Public Meetings - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Technology, chaired by Chair Cordero, met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 9:01 a.m. The meeting was conducted remotely under Section 92-3.7, HRS. Members present: Chair Cordero, Vice Chair Okimoto, Councilmembers Tipola and Waters (virtually). Councilmember DeSantis TAM was excused. Two items were considered: a resolution accepting a gift of painted curb extensions and a bill regarding parking near public hiking trailheads. Resolution 26-187 – Acceptance of Gift for Curb Extensions (Kaelepulu Elementary) - Deputy Director Hong Li of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) expressed support for the resolution, noting DTS appreciates the gift. City Street Administrator Renée Isplo explained the curb extensions (striping and delineators) were already installed by DFM last summer following a pedestrian fatality. The $4,000 gift from Kaelepulu Elementary School Parent Teacher Student Association covers artist fees (approx. $1,500) and supplies for a mural to be painted by volunteers. Maintenance expectations will be formalized via a form developed by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The mural is part of a longer-term project to improve Kailua Drive; community members and artist Lauren Roth are committed to upkeep. - Committee discussion: Vice Chair Okimoto asked about the gift’s coverage; Isplo clarified it is for artwork only, not infrastructure. Chair Cordero and Vice Chair Okimoto praised the community engagement and safety benefits. - No public testimony was offered. - Key Outcome: The resolution was amended to CD1 (OCS 2026-0496 / 8/18/2026, 1:43 p.m.) and reported out for adoption without objection. Bill 54 (2026) – Amending Provisions Relating to Stopping, Standing, or Parking (Trailhead Driveways) - Deputy Director Hong Li testified that DTS opposes Bill 54 in its current form. Main concerns: a proposed special curb painting program for driveways within one-quarter mile of public hiking trails would create confusion (motorists may think unpainted curbs allow parking) and impose significant maintenance costs. Parking within four feet of a driveway is already illegal. The city does not generally paint curbs for such prohibitions. DTS estimates hundreds of driveways could be affected island-wide, including at unofficial trailheads. The Deputy Director noted discussions with the bill’s introducer (Chair Waters) are ongoing but that DTS would work with DTS and DFM to estimate the number of driveways if needed. - Public testimony: Dalen Cam of Oahu Transit Riders testified, supporting the intent to address parking issues but urging the city to also improve car-free or car-light access to trailheads, as many trails currently require driving. No other testimony was given. - Chair Cordero indicated she wishes to move the bill forward for second reading and continue discussion before it returns to committee. - Key Outcome: Bill 54 was reported out for passage on second reading and scheduling of a public hearing, without objection. Meeting Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:22 a.m.

Note on date discrepancy: The chair stated the meeting convened on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 2:34 p.m., but the provided meeting date is August 26, 2026. This summary uses the official date but notes the chair's statement. The committee considered nine agenda items, including acceptance of park donations, naming of tennis courts, three bills related to park use and fees, and a major affordable housing bill (Bill 18) amending Chapter 32 development standards. The meeting featured extensive testimony and discussion on Bill 18, which was ultimately amended and postponed for further review. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-167 CD1: Accepting a bench donation from Charles and Carol Sasaki (valued at $3,500). Unanimously approved as amended. - Resolution 26-178: Accepting a bench donation from Kuʻulei Kakela and Jason Collins (value $3,999). Unanimously approved. - Resolution 26-180: Accepting a bench donation from the family of Ruriko Fujino ($2,718.74) for Kailua Beach Park. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 26-190: Accepting a $4,000 monetary gift from Friends of Honolulu Parks and Recreation for community benefit projects. Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Donald Sakamoto (multiple items): Testified in support of Bill 30 (farmers markets), Bill 32 (park fees), and Bill 18 (affordable housing). As a blind senior, he stressed the need for elevators and wider stairways in affordable housing projects. - Brian Mick (Disability and Communication Access Board): Expressed support for Councilmember Wire’s CD2 version of Bill 18, emphasizing the need for a specific elevator mandate in buildings 40 feet or taller to ensure accessibility. - Gina Thielen: Announced two additional affordable housing projects receiving certificates of occupancy, adding 125 units, and supported Bill 18. - Sam Kim (Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters): Testified in opposition to Bill 18, arguing that changes of this magnitude require more thorough examination to avoid disrupting the balance of the existing Bill 7 program. - Tony Wong Cam (Cornell Pacific Residential): Supported Councilmember Wire’s CD2, citing successful leasing of 34 of 36 units at 2051 Young Street and emphasizing the need for continued affordable housing production. - Spencer Lee (JL Capital): Supported the 75-foot height allowance, increased FAR to 5.0 in primary urban center, and unit calculation based on lot size divided by 120/130. - Lee Weng (Housing Hawaii’s Future): Supported Wire’s version but criticized special district height carve-outs as arbitrary and noted inefficiency in subsidy allocation. Discussion Items - Items 1-4 (consent): Deputy Director Kehao Pues of the Department of Parks and Recreation expressed gratitude for donations. No public testimony. All passed unanimously. - Item 5 (Resolution 26-174): Naming tennis courts at Kalihi Valley District Park after Vailima Watson. Director Pues confirmed support. Unanimously approved. - Item 6 (Bill 30): Amending park ordinances to allow farmers markets by nonprofits. Director Laura Thielen supported. One testifier (Donald Sakamoto) supported. The chair noted the bill encourages use of underutilized parks. Bill 30 CD1 reported out for third reading. - Item 7 (Bill 31): Establishing a program for stewardship of cultural sites in parks. Chair introduced a hand-carried CD2 with amendments (e.g., requiring draft stewardship plans). Director Thielen had no comments. No testimony. Unanimously amended to CD2 and reported out. - Item 8 (Bill 32): Repealing specific park fees and authorizing DPR to set fees by rule, with a companion budget amendment to keep Hanauma Bay fees in its special fund. Director Thielen supported the amendments. Testifier Donald Sakamoto supported the bill to fund park maintenance. Unanimously amended to CD2 and reported out. - Item 9 (Bill 18): The major discussion item. Chair presented a detailed slide overview of proposed changes to Chapter 32 (affordable housing development standards): - Lot size minimum increased from 20,000 to 40,000 sq ft. - Height increased to 75 ft (or underlying zoning, whichever greater) with special district limits. - FAR: 5.0 in primary urban center, 4.0 elsewhere. - Unit calculation: lot size /120 (high bus service) or /130. - New minimum efficiency unit size: 170 sq ft habitable. - Removed 80% building area limit. - Parking: required that buildings over 60 units use ground floor for parking to the maximum extent. - Retained existing affordability (80% AMI, 15-year period), rental protections, and program sunset in 2030. - Chair noted three areas for further work: height precision, grandfather clause, and building standards. - Director Don Apuna (DPP) provided feedback preferring elements from Councilmember Wire’s version (e.g., height tied to TOD/special districts, no parking mandate). DPP also noted grant funding constraints ($3.5M post-construction, $3.95M pre-construction for FY27). - Councilmember Cordero expressed concern about parking requirements, preferring alignment with TOD goals. - Councilmember Wire noted the lack of parking mandates for market-rate units and asked for rationale. Chair explained community feedback from site visits in Makiki and elsewhere highlighted severe parking shortages and infrastructure gaps. - Chair recommended amending Bill 18 CD1 to a hand-carried CD2 with a verbal amendment to strike the reference to LUO definition for parking. The amendment was approved with reservations noted. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 26-167, 26-178, 26-180, and 26-190: All adopted. - Resolution 26-174: Adopted. - Bill 30 CD1: Reported out for third reading. - Bill 31 CD1: Amended to CD2 and reported out for third reading. - Bill 32 CD1: Amended to CD2 and reported out for third reading. - Bill 18 CD1: Amended to hand-carried CD2 (OCS 2026-0527) with a verbal amendment; then postponed to a date and time to be determined by the committee chair. Councilmember Wire and others noted reservations.

