Public Meetings - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Committee on Public Safety and Economic Economy met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1:01 p.m. The meeting was conducted remotely via interactive conference technology. Two resolutions were considered and adopted: one authorizing the use of video cameras for public safety during the 2025 Honolulu Marathon, and another accepting a gift of Thanksgiving Day meals for on-duty Honolulu Fire Department personnel. Resolution 25-257 – Use of Video Cameras for Honolulu Marathon - Deputy Director Jennifer Walter presented the administration's annual request to allow traffic and other video cameras to be used by law enforcement for public safety purposes during the high-profile marathon event. No public testimony was offered. The committee amended the resolution to CD1 (OCS2025-0844, dated October 16, 2025, at 2:45 p.m.) and then reported it out for adoption without objection. Resolution 25-286 – Acceptance of Gift of Thanksgiving Meals - Battalion Chief Ricardo Yost from the Honolulu Fire Department expressed full support for the resolution, which provides Thanksgiving Day meals valued at $18,095 from the Honolulu Firefighters Foundation to on-duty HFD personnel. No public testimony was offered. The committee reported the resolution out for adoption without objection. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-257 was amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption. - Resolution 25-286 was reported out for adoption. - Both resolutions were adopted without opposition or reservations.

The Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning and Planning met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 9:04 AM to consider eight agenda items including amendments to short-term rental regulations, establishment of a pedestrian mall, four special management area (SMA) major permits, an extension of an SMA permit for a North Shore community center, and modifications to affordable housing requirements for a transit-oriented development project. The meeting lasted approximately two hours, with testimony from several members of the public and presentations from applicants and city administration. Public Comments & Testimony - Kelly Lee (Ostra) supported Bill 62 CD1, which improves registration efficiency for bed-and-breakfast homes and transient vacation units. She requested that a "change in operator" not trigger a full re-registration and $1,000 fee when the owner remains the same, as it creates unnecessary costs for compliant owners and duplicate work for staff. - Raquel Lachu (individual, Vice Chair of the North Shore Neighborhood Board) testified on Resolution 25-253 (Kai Kraut SMA permit), expressing concerns that the project appeared designed as a vacation rental, noting a pool in a dense neighborhood with a shallow water table, drainage issues, and inconsistencies with the adjacent project in Resolution 25-254. She also noted the applicant had contacted the board but the board was in recess. - Denise Antellini (Safe Sharks Cove Alliance) testified on Resolution 25-261 (Pupukea SMA extension), expressing gratitude for the city’s budget and negotiations, but urged a shorter extension (one year) due to urgency—25 ocean rescues the prior weekend—and community concerns over multiple extensions. She argued a shorter timeframe would maintain community support. - Angeli Mel the Young (individual) testified in favor of Resolution 25-288 (Sky Ala Moana affordable housing), praising the developer’s experience and vision for transit-oriented development, and supporting the modification to allow rental of unsold affordable units. Discussion Items - Bill 62 (2025) CD1 – Amendments to bed-and-breakfast and transient vacation unit standards to correct inadvertent omissions from Ordinance 25-2. The CD1 replaced black-and-white figures with higher-resolution color versions. Chair noted the bill is narrowly crafted and other amendments require separate legislation. Director Apuna explained that the $1,000 fee for operator changes covers administrative costs; a reduced fee would be unfair. Councilmember Tupola suggested clarifying language for personnel shifts within the same company. The bill was reported out for third reading. - Bill 48 (2025) – Establishment of Chaplin Lane (between Fort Street and Bethel Street) as a pedestrian mall, closed to vehicular traffic with exceptions, and authorized DTS to manage it. Introduced by Councilmember Dosantas Tam, who noted the street is very narrow (230 feet long) and currently used for moped parking. No public testimony; administration supportive. Reported out for second reading and public hearing. - Resolution 25-253 – SMA major permit for Kai Kraut (66163 Haleiwa Road): demolition of existing single-unit dwelling, construction of three-story dwelling with pool, parking, and wastewater system on a 7,364 sq. ft. lot. The CD1 included numerous conditions due to non-compliance with height, setback, floor area, impervious surface, and sea level rise (3.2 ft. by 2100) requirements. Applicant agent Mark Howland presented, stating the owners are local septic inspectors. Chair questioned how to avoid such conditions; director advised due diligence. Councilmember Cordero asked about a condition requiring dense cleaves and shallow foundations and whether a geotechnical investigation would be required. Resolution amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption. - Resolution 