Public Meetings - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee convened on March 10, 2026, to review Fiscal Year 2027 budget requests from multiple departments. Presentations and discussions covered proposals, staffing, vacancies, and policy initiatives. Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) Director Cobano presented BFS' budget issues, including a $300,000 continuation of procurement improvement consulting, a $45,000 vehicle replacement for real property assessment, automation of the budget book compilation, and a proposed downtown business improvement district (BID) with $1.8 million in assessments. BFS reported 55 vacancies as of the meeting date, with a vacancy cutback reallocation of approximately $1.2 million. Overtime was budgeted at $180,000, with 90% from the general fund. Revenue estimates for BFS-collected taxes were relatively flat. Capital budget items included $10 million for Skyline construction, $68,000 for a DES vehicle, and major equipment for DFM and DPR. Key discussion points included the project adjustment account for CIP, carryover funds (restricted $1 billion, unrestricted $400 million), and the use of fund balance to balance the budget. Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Collins presented a 40% increase in salary budget to add eight new full-time employees, with a total budget increase of about 30% ($518,969). Four existing federally funded positions would be moved to city funding, creating flexibility. DEM's overtime budget was $62,500. Federal funding increased, including a 314% increase in the urban area security initiative. CIP requests included $2 million for a Haula resilience hub and $333,000 for regional operations center improvements. A vehicle replacement for a 2005 SUV was requested at $62,500. Discussion touched on the lack of hurricane‑rated shelters, the need for logistical contracts, and the impact of potential federal funding instability. Prosecuting Attorney's Office Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm presented a $1.24 million increase in the mayor’s proposed budget, but noted a 5% salary cut overall despite a 69% increase in felony filings from FY2023 to FY2025. The office has 48 general funded vacancies, many filled by contract employees. Federal funds (VOCA) are down about 40%. The office requested 20 additional deputy prosecutor positions at an estimated cost of $2.3 million to reduce caseloads and speed up screening. Overtime and legal intern programs are supported by salary savings. The office noted a recent surge in applications (212 in FY2026 to date vs. 25 in FY2025), indicating ability to fill positions if funded. Royal Hawaiian Band Bandmaster Clark Bright presented a budget with salary increase of 7.4% and current expense increase of 11.64%, offset by a 20% equipment decrease. One vacancy is expected to be filled by June 30. Overtime of $70,000 covers truck drivers and sound engineers for performances. A capital request of $140,000 was made for a passenger/equipment van to replace two vans (25 and 17 years old). Medical Examiner's Office Dr. Masahiko Kobayashi presented caseload trends showing increases in accidental deaths (largely drug overdoses) and natural deaths post-COVID. The FY27 budget includes increases in salaries, current expenses (including $50,000 for relocation of temporary equipment from Ewa), and equipment. Three new medical‑legal investigator positions are requested to support a 24/7 home death investigation initiative responding to over 550 additional scenes annually. Federal CDC overdose‑data grant funding ($155,000/year) will end in August 2026. The office reported only one remaining vacancy and is recruiting to fill by June 30. Corporation Counsel Director Dana Viola presented a 0.11% salary reduction and a 7.5% reduction in current expenses, for an overall 2.29% budget decrease. The judgment and loss account is recommended at $19.1 million, down from $19.5 million. The office has 13 vacancies (two deputy positions). Overtime covers trial preparation. Discussion noted that $4.2 million of the FY26 appropriation was actually spent. Ethics Commission Acting Executive Director Almira Sang and Commission Chair Shelton Jim On presented a 0.19% budget decrease ($1,831). The commission has four recent vacancies, representing a disproportionate impact due to its small size (11 staff). The vacancy cutback of about $36,000 will hamper operations, especially with upcoming deadlines for financial disclosure reviews and lobbyist reports. The commission requested that the cutback not be applied and that two additional positions (associate attorney and paralegal) be funded to improve responsiveness and outreach. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the meeting; discussions will inform council amendments to the executive budget. - Several departments (DEM, Prosecuting Attorney, Medical Examiner, Ethics Commission) made specific funding and position requests for council consideration. - Councilmembers committed to reviewing the requests and working with the administration during the budget process. - Directors were asked to provide follow‑up information, including BFS data on the project adjustment account and carryover breakdown by department.