The Committee on Energy, Environment and Sustainability, chaired by Councilmember Wire, convened on August 25, 2026, to consider five agenda items. Councilmembers Tolba and Tupola were present; Vice Chair Los Santos Tam was excused. The meeting included two resolutions for action and two informational briefings. Public Comments & Testimony - Holly Rader, Honolulu Youth Commissioner, testified in support of Resolution 26-189, emphasizing the need for sustainable circular alternatives to landfills and encouraging the council to work with the Department of Environmental Services on ash reuse. - Dominic Bonifacio, former Vice Chair of the Honolulu Youth Commission, testified in strong support of Resolution 26-189, stating it was inspired by a Youth Commission resolution and aims to tackle the landfill crisis by reusing ash in road infrastructure. Discussion Items - Resolution 26172 (Reappointment of Naalehu Anthony to Board of Water Supply): The committee considered the reappointment of Naalehu Anthony to the Board of Water Supply for a term expiring June 30, 2031. Anthony, the sole remaining board member from the Red Hill crisis, discussed his role in overseeing the budget (roughly half a billion dollars annually), approving bonds, and addressing energy resilience. Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau strongly supported the reappointment, noting Anthony's crucial role in the ongoing Red Hill contamination cleanup. The resolution was amended via hand-carried CD1 (OCS 2026-0507/8/20/2026) to correct the title and reference the mayor's letter. - Resolution 26169 (Accepting Gift from Bumper Productions LLC): The committee considered a resolution to accept a $15,000 gift from Bumper Productions LLC for audiovisual upgrades to the Kanehoa conference room at the Honolulu Wastewater Treatment Plant, following filming of the program "Untamed." Director Roger Babcock of the Department of Environmental Services supported the resolution. A CD1 (OCS 2026-0510/8/20/2026) was adopted, amending the title and correcting the mayor's message date. - Resolution 26189 (Urging Sustainable Road Construction via Recycled Ash): Director Babcock explained that the resolution encourages continued efforts to recycle ash from H-Power, though a full ash recovery facility requires permits from the Department of Health, which could take several years due to contamination concerns (e.g., lead and PFOS). He noted that the city has been working on this for decades, and a new facility would recover 40–50% of ash and enhance metal recovery. Councilmembers discussed the landfill challenge and alternative materials (e.g., plastic, glass). The resolution was adopted. - Informational Briefing – Annual Sustainability Report 2026: Dr. Kealoha Fox, Executive Director of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, and Data Analyst Victor Limon presented the city's annual sustainability report. Key findings included: city electricity use increased by 3 million kWh, water use rose by 0.5 million gallons/day, fuel use dropped 1%, and seven electric vehicles were added. Skyline rail ridership reached 281,000 monthly trips in December 2025 and over 320,000 in July 2026. There were 82 traffic fatalities in 2025. Flood insurance payouts are rising while policies decline. Councilmembers discussed the need to separate resilience and sustainability metrics and to better track city-wide emergency preparedness. - Informational Briefing – Clean Water Natural Lands Program: Van Matsushige, Conservation Office Program Manager, and Bri Fong and Tam Wen presented an update on the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund, which uses 0.5% of real property tax revenue for land acquisition or conservation easements. They highlighted 14 acquired sites, including five for agricultural preservation, and the first-ever stewardship application (up to $440,000 available). The committee discussed a proposed charter amendment to add historic preservation as a fund purpose and increase the stewardship cap from 5% to 10%. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26172 (Anthony Reappointment): Adopted unanimously after amendment to CD1. The resolution will be reported to the full council. - Resolution 26169 (Bumper Productions Gift): Adopted unanimously after amendment to CD1. - Resolution 26189 (Recycled Ash): Adopted unanimously after discussion and public testimony. - Informational Briefings: No action taken; the committee received the presentations and discussed follow-up items, including further updates on ash recycling and resilience planning.