25-254 – SMA major permit for Jonathan Harold (66-348 Haleiwa Road): construction of three-story dwelling with carport, wastewater system, and legalizing an unpermitted concrete masonry wall. Similar geological characteristics to Resolution 25-253. No public testimony. Director supportive. Resolution amended to CD1 and reported out. - Resolution 25-260 – SMA major permit for Jennifer YS Kim Trust (4705 Kahala Avenue): construction of two-story dwelling with pool, spa, and parking on a 23,195 sq. ft. lot. Access over adjacent Kamehameha Schools parcel (parcel 76) not yet confirmed; condition requires proof of access before building permit. Applicant agent Jim Hayes noted the client is obtaining the access rights. No public testimony. Director supportive. Resolution amended to CD1 and reported out. - Resolution 25-269 – SMA major permit for Bank of Hawaii (6650 Kaleniano Ole Highway, Hawaii Kai): demolition of existing commercial building and construction of a two-story bank branch with commercial space (including restaurant). Chair proposed verbal amendments: delete “office” from title and first whereas clause; add “exterior” to condition D4 (exterior work limited to daylight hours); update contact name to Natalie Fogle. No public testimony. Director supportive. Resolution amended to CD1 as further amended and reported out. - Resolution 25-261 – Amendment to Resolution 18-245 CD1 FD1 (as previously extended) to further extend the deadline for obtaining a development permit for a rural community commercial center in Pupukea. The applicant is in negotiations with the city for purchase of parcels 68, 69, and 70 for a first responder hub. City appropriated $26 million for land acquisition (Ordinance 25-39). Director Apuna supported the two-year extension, noting negotiations and post-acquisition processes may take more than a year. DHLM Deputy testified that a minimum one-year extension is reasonable, but they were supportive of the CD1. Councilmember Wire expressed community concerns about multiple extensions. Chair advocated for two years to provide flexibility and avoid further returns to committee. Resolution amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption. - Resolution 25-288 – Amendment to Resolution 18-248 CD1 FD1 to modify affordable housing requirements for the Sky Ala Moana project (Avalon Group). Of the 84 required affordable/community benefit units, only 4 out of 42 ordinance units (30-year affordability) and 21 out of 42 community benefit units (10-year affordability) have been sold. The resolution allows rental of unsold units at 80% AMI until sold, while preserving the existing affordability periods. Applicant representative Spencer Lee presented, noting high interest rates slowed sales and that many potential buyers were deterred by the 30-year term. Councilmember Waters questioned whether the 30-year option should be eliminated from ordinance. Councilmember Tupola raised the possibility of a rent-to-own structure. Director Apuna supported the resolution and expressed openness to revising affordable housing policies. Public testimony in favor was received. Resolution reported out for adoption. Key Outcomes - Bill 62 (2025) CD1 – Reported out for passage on third reading (unanimous). - Bill 48 (2025) – Reported out for passage on second reading and scheduling of a public hearing (unanimous). - Resolution 25-253 – Amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption (unanimous). The CD1 included extensive conditions requiring plan revisions to comply with height, setback, FAR, impervious surface limits, and sea level rise acknowledgment. - Resolution 25-254 – Amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption (unanimous). - Resolution 25-260 – Amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption (unanimous). - Resolution 25-269 – Amended to CD1 as further amended by chair (deleting “office,” adding “exterior” to condition D4, updating contact name) and reported out for adoption (unanimous). - Resolution 25-261 – Amended to CD1 (two-year extension) and reported out for adoption (unanimous). The city continues to negotiate purchase of parcels for a North Shore first responder hub. - Resolution 25-288 – Reported out for adoption (unanimous). Allows rental of unsold affordable units at 80% AMI until sold, with no reduction in affordability periods.

The Committee on International and Legal Affairs reconvened on October 16, 2025, after an executive session to discuss legal matters. The session focused on a settlement recommendation for a lawsuit against the city. Executive Session Consultation - Pursuant to Section 92-4 and 92-5.5(a)(4) HRS, the committee consulted with its attorneys in executive session on questions pertaining to the powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and reliability of the city, the council, and its committees regarding items on the agenda for executive session. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Settlement Authorization for Loric v. City and County of Honolulu: The chair recommended that the request for authorization to settle a lawsuit entitled Loric v. City and County of Honolulu, as discussed in executive session, be reported out for adoption. No other discussion or member testimony was recorded. Key Outcomes - The chair recommended reporting the settlement authorization request out for adoption. No vote or further action was recorded in the available transcript.