The Honolulu City Council Committee on Budget convened on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 9:03 AM for an informational briefing on the administration's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Chair Okimoto presided, with Vice Chair Nishimoto, Councilmembers Cordero, Kia Aina, Talba, Chair Waters, and others present. No public testimony was offered. The briefing featured presentations from Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) Director Andy Kowano, Managing Director Mike Formby, Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jaram, and directors from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (OCSSR), Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA), Office of Economic Revitalization (OER), and Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). The session highlighted the city's tight fiscal situation, efforts to hold the line on taxes, and strategic investments in core services and infrastructure. Consent Calendar - No consent items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - The chair called for in-person and remote testimony on each agenda item; no members of the public registered to testify. Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget Presentation Mayor Blangiardi opened by emphasizing the administration's commitment to fiscal discipline. He noted that federal pandemic relief funds (over $800 million) have been fully utilized, and the city faces flat real property tax revenues. The operating budget proposal is $3.9 billion, a $38.4 million increase over FY26, but collective bargaining agreements add $55 million in costs, requiring $17 million in net cuts. Director Kowano detailed that the combined operating and CIP budget reflects $133.6 million in cuts from the prior year's adopted level. The CIP budget decreases by $172.1 million to $1.11 billion, focusing on projects that can be completed within the next two years and 10 months. The city's unreserved general fund balance stands at about $630 million, and the proposed budget includes a $5 million transfer to the fiscal stability fund. The administration reallocated $30 million in vacant position salaries to balance the budget, along with corresponding reductions in fringe benefits (ERS, OPEB). Director Kowano explained that departments were evaluated individually on vacancy rates and hiring trends; the Honolulu Fire Department was exempted from salary reductions due to its tight budgeting. Council members questioned the budget process. Vice Chair Nishimoto and Chair Waters pressed for access to departments' initial budget requests; Director Kowano declined, arguing the mayor's budget marks the starting point for council deliberation and sharing earlier drafts would confuse the process. Councilmember Tupola and others urged earlier engagement from departments to allow more thorough review before hearings. Capital Improvement and Operating Budget Details Council Chair Waters noted that the CIP budget is 1.1 billion but only about half of that is typically issued in bonds annually. Discussion centered on the appropriate use of CIP funds; Chair Okimoto questioned the inclusion of vehicles (costing $60,000+ with 10-year-plus life) in CIP. Director Kowano defended the policy, stating it ensures affordable debt financing and maintains the city's AA+ bond rating. Councilmember Cordero raised the need to shift the tax burden from struggling residents to those better able to pay. Chair Waters suggested increasing rates on high-end Residential A properties, and Director Kowano acknowledged openness to forming a permitted interaction group to study tax restructuring. Concerns were raised about hazard pay (THP). Managing Director Formby reported that supplemental agreements for firefighters and Teamsters offer up to $7,500 per eligible employee, pending ratification. Approximately 20 DCS employees may be re-evaluated for eligibility due to hybrid work records. The FY26 hazard pay allocation was $34.4 million; no amount is budgeted in FY27. Managing Director’s Office and Federal Funding Initiatives Deputy Managing Director Jaram presented the MDO budget, which decreased overall. New federal funding strategists (Erica Moritsugu and Anika Nozaki) and a data team (Kira Chuchum, Sandy Briggs, Christie Briggs) were hired using existing positions, requiring no additional funding. Councilmembers encouraged proactive pursuit of federal grants and appropriation earmarks. Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (OCSSR) Director Fox presented an operating budget of $1.6 million (a $5,300 decrease) and a $1.357 million recommendation for the Climate Resiliency Fund. The fund allocates 59% to 16 city departmental projects (including green retrofits, food sustainability, shoreline protection), 36% to externally directed initiatives (residential energy resilience, cesspool conversion assistance, nonprofit contracts via a third-party RFP), and 5% to administration. Fox noted that CCSR consistently leverages a 1:3 match in external funding. Councilmembers praised the structured process and requested further project details. Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) Director Santos requested a small budget adjustment to support a new program/operations manager role and to fund two initiatives: a public art maintenance pilot and a culture and arts incubator pilot. The transfer of Honolulu City Lights funding to DFM offsets some costs. Santos emphasized that MOCA operates at a fraction of peer cities' capacity per capita. Councilmembers expressed support and commended the office's strategic planning. Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) Director Asselbai highlighted OER's role in small business support, local agriculture, workforce training, and economic innovation. The budget includes 21 FTEs (OER) and 3 FTEs (Honolulu Film Office), with salaries shifting from federal pandemic relief to general funds. Current expenses remain flat. OER has secured over $2 million in external grants, including a $400,000 earmark for small business incubator programs. Councilmember Tupola urged OER to prioritize coordination across departments and policy advice rather than operating small programs. Councilmember Kia Aina expressed frustration with communication and oversight, particularly regarding the COVID death benefits program and the status of Bill 35 (vacant spaces activation). Director Asselbai noted that a five-year strategic plan, developed with the commission, is expected in May 2026. Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Executive Secretary Yonenaka presented a nearly flat operating budget, with a $43,000 increase for the 2026 election cycle to cover higher printing and mailing costs. The office will mail voting passcodes to eligible residents in contested races. Council members encouraged increased voter outreach and improvements to meeting logistics at venues like Kapolei Hale. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the briefing was informational. - Council members directed the administration to provide additional documentation on project breakdowns, vacancy savings calculations, and hazard pay eligibility reviews. - The committee recessed for 45 minutes for lunch at 12:58 PM, with plans to resume at 1:45 PM to continue the agenda. - Chair Okimoto indicated that future meetings will delve into individual department budgets.

The Committee on Government Efficiency and Customer Services, chaired by Councilmember DeSantis Tam, met on Thursday, March 6, 2026, at 2:34 p.m. The meeting included consideration of two resolutions accepting travel gifts and an informational briefing on the Department of Planning and Permitting's (DPP) technology modernization efforts. Members present included Councilmembers Cordero and Yishimoto (also referred to as Councilmember Wire). The meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-20: Accepting a gift of travel valued at $5,874 from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) for representatives from the Department of Customer Services and the Department of Information Technology to attend a site visit to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles in Phoenix, April 20–23, 2026. Director Kim Hashiro explained the trip would help move the city off its legacy mainframe system (COBOL-based) to a modern platform, utilizing open-source code from Arizona's MAX system. The resolution was amended to a CD1 (OCS 2026-0077) and reported out for adoption without objection. - Resolution 26-26: Accepting a gift of travel valued at $2,900 from AAMVA for a representative from the Department of Customer Services to attend the 2026 AAMVA Leadership Academy Conference in Arlington, Virginia, April 13–17, 2026. Director Hashiro noted the importance of the DMV division chief's ongoing participation in national discussions. The resolution was amended to a CD1 (OCS 2026-0126) and reported out for adoption without objection. Discussion Items - Informational Briefing on DPP's Processes and Platforms: Director Don Takiuchiapuna and Applications Platform Manager Abe Toma presented an update on DPP's technology modernization, including HL Build (launched August 4, 2025), CivCheck AI, and e-plans. Key points: - HL Build is a modern system built on Salesforce, replacing a 28-year-old legacy system (Posse). Data migration from Posse to HL Build faced challenges due to differences in structure and data labeling, resulting in missing or incorrectly labeled records. Most issues were resolved within the first month after go-live, though occasional small problems persist. Staff created a process to identify and correct data mismatches. - Account management for HL Build saw a surge of 2,000 new account creations in the first month (August 2025), stabilizing at about 600 per month. A dedicated surge team and a new in-house support person now handle account requests, with turnaround time within one business day. - CivCheck AI was launched on December 8, 2025, for residential one- and two-family projects. Initial data from 39 applications showed reductions: pre-screen cycles from 1.6 to 1.0, code review cycles from 2.3 to 1.4, total corrections from 23.2 to 8.8, and total time with the city from 68 days to 33 days. CivCheck will be made mandatory for residential projects and expanded to commercial permits by summer 2026. - DPP issued 2,300 violations in 2025, with over a quarter being sidewalk violations. Liens were tripled from an average of 20 per year to over 60, with a standardized enforcement escalation ladder (violation → order → lien → DMV holds → letters to mortgage → individualized attention → injunction → foreclosure). - Short-term rental enforcement: 1,044 RFIs and 79 notices of violation in 2025, with many repeat offenders. The public can submit investigation requests through HL Build. - Contract structure: The prime contractor is Karasoft, with Clarity as the product vendor (software platform) and Sporidian as the implementation vendor. Sporidian continues to provide tier-three support under a managed services contract, with additional enhancements estimated at $200,000 to be included in the upcoming budget. Karasoft administers the contract, while DPP works directly with Sporidian on scope changes. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-20 (CD1) and Resolution 26-26 (CD1) were both reported out for adoption by the full council, each with unanimous consent. - DPP's update was received; no formal action was taken. The committee noted positive developments in enforcement (increased liens) and sign permit streamlining, and plans to continue monitoring the modernization efforts. - No public testimony was offered on any agenda item.

