Public Meetings - Hawaii County, Hawaii

The 12th session of the Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit convened on March 17, 2026, at 10:01 a.m. in the West Hawaii Civic Center, Council Chambers, with Chair James Eustace presiding. The committee addressed two bills: Bill 142 (Adopt-a-County Street Program) and Bill 132 (Regulation of Paid Parking in Kailua Village). After public testimony and deliberation, Bill 142 was forwarded to the full council with a favorable recommendation, while Bill 132 was postponed to the April 21, 2026, meeting in Kona. Public Comments & Testimony - Bill 132 (Paid Parking): A large number of testifiers spoke, with the majority expressing support for the bill. Supporters included Rochelle Ching (Kailua Kona resident), Elena Wiley (supports rate transparency and signage), Ilana Maxwell (resident and worker in Kailua Village, supports bill but has concerns about price capping), Jeffrey Foster (small business owner, supports reasonable regulation), Noelle Lindenman (Kailua Kona resident, supports walkability), Eva Konig (business owner, supports bill due to business decline), Mel Finkenberg (supports fairness), Kelly Sigler (visitor, supports transparency), and others. Opponents included Thomas Fine Sr. (property owner, argues bill is unconstitutional taking), Jasmine Cruzat (opposes, claims paid parking has existed for 50 years), Manuel Martinez (property manager, opposes rate caps, suggests collaboration), and Greg Ogan (property manager, argues market is adjusting). Several testifiers also spoke on Bill 142, including Josephine Kalipio (supports, suggests safety measures) and Barry Neal (supports, suggests program promotion). Discussion Items - Bill 142 (Adopt-a-County Street Program): Introduced by Councilmember Inaba. The program would allow volunteers to adopt sections of county streets for cleanup, with DPW providing safety equipment and trash pickup. Councilmembers expressed support, noting community pride and existing efforts. Deputy Director Neil Azevedo confirmed DPW’s willingness to support the program. The bill passed unanimously. - Bill 132 (Paid Parking Regulation): Councilmember Viegas introduced the bill to regulate rates and require transparency in private parking lots in Kailua Village. Discussion included legal concerns (takings argument), enforcement issues (DPW vs. Planning Department), and potential amendments. Director Jeff Darrow (Planning) noted that many parking lots may not have proper permits or SMA compliance. Councilmember Viegas submitted a complaint regarding 14 lots. The committee entered executive session to confer with Corporation Counsel on legal analysis. After returning, Councilmember Viegas proposed amendments, but the committee decided to postpone to allow more time for drafting and legal review. Councilmember Kimball suggested a broader bill to avoid targeting issues. Key Outcomes - Bill 142: Motion to forward to full council with a favorable recommendation passed unanimously (8-0, Councilmember Galimba absent). - Bill 132: Postponed to the April 21, 2026, committee meeting in Kona. Motion to postpone passed 8-0. The bill’s introducer, Councilmember Viegas, will prepare amendments and work with Corporation Counsel to address legal concerns, including potential unbundling of rate cap and transparency provisions.