The Committee on International and Legal Affairs met remotely on October 16, 2025, with Council Members Kia Aina, Wire, Cordero, Waters, and Tobah present. The meeting was called to order, and procedures for remote testimony and voting were outlined. No public testimony was offered on the sole agenda items, which were two executive session matters. Executive Session Items - Agenda Item 1: Request for settlement in the lawsuit of Corick versus City and County of Honolulu. - Agenda Item 2: Request for authorization to settle a lawsuit. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified in person or remotely, and no written testimony was noted. Key Outcomes - The committee found no objections and unanimously moved to convene an executive session under HRS § 92-4 and § 92-5(a)(4) to consult with legal counsel on the two listed settlement matters. The closed session included council members, deputy attorneys from the Department of the Corporation Counsel, and staff from the Office of Council Services. No further open-session actions were taken.

The Committee on Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, chaired by Councilmember Wire, convened on October 14, 2025, to receive informational briefings on the city's annual sustainability report, the draft 2025-2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP), and an update on the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan. The meeting featured presentations from the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), followed by public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Young testified in support of climate action, emphasizing the importance of community cleanups and youth involvement. She also referenced a settlement agreement in the Navahine case, which acknowledges constitutional rights to a livable climate, and criticized the state of Hawaii's transportation system, particularly for Native Hawaiian communities. Discussion Items - Annual Sustainability Report (2025): Haley Cook, Policy and Research Manager at CCSR, presented the city's seventh annual sustainability report, released on Earth Day 2025. The report includes over 40 performance indicators across seven sections: sustainable city operations, climate action, transportation, climate adaptation, waste, food, and disaster resilience. Highlights include: a 20% reduction in electricity use at city facilities since 2018 (excluding Skyline), renewable portfolio standard reaching 38% of Oahu electricity sales, EV ownership exceeding 25,000 vehicles (22% increase), per capita water use dipping below target, and Oahu food hub sales reaching a record $7.5 million. New data added includes monthly bus ridership, Firewise community locations, and National Flood Insurance Program policyholder data. Councilmember Tupola noted five new Firewise communities on the West Side and emphasized the need for pre-incineration waste diversion. Discussion on waste diversion highlighted the 97% diversion goal and the need for better data, especially for food waste and construction/demolition waste. - Climate Action Plan 2025-2030: Whitney Poliahu Doole, CAP Coordinator, presented the draft plan, updated every five years. The CAP is community-driven, with over two years of engagement including surveys, workshops, and a CAP committee. It includes five focus areas: transportation, community energy solutions, sustainable communities, food systems, and waste, with 27 city commitments. Targets: 50% emissions reduction and 40% renewable energy by 2030; net-zero carbon by 2045. Emissions data shows transportation and energy as largest sources; consumption-based inventory reveals food systems account for 16-18% of household emissions. The plan aligns community priorities with emission reduction strategies. Councilmember Tupola asked about EV expansion for low-income residents and battery disposal. Chris (Clean Transportation Analyst) discussed curbside charging feasibility and permitting reforms. Councilmember Tolba inquired about survey methodology and EV accessibility. The committee agreed to future deep dives on EV infrastructure and watershed management. - Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Update: Alan Lee, Program Administrator at DDC, presented an update on EV charging infrastructure. Key projects include: installation of Level 2 and Level 3 chargers at city facilities, electrification of the city's light-to-medium duty fleet (e.g., at Kapalama Hale, Pearl City bus facility), and bus fleet electrification (e.g., Kalihi Palama Ready Line with 25 chargers for 15 buses, Alapai Transit Center with overhead pantograph technology). A case study of a Kia Niro EV for HFD showed operational savings of $8,000/year vs. gas, with a 2.4-year payback period despite a $30,000 cost for emergency equipment retrofit. Total infrastructure costs to date: approximately $18 million. Challenges include limited electrical capacity at older facilities, off-site power upgrades needed (e.g., for Pearl City bus facility), and integration with solar PV to offset charging costs. Councilmember Tolba questioned battery disposal plans; CCSR noted collaboration with HDOT and ENV on lithium-ion battery recycling. The committee highlighted the need for policies to assist residents in affording EVs and ongoing charger rebates (until June 30, 2026) for eligible sites. Key Outcomes - The committee received the informational briefings and thanked presenters. - Future committee meetings will include in-depth discussions on waste diversion, EV expansion for residents, and watershed management. - The committee noted the expiration of federal EV purchase rebates (as of September 30, 2025) but acknowledged continued charger rebates through June 30, 2026. - No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational.