The Committee on Public Safety and Economy, chaired by Councilmember Tulba, met on March 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. via remote conference technology. The meeting addressed multiple resolutions accepting gifts for city departments and an informational briefing from the Economic Revitalization Commission (ERC) on its 2025 annual report and 2026 priorities. All resolutions were adopted unanimously without objection. No public testimony was offered. Gifts for Honolulu Police Department (Resolutions 26-28, 26-31, 26-40) - Resolution 26-28 accepted $18,500 from the Deputies to fund training, scholarships, uniforms, and equipment for the HPD Law Enforcement Explorer (LEAP) program. Councilmember Tupola expressed support for the program and suggested adding a checkbox on HPD applications for explorer program participants to improve recruitment. Major Town agreed to raise the idea with HR. - Resolution 26-31 accepted travel and related expenses valued at $1,972.79 from the Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association for an HPD representative to attend the WSNIA 2026 Training Summit in Idaho. - Resolution 26-40 accepted a gift valued at $11,360 from the 200 Club of 120 Seats for HPD personnel and dignitaries to attend the 200 Club breakfast and award ceremony honoring HPD’s outstanding officer, reserve officer, civilian supervisor, employee of the year, and citizenship award for National Police Week 2026. Gifts for Honolulu Fire Department (Resolutions 26-30, 26-35) - Resolution 26-30 accepted a passenger van valued at $60,000 from the Kevin Wojcik Explorers for Life Association and the HFD Explorers for community outreach, education, fire safety, and recruitment. The resolution was amended via a hand-carried CD1 (OCS2026-0118, 227, 2026 at 204 p.m.) before adoption. - Resolution 26-35 accepted a monetary gift of $17,300 from the Honolulu Firefighters Foundation for HFD events. Gifts for Honolulu Zoo (Resolutions 26-41, 26-48, 26-49) - Resolution 26-41 accepted a gift of registration and travel expenses valued at $3,500 from the Honolulu Zoological Society for a zoo staff member to participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan program in Indonesia (April 3–15, 2026). - Resolution 26-48 accepted a pre-owned classic mini express trackless train valued at $8,300 from the Honolulu Zoological Society. - Resolution 26-49 accepted installation of pumps, filters, and UV water sterilization system for the gharial (alligator) exhibit pool valued at $52,000 from the Honolulu Zoological Society. Informational Briefing: Economic Revitalization Commission 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Priorities - ERC Chair Eliza Talbot and Vice Chair Olin Lagan presented the commission’s work. In 2025, the commission focused on agriculture and food systems, including site visits to Metro Grow and Kako‘o ‘Ōiwi, highlighting how lo‘i (taro patches) help with flood control. - The commission advocated for local procurement preferences, citing a San Antonio example where contracts to small/minority/women-owned businesses rose from 12% to 46% after implementing a 10% premium. - They launched an “Idea to Business” pilot on the West Side, graduating entrepreneurs who secured over $300,000 in loans from local financial institutions. - For 2026, priorities include developing a five-year strategic plan based on the O‘ahu Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), focusing on AI for local businesses, and supporting workforce development, regenerative tourism, and small business finance. - Commissioners requested council support for OER’s budget, legislation to allow below-market-rate leases on vacant city lands for economic development (Bill 35 and Bill 10), and a loan fund for entrepreneurs. - Councilmembers discussed the need for coordination with the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) and asked for a list of vacant city properties. Councilmember Tupola urged the commission to work directly with council districts on specific parcels. Director Asobi noted that OER is exploring a pilot project in Chinatown using existing concession authority while awaiting legislative changes. Key Outcomes - All nine resolutions (26-28, 26-31, 26-40, 26-30 CD1, 26-35, 26-41, 26-48, 26-49) were reported out for adoption without objection. - Resolution 26-30 was amended to a CD1 before adoption. - The ERC’s presentation was received as information; no formal action was taken. The commission will continue to advocate for vacant land leasing authority and coordinate with council members on district-specific economic development opportunities.

