Public Meetings - Kauai County, Hawaii

The Planning Commission convened on January 13, 2026, to appoint 2026 officers, review committee reports, and address multiple development applications and ordinance amendments. Significant portions of the meeting were dedicated to public testimony and deliberation regarding the South Kaloa Housing Project, where the Commission ultimately voted to defer the application to facilitate further community engagement. Other items included the approval of a preliminary subdivision map, the withdrawal of a commercial event permit, the approval of a concrete recycling facility, and the adoption of shoreline setback amendments. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the November 10, 2025, Subdivision Committee meeting and the November 10, 2025, Planning Commission meeting after correcting a typographical reference to December 9 regarding the Subdivision Committee's last meeting. Public Comments & Testimony South Kaloa Housing Project (PDU 2026-7, Z-4 2026-9) - Opposition: Multiple community members, including Ho'aina descendants and local residents, expressed strong concern regarding traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, flood risks due to lava tube coverage, and the lack of proper Ka Pa'i Kai analysis consultation. They demanded a deferral to allow for deeper community review and further studies on drainage and evacuation routes. Several speakers argued the project ignored ancestral responsibilities and local rights. - Support/Defense: The applicant, SK Investors (Mike Serpa), defended the project as essential "gap housing" for locals, noting that 75% of previous units sold to residents with 808 area codes. He expressed willingness to meet with the community before approval but warned against indefinite delays due to financing constraints. - Procedural Arguments: The applicant argued that the Commission could approve the permit now with future conditions. Commissioners noted the overwhelming public desire for a deferral to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors prior to final decisions. Pacific Concrete Cutting and Coring (Z-4 2026-7, U 2026-6, SP 2026-2) - Support: A local resident testified in support of the company's ethical treatment of workers and the family's historical contributions to the community. - Concerns: An adjacent property owner requested a shared driveway access to reduce traffic on private roads. A resident raised concerns regarding wildfire mitigation risks on the agricultural land. Ka Pa'i Kai and Kuleana Concerns - Testimony: Cultural practitioners and residents provided testimony emphasizing that the Ka Pa'i Kai analysis was insufficient, noting that only four of 36 contacted families responded and expressing distrust in the consultant used. They argued that the Commission failed to identify traditional gathering sites and water rights. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Officers: Commissioner Gerald O'Call was elected as the 2026 Chairperson, and Commissioner Helen Cox was elected as Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Glenda Nogami Straford was appointed as Chair of the Subdivision Committee, with Vice Chair Helen Cox and Commissioner Francis deGrassi appointed as members. - Nielsen and Kells Farm Dwelling (SMAU 2021, Z-4 2023, U-2023): The Commission discussed the procedural history regarding the intervener status and whether to refer the matter back to a hearing officer. Despite the Department's recommendation to proceed and the applicant's argument that the contested case had ended, the Commission voted to close the agency hearing and proceed to action. Commissioners expressed confidence in the Department's report and the Hearing Officer's prior findings. - South Kaloa Housing Project (Deferral Motion): Following extensive testimony and a motion by Commissioner Cox supported by Commissioner DeGrassi, the Commission voted unanimously to defer the South Kaloa Housing Project application from the current meeting to February 24, 2026, allowing the applicant to hold community outreach meetings. - West Kauai Affordable Housing Appeal: The Commission deferred the appeal of a TBRNCU cancellation (We Belong LLC) to February 24, 2026, to allow the appellant to appear in person, noting a similar past ICA decision supporting the county's position. - Special Management Area Rules: The public hearing on proposed amendments to the SMA rules was continued to February 24, 2026, to allow the Commission to incorporate additional public suggestions and refine the rule changes. - Annual Evaluation of Planning Director: The Commission conducted a performance evaluation of Planning Director Mr. Hurlin, rating all categories (Customer Service, Leadership, Planning, etc.) as a "5" (Best) with an overall trend of "Exceptional." Buzzwords included "outstanding," "respectful," "expert in his field," and "effective mentor." The Commission also voted to approve a salary increase. Key Outcomes - Elections: Commissioner Gerald O'Call elected Chair; Commissioner Helen Cox elected Vice Chair. - Subdivision Approval: Preliminary Subdivision Map Application No. 2026-7 (Stillwell Trust) approved 3-0 to divide one lot into two lots on Omao Road. - Withdrawal: The withdrawal letter for the Olapool Gardens outdoor events application (Z-4 2025-6, U-2025-4, SP-2025-1) was received and approved. - Farm Dwelling Approval: Special Management Area Use Permit SMAU 2021, Class 4 Zoning Permit Z-4 2023, and Use Permit U-2023 for a farm dwelling at 4254 Kahili Makai Street approved 6-0 with 19 conditions (including Ka Pa'i Kai affirmation). - South Kaloa Deferral: Project Development Use Permit PDU 2026-7 and Class 4 Zoning Permit Z-4 2026-9 for the South Kaloa Housing Project deferred to February 24, 2026, to allow for community meetings. - Concrete Facility Approval: Class 4 Zoning Permit Z-4 2026-7, Use Permit U-2026-6, and Special Permit SP 2026-2 for the Pacific Concrete Cutting and Coring facility approved 6-0 with 14 conditions (added condition to implement wildfire mitigation strategies and site restoration upon termination). - Shoreline Ordinance: Zoning Amendment ZA 2026-1 (Shoreline Setback Ordinance) approved 6-0 to strengthen coastal protections. - Appeal Deferral: Appeal of TBRNCU cancellation for We Belong LLC deferred to February 24, 2026. - SMA Rules: Public hearing on Special Management Area rule amendments continued to February 24, 2026. - Director Evaluation: Planning Director received an "Exceptional" rating across all categories; a salary increase to $159,336.00 effective July 1, 2026, was approved. - Scheduling: The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for February 24, 2026 (correcting a previous January 27 mention). Note: A discrepancy exists in the transcript regarding the date of the last Subdivision Committee meeting; the Chair initially stated it was December 9, but corrections were made to confirm the minutes reflected November 10, 2025.

The Kauai County Council convened on January 7, 2026, for a meeting marked by significant celebratory tributes, a critical briefing on the future of Kauai Coffee, and a supportive resolution regarding Kamehameha Schools. The session opened with a certificate presentation for muralist Trison Kanishige, followed by a detailed public briefing exposing a potential closure of the Kauai Coffee operations and a legal challenge to Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy. The Council unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming support for Kamehameha Schools and referred the fiscal year 2024 audit to the Finance Committee for deeper review of material weaknesses. Additional routine items including indemnifications, federal fund allotments, and claims were also approved or referred. Consent Calendar - Certificate of Appreciation: Presented to artist Trison Kanishige for his mural work at the Kauai Veterans Museum. - Minutes Approval: Minutes of the December 17, 2025, council meeting were moved and approved. - Document Receipt: Item C2026-01 (receipt of document) moved and approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Trison Kanishige: Shared his personal history, noting that mural art became his therapy to heal from multiple concussions suffered during high school soccer. He explained that his grandfather's service in the Korean War inspired his dedication to veterans and that he seeks to use art as a healing tool for the community. He expressed a desire to expand mural initiatives as educational tools for students and mental health advocacy. - Bart Thomas, Director of Kauai Veterans Museum: Highlighted the museum's unique status, with 80% of its artifacts donated by island families. He confirmed that Trison's work transformed the museum walls with realism depicting major conflicts and announced an upcoming unveiling event featuring a blessing, food, and a Jurassic Park movie premiere. - Councilmembers & Staff on Kamehameha Schools: Multiple speakers (including Councilmember Cowden, Kaneshiro, and Kuli) testified in strong support of Kamehameha Schools. Councilmember Cowden described the legal attack as "atrocious" and expressed that attacking the school is an attack on the community's cultural anchor. Councilmember Kaneshiro emphasized the school's role in evening the playing field against generational inequalities, while Councilmember Kuli noted that he is not Hawaiian but feels the attack is disrespectful to the island's culture and the legacy of Princess Pauahi Bishop. - Kauai Coffee Leadership & Staff: Wayne Katayama, Senior Advisor, warned that 141 employees face termination notices by March 28, 2026, because the leaseholder (BBCP) will not renew the lease. Employees present testified to the economic and social importance of the coffee plantation, expressing fear of the loss of their local culture and livelihood. - Councilmember Cowden (Kauai Coffee): Expressed deep disappointment and concern regarding the potential loss of the operation, emphasizing the critical need to maintain the agricultural land and prevent it from being redeveloped. - Councilmember Kanashiro (Kauai Coffee): Reiterated his support for Kauai Coffee as a pillar of his pro-agenda, noting its role in exporting locally and preventing over-dependence on tourism. - Councilmember Bulasan (Kauai Coffee): Stated that the potential loss of the coffee shop would impact community mental health and urged the council to leverage their influence to keep the