The Honolulu City Council Committee on Budget met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:08 AM in the Council Chamber to consider ten agenda items, including resolutions for police union cost items, grant fund transfers, fare policy changes, and budget transparency bills. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Okimoto, with Vice Chair Nishimoto and members Kia Aina Talbot, Council Chair Waters, and others present. Several items were passed unanimously, while bills on fare restructuring and budget reporting drew extended debate and were postponed or passed with reservations. Consent Calendar - Resolution 25-284: Approved cost items for Bargaining Unit 12 (police) effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029, including 5% across-the-board raises, step movements, and a $1,800 lump sum per officer in 2026. Total salary costs: $221,164,973. Reported out for adoption without objection. - Resolution 25-285: Authorized a $696,940 transfer from general fund provisions to the Department of Community Services for federal emergency solutions grant matching (dollar-for-dollar). Funds support homelessness programs and three administrative positions. Reported out for adoption. - Resolution 25-287: Transferred $1 million from Parks and Recreation grounds maintenance to maintenance support services to cover supplies for plumbing, welding, masonry, and carpentry work orders. Amended by a hand-carried CD1 and reported out. - Resolution 25-262: Repealed the fare box recovery ratio policy for TheBus system, deemed unrealistic and unmet for years. Introducer Councilmember DeSantis Tam noted the policy would force service cuts or fare hikes. Reported out for adoption. Public Comments & Testimony - Resolution 25-262: Donald Sakamoto testified in support of the repeal. - Bill 54 (Fare Structure): Brian Mick, representing the Disability and Communication Access Board, opposed the bill for eliminating the personal care attendant (PCA) fare waiver on buses and rail, arguing it would burden disabled riders. Donald Sakamoto also opposed, citing hardships for blind and low-income residents. Anthony Casey Connor, former Winward Homeless Alliance chair, opposed most fare increases, advocating for affordable transit to reduce traffic and support low-income workers. - Bill 61 (Rural Property Tax): Ryan Tam, HCDA director of planning, expressed strong support for the bill and thanked council and administration for collaborative amendments. Discussion Items - Bill 54 (Fare Restructuring): Director Roger Morton (DTS) opposed key provisions of the hand-carried CD2, including a non-resident adult fare category (administratively burdensome and unenforceable), separate senior discounted fares (preferred parity among all deeply discounted groups), and expanding low-income eligibility from extremely low (30% AMI) to very low (50% AMI) – estimated revenue loss of $6–8 million. He supported allowing PCA waivers on fixed routes if flagged on Holo cards. Councilmembers debated feasibility of non-resident fares, equity of discounts, and cost of expanded low-income fares. The committee unanimously postponed the bill to a later date to allow further consultation. - Bill 64 (Lapse Reporting): Director Andy Kawano (BFS) opposed the bill requiring a mayoral report on anticipated lapsed appropriations at budget submission, arguing it would produce inaccurate estimates and increase administrative burden. Council Chair Waters countered that current lapse data (total $1.2 billion in FY26 carryover) is insufficiently organized; she sought a transparent, departmental breakdown. The bill was reported out for second reading with Councilmember Tolba voting with reservations. - Bill 65 (Budget Execution): Director Kawano opposed Bill 65, which would require quarterly consolidated reports on all budget transfers, calling it unnecessary work. Council Chair Waters highlighted over 100 transfers this year and argued the report would improve transparency. The bill was amended to a CD1 (removing Exhibit A) and reported out for second reading with Councilmember Tolba voting with reservations. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 25-284, 25-285, 25-287, and 25-262 were all reported out for adoption without objection. - Bill 54 (Fare Structure) was postponed to a date to be determined by the committee chair. - Bill 59 (Industrial Wastewater Surcharge) was amended to a CD1 and reported out for third reading. - Bill 61 (Rural Property Tax) was amended to a CD1 and reported out for third reading. - Bill 63 (Affordable Rental Dedication) was amended to a CD1 and postponed. - Bill 64 (Lapse Reporting) was reported out for second reading and scheduling of a public hearing, with Councilmember Tolba's reservation. - Bill 65 (Budget Execution) was amended to a CD1 and reported out for second reading, with Councilmember Tolba's reservation.