This special meeting of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development convened on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:01 a.m. in Hilo and Kona, chaired by Councilmember Ashley Karkowitz. The primary agenda item was Bill 66 (Draft 2), which would adopt the County of Hawaii General Plan 2045, and Communication 372.192, proposing a substitute draft (General Plan 2026) submitted by the Chair. After extensive discussion, public testimony, and an executive session, the committee postponed the matter to its April 7, 2026, meeting. The meeting adjourned at 11:27 a.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Dwight Vicente, representing the Hawaiian Kingdom, testified that the state and county lack jurisdiction over lands that were not ceded under the 1898 Joint Resolution. He argued that the state's Land Use Commission and county planning commission have no authority over agricultural lease lands and that the Hawaiian Kingdom still exists. He reserved the kingdom's rights under the Queen's protest. Discussion Items - Presentation of Communication 372.192 (General Plan 2026): Chair Kirkowitz presented the proposed amendment as a substitute for Draft General Plan 2045. She explained that the 2026 draft is a disciplined, streamlined policy framework focusing on land use and development, with eight elements: Implementation, Economy, Malama Aina and Community Resources, Public Services and Facilities, Public Utilities, Housing, Transportation, and Land Use. She emphasized that the plan is not a zoning code or project list but a policy guide for county decisions. Specific attention was given to Banyan Drive as a special case requiring state-county coordination. - Planning Director's Comments: Director Jeff Darrell provided a detailed statement. He noted that the 2045 draft resulted from a decade-long process (initiated in 2015) with over 125 public meetings, 37 agency meetings, 37 landowner meetings, 26 council updates, and 8,600 public comments. He expressed concern that the new 2026 draft had not undergone public or agency input. He offered three options for the council: (1) not approve the 2026 draft and continue amending the 2045 draft; (2) approve the 2026 draft but hold public hearings, send to agencies, and complete maps and definitions before forwarding; (3) incorporate portions of the 2026 draft into the 2045 draft as amendments. He advised against rushing. - Councilmember Questions and Concerns: - Councilmember Houstis asked about the treatment of Banyan Drive (unique callout) and definitions. Chair Kirkowitz clarified that standard planning terms are used. Houstis also questioned the placement of solid waste (under public services) vs. wastewater (under utilities). Director Darrell noted that the 2005 plan’s amendment process was not included in either draft but that the council had previously agreed to put such procedures in code. - Councilmember Inaba asked about maps. Chair Kirkowitz stated she intends to simplify land use designations (e.g., merging medium/high density into a single urban designation) and will work with the planning department to create new maps using a gradient-based approach. The maps are not yet complete. Councilmember Inaba expressed support for the 2026 draft but emphasized that maps must be reviewed by the committee before sending to the planning commission. - Councilmember Keneli Kleinfelder raised concerns about the length of the process (10 years) and the lack of a clear, efficient amendment procedure in either draft. Director Darrell agreed that neither document specifies a clean process, leading to delays. He also noted that the 2026 draft lacks a public record or appendix showing how its policies were derived. - Executive Session: The committee entered executive session from approximately 10:14 a.m. to 10:21 a.m. to consult with attorneys regarding liabilities, duties, and responsibilities. Upon returning, Councilmember Kimball reported that corporation counsel found no legal barrier to forwarding Communication 372.192, but recommended providing a tool showing how the 2026 plan is an amendment to the 2045 plan, along with maps. - Motion to Postpone: After discussion, the motion to forward the communication was withdrawn. A motion was made and seconded to postpone Bill 66 to the April 7, 2026, committee meeting. The motion carried unanimously (7 ayes; Councilmembers Galimba and O'Nishi excused). Corporation counsel committed to providing a legal opinion by March 27, 2026, contingent on receiving the Chair’s nexus tool by March 17. Key Outcomes - Bill 66 (General Plan 2045) and Communication 372.192 (General Plan 2026) were postponed to the Policy Committee’s April 7, 2026, meeting. - Chair Kirkowitz will deliver a document by March 17, 2026, showing the nexus between the 2026 and 2045 drafts to justify the 2026 version as an amendment. - Corporation counsel will provide a legal opinion by March 27, 2026, on the propriety of the amendment process. - Planning department will provide the former corporation counsel’s memo on amendment procedures and will work with the Chair and consultant to produce simplified maps. - Councilmembers may submit mapping amendments using descriptive language; assistance with GIS may be available from Councilmember Campbell.