The Committee on Zoning and Planning met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:01 AM HST at Honolulu Hale. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Kia Aina, with Vice Chair Waters arriving later. Members present included Councilmembers Cordero, Okimoto, Tupola, and Dosanta-Stam. The committee reviewed four action items, including two special management area (SMA) major permits, two bills amending the Land Use Ordinance, and received informational briefings on the building permit backlog, Bill 7 projects, and planning schedules. One item was postponed. Public testimony was taken on several items. Public Comments & Testimony - On Resolution 26-29 (submarine cable): Jennifer Cruz, project manager for the contractor Frank V. Calluccio Construction Company, testified in support, noting the company's local workforce and experience. Fred Rhodi, co-president of DR Fortress, testified in support, emphasizing the benefits for internet connectivity and competition. No opposition was heard. - On Bill 6 2026 CD1 (apartment district standards): Wilford Motosue, a small developer, testified requesting exemptions for projects with 50 or fewer dwelling units, arguing that affordable housing requirements create financial risk for small developers. Jonathan Helton, policy analyst for the Grassroot Institute, testified in support but suggested two amendments: increasing the FAR in the A2 zone from 3.0 to 4.0 and reducing minimum lot dimensions from 60 feet to 50 or 45 feet. - On Bill 7 2026 CD1 (sign standards): Lee Tokuhara of Heart in Hawaii and Kieran Polk, executive director of the Kapala Chamber of Commerce, testified in strong support, thanking Councilmember Tupola for the bill. - On Item 1 (Planning Commission review): No public testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Review and Evaluation of the Planning Commission: Chair Kia Aina recommended postponing action to the next meeting on April 2, 2026, to prepare a draft committee report. Pane Meatoga III, Chair of the Planning Commission, summarized the commission's report. Discussion included questions about staffing for the commission's secretary and corporation counsel support. Councilmember Cordero inquired about quorum issues; Director of DPP noted that quorum is not currently a severe problem but vacancies need to be filled. The item was postponed without objection. - Item 2 – Resolution 26-27 (Kahala Avenue SMA permit): The project involves a single-unit dwelling, cabana, pool, and spa on two jointly developed lots totaling 55,798 square feet. Chair presented a CD1 version with two verbal amendments to condition F: replacing "EV Kupuna" with "human burials, including EV Kupuna" and deleting the phrase "and all mitigation protocols approved or otherwise required by SHIPT." The amendments were adopted. The resolution was then reported out for adoption without objection. - Item 3 – Resolution 26-29 (Submarine cable SMA permit): The project allows horizontal directional drilling for three new fiber optic cables at Kahe Point. Similar verbal amendments to condition B were adopted. The resolution was reported out for adoption without objection. - Item 5 – Bill 6 2026 CD1 (Apartment district standards): The bill reduces minimum lot size to 5,000 square feet, sets standard 60-foot minimum lot dimension, and increases residential FAR in A1/AMX-1 to 2.0, A2/AMX-2 to 3.0, and A3/AMX-3 to 4.0. DPP supported the bill, opposing the amendments suggested by testifiers. The chair recommended reporting out for passage on third reading; no objections. - Item 6 – Bill 7 2026 CD1 (Sign standards): The bill allows one sign per ground floor establishment with street frontage, with a maximum sign size of 9 square feet (reduced from 12 square feet per planning commission recommendation). DPP supported. The bill was reported out for passage on third reading without objection. - Item 7 – Informational Briefing on Building Permit Backlog and Bill 7 Projects: DPP Director Don