business viable. He emphasized that "AO" (Aloha 'Oe/Community) must stand with the community. - Councilmember Kuli (Kauai Coffee): Expressed gratitude and prayed for a solution, noting the 60-day notice period gives the council little time to react. - Councilmember Conoshiro (Audit): Expressed strong concern regarding the recurring material weaknesses and the delinquency of the audit, stating that being late is "not acceptable" and demanding a plan to resolve staffing and accounting issues immediately. - Director of Finance Rachel Rayco: Took full responsibility for the audit delays, acknowledging the information is 18 months behind schedule. She explained that hiring higher-level accountants has been difficult due to a lack of qualified candidates in the pool and that the current team is "cleaning up the mess" left under previous administration. Discussion Items - Muralist Recognition & Future Initiatives: Trison Kanishige proposed a "Call to Mural Initiative" to create plot-based, educational murals around the island to teach history and provide therapy. Councilmember Conoshiro suggested he contact the Office of Economic Development if funding is involved. The Council expressed strong admiration for the realism of his work and its cultural value. - Kamehameha Schools Legal Challenge: Rosalind Rosello, Director of Government Relations, briefed the Council on the lawsuit by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), claiming a violation of 42 U.S.C. 1981. She clarified that Kamehameha Schools is a private entity receiving zero federal funding, and the lawsuit targets the charitable intent of Princess Pauahi Bishop to care for her "Lahui" (people). She noted a previous 2006 Ninth Circuit victory by Kamehameha and explained the school's shift toward developing "OEV leaders" (Olo 'Ea) and regenerating the 'Aina. Councilmember Rios questioned the legal basis given the lack of federal funds; Rosello specified the 1866 law regarding contracts is the basis. Councilmember Kabahola and others emphasized the distinction between race-based discrimination and the indigenous rights/origin status of Native Hawaiians as the intent of the will. - Kauai Coffee Lease and Operations: Wayne Katayama detailed the crisis where the land owner, BBCP, will not renew the lease, threatening the lives of 141 employees. He explained that a fully integrated specialty coffee business requires more than just land; it needs a 24/7 water management system, a skilled workforce, and a global distribution network (which was built with partner Massimo Zanetti). Councilmembers asked about the possibility of moving to new land; Katayama noted it would take five years to mature new trees and that the global brand would be lost without the existing distribution network. Councilmembers expressed concern that the landowner may intend to subdivide the property, though Katayama noted a small sliver of ADC zoning exists but the majority is agricultural. - Fiscal Year 2024 Audit: Auditors from N&K CPA presented the report, identifying four material weaknesses: (1) Controls over post-closing journal entries (repeat finding), (2) Reconciliation of investment balances (repeat finding), (3) Untimely processing of expenditures, and (4) Prior period adjustments for government prior obligations. Director Rayco admitted the audit is 18 months late and accepted full responsibility. Councilmember Conoshiro challenged the explanation of understaffing, demanding a concrete plan and budget to fix the issues, fearing the problem will only compound. Director of Human Resources Annette Anderson explained the difficulty in integrating Workday HR software with financial reporting systems, noting that manual processes are currently required to compile accrual reports, leading to the identified findings. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-01 Adopted: The Council unanimously passed a resolution strongly supporting Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy, reaffirming the mission of Princess Pauahi Bishop, and urging all levels of government to respect the school's legal and cultural foundations. - Audit Referred to Committee: The Council moved to refer the receipt of the 2024 audit report to the Finance Committee to allow for a deeper review of material weaknesses and to formulate questions for the administration before a full council discussion. - Consent Calendar Items Approved: C2026-01 (receipt), C2026-02 (Kauai Coffee public comment), C2026-3 (Audit briefing), C2026-5 (Navigate 360 indemnification), C2026-E5 (Aging federal funds), C2026-06 (CZM funds), C2026-7 (Aging donations), C2026-9 (Credit card chargebacks), C2026-10 (Travel reimbursement), and C2026-11 (Claim referral) were approved or referred. - Kauai Coffee Situation: While no immediate resolution was passed, the Council received a formal briefing on the imminent threat to 141 jobs and the potential loss of the island's largest coffee plantation, with Councilmembers vowing to support the industry and investigate potential pathways to save the business. - Kamehameha Schools Support: The Council formally affirmed its stance against the legal challenge, signaling political support for the school's indigenous educational mission.