Honolulu City Council Honorary Certificate Presentations - October 2, 2025\n\nThe Honolulu City Council convened on October 2, 2025 at 7:41 AM to present honorary certificates recognizing community organizations and groups for their contributions. Chair Waters presided over the ceremony, with members Dos Santos Temp, Okimoto, Talpa, and Wire making presentations. The meeting recessed at 10:00 AM.\n\n Presentation: Scouting America Aloha Council\n- Council Chair Waters presented a proclamation declaring October 1, 2025 as Scouting America Aloha Council Day.\n- The Aloha Council has served the islands for 115 years, engaging more than 4,000 youth annually under the mentorship of over 2,000 adult volunteers.\n- Scouts contribute more than 130,000 hours of community service each year.\n- The Council partners with the Honolulu Police Department through Exploring Post to encourage careers in public safety.\n\n Presentation: The Outdoor Circle - 50 Years of the Exceptional Tree Act\n- Councilmember Dos Santos Temp presented to honor The Outdoor Circle's work protecting designated trees.\n- Founded in 1912, the organization advocated for the 1975 Exceptional Tree Act (Act 105).\n- Today, more than 1,400 exceptional trees are protected statewide under the law.\n- The Outdoor Circle is conducting one of its largest data collection projects to verify and catalog existing exceptional trees.\n\n Presentation: Rush Mililani 2011 Boys Under-14 Soccer Team\n- Councilmember Okimoto presented a resolution congratulating the team for winning the 2025 U.S. Club Soccer National Cup Championship.\n- The team defeated squads from Texas, Iowa, Florida, and Georgia.\n- Team members and coaches were recognized for community service including assisting individuals with special needs and delivering food to underprivileged families.\n- The resolution extended mahalo to coaches, parents, and volunteers for their support.\n\n Presentation: Eva Beach Surf Club\n- Councilmember Talpa honored the Eva Beach Surf Club, founded in 1958 by Waipahu surfers, for preserving Westside surfing culture.\n- The club works to address homelessness, illegal dumping, and vandalism at Halbush (Oneola Beach Park).\n- Gilbert Dano, age 76, a Vietnam War veteran with two Bronze Stars, was recognized for over 60 years of service to the club and community.\n- The Council commended the club for its work in keeping the area safe and clean.\n\n Presentation: Domestic Violence Action Center - Domestic Violence Awareness Month\n- Councilmember Wire recognized the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) for its 35 years of service.\n- Programs include Teen Alert Program (TAP 808), Hooika Ohana, Pulama Ika Ohana, and Safe, Strong and Sober Initiative.\n- Fiscal year 2025 statistics: responded to more than 2,700 helpline calls, provided advocacy to nearly 600 clients, offered over 7,000 court-related services, and reached more than 3,000 youth statewide.\n- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; the Council honored survivors and recommitted to ending cycles of abuse.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The Council adopted five honorary proclamations and resolutions as presented, with no opposition. All recipients were formally recognized and applauded.\n- The meeting recessed at 10:00 AM with plans to reconvene later.