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. in the council chamber. The committee considered six agenda items including collective bargaining cost approvals, fund transfers for community policing equipment and transportation safety, a bill creating special park funds, and an informational briefing on Community Facilities District (CFD) financing. Public testimony was heard on the CFD briefing only. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-166 (BU 15 water safety officers collective bargaining): Approved without objection. Covers four-year contract costs totaling $9,102,959 for 299 officers, including retroactive raises and step movements. - Resolution 26-170 (DCS local match grants): Approved without objection. Transfers $692,800 from general fund to meet grant requirements, including $33,514 for salaries and $659,286 for current expenses. - Bill 50 (2026) (repeal of Land Conservation Fund): Approved without objection. The fund had a minimal balance of $200; administration supports transferring it to the Clean Water Natural Lands Fund. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Community Facilities District (CFD) briefing, seven testifiers spoke in support. Matt Delaney (CFO, La Lima) urged the city to establish resources to evaluate multiple qualified CFDs concurrently to accelerate housing and infrastructure. Brennan Brown (La Lima) highlighted the $10 billion annual U.S. market for special district bonds. Pani Miyatova (Operating Engineers Local 3) described CFDs as another "play in the playbook" to advance infrastructure without public cost. Other supporters included representatives from Operating Engineers, IBEW 1186, Plumbers and Fitters Local 675, and a citizen. No remote or in-person testimony was given on other agenda items. Discussion Items - Resolution 26-173 (HPD ATV purchase): Proposed transfer of $280,000 for 18-20 ATVs for community policing teams islandwide. Councilmember Cordero questioned why the request wasn't in the FY27 budget and expressed concern about using all funds for ATVs rather than other CPT program needs. Councilmember Tupola and Chair Okimoto noted the need for further information. The chair recommended postponement to allow off-line discussions. - Resolution 26-181 (DTS Safe Streets grant match): Proposed transfer of $338,000 for a Federal Highway Administration grant to fund quick-build safety improvements at 50 crosswalks and intersections along high-injury corridors. Chair Okimoto proposed a verbal amendment to remove an Oxford comma to match ordinance 26-18. Councilmember Tupola asked about accelerating safety improvements; DTS Complete Streets Administrator Renee Espiau confirmed a master agreement allows faster implementation with funding. Councilmember Waters requested a list of specific locations. The resolution was amended to CD1 and approved. - Bill 33 (2026) (parks special funds): Created two special funds: Parks Maintenance and Recreation Services, and Botanical Gardens and Urban Forestry. Revenues would come from existing park fees (camping, attendant fees) and potential new fees (e.g., commercial tennis lessons, non-resident entry fees for Ho'omaluhia). Director Laura Thielen noted the funds would prevent lapse of contract funds and allow community partners to contribute knowing money stays in parks. Councilmember Waters asked about non-resident parking fees; Director Thielen said technical challenges exist at open-access parks. Councilmember Tupola highlighted Ho'omaluhia's 729,000 visitors in 2025 as a revenue opportunity. The bill was amended to CD2 (adding Hanama Bay fund proviso, deleting camping fees section, fixing a revisor clause) and reported out for third reading. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-166: Reported out for adoption (all ayes). - Resolution 26-170: Reported out for adoption (all ayes). - Resolution 26-173: Postponed to a date to be determined by the chair, pending further discussion with HPD. - Resolution 26-181: Amended to CD1 (remove Oxford comma) and reported out for adoption (all ayes). - Bill 33 (2026): Amended to CD2 (including proviso for Hanama Bay fund, removal of camping fees section, and other edits) and reported out for passage on third reading (all ayes). - Bill 50 (2026): Reported out for passage on third reading (all ayes). - Informational Briefing (CFDs): No action taken. Committee noted rules are in final draft; staff capacity issues were discussed. Councilmember Tupola suggested an executive session on the first CFD resolution of intent to clarify legal questions.

