on separate occasions. Chief Carvalho and acting Captain shared details; council members praised his bravery. - March for Water Month Proclamation: Representatives from IAPMO (Kika Bukowski), Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 675 (Sam Barrett Jr.), and others received a certificate recognizing water awareness month. They highlighted water conservation, grey water reuse, and the importance of plumbing codes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was offered for any agenda item. Routine Consent Calendar (Resolutions Approved Without Discussion) - Communication 750: Confirmed nomination of Edwin B. Guzman to the Veterans Advisory Committee. - Communication 751: Confirmed nomination of Reginald G. Alexander to the Veterans Advisory Committee. - Resolution 481-26: Accepted donation of 207 pairs of footwear and 150 reusable bags from Olukai LLC (value $16,500) for water safety officers. - Resolution 482-26: Appropriated $3,500 to Na Pulapula Inc. for the KL Family Fun Day on March 29 at Shipman Park, Kailua. - Resolution 483-26: Appropriated $8,000 to the Merrie Monarch Festival for off-duty police traffic support. - Resolution 484-26: Appropriated $8,500 to Lydia 8 for the Kona Town Night Markets Lay Day Bloom event on May 2. - Resolution 485-26: Appropriated $5,000 to Hamakua Health Center for the Honokaa Western Week Festival (May 17–23). - Resolution 486-26: Appropriated funds for the 2026 Outstanding Older Americans event, with a representative from the Office of Aging thanking the council. - Resolution 487-26: Appropriated $5,000 to SHAC Foundation for Ulu Agroforestry producer education. - Resolution 488-26: Accepted $12,500 grant from Hawaii Community Foundation for a West Hawaii Food Systems Network Specialist position. - Resolution 489-26: Appropriated $10,000 to Merrie Monarch Festival for background and support services. - Resolution 490-26: Appropriated $2,500 for the 2026 Easter Fun Day in the Kaʻū District. - Resolution 491-26: Appropriated $9,520.83 for a large fan at Makaeo Advanced Pavilion, Kailua-Kona. - Resolution 492-26: Appropriated $3,332 for a gazebo and picnic tables at Ocean View Community Association’s community garden. - Resolution 493-26: Returned $5,000 in unspent grant funds from Kohala Cares to the contingency account after the organization closed. Key Outcome: All items passed 8-0-1 (Councilmember Galimba excused). Discussion Items - Resolution 461-26: Authorized a six-year, $1.6 million per year construction management contract for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. Director clarified the funding is drawn from the previously appropriated $337 million bond, not a new request. Approved 8-0-1. - Resolution 474-26: Authorized an intergovernmental agreement allowing Hilo Benioff Medical Center to use parking at Gilbert Carvalho Park through Dec 31, 2026. Councilmember Kagiwada amended the resolution to correct the year to 2027. Suspension of rules passed (6-2, Galimba excused) and amended resolution approved 8-0-1. - Resolution 478-26: Accepted a SAFER grant from FEMA ($271,447) to fund 12 temporary firefighter positions. Councilmember Kirkowitz urged the administration to convert these to permanent over three years. Approved 8-0-1. - Bill 130 and Bill 131 (first reading): Zone change from RS-10 to CN-10 for two CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union parcels (22,500 sq ft total) on Monono and Hinano streets in Hilo. Approved by the Planning Commission. Discussion on Bill 131 focused on paid parking; applicant CEO James Takamine confirmed no plans to charge. Councilmember Viegas suggested adding a prohibition on commercial paid parking. Both bills passed 7-0-1 (Councilmember Kimball recused, Galimba excused). - Bill 133 (first reading): Companion to Resolution 478-26, appropriating $271,447 for 12 temporary firefighter positions. Approved 8-0-1. - Bill 134 (first reading): Appropriated $16,100 from housing program income repayment for contractual services. Approved 8-0-1. - Bill 143 (first reading): Appropriated $12,500 from private contributions for a West Hawaii Food Systems Network Specialist. Approved 8-0-1. - Bill 129 (first reading): Prohibited parking at any time on portions of Ali Drive fronting Kahaluʻu Beach Park. Amended per communication 722.2 to match field conditions. Councilmember Viegas thanked sponsor. Approved as amended 8-0-1. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and bills were approved, with votes generally 8-0-1 (Councilmember Galimba excused) except for bills 130 and 131 (7-0-1 with Kimball recused) and the suspension of rules (6-2). - The meeting recessed at approximately 10:27 a.m. and adjourned at 10:35 a.m. council member announcements included upcoming events (Prince Kuhio Day tea, Merrie Monarch festival) and a reminder to report storm damage via Civil Defense website.