Takuchi Apuna presented data on permit processing. Key statistics: 59 total Bill 7 projects, 6 completed (certificate of occupancy issued), 16 under construction, 35 under review. Pre-construction grants have 3 pending applications; post-construction grants awarded 6 totaling $1.9 million since 2022. The HL Build system launched in August 2025 led to a spike in applications and a temporary slowdown. Residential permit review times average 7 days for code review; commercial review times are longer due to engineer vacancies. Councilmember Tupola noted the value of public transparency in HL Build. Councilmember Okimoto requested easier public access to permit status. Councilmember Dosanta-Stam raised concerns about the growing backlog and asked about commercial permit delays. Director acknowledged capacity issues in engineering. The committee discussed the need for better notification to neighborhood boards about Bill 7 projects. - Item 8 – Informational Briefing on Development and Sustainable Communities Plans and TOD Plans: Dina Wong, chief of DPP's planning division, provided updates: North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan is furthest along, expected to go to Planning Commission in Q3 2026; Waiʻanae SCP public review draft expected Q3; ʻEwa Development Plan kickoff in late 2025. Tim Stritz, acting TOD administrator, reported that East Kapolei TOD zoning is anticipated to go to Planning Commission by April 1, 2026, with subsequent TOD zoning for Airport, Kalihi, Downtown, and Ala Moana projected through 2031. Discussion included concerns about staffing levels and the pace of rezoning. Councilmember Waters raised concerns about state legislation (SB 2423 and HB 1919) that would preempt county control over lot sizes. Councilmember Cordero inquired about FAA height restriction mapping for Airport and Kalihi areas; Stritz noted that the state OPSD and HDOT have produced generalized maps, but developers must verify precise heights. Councilmember Dosanta-Stam questioned the 10-year timeline for Ala Moana TOD zoning, noting the plans' original one-year implementation estimate. Key Outcomes - Item 1 postponed to April 2, 2026, by unanimous consent; Chair Kia Aina will prepare a draft report. - Resolution 26-27 amended to CD1 with verbal amendments to condition F, then reported out for adoption by unanimous consent. - Resolution 26-29 amended to CD1 with verbal amendments to condition B, then reported out for adoption by unanimous consent. - Bill 6 2026 CD1 reported out for passage on third reading without objection. - Bill 7 2026 CD1 reported out for passage on third reading without objection. - Informational briefings received; no votes taken. The committee requested DPP provide clearer data on permit backlog trends and explore options for better public notification of Bill 7 projects.

The Committee on International and Legal Affairs of the Honolulu City Council held a remote meeting on March 4, 2026, at 23:00:51 UTC, to enter executive session on three pending legal matters. Chair called the meeting to order with members Talba, Okimoto, Cordero, Tupola, and Kia Aina present; Councilmember Meyer arrived later. No public testimony was offered, and no decisions were announced after the closed session. Executive Session Items - The committee discussed three items: Nose vs Sunilla, Spreester Bach vs City and County of Honolulu and Khan, and a request to authorize settlement of claims by Donna Leong. - The committee consulted with attorneys from the Department of Corp Counsel and the Office of Council Services (Director Winton Park, Deputy Director Jane Pitcher, and staff attorney Scott Masudo) in a closed meeting pursuant to HRS Sections 92-4 and 92-5.4. - Following the executive session, the committee reconvened in open session without further public discussion or vote. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were reported from the executive session. - The meeting adjourned after returning to open session.

The Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Technology met on March 4, 2026, at 19:01 UTC to discuss several agenda items including roadway dedications, a resolution on bus stop shelters, a bill to update the traffic code, and an informational briefing on the HL311 application. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Cordero. Consent Calendar - Items 1-3: Approval and acceptance of deeds conveying roadway lots and easements in the Iliahi at Ho‘opili Subdivision (Ewa) from developer DR Horton. All improvements constructed to city standards. Committee recommended reporting out for Council approval without objections. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Resolution 26-487 (Bus Stop Shelters): Introduced by Chair Cordero, requesting DTS to consider installing shelters at bus stops with service frequencies exceeding 30 minutes, prioritizing unprotected areas. Director of Transit John Nochi expressed support and discussed data-driven criteria for shelter placement (ridership, route type, ADA compliance). Councilmembers Okimoto, Tupola, and Desantis Tam discussed shelter vs. bench upgrades, asset management discrepancies (29% have shelters per DTS vs. 44% in Title VI report), fare increase implications, and the need for dignified transit amenities. Committee recommended reporting out for adoption. - Bill 73 (2025) – Traffic Code Update: Introduced by Councilmember Desantis Tam to update outdated provisions. CD1 proposed to reinsert provisions from Bill 75 (which had not been referred). BWS objected to a section repealing 15-16.7. Committee agreed to amend to CD1 and postpone further action. - Informational Briefing – HL311 Application: Director Brian McKee and Application Division Chief Nancy Voll presented HL311, a non-emergency request platform launched December 2025. Over 8,400 requests received in three months. Features include automated routing, location awareness, and transparency. Councilmembers discussed integration with existing systems (Riser, City Laulima) and speed of response. Committee expressed interest in adopting HL311 as a single portal. Key Outcomes - Items 1-3: Recommended for Council approval. - Resolution 26-487: Recommended for adoption after discussion. - Bill 73 (2025): Amended to CD1 and postponed to date to be determined by Chair. - HL311 Briefing: No formal action; committee encouraged continued use and training.

The committee convened at 2:30 p.m. to discuss routine gift acceptances, a resolution designating Disability Pride Month, a bill on affordable housing reporting requirements, and a major bill amending the city's affordable rental housing program (Chapter 32). The meeting resulted in several adoptions and a deferral for further study. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-32 (benches and plaques at Kaimuna Beach Park): Amended to CD1 and adopted unanimously. - Resolution 26-45 (pickleball nets at Kamiloiki Community Park): Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 26-40 (Disability Pride Month): Adopted unanimously after testimony from the Disability Communication Access Board. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian Mick (Disability Communication Access Board): Expressed full support for Bill 18's elevator requirement at 30 feet, citing Fair Housing Act obligations and the need for accessible housing. - Gina Thielen (Housing advocate, originally opposed): Shifted to comments, urging caution and suggesting a permanent stakeholder group to avoid harming the existing Bill 7 program. - Martin Wynn (Principal, Center Urban Real Estate): Urged the committee to focus on transit-oriented development and avoid changes that could kill the nascent mid-size developer community. - Damien Waikoloa (Hawaii YIMBY): Supported intent of Bill 18 but opposed blanket elevator requirement for low-rise buildings and parking minimums, advocating instead for people-first design. - Tetka Fallis (Grassroot Institute): Supported the bill's direction but opposed the 10 off-street parking stall requirement and elevator mandate for buildings over 30 feet, citing cost increases of $65,000 per parking stall and $50,000–$100,000 per elevator. - Arjuna Haim (Fly Appleseed): Opposed the parking mandate, noting it adds $68,000 per affordable rental unit and $410/month in extra rent. - Donald Sakamoto (Blind advocate): Supported elevator requirements for accessibility, stressing the need for housing that allows aging in place. Discussion Items - Bill 11 (Affordable housing reporting): Gavin Thornton (Director of Housing Policy) expressed interest in transparency. The bill was reported out for second reading with no opposition. - Bill 18 (Affordable housing amendments): Extensive discussion centered on Chair's proposed CD1, which set maximum lot size at 40,000 square feet, allowed height of 60 feet or underlying zoning (whichever greater), suggested parking (10 stalls minimum), and elevator requirement for buildings over 30 feet. Councilmembers raised concerns: - Chair emphasized the need for balanced changes and noted 189 units completed with $1.7 million in incentives. - Councilmember Kia Aina worried about large projects consuming the budget, special districts, and fire code compliance. - Councilmember Wire supported flexibility and alignment with other policies (e.g., no parking minimums in urban core). - Councilmember Del Santos Tam presented data that only about 5 parcels over 20,000 sq ft are developable, suggesting underlying zoning changes (Bill 6) may be more effective. - Councilmember Cordero proposed a permitted interaction group for further stakeholder input. - Deputy Director Brian Gallagher (DPP) committed to providing analysis on parcel sizes. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-32: Amended to CD1 and adopted. - Resolution 26-45: Adopted. - Resolution 26-40: Adopted with support from Disability Communication Access Board. - Bill 11: Reported out for second reading and scheduled for public hearing. - Bill 18: Amended to the posted CD1 (OCS 2026-0110) and deferred to a future date pending additional data from UHERO (due March 20) and DPP, as well as further stakeholder engagement. The committee agreed to continue discussions through an agendized meeting to comply with Sunshine Law.