The Honolulu City Council convened on August 13, 2026, for an honorary certificate program recognizing individuals and groups for their contributions to local, national, and international communities. Councilmembers presented awards to student champions, environmental stewards, public service interns, community nonprofit founders, youth commissioners, and athletic teams. No votes or discussion items occurred; the session consisted solely of ceremonial presentations. Eva Middle School Drone Team – National Champions Councilmember Toba recognized Rena Rose Palakpak and Rachel Kawiho, two eighth-grade students from Eva Makai Middle School, for winning the 2026 National Skills USA Commercial Drone Competition in Atlanta. Competing as middle schoolers against high school and college students, the pair brought home the national title. Councilmember Toba credited Coach Kael Cockett and co-coach Valerie Oka for founding the Eva Makai Aviation Pathways Program, which provides hands-on experience in unmanned aircraft systems, public safety, search and rescue, aerial photography, and other technologies. Principal Corey Barton, former principal Kim Sanders, Complex Area Superintendent John Henry Lee, and community partners were also acknowledged. Aloha Tree Alliance – Environmental Stewardship Council Chair Waters presented the recognition to Executive Director Chris Chang and Nursery Manager Olivia Tao. Since its founding in 2020, the Aloha Tree Alliance has mobilized hundreds of volunteers for the Kulio O Ridge Trail Restoration Project, planted more than 7,500 native trees, and opened a native Hawaiian plant nursery in the past year. The organization also runs a K–12 education program and the Aina Allies Internship Program to develop the next generation of conservationists. Their recent partnership with Malama Mao Mai Hui and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Adopt the Park program aims to beautify Maumai Nature Park in Kamuki. Po‘okela Fellows Summer 2026 Cohort – Public Service Internship Graduates Councilmember Cordero, joined by Council Chair Waters and several other councilmembers, honored the first summer cohort of the Po‘akela Fellows Internship Program. Since its launch in 2008, 388 college students have completed the program, with 22 alumni now serving in civil service positions. Each fellow is paired with a mentor; Joyce Lee, a former fellow now a professional engineer and acting staff executive assistant at the Board of Water Supply, served as a first-time mentor this session. The 20 fellows recognized included Alexis Khajimat, Kayla Chan, Cody Fujioka, Nicolo Hayashi, and others present and absent. Jesse and Ashley Jones – Founders of To the Top Hawaii Councilmember Tupola honored Jesse and Ashley Jones for their nonprofit, To the Top Hawaii, which provides outreach, rehabilitation, and relationship-based support to individuals experiencing homelessness. They also founded Aloha Advocate apparel and the You Are Here Night Markets in West O‘ahu. Jesse shared his personal story of overcoming addiction and crime, now dedicating his life to helping others. Councilmember Tupola highlighted their consistent, trust-building work beyond formal programs, including food distributions, cleanups, and connections to housing, employment, and behavioral health services. Jethro Boomangla – Youth Commissioner Councilmember Wire recognized Jethro Boomangla for his service on the Honolulu Youth Commission representing District 2. He served on permitted interaction groups focused on affordable housing, civic engagement, education, and disaster preparedness. In November 2025, he authored and secured passage of a youth commission resolution urging the Elections Division to open additional voter service centers in West O‘ahu and the North Shore and to recruit more student volunteers. This resolution became the foundation for Council Resolution 2610, adopted in June 2026, which incorporated community feedback into disaster planning and expanded public participation in preparedness drills. Mililani High School Girls Varsity Softball Team – Three-Peat State Champions Councilmember Okimoto recognized the Lady Trojans for winning their third consecutive HHSAA Division One State Championship (sixth overall title) on May 8, 2026. In the championship game, Mililani defeated Moanolua 9–3 after a two-run home run by Hinano Bautista. The team is coached by Rosie Antonio (absent) and assistant coaches. Multiple team members and coaches received special honors including pitcher, player, and coach of the year. Mililani High School Boys Varsity Baseball Team – First State Championship Councilmember Okimoto presented the trophy to the Trojans for winning their first HHSAA Division One State Baseball Championship on May 9, 2026, defeating the Pac-Five Wolf Pack at Les Murakami Stadium. Coach Mark Hiroyama was praised for his quiet mentorship and for bringing players to mentor youth leagues. The team overcame Kamehameha Hawai‘i, Kamehameha Kapālama, and Pac-Five en route to the title. This concluded the honorary certificate program; the council recessed to reconvene at 10:00 a.m.