The committee met on March 17, 2026, to consider nominations to the Liquor Commission, Cost of Government Commission, Veterans Advisory Committee, and Game Management Advisory Commission. All nominations were advanced to the full council with favorable recommendations. Technical difficulties affected the participation of some nominees and council members. Discussion Items - Nomination of Alan K. Okamoto to the Liquor Commission: Councilmember Alameda clarified that there are two Alan Okamotos on the island, and the nominee is Alan K. Okamoto. The nomination was forwarded with a favorable recommendation. - Nomination of Stephen Pavau to the Cost of Government Commission: Introduced by Mayor's representative Alameda, who noted Pavau's previous service on the Salary Commission and his community involvement. Councilmembers expressed support. Pavau answered a question about balancing salary needs with county debt. The nomination was forwarded with a favorable recommendation. - Nomination of Maile Luvay to the Cost of Government Commission: Due to an unforeseen circumstance, Luvay was unable to attend. Alameda requested that the nomination be forwarded to the next council meeting where she would be present. Councilmembers Houstis, Inaba, and Kierkewicz supported the request, noting Luvay's qualifications as an attorney and community leader. Concerns were raised about seating the commission quickly given its 18-month timeline. The nomination was forwarded with a favorable recommendation. - Nomination of Doreen L. Raymond to the Veterans Advisory Committee: Alameda delivered an emotional introduction, detailing Raymond's 40+ years of service including in the U.S. Navy, support for Navy SEALs, and work in Afghanistan. Raymond expressed her desire to use her experience to support veterans on Hawaii Island. Councilmembers praised her background and commitment. The nomination was forwarded unanimously. - Nomination of David G. Okumura to the Game Management Advisory Commission: Okumura was unable to join via Zoom due to technical difficulties. Alameda introduced him as a program director for the Hawaii State Judiciary and an active hunter and fisherman. Councilmembers agreed to forward the nomination despite his absence, noting the technical issues. The nomination was forwarded with a favorable recommendation. Key Outcomes - Alan K. Okamoto: Motion to forward to council with favorable recommendation passed with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Galimba and Kirkworth excused). - Stephen Pavau: Motion to forward passed with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Galimba and Kirkworth excused). - Maile Luvay: Motion to forward passed with 8 ayes (Councilmember Galimba excused). - Doreen L. Raymond: Motion to forward passed with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Viegas and Galimba excused). - David G. Okumura: Motion to forward passed with 7 ayes (Councilmembers Galimba and Viegas excused). The meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m. The next committee meeting was scheduled to start at 10 a.m.

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs of the Hawai‘i County Council met on March 17, 2026 at 9:01 a.m. Vice Chair Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder presided. Roll call indicated seven members present: Jenn Kagiwada, Heather Kimball, Ashley Kierkiewicz (joining later), James Hustace, Dennis Onishi, Holeka Inaba, Rebecca Villegas, and Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder. Councilmember Michelle Galimba was excused. No oral public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Comm. 773: Nomination of Alan Okamoto to the Liquor Commission – Mayor Kimo Alameda nominated Alan Okamoto for a five-year term expiring December 31, 2030. Councilmember Inaba moved to close the file and recommend confirmation with a favorable recommendation, seconded by Councilmember Hustace. Michael Amida, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, introduced the nominee. The transcript ends during this introduction, so no further discussion or vote was recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes were recorded in the available transcript. The motion on Comm. 773 was pending at the point the record ends.