The Hawaii County Council met on March 4, 2026, at 9:04 a.m. (recessed at approximately 9:16 a.m., resumed at 9:45 a.m., adjourned at 12:08 p.m.) for its 34th session. The council considered a range of items, including the final round of Kīlauea Recovery Grant awards (nearly $6 million), a multi-year lease for corporation counsel office space, a professional construction management services agreement for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade (postponed), and the establishment of a Construction Code Commission (passed over department opposition). Numerous resolutions passed unanimously, including recognition certificates, appointments, and routine transfers. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the December 3, 2025 council meeting were approved. - Communication 731: Confirmed the nomination of Dwayne T. Mukai to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board (7-0-1). - Communication 732: Confirmed the nomination of Lōkilani Brandt to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (7-0-1). Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Rowan (President of Mālama O Puna and Black Sands POA) testified in support of Resolution 459-26, accepting the final round of Kīlauea Recovery Grants. He stated these grants will help with infrastructure and economic development for Puna communities devastated by the 2018 eruption, releasing over $6 million into Lower Puna for long-overdue recovery. - Deb Smith (President of Vacationland Hawaii Community Association) testified in full support of Resolution 459-26, stating the grant is "the key" to restoring inundated roads after seven years of delay. She reported that her association lost over seven miles of roadway and will restore approximately six miles; after the county buyout program, about 150 properties will remain in private ownership. - Susan Champany (former Hololeo Road resident) testified in support of Resolution 459-26, stating that many residents above age 60 in 2018 are now starting to die off. She described her personal loss—her wife died before returning to their land—and emphasized that the road project is "deeply and desperately needed" for the community. - Amadeo Markoff (Executive Director, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum) testified in strong support of Resolution 459-26, noting the museum received a grant for the Hale Hali‘i Initiative to create a community gathering place, and is a pass-through partner for three road reconstruction projects. He also highlighted a partnership with Mālama O Puna on a community commercial kitchen to support food processing and wild pig mitigation. - Eileen O’Hara (Mālama O Puna) testified in support, stating it is now eight years since the eruption and not all roads and water systems are back. She thanked the recovery office and noted the grants help infrastructure and economic development. - Smiley Burroughs (owner of Kapoho Crater, 20-year Leilani Estates resident) testified in appreciation, noting he received a grant for a connection road in Leilani Estates to restore an alternate route. He thanked the recovery team, Councilmember Kierkewicz, and administrations for eight years of work. - Jennifer Perry (Project Manager, Hololeo Road Restoration) testified in support, showing a model of the road made by a local student. She listed diverse agricultural and professional residents in the area and asked for the council's support. - Kevin Kushima (President, Main Street Pahoa Association and Pahoa Lava Zone Museum) testified in support, stating the Hale Hali‘i Cultural Marketplace will "completely restore the heart of Pahoa" which was devastated by the loss of the Akebono Theatre. He predicted the commercial kitchen will generate new livelihoods for Puna. Discussion Items - Resolution 459-26 (Kīlauea Recovery Grants): Introduced by Councilmember Kierkewicz, this resolution authorizes the Planning Department to award nearly $6 million ($5,977,773) in grant funds to various nonprofit organizations for relief, recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience from the 2018 eruption. The council also noted four additional projects (just over $500,000) are awaiting fiscal sponsor due diligence and will come back as a separate resolution. A $2,000 grant to Friends of Pahoa Library will be awarded separately. The council approved the resolution (8-0-1). - Resolution 460-26 (Corporation Counsel Office Lease): Authorizes a three-year lease (with two three-year options) at $2,600/month for space at 101 Aupuni Street. An amendment corrected the square footage from 600 to 310 square feet (two offices of 300 sq. ft. each). Approved (7-0-2, with Kirkowitz and Viegas excused). - Resolution 461-26 (Construction Management Services, Wastewater Plant): Would authorize a six-year agreement at an estimated $1.6 million per year for a 4.1-person team to oversee the $337 million Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The council postponed this item to March 18, 2026, citing lack of detailed budget breakdown and concerns over the

The Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit held its 11th session on March 3, 2026, at 10:33 AM in the Hilo Council Chambers, with members also joining from Kona chambers. The meeting, chaired by Councilmember James Hussis, focused primarily on Bill 132, which would regulate parking rates at private parking facilities in Kailua Village. After extensive public testimony and discussion, the committee voted to postpone the bill to its March 17 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Noelle Lindenman (Kailua Kona) testified in support of Bill 132, stating that parking fees have driven away customers, hurt local businesses, and reduced foot traffic downtown. She noted that parking lots that were once full are now empty, and restaurants no longer have waits. - Jeff Foster (Kailua Kona small business owner) supported the bill, emphasizing that parking policy directly affects economic access and that excessive parking fees harm small businesses, revenue, and employment. - Chris Fried (former small business owner) testified in support, describing how his family lost $30,000 over 15 months and was forced to close their shop on Ali‘i Drive due to paid parking. He stated, "You failed us already," but urged the council to help others still struggling. - J. Berg (visitor) supported the bill, saying that parking greed has ruined Kailua Kona and that signage is confusing, especially for older visitors without cell phones. - Julie Zemelis (Kailua Kona resident) strongly supported the bill, arguing that private parking operators use surge pricing and lack transparency, which erodes trust and drives away residents and visitors. She stated that the bill does not constitute a taking. - Elena Wiley supported the bill, emphasizing the need for posted pricing and transparency. She noted that employees of small businesses struggle to find affordable parking and that hiring is difficult due to the parking issue. - Caitlin Ziemless (Kailua Kona resident, age 24) supported the bill, stating that unpredictable parking costs make her and her peers avoid downtown, hurting small businesses. - John Hill (resident since 1999) supported the bill, describing how the parking situation has caused him and his family to avoid Ali‘i Drive, leading to lost spending and a negative atmosphere. - Jasmine Crusat (small business owner, real estate, and certified parking professional) testified in strong opposition to Bill 132, arguing it is an unconstitutional overreach, imposes price controls on private property, and would harm businesses. She urged the council to slow down and engage stakeholders. - Mel Finkenberg (resident) supported the bill, stating that visitors have stopped coming to Kona due to parking costs, and that the decline of Ali‘i Drive is a result of greed. Discussion Items - Bill 132 – Paid Parking Facilities in Kailua Village: Councilmember Viegas, the bill's introducer, thanked the community and apologized to Chris Fried for the delay. She stated that the bill is a starting point, with intentionally low initial caps ($2/hour), and is open to negotiation. She criticized parking operators for surge pricing, lack of signage, and what she called "greed." - Corporation Counsel: Deputy Corporation Counsel Sinclair Salis Ferguson reported that preliminary research had been conducted but requested more time to submit a written opinion. The committee entered executive session to discuss this matter. - Public Works and Building Division: Director and Acting Building Chief Aaron Spielman clarified that signage in Kailua Village is regulated by the Kailua Village Design Commission (KVDC) and requires building permits. Enforcement is complaint-based. The department does not oversee private parking lot pricing. - Councilmember Discussion: Councilmembers expressed support for the bill's intent but raised questions about enforcement, signage, and the role of county commissions. Councilmember Kleinfelder suggested that future development approvals should consider parking requirements to avoid reliance on private paid parking. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to postpone Bill 132 to the March 17, 2026 committee meeting. The motion was made by Councilmember O‘Nishi, seconded by Councilmember Viegas, and passed unanimously (9-0). - The committee adjourned at 11:44 AM.