This regular meeting of the Honolulu City Council on August 12, 2026, covered a wide range of agenda items including multiple appointments, tax relief measures, first and second readings of bills, and two controversial resolutions urging a ban on commercial aquarium collection. The meeting also featured a message of aloha by Jared Hester of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Eight council members were present; Councilmember Dos Santos Tan was excused. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: After a testifier raised a sunshine law violation concern regarding the June 3, 2026 meeting, the minutes were approved. - Shannon Smith (Board of Review for Real Property Tax Appeals) and Shannon Alivado (Grants and Aid Advisory Commission) were confirmed. - Melanie Islam was reappointed to the Climate Change Commission. - Krishna Jayram was confirmed as Managing Director on an 8-0 vote (Mayor Blangiardi and several testifiers spoke in support). - Naalehu Anthony’s reappointment to the Board of Water Supply was referred to committee (nominee absent). - Hawaii Firefighters Association collective bargaining cost items (total $27.4M over four years) were approved. - First reading bills (52, 53, 54) relating to peddling fines, shopping cart theft, and trailhead parking restrictions passed first reading with reservations from some members. Public Comments & Testimony - P.M. Mazinga demanded correction of alleged sunshine law violation regarding truncated testimony at the June 3 meeting. - Shelby Billionaire testified on numerous items, often supporting appointments but expressing concerns about property taxes, homelessness, and enforcement issues. - Natalie Wasa opposed several tax-related bills (Bill 45, 46, 47, 68) arguing they widen affordability gaps or are poorly targeted; she also opposed Bill 53 (shopping carts) as redundant. - Damian Waikolo opposed tax and fee reductions (Bills 45-47) as insufficient to address cost-of-living, preferring investment in infrastructure. - Cody Sula (Iron Workers) supported tax relief bills, noting modest savings help working families. - Dalen Cam (Oahu Transit Riders) supported Bill 41 (e-bike regulation) and asked that transit affordability be considered in relief measures. - Testimony on Aquarium Resolutions (26-159 & 26-160): Numerous community advocates, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and environmental groups supported a ban on commercial aquarium collection, citing reef decline and cultural values. Commercial fishermen and industry representatives opposed, citing sustainability data from DLNR and Supreme Court rulings. Discussion Items - Bill 52 (peddling fines): HPD and Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported increased penalties to curb scams in Waikiki. Councilmember Kia Aina raised concern about unintended impacts on homeless individuals. - Bill 53 (shopping carts): HPD and retailers supported; opponents noted theft laws already exist and fines could burden the homeless. Councilmember Tupola expressed reservations; the bill passed first reading. - Bill 54 (trailhead parking): Supporters said it helps communities manage hiker parking; opponents cited selective enforcement concerns. Passed first reading. - Bill 68 (homeowner exemption increase from $140K to $160K): Passed second reading 6-2 (Councilmembers Wire and Kia Aina dissenting). Discussion focused on equity and need for broader tax reform. - Bill 44 (TAT allocation to parks special funds): Adopted 8-0 after debate on special funds versus general fund flexibility. Director Thielen said funds would be used for maintenance and new infrastructure. - Bill 45 (homeowner exemption for all ages) and Bill 46 (for age 65+): Both passed second reading with reservations from Councilmembers Wire, Toba, and others. BFS opposed, estimating combined revenue loss of $10.5M. - Bill 47 (motor vehicle weight tax reduction by $0.01/lb): Passed second reading 6-2 (Councilmembers Toba and Wire dissenting). DTS Director Morton estimated $39.5M annual revenue loss; council discussed potential exemptions for commercial vehicles or needs-based relief. - Bill 41 (e-bikes): Passed third reading after an amendment (FD1) removed sales bans on speed modification devices and clarified reclassification requirements. Councilmembers Tupola and Tolba emphasized safety and education. - Resolution 26-159 & 26-160 (aquarium collection bans): After lengthy testimony, both resolutions were adopted. Councilmember Tupola voted no; Councilmembers Okimoto and Toba had reservations. The resolutions urge DLNR and the legislature to prohibit commercial aquarium harvesting. Key Outcomes - Appointments confirmed: Smith, Alivado, Islam, Jayram (all unanimously). - Collective bargaining agreement for firefighters approved with total cost of $27.4M. - First reading bills (52, 53, 54) advanced to committee. - Second reading passed: Bills 68 (homeowner exemption), 44 (parks TAT), 45 (homeowner exemption increase), 46 (senior exemption increase), 47 (vehicle weight tax reduction), 50 (repeal land conservation fund), 16 (dog ordinance), 48 (condemnation). - Third reading passed: Bill 35 (streets) and Bill 