The Committee on Finance met on March 17, 2026, at 3:31 PM in the West Hawaii Civic Center and Hilo Chambers. The meeting covered routine communications, a contested resolution on leasing residential properties for permanent housing, and several budget bills. Seven council members were present; Councilmembers Kirkowitz and Galimba were absent. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Communication 23.31 (fund transfers, Feb 1-15, 2026): Closed file on a motion by Councilmember Eustace, second by Councilmember O'Nishi. Unanimous (7-0). - Communication 24.28 (change orders, Dec 16-31, 2025): Discussion on Microsoft enterprise agreement (upgrading G1 to G3 licenses for cloud migration) and general plan comprehensive review contracts (total $1.7M). Closed file unanimously (7-0). - Communication 24.29 (change orders, Jan 1-15, 2026): Discussion on Cherry Road Technologies contract (ERP system, $22M total, corrections for zero-cost supplemental agreements) and Alpuni Center sewer renovations (original proposal $177,000, cumulative $436,000; a public works representative explained additional scope). Closed file unanimously (7-0). - Communication 24.30 (change orders, Jan 16-31, 2026): Closed file unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony Public testimony was taken only on Resolution 475-26 (draft two). Six testifiers spoke in opposition: - Douglas (Hilo chamber): Opposed resolution; criticized Office of Housing for alleged stonewalling on FOIA requests; suggested 120-day delay for due diligence on seven property purchases; questioned $10/year lease rent and compliance with grant terms. - Marsha Krieger (Hilo): Questioned whether homes meet HUD long-term affordable housing requirements; noted that long-term leases are with nonprofits, not tenants; raised conflict of interest on 76 Makani Circle purchase (realtor still county employee); called for transparency. - Ashley Ferraro (Zoom): Opposed resolution; shared personal experience as former homeless individual and housing coordinator; expressed safety concerns about a 4,400 sq ft home on 35th Street; cited drug use and police calls at supportive housing; argued housing first model ignores mental health and drug crises. - Thomas Krieger (Hilo): Opposed; highlighted lack of community involvement; worried about neighborhood safety for his grandchildren; referenced drug use and

The Communications, Reports and Council Oversight Committee met on March 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Westwise Civic Center, Kona Chambers, with Vice Chair Rebecca Viegas presiding. Councilmembers present: James Houstis, Fresh O Nishi, Holaka Inaba, Jennifer Kagiwada, Ashley Kirkowitz, Matt Canieli E. Kleinfelder, and Heather Kimball. Councilmember Michelle Galimba was excused. The committee heard one public testimony and discussed four communications, all of which were closed by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Susie Osborne testified via Zoom on Communication 757 (PONC annual report), strongly supporting the initiative with special emphasis on the Kumukahi property (easternmost point) and its cultural significance. Discussion Items - Communication 35.5 – Affordable Housing Quarterly Report (Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025) - Presented by Ann Bailey of OHCD. Key updates: 28.5 excess credits awarded to Kaulu O Waikaloa (60 units, $84M project, now leasing); 41 pre-awarded credits for the Westview Project were zeroed out (no housing built). Total new affordable units: 158 (148 reported, discrepancy noted as “gosh, what did I say? 140 plus 18. So 158.”). Councilmembers praised the report and noted the importance of tracking credits. Motion to close file carried 8-0 (1 excused). - Communication 757 – PONC Annual Report - Ben Shapiro, PONC Program Manager, presented. The report recommends seven properties for potential acquisition. A new nomination question asked if property owners were aware/agreeable to nomination. Councilmember Kirkowitz inquired about owner willingness; Shapiro stated finance has not yet engaged owners but plans to in future cycles. Council expressed gratitude to the commission. Motion to close file carried 8-0. - Communication 758 – Fair Share Report as of June 30, 2025 - Presented by Bethany Morrison (Long Range Planning). Noted that lapsed appropriations return to the fund for future projects in the same judicial district. Councilmember Houstis questioned on lapsed funds (e.g., $20,000 for lifeguard towers in South Kohala lapsed over 10 years; $5.6 million lapsed in North Kona parks). Councilmember Inaba requested more timely reporting and suggested semi-annual reports. Councilmember Onishi questioned consistency in payment triggers for rezone ordinances. Motion to close file carried 8-0. - Communication 759 – Queens Health Presentation on West Hawaii Hospital and Outpatient Center - Jason Chang (CEO, Queens Health Systems) and Clayton McGann (CEO, West Hawaii Region, HHSC) presented. Key details: New hospital (estimated $560M) and outpatient care center ($100M) planned in North Kona. Public-private partnership: Queens to build hospital, donate land for outpatient center (50,000+ sq ft). Total project: $660M. State funding request: $50M supplemental, $50M biennium. Workforce housing planned. Groundbreaking anticipated within 12 months (2027). Councilmembers expressed strong support and offered assistance with state budget. Motion to close file carried 8-0. Key Outcomes - All four communications (35.5, 757, 758, 759) were closed by unanimous vote (8 ayes, 1 excused). - Committee requested improved timeliness and clarity of Fair Share reporting; staff to explore semi-annual reports and inclusion of expenditure data. - Council pledged support for state funding requests related to the Queens West Hawaii Hospital project. - The next meeting (Finance Committee) was scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM.

Vice Chair Onishi chaired the meeting at 1:31 PM at the Westwai Civic Center (Kona) with members in Hilo participating remotely. The committee considered Bill 137, a change of zone application by Benjamin and Olympia Love for a 5.79-acre parcel in the Puna District. The bill proposes reclassifying the property from Agricultural 20-acre (AG-20) to Family Agricultural 1-acre (FA-1) to enable a five-lot subdivision. The meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM. Discussion Items - Planning Director Presentation: Jeff Darrow presented the application, noting the property is located at 17-4050 Ku Aina Road in the Curtisstown area, Puna. The state land use designation is agricultural, but adjacent residential lots are in the state urban district. The general plan designates the area as low-density urban. The proposed site plan shows five one-acre lots accessed via Ku Aina Road. The existing dwelling is on site. - Water Infrastructure: Vice Chair Onishi asked about water supply for the subdivided lots. Darrow explained that Chapter 25-27.6 of the county code prohibits a change of zone without county water, so catchment systems cannot be used. He confirmed that the water department had indicated sufficient water credits for each lot. - Traffic Concerns: Onishi expressed concern about traffic congestion on Ku Aina Road and its intersection with Highway 11, noting cumulative impacts from multiple small subdivisions. Darrow replied that a traffic impact analysis is triggered only at 50 peak-hour trips, which this small subdivision does not approach. He added that the department reviews cumulative impacts when multiple applications are received. Darrow noted that the road (North Road) adjacent to the property is a private road, not a county road, so the subdivision will use Ku Aina Road for access. A condition requires a future 60-foot right-of-way dedication along North Road. - Future Rezoning Potential: Onishi asked whether FA-1 lots could later be rezoned to RS-20. Darrow agreed that the property abuts state urban lands and is within a low-density urban general plan designation, but noted that water availability would likely prevent further subdivision into RS-20 or RS-15 lots. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Bill 137: Councilmember Kanili Kleinfelder moved to approve Bill 137 and forward it to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Vice Chair Onishi seconded the motion. - Vote: The committee voted 8 ayes in favor, with one member (Ms. Kalimba) excused. The motion carried. - Next Step: Bill 137 will be referred to the Hawaii County Council for final consideration.