The 17th session of the Communication Reports and Council Oversight Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. in the Hilo Chambers of the Hawaii County Building to consider Communication 735, requesting a presentation from the Pacific Drought Knowledge Exchange (PDKE) on climate change, climate variability, and drought portfolio tools. Councilmembers present in Hilo: Kimball, Kirkowitz, Onishi, Inaba, and the Chair. Vice Chair Viegus participated from Kona. Councilmember Houstis was present, and Councilmembers Kagiwada and Kleinfelder joined later. The committee heard public testimony, received a detailed presentation from PDKE, and voted unanimously to close the file. Public Comments & Testimony - Josephine Kelly Pio (Kona side resident, 40 years) commented on the unusual rainfall pattern in 2025: the east side experienced severe drought while Kona received drenching rain throughout summer. She urged the committee to consider whether man-made technologies might be contributing to climate change, stating this aspect is "never ever discussed" and "covered up." She apologized if her comments diverged from the presentation topic. Discussion Items - Presentation by Pacific Drought Knowledge Exchange (PDKE): Christian Jardine (co-lead), Dr. Ryan Longman (University of Hawaii Sea Grant, Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, Hawaii Climate Data Portal), Derek Ford (geospatial data analyst), and Shereo Hugh (climate data analyst) presented two tools developed through a co-production model with local resource managers. - Climate Portfolio Tool: An online tool that generates a 40-slide PowerPoint for any selected area (predefined or custom) across the main Hawaiian Islands. Outputs include over 100 years of monthly rainfall data, monthly air temperature from 1990 to present, drought history (18 drought events since 1920 for Paʻauilo aquifer area), groundwater recharge data (e.g., 40% reduction during severe drought events), and future projections (e.g., 4% rainfall decrease, 2.5°F temperature increase, up to 34% groundwater recharge reduction by end of century). The tool is free, takes 30 minutes to generate, and is updated monthly with the latest data from the Hawaii Climate Data Portal. - Hawaii Rangeland Information Portal (HRIP): A tool designed for ranchers, providing a climate dashboard (daily/monthly rainfall, temperature, consecutive dry days, 12-month drought history) and a forage growth outlook based on historical data and ENSO conditions. It was developed via annual feedback from the Hawaii Cattleman's Council. The tool also supports decision-making for de-stocking, supplemental feeding, and the new Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance product from the Risk Management Agency, which launched on Hawaii Island in 2025. - Councilmember Kimball introduced the presentation, noting that 2025 was the second driest year on record and that her district experienced three times the typical number of wildfires. She stated the tools would be useful for all districts. - Councilmember Houstis asked about how ranchers could request the one-by-one-mile grids on the HRIP map. Shereo Hugh explained that anyone can submit a form to create grids, which are then bookmarked for that user. - In response to the public testimony about unusual rainfall, Dr. Longman noted that Kona typically has a summer maximum of rainfall, but he would need to examine data to confirm abnormality. He speculated that conditions may have been driven by changes in atmospheric circulation and trade wind deviations, rather than directly by man-made climate change. Key Outcomes - Motion to close file on Communication 735 was made by Councilmember Kimball, seconded by Councilmember Kagiwada. The motion passed unanimously with 9 votes in favor (voice vote: "aye"). - The committee received the PDKE presentation and acknowledged the availability of the climate portfolio and rangeland portal tools for county and private use. - The meeting concluded at approximately 10:30 a.m., with the next committee scheduled to meet shortly.

The committee met at 9:00 a.m. in the Hilo County Council chambers, with Chair Jen Kagiwara presiding. Councilmembers joined from Hilo and Kona. The agenda included approval of Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) minutes, two nominations to the Veterans Advisory Committee, and a resolution authorizing temporary parking at Gilbert Carvalho Park for Hilo Benioff Medical Center. No public testimony was offered. The meeting adjourned at 9:34 a.m. Consent Calendar - Communication 40.6 – Hawaii State Association of Counties Executive Committee meeting minutes from December 11, 2025, submitted by Councilmember Heather L. Kimball. Councilmember Kimball provided an update on the National Association of Counties (NACo) legislative conference, including progress on FEMA reimbursement model changes, surface transportation reauthorization, and farm bill amendments. Councilmember Onishi added an update on a resolution to add a reservist checkbox to the federal census. The communication was closed and filed with 9 ayes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was received. Discussion Items - Communication 750 – Nomination of Edwin B. Guzman to the Veterans Advisory Committee: Mayor’s Executive Assistant Mike Alameda introduced Mr. Guzman, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran with over 20 years of service and 35 years of work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including PTSD counseling at Tripler