41 (e-bikes, as amended). - Aquarium ban resolutions (26-159, 26-160) adopted despite objections. - Other resolutions: Energy vulnerability assessment (26-158), two gift acceptances (26-162, 26-164), art gift (26-163), settlement authorization (CR208), and legal counsel retention (26-175, 176, 177) all adopted. - Adjourned to September 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Note: The transcript states the meeting occurred on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 2:31 p.m., but the provided meeting date is July 17, 2026. This summary uses the provided date, as instructed. The committee, chaired by Chair Dasantos Tam, convened to receive an update from the Department of Customer Services (CSD) on the upgrade of its driver's license card production system. The meeting began at 2:31 p.m. and adjourned at 2:59 p.m. Councilmembers Cordero and Ishimoto were present; Councilmember Wire was excused. One member of the public testified. Public Comments & Testimony - Angela Melody Young testified in person, stating she is "a fan of the DMV process." No other testimony was offered. Discussion Items - Update on Driver's License Card Production System Upgrade (Departmental Communication D/491 of 2026): Director Kim Ashiro presented a detailed overview of the new card and system. Key points: - The current card design (2009) is outdated; the new card will be a solid polycarbonate substrate with laser-engraved photo and data, replacing the current paper-laminate construction that can peel. - New security features include microtext, anti-counterfeit patterns, UV elements, a hologram state flag, and raised text. The Real ID symbol changes from a gold circle to a black circle. Cards for non-Real ID will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes." - The new production system will consolidate multiple steps (photo, processing) into a single window, reducing customer wait times. Photos will become a one-click process, and document scanning will auto-identify documents. - Existing cards remain valid until expiration. Customers can renew up to six months early. Temporary documents will be issued, and old cards will be hole-punched and returned (a change from current practice). TSA does not accept temporary documents or hole-punched cards for travel. - Production time will be reduced from 6–8 weeks to 4–5 weeks. Envelopes will feature a DMV return address to avoid being mistaken for junk mail. Customers unable to renew within six months may request a duplicate online for a $7 fee. - Data migration from the old system is the final major phase; the planned spring 2026 go-live was delayed to fall 2026 to ensure thorough testing. - Councilmember Cordero asked about the timeline (fall 2026), whether the new card applies to renewals (yes, both renewals and new cards), and noted community questions about design uniformity (identical for all). She also inquired about returning hole-punched cards (confirmed). - Councilmember Nishimoto (Chair) asked about the budget increase from $1.3 million (FY26) to $1.39 million (FY27), attributing it to a per-card cost increase under the multi-year contract. He also raised the possibility of moving to electronic renewal notices (text/email) to reduce paper costs; Director Ashiro agreed, noting that collecting email addresses is a current limitation. Questions about driver's license fraud were answered: the new card aims to make counterfeiting much harder. On disaster preparedness, the new system will speed up duplicate issuance, and a mobile DMV unit (inspired by Arizona) was discussed as a future possibility. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The committee received the update and discussed the project's status, timeline, budget, and future enhancements. - The department will continue testing and aims to go live in fall 2026. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

The Committee on Public Safety and Economy met on July 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. via remote interactive conference technology to consider three resolutions accepting gifts to the city. All items were approved unanimously without public testimony or committee discussion. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-162: Accepted a gift of $4,000 from the Hawaiian Medical Services Association to offset operational costs of the Mayor's 50th Annual Craft and County Fair on November 21, 2026, at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Reported out for adoption. - Resolution 26-163 (CD1): Accepted a Z clay print titled "Koolau Shadows" by Gary Reed, valued at $3,000, donated by Laurie P. Hornley to be displayed at the Paul R. Reich Education Center at Ho'omalahia Botanical Gardens. The resolution was amended to CD1 and reported out for adoption. - Resolution 26-164: Accepted a gift of $25,000 from Real Heaven Incorporated to support public programs, garden maintenance, and operational needs at Ho'omalahia Botanical Gardens. Reported out for adoption. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions were unanimously approved by the committee, with no objections or reservations. The committee adjourned after the final item.