The Committee on Energy, Environment and Sustainability met at 1:02 PM on March 3, 2026. The committee considered two resolutions and received an informational briefing on the Department of Environmental Services' new Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) pilot program. Resolution 26-38, regarding the appointment of Ray Soon to the Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission, was amended to CD1 and reported out for full council adoption. Resolution 26-42, accepting a gift of conference registration and lodging valued at $1,806.64 for a staff member to attend the 2026 No-Dig Show, was also reported out. No public testimony was offered on any agenda item. Resolution 26-38 – Appointment of Ray Soon to the Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission The committee heard from appointee Ray Soon, who described his extensive public service background, including work as chief of staff to Mayor Caldwell and involvement with six of the commission's 12-13 clean water sites, notably the Kahuku Golf Course acquisition. He expressed commitment to the commission's evolving rules. The committee received no public testimony. Council Chair Waters had submitted a proposed CD1 (OCS2026-0112/2/24/2026 3:01 PM). The committee voted to amend the resolution to CD1 and then to report it out for adoption without discussion or objection. Resolution 26-42 – Acceptance of Gift for Conference Attendance (NASTT No-Dig Show) Director Babcock from the Department of Environmental Services was present but offered no additional comments. The resolution accepts a gift valued at $1,806.64 from the North American Society for Trenchless Technology to cover conference registration and lodging for a staff member to attend the 2026 No-Dig Show in Palm Springs, California, March 30–April 1, 2026. No testimony was given. The committee voted to report the resolution out for adoption without discussion. Informational Briefing: GROW (Green Recycling Organic Waste) Pilot Program Henry Gabriel from the Department of Environmental Services presented an overview of the new residential food waste collection program. Key points: - Pilot launch: April 1, 2026, in six areas: Waipahu, Nanakuli, Hawaii Kai, Mililani, Kailua, and Kalihi. Mailers will be sent March 9, 2026. - Island-wide rollout: October 1, 2026. - Program details: Residents place food scraps (excluding liquids, fats/oil/grease, pet waste, compostable plastics) in their green compost cart. Recommended practices include freezing food waste and layering with green waste. The city will provide kitchen containers and silicone bags at workshops. - Drop-off: Food waste can be taken directly to Hawaiian Earth Recycling in Wahiawa; transfer stations and convenience centers will not accept it. - Composting: Hawaiian Earth will use a new in-vessel system that produces compost in about six months, compared to 12–18 months for the current windrow system. - Waste statistics: 36% of the city's 800,000 tons/year waste is organic; 20% is food waste (160,000 tons). The program aims to divert up to 60,000 tons of residential food waste annually. - Contamination: Current contamination in green waste is below 2% by weight, but visual contamination (plastic bags, tires, rocks) remains a challenge. The city emphasizes education. - PFAS concern: Compostable plastics are not accepted pending EPA and state studies (anticipated two years) to establish PFAS thresholds. - Business food waste: Ordinance 96-20 already requires large generators to recycle food waste; enforcement is ongoing. Committee members (Vice Chair Dos Santos-Tam, Councilmembers Tupola and Toba) raised questions about incentives for behavior change, freezing food waste, pet waste, large seeds, convenience center drop-offs, contamination, and the timeline for allowing compostable bags. Mr. Gabriel noted that the pilot will help refine education and outreach. No formal action was taken on the briefing. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-38 (CD1) : Adopted by committee vote to report out for full council adoption. - Resolution 26-42: Adopted by committee vote to report out for full council adoption. - GROW Program: Informational briefing received; no action taken. The pilot begins April 1, 2026; island-wide rollout October 1, 2026.