Army Medical Center. Mr. Guzman shared his personal mission to help combat veterans reintegrate. Councilmembers expressed condolences on the recent passing of his wife and praised his dedication. The nomination was approved with 9 ayes to be forwarded to the full council. - Communication 751 – Nomination of Reginald G. Alexander to the Veterans Advisory Committee: Mr. Alameda introduced Mr. Alexander, a 26-year Navy veteran who served as senior advisor to Navy Region Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine force, and later worked for the Veterans Benefits Administration in Hilo. Mr. Alexander emphasized his goal to connect disparate veteran service organizations and improve information flow. Councilmembers noted his extensive community work. The nomination was approved with 9 ayes to be forwarded to the full council. - Resolution 474 – Intergovernmental Agreement with Hilo Benioff Medical Center for Parking at Gilbert Carvalho Park: Parks Director Homa explained that the temporary parking (gravel lot with ecology blocks, available 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) would be used by hospital employees during construction. The hospital would maintain the site and provide security. Councilmember Onishi provided historical context, noting the lot was originally built for park users. Councilmember Houstis noted a typo in the resolution. Chair Kagiwara indicated she would bring an amendment to extend the agreement to December 31, 2027, and fix the typo at the full council meeting. The resolution was approved with 9 ayes. Key Outcomes - Communication 40.6 (HSAC minutes) – Closed and filed. - Communication 750 (Edwin B. Guzman) – Recommended to full council with favorable recommendation. - Communication 751 (Reginald G. Alexander) – Recommended to full council with favorable recommendation. - Resolution 474 – Approved with amendments (date extension and typo correction) to be made before presentation to full council. - All votes were unanimous (9 ayes).

The Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions held its 21st session on March 3, 2026, at 1:15 PM HST in the Hilo Chambers, with video conference to the Kona Chambers. Chair Heather Kimball presided initially but recused herself from two items, passing the chair to Vice Chair Onishi. The committee considered communications and two bills related to the CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union's proposed new branch facility. Seven council members were present; Councilmember Viegas and Councilmember Coney Kleinfelder were excused, and Chair Kimball recused from two items. Consent Calendar - Communication 752: Request to form an ad hoc committee (permitted interaction group) for reviewing fiscal year 2026-2027 VIVI nonprofit grants and aid applications, introduced by Councilmember Kimball. The committee voted to close the file on Communication 752 and then formed the ad hoc committee with Councilmembers Kagiwada, Houstis, Inaba, and Chair Kimball as chair. Councilmember Houstis volunteered to join, citing positive prior experience; Councilmember Kagiwada also volunteered. The committee then postponed Communication 752 to the call of the chair. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Bill 130: Amends Ordinance 09-44 to extend a 10-year time extension for condition C (complete construction), amend condition D (dedication of road widening), and delete condition E (roadway improvements) for a credit union branch at 533 Monono Street (TMK 2-2-034-036). The applicant, CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, proposes to construct a new member-facing facility at that location and maintain its existing facility on Hinano Street for administrative use. The Windward Planning Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation on December 4, 2025. Planning Director Jeff Darrow presented the proposal, noting the applicant would provide a pro rata payment to the county for road improvements instead of constructing them, as the county has a project planned for Monono Street. The committee approved Bill 130 with a favorable recommendation to the full council by a vote of 6 ayes (Councilmembers Kagiwada, Houstis, Kirkwitz, Fresh O'Neill, Inaba, Golemba; Chair Kimball recused; Viegas and Kleinfelder excused). - Bill 131: Requests a change of zone from single-family residential (RS-10) to neighborhood commercial (CN-10) for a 22,500-square-foot parcel at 494 Hinano Street (TMK 2-2-034-045), to construct a 41-stall parking lot for the credit union's proposed new branch. The Windward Planning Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation with an amendment to condition G (replacing it with the applicant's suggested language). President/CEO James Takamine testified that design is expected to begin around 2028 due to a current core system upgrade, with construction likely taking a few years thereafter. The committee approved Bill 131 with a favorable recommendation to the full council by a vote of 6 ayes (same as above; Chair Kimball recused; Viegas and Kleinfelder excused). Key Outcomes - Communication 752: Closed file; ad hoc committee formed with Councilmembers Kagiwada, Houstis, Inaba, and Kimball (Chair) to review VIVI grant applications for FY 2026-2027; matter postponed to the call of the chair. - Bill 130: Approved (6-0-3) for forwarding to the full council with a positive recommendation. - Bill 131: Approved (6-0-3) for forwarding to the full council with a positive recommendation. - The meeting adjourned at 3:36 PM HST.