The Planning Commission convened to review four preliminary subdivision maps, two major zoning amendment and permit revocation petitions regarding the Kapalawa (Pakalā) resort project, a commercial retreat appeal, and a residential Special Management Area (SMA) use permit. The Commission unanimously approved the subdivision maps, referred the Kapalawa zoning and revocation petitions to a contested case hearing, deferred a commercial retreat appeal to allow for attorney retention, and approved the residential SMA permit. Consent Calendar - No specific consent calendar items were listed; routine approvals were handled as standard agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony Zoning Amendment ZA-2026-2 (Kapalawa Resort Rezoning): - Opposition to Resort: Multiple speakers, including Steve Parsons, Bruce Place, Dr. Carl Berg, Nicole McCamy, and Rosalind Cummings, expressed strong opposition to rezoning 171.72 acres from resort to agricultural/open use. They cited concerns regarding sea-level rise, flood zones, wastewater runoff, cultural sensitivity (burial sites), and the preservation of surf culture and natural resources. Rosalind Cummings asserted that Native Hawaiian rights and ancestral burial laws supersede county procedural rules. - Support for Development: Rick Robinson and Randy Uehara expressed support for the project, noting the Robinson family's need for revenue to sustain agriculture and provide affordable housing for employees. They argued the West Side lacks visitor accommodations and tourism infrastructure. - Mixed/Alternative Views: Gordon Lebeds noted the historical 'kill switch' for zoning if development doesn't proceed. Ken Denton suggested the resort should be located on higher ground to avoid flood risks or that the land be rezoned for conservation. Petition to Revoke Permits (Kapalawa): - Opposition to Permit: Testifiers like Ken Denton and Rosalind Cummings argued the resort would destroy a spiritual site, cited lack of water resources, and warned of legal liabilities regarding tsunami and flood zones. Nicole McCamy testified that surf resorts have a history of bringing social issues to local communities. - Support for Permit: Rick Robinson clarified the proposal consists of 136 units (not 250) and argued the project is essential for the family's agricultural viability. Randy Uehara highlighted the economic benefits for the West Side and the Robinson family's history of providing water and infrastructure. - Procedural Intervention Requests: Rosalind Cummings and Bruce Place requested to intervene in the contested case hearing. Cummings argued that constitutional rights to petition and protect burial sites override county filing deadlines and fees. Commissioner Cole expressed intent to deny standing due to failure to follow procedural rules (timeliness, fees, written submissions). Mr. Place later withdrew his intervention request, preferring to participate only as a witness. Discussion Items - Subdivision Applications: Staff recommended approval for four applications: - S 2025-1: Eleven-lot consolidation for SMK Inc. (Storage Management Project), with a condition to evaluate a roundabout at the Maluhua/Kulore Road intersection. - S 2026-4: Two-lot subdivision for P. Madero and the M. M. Madero Trust in Omao Homesteads Colloqui, pending comments from Public Works. - S 2026-5: Five-lot subdivision for Herbert Mashila et al. in Kapah, with conditions regarding common access easements to limit traffic impacts on Kamalu Road. - S 2026-6: Two-lot subdivision for Lot 5, as far visionary LLC, dedicating half to the County for a community park and half to the Department of Education for parking. Pending final acceptance from agencies, but recommended for approval. - Kapalawa Zoning Amendment (ZA-2026-2): After hearing public testimony and counsel's positions, the Planning Commission found the petition for zoning amendment contained sufficient evidence to warrant a contested case hearing. The matter was referred to Boards and Commissions for a hearing officer. - Petition to Revoke Permits (SMAU 2002-6, PDU 2002-15, Z 2002-20): The Commission determined that the petition for revocation contained sufficient evidence of failure to perform under permits. Despite the intervention requests, the Commission voted to issue an Order to Show Cause and refer the revocation matter to a hearing officer for a contested case hearing. The Department recommended that no new plan modifications be considered during this specific hearing. - Commercial Retreat Appeal (Kawai Kai Diamonds Trust): The applicant, Cheryl Shank, requested a deferral to retain legal counsel following the death