The Committee on Zoning and Planning met on July 16, 2026, at 9:04 AM HST to consider four agenda items: an extension of time for a rezoning bill, two resolutions urging a ban on commercial aquarium collection, and a resolution granting a special management area permit for a subsea fiber optic cable project. The meeting included public testimony in person and remotely, discussions among council members, and votes on all action items. Consent Calendar - [No consent calendar items were on the agenda.] Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Extension of Time for Bill 43): No public testimony was offered. - Items 2 & 3 (Resolutions 26-159 & 26-160 on Aquarium Collection): Numerous testifiers spoke both in support and opposition. Supporters included Drew Hara (Earth Justice), Gail Grabowsky (dean, Shamanad University), Lena Alalei (Office of Hawaiian Affairs), Mike Nakachi (Mōʻo Hana), Lisa Bishop (Friends of Hanauma Bay), Jill Zamzow (PhD in zoology, NOAA researcher), Renee Umberger (For the Fishes), Elena Bryant (cultural practitioner), Kimiāʻona Kāne (Waimānalo Neighborhood Board chair), and Topher Dean (Clean the Pacific). They argued that the practice is ecologically harmful, that aquaculture can replace wild collection, that the public trust doctrine mandates protection, and that the science shows herbivore populations are declining. Opponents included Ron Tubbs, Eric Koch (Big Island resident), Nick Ramirez, and others who argued the fishery is sustainable, supported by DLNR, and that a ban is unconstitutional and would harm local families. Councilmember Wire noted the closure has been in effect since 2021, so no businesses are currently operating legally. - Item 4 (Resolution 26-165 - SMA Permit): One remote testifier, Kimiāʻona Kāne, spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of including cultural monitors (not just archaeologists) in archaeological monitoring and commending the resolution's protective conditions. Discussion Items - Item 1: Extension of Time for Bill 43 (Rezoning 69-099 Waiālua Beach Road): Committee Chair Kia‘āina recommended a 120-day extension to allow more time to consider the measure. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), represented by Dina Wong, expressed support. The motion passed without objection. - Items 2 & 3: Resolutions 26-159 and 26-160 (Banning Commercial Aquarium Collection): These resolutions, introduced by Councilmembers Wire and Dos Santos Tam, were taken up separately but discussed similarly. Resolution 26-159 urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to adopt rules prohibiting commercial aquarium collection statewide. Resolution 26-160 urges the state legislature to pass a law to the same effect. Councilmember Wire emphasized solidarity with other counties, the need to protect reefs from bleaching and invasive species, and that the closure has been in effect for five years with no current legal collection. Councilmember Dos Santos Tam noted his long-standing support for a ban. The chair recommended both resolutions be reported out for adoption; both passed without objection. - Item 4: Resolution 26-165 - SMA Major Permit for Subsea Fiber Optic Cables: The applicant, represented by Jojo Asuncion (Google LLC), presented plans to land three new transpacific subsea fiber optic cables at Barbers Point Beach Park using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to minimize surface disruption. The project is part of the Pacific Connect initiative and aims to improve connectivity in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The proposed CD1 amendments require SHPD acceptance of the archaeological monitoring plan and a condition to stop work if monk seals or sea turtles are within 150 feet. Discussion focused on the absence of a data center at the UH West Oahu landing station, the community benefit package (still under negotiation with the city), and the importance of including cultural monitors. DPP director Donna Wong confirmed department support. Key Outcomes - Bill 43 (Rezoning): Granted a 120-day extension of time for council action; motion passed without objection. - Resolution 26-159 (Urging BLNR to Ban Commercial Aquarium Collection): Recommended for adoption; passed without objection. - Resolution 26-160 (Urging State Legislature to Ban Commercial Aquarium Collection): Recommended for adoption; passed without objection. - Resolution 26-165 (SMA Permit for Subsea Cables): Amended via hand-carried CD1 and recommended for adoption; passed without objection.