The Committee on Finance convened on March 3, 2026, at 11:48 AM in the Hawaii County Building in Hilo, with Councilmember Kagiwara, Hustis, Kirkowitz, Inaba, Kimball, and Chair Kleinfelder present. Councilmembers O'Nishi, Galimba, and Viegas were excused. The meeting focused on Resolution 475-26, which would authorize leasing eight residential properties for permanent housing for underserved populations, and also addressed a SAFER grant for firefighter positions and several routine communications. Public Comments & Testimony - Resolution 475-26 (76 Makani Circle): Over 20 residents testified, most in opposition. Key concerns included lack of community notification, safety fears for children and kupuna (elderly), potential for increased crime and traffic, and perceived lack of transparency about the county's purchase ($809,000) and the planned use by Going Home Hawaii. Testifiers like Luana Cavelu, Carolyn Tabor, and Bruce Tabor described the neighborhood as a multigenerational, safe, single-family residential area. Several former police officers (Dion Santiago, Joseph Botello Jr.) shared negative experiences with halfway houses. A few testifiers, including Christina Pineda, who lived next to a Going Home Hawaii facility, reported no negative incidents and supported the program. Ron Mush from Holly Keepa also testified in support of the resolution, noting their own transitional housing program for youth. Discussion Items - Resolution 475-26: Office of Housing Administrator Keiko Costa explained that the county used $8 million in federal ERA2 funds to purchase nine properties (including Dolphin Bay Hotel) to create long-term affordable housing. The property at 76 Makani Circle was one of eight residential properties. The RFP process selected nonprofits, including Going Home Hawaii, to lease the properties for $10 per year. Costa acknowledged that the community engagement for Makani Circle was insufficient and that the county was willing to remove that property from the resolution. Councilmember Kagiwada proposed an amendment to remove 76 Makani Circle (TMK 3-2-5-9-44) from the list, which was seconded and passed 9-0. The resolution was then postponed to March 17, 2026, for further discussion. - Resolution 478-26 and Bill 133: These measures authorize a SAFER grant from FEMA for $2,678,274.60 to fund 12 temporary firefighter positions for three years in Waimea, North Kohala, Waikaloa, and Pahala. Councilmember Kirkowitz led the discussion, noting that the fire department has not added permanent positions in 22 years and that call volume increased 25% since 2020 to over 31,000 calls in 2024. Acting Fire Chief Daniel Volpe supported the positions and confirmed the department's need for permanent staffing. Councilmembers expressed support and urged the administration to convert the positions to permanent. Both measures passed favorably to the full council. - Bill 134: A budget amendment reallocating $16,100 in housing production program income for contractual services. Passed favorably. - Communications: Communication 23-30 (fund transfers) and 118-4 (reallocation report) were closed. Communication 734 (annual revenue report) was tabled briefly, then removed from the table and closed after the deputy finance director noted discrepancies and planned to resubmit. Key Outcomes - Resolution 475-26 was amended to remove the 76 Makani Circle property and then postponed to the March 17, 2026 committee meeting. The Office of Housing will conduct additional community meetings. - Resolution 478-26 and Bill 133 were forwarded to the full council with favorable recommendations (9-0 votes). Councilmembers urged the administration to make the 12 firefighter positions permanent. - Bill 134 was forwarded to the full council with a favorable recommendation (9-0). - Communications 23-30, 118-4, and 734 were closed. - The meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM.