The Honolulu City Council held a regular meeting on October 1, 2025, at Kapolei Hale, chaired by Chair Waters. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a message of aloha from immigration attorney Danicole Ramos, who shared a personal story about helping a veteran obtain a replacement citizenship certificate. Council members recognized retired clerk Vicky Chung for 46 years of service. Eight members were present (Councilmember Tupolo excused). The agenda included a permitted interaction group report, multiple appointments, first and final readings of bills, and numerous resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - Shelby “Pikachu” Billionaire testified on numerous items, supporting Bill 66, Bill 62 (B&B), Bill 42 (taxis), Bill 34, Bill 51, Bill 52, Bill 39, and various appointments, while opposing Bill 64, Bill 65, Bill 60, and Bill 59. He urged better planning and criticized the rail project and budget bills. - Natalie Iwasa (remote) opposed Bill 63, arguing the five-year dedication requirement and back-tax penalty were unfair and intrusive; she also opposed the video monitoring resolution (25-257). - Brett Colbus opposed Bill 65 and Bill 59, requesting amendments; he also opposed the appointment of Christopher Magnus to the police commission, citing Mr. Magnus’s past in Richmond. - Malia Senda (remote) supported Bill 63 and Bill 34, sharing her experience as a long-term landlord trying to keep tenants. - Mark Anthony Clemente (Carpenters Union) supported the TIF report and Bill 60, urging all financing tools be kept; he also supported Bill 51. - Carl Dixon opposed Bill 59 (sewer charges) and Bill 60 (rail), calling the sewer system failing and the rail a “slush fund.” - Andre Johnson supported Bill 60, stating planning is needed for future transit. - Kelly Lee supported Bill 62 (B&B) but requested a fix for operator-change re-registration fees. - Victor Lim, Robbie Kelly, Wesley Starnes, Jamie Barbozo supported Bill 51 (downtown BID). - Irwin Kawata (BWS) supported resolution 25-279 on clean water. - Several other testifiers spoke in support of or against specific nominees. Discussion Items - Permitted Interaction Group Report on TIF (CC 221): Councilmember Cordero presented the final report, concluding that TIF is too specific and recommending alternative financing like CFD and impact fees. The report was adopted without objection. - Appointments: The council confirmed Catherine Stevens and Mahealani Cypher to the Historic Preservation Commission, Charles Mitsui to the Parks and Recreation Board, and Christopher Magnus to the Police Commission (despite opposition from Brett Colbus). Each nominee briefly addressed the council. - Bill 63 (Real Property Tax – Long-term Rental Dedication): First reading. Councilmember Kia Aina explained the bill would allow landlords to dedicate units for 100% AMI tenants (up from 80%) and pass savings to renters. He indicated the five-year term might be revised to 2–3 years in committee. - Bill 60 (HART Planning): Second reading. Co-introducers Cordero and Dos Santos-Tam argued it authorizes planning only, not construction, and is needed to avoid future delays. Opponents Councilmember Tolba and Kia Aina cited fiscal prudence and the need to complete the current segment first. Director Lori Kahikina confirmed HART currently lacks authority to plan beyond the minimum operable segment (East Kapolei to Ala Moana). The bill passed second reading 8-0 with objections noted from Tolba, Kia Aina, and Okimoto (reservations). - Bill 34 (Real Property Tax): Third reading. Increased the initial tax rate threshold for Residential A from $1M to $1.3M and for TVU from $800K to $900K. Passed 8-0. - Bill 51 (Downtown Improvement District): Third reading. Established a business improvement district for downtown. Passed 8-0. - Bill 52 (Stream Maintenance): Third reading with an FD1 amendment deleting lakes from the definition of streams. Passed 8-0. - Other Bills: Bill 59 (sewer charges) passed second reading 8-0; Bill 61 (property tax) passed second reading; Bill 62 (B&B standards) passed second reading 8-0; Bill 42 (taxicabs) passed second reading 8-0; Bill 62 (2024, motor vehicle registration) passed third reading 8-0; Bill 39 (affordable rental housing) passed third reading 8-0. - HSAC Legislative Package Resolutions: The council adopted a package of resolutions for the 2026 Hawaii State Association of Counties, including proposals to regulate tobacco, remove volume limits on beverage container redemption, repeal county ADU requirements, affirm county authority over affordable housing, fund gun buyback events, and others. Councilmember Wire noted reservations on housing-related items, urging continued dialogue with the state. Key Outcomes - Permitted Interaction Group Report (CC 221): Adopted. - First Reading Passed: Bill 63, Bill 64, Bill 65, Bill 66. - Second Reading Passed: Bill 59 (8-0), Bill 61, Bill 62 (B&B) (8-0), Bill 42 (8-0), Bill 60 (8-0, with objections). - Third Reading Passed: Bill 34 (2024) (8-0), Bill 62 (2024) (8-0), Bill 51 (8-0), Bill 52 (8-0), Bill 39 (8-0). - Appointments Confirmed: Catherine Stevens, Mahealani Cypher, Charles Mitsui, Christopher Magnus. - Resolutions Adopted: All committee reports (CR 302–335) and new business resolutions (25-264, 25-270, 25-277, 25-278, 25-279, 25-280, 25-265, 25-266, 25-271, 25-272, 25-273, 25-274, 25-275, 25-276) were adopted, including SMA permits, gift acceptances, and HSAC legislative proposals. - Next Meeting: The council adjourned to Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on September 25, 2025, but the provided meeting date is September 26, 2025. This summary uses the given date. The meeting addressed several items including resolutions on zoo funding, a police commission appointment, a bill to improve HPD information transparency, and an informational briefing on the July 29, 2025 tsunami advisory response. Members discussed and voted on the resolutions, debated the HPD bill, and received presentations from multiple city departments on lessons learned from the tsunami evacuation. Public Comments & Testimony - Angela Young testified in support of the zoo-related resolutions, expressing excitement about zebras and zoo shows, and stressed the importance of education programs. - Tim Gary supported Christopher Magnus’s appointment to the Police Commission, citing his experience and honesty, and criticized the revolving-door justice system. - Gregory Msakyan supported Bill 46 but accused media and HPD of misreporting on a fire incident, calling for better verification. - Media representatives (Jason Hagiwara, Le Kuholokula, Brenda Salgado, Christina Lockwood, Lin Kawano) testified on Bill 46, advocating for real-time access to HPD information with minimal delays and full disclosure of incident details, including addresses and number of responders. They stressed that a well-informed public is a safer public. - Neil Fly Tell testified on the tsunami briefing, arguing that emergency preparedness is separate from emergency management and that the public needs a clear, accessible plan with designated places of assembly. He called for tailored plans for Oahu. - Gregory Msakyan also testified on the tsunami briefing, suggesting a website for personalized evacuation recommendations and better outreach to seniors. - Angela Young also spoke about resilient neighborhood groups and disaster preparedness education. Discussion Items Resolution 25-256 (Zoo-related) – The chair recommended adoption. Councilmember Keina commented on the need for zoo evacuation plans. No objections were raised, and the resolution was reported out for adoption. Resolution 25-267 (Accepting Monetary Gifts to Zoo) – The chair presented a hand-carried CD1 with technical amendments. Director Dita Holyfield thanked the Honolulu Zoological Society, noting they contribute between $200,000 and $300,000 annually. Public testimony supported the gifts. The resolution was amended to CD1 and adopted. Resolution 25-200 (Appointment of Christopher Magnus to Police Commission) – A proposed CD1 was presented. Christopher Magnus, a former police chief with 40 years of experience, spoke about his commitment to public safety and community engagement. Councilmember Tupola expressed support after meeting with him, praising his crime analysis background. Councilmember Okimoto asked about attendance issues; Magnus stated he had never missed a meeting. Councilmember Keina supported the appointment but urged future nominees to have local law enforcement experience. The resolution was amended to CD1 and adopted unanimously. Bill 46 (HPD Information Release) – Chair Waters presented a proposed CD1 with amendments to address privacy and safety concerns. Key amendments: defined real-time emergency alerts, a 5-minute deadline for text alerts, option for text alerts or radio access, exclusion of personal information, and eligibility requirement of 25 years in operation for media. HPD Major Paul Okimoto raised concerns about the short timelines, requesting 10 minutes for both text alerts and radio communications. Media representatives argued for shorter delays and more comprehensive information, including full addresses. After debate, the committee further amended the CD1: changed the text alert deadline from 5 to 10 minutes, struck “partial” to require full address, changed “other” to “number of first responders,” and changed the radio communication deadline from 60 seconds to 10 minutes. The bill was then postponed to a future date for further refinement. Tsunami Advisory Review and Response (Informational Briefing) – Director Randall Collins (DEM) outlined challenges: short warning times, gridlock, and the need for public education. He noted that 911 calls spiked and then dropped after the mayor’s press conference. HPD Major Clifford Ramsey discussed internal communication gaps, including the delayed notification about the Kolekole Pass opening. HFD Assistant Chief Kevin Mukolehua emphasized the need for a clear lead agency, unified command structure, and joint training. DTS Deputy Director John Nowchi highlighted the role of Skyline and bus services, and suggested that people stay put if safe. EMS Deputy Director Ian Santee reported responding to 143 calls, with 66 patients transported before the event and 11 during. Ocean Safety Director Kurt Lager described beach clearings and equipment staging. Councilmembers raised concerns about inconsistent maps, lack of public preparedness, and the need for a comprehensive, public-facing plan. Public testimony reiterated these points. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-256 adopted unanimously. - Resolution 25-267 CD1 adopted unanimously. - Resolution 25-200 CD1 (Magnus appointment) adopted unanimously. - Bill 46 CD1 was further amended and then postponed to a future date for additional work. - The informational briefing concluded with a commitment to incorporate lessons learned into emergency plans, improve public communication, and enhance community preparedness.