The Hawaii County Council met on February 18, 2026, at 9:01 AM at the West Hawaii Civic Center, with a recess from 9:24 AM to 9:35 AM, and recessed into executive session from approximately 12:15 PM to 12:36 PM. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM. Seven members were present (Galimba, Houstis, Kagiwada, Conley Kleinfelder, Kirkowitz, Kimball, Onishi), with Councilmembers Nava and Viegas absent. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting. - GOEAC nominations (Communications 703-707) were confirmed unanimously: Jennifer L. Lawson (Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission), Louisa “Sasa” Anthony Lee (Environmental Management Commission), Kanoe “Suba Numa” Wilson (Windward Planning Commission), Sean “Keli‘i” Makahiao (Leeward Planning Commission), and Roland Rabara (Fire Commission). Public Comments & Testimony - Tanya Yamanaka Anassian testified in strong support of Bill 128, arguing that ultra-luxury properties create disproportionate values and that a tiered tax structure is fair. She noted there are 842 non-owner-occupied properties over $4 million in the county. - John Pelletier, representing the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee, testified on Bill 63, supporting the provision to require use permits for residential dwellings in MCX districts. He recommended that applicants address the relationship between proposed workforce housing and employment opportunities. Discussion Items - Presentation and Recognition of Officer Leonard Warren: Sergeant Nahale and Officer Warren described community events coordinated in 2025, including the second annual Ha‘ipal Outrigger Canoe Youth Regatta (100 keiki), first annual Kona Ha‘ipal Youth Music Showcase (200 youth), a holiday toy drive (1,000 toys), and a community cleanup (50 volunteers). Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Officer Warren’s dedication and community policing efforts. He received the 2026 Ha‘ipal Award. - Bill 127 (Construction Code Commission): Councilmembers Kirkowitz and Houstis proposed an amendment (Communication 711.1) to remove “material supply” from commission qualifications, add “licensure” as a consideration, and ensure administrative support. After debate with Public Works Director Segawa and Building Chief Spielman, the amendment was adopted. The bill passed first reading (7-0). Concerns about added bureaucracy were countered by arguments that the commission would depoliticize code adoption. - Bill 128 (Tier 3 Property Tax): Councilmember Kagiwada clarified the bill creates a new residential tier for properties over $4 million, does not affect homeowners or short-term/long-term rentals, and said the $9 million for housing was already approved from tier 2. Councilmember Houstis emphasized equity. Passed first reading (7-0). - Bill 121 (Kona Country Club Time Extension): Passed second/final reading on a 6-1 roll call (Kagiwada opposed), expressing concern over supporting luxury housing for non-residents. The 51.058-acre project receives a 10-year time extension. - Executive Session – Communication 726: The council discussed settlement terms in the case Estate of J. Allen Freeman vs. Doris Pasheko, County of Hawaii, et al. Councilmember Conley Kleinfelder moved to amend the settlement to require HPD to adopt procedures complying with HRS 134-7.3. The amendment failed 2-5 (Conley Kleinfelder and Kirkowitz in favor). The council then approved the corporation counsel’s recommendation 6-1 (Conley Kleinfelder opposed). Key Outcomes - Approved all consent calendar nominations and minutes unanimously. - Bill 63 (dwellings in MCX district) passed second/final reading (7-0). - Bills 114-118 (budget adjustments for police grants) passed second/final reading (7-0 for 114, 116-118; 115 passed 6-0 with Kimball absent). - Bills 119 and 120 (zone changes) passed second/final reading (7-0). - Bill 121 (Kona Country Club time extension) passed second/final reading (6-1). - Bill 127 (Construction Code Commission) passed first reading as amended (7-0). - Bill 128 (Tier 3 property tax) passed first reading (7-0). - Bills 122 and 123 (zone changes) passed first reading (7-0). - Resolutions 463-468 (community program transfers) were all approved with vote totals ranging from 6-0 to 7-0. - The council accepted the corporation counsel’s recommendation on communication 726 and closed file on communication 727 without executive session.