of her husband. The Commission deferred the appeal to February 10, 2026, with the recommendation that this be the final deferral before a contested case hearing would be pursued if counsel is not secured. - SMA Use Permit 2026-3: Approved for the construction of a single-family residence in the Lanai shoreline setback area, subject to conditions including a 15-foot view plane and potential 100% archaeological survey (AIS) if required by SHPD. Key Outcomes - Subdivision Approvals: Preliminary subdivision map approval granted for applications S 2025-1, S 2026-4, S 2026-5, and S 2026-6 after roll call votes. - Zoning Reference: Motion carried (5-0) to refer ZA-2026-2 to a hearing officer for a contested case hearing. - Permit Revocation Reference: Motion carried (5-0) to issue an Order to Show Cause and refer the revocation of SMAU 2002-6, PDU 2002-15, and Z 2002-20 to a hearing officer for a contested case hearing. - Intervention Decisions: The Commission denied standing to intervener Rosalind Cummings based on procedural deficiencies (failure to follow rules, fees, and timeliness). Bruce Place withdrew his intervention motion and agreed to participate as a witness. - Appeal Deferral: Motion carried (5-0) to defer the appeal of the Kawai Kai Diamonds Trust NOVI to the February 10, 2026, meeting to allow time for the applicant to retain an attorney. - SMA Permit Approval: Motion carried (5-0) to approve SMA Use Permit 2026-3 for the John H. Murray Trust residence. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2026.

The Kauai County Council convened on December 17, 2025, to address routine administrative matters, confirm multiple mayoral appointments to various boards and commissions, and deliberate on significant legislative proposals regarding cybersecurity grants and workforce housing definitions. The meeting featured discussions on police recruitment challenges, the introduction of two complementary bills to regulate employer-provided dormitories and group housing, and a ceremonial send-off for a retiring county employee. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals carried for the receipt of communications C2025-253 and C2025-254, the adoption of minutes from November 26, 2025, and December 3, 2025, the approval of Resolution 2025-45 (Building Board of Appeals), Resolution 2025-46 (Building Board of Appeals), Resolution 2025-47 (Board of Ethics), Resolution 2025-48 (Board of Ethics), Resolution 2025-49 (Board of Ethics), Resolution 2025-50 (Board of Review), Resolution 2025-51 (Board of Review), Resolution 2025-52 (Board of Water Supply), Resolution 2025-53 (Charter Review Commission), Resolution 2025-54 (Charter Review Commission), Resolution 2025-55 (Civil Service Commission), Resolution 2025-56 (Civil Service Commission), Resolution 2025-57 (Cost Control Commission), Resolution 2025-58 (Liquor Control Commission), Resolution 2025-59 (Liquor Control Commission), Resolution 2025-60 (Liquor Control Commission), Resolution 2025-61 (Fire Commission), Resolution 2025-62 (Fire Commission), Resolution 2025-63 (Police Commission - subject to later vote), and Resolution 2025-64 (Salary Commission). - Claims C2025-259 (Puuloa Tevis) and C2025-260 (J.D. Hansen) were referred to the County Attorney. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident (Lonnie Sykos): Expressed strong concern regarding the potential costs of the proposed pension restoration resolution and the potential for it to bypass collective bargaining agreements. He argued that systemic budget deficits for water and sewage infrastructure exist and questioned if this is the best use of funds, warning of a "Pandora's box" for other employees. - Mark Ozaki (Deputy Chief, KPD): Expressed full professional support for the pension restoration resolution, citing it as a crucial tool for recruitment and retention. He stated that current retirement rules are deterring military veterans and young recruits who would otherwise retire earlier. - Captain Stacey Pereira (KPD): Expressed support, noting that recruitment classes have dropped from nine to four or less, and that the stricter retirement age/duration requirements are deterring potential officers. - Ms. Allen: Expressed full support for the pension restoration resolution, viewing the 20-year federal standard as a fair benchmark and emphasizing the need to attract quality officers. - Councilmember Cowden: Expressed concern regarding the reappointment of John Colma to the Police Commission, stating he has insufficient stamina and appears "half asleep" during meetings. She moved to defer the item but faced a lack of seconds. - Ellen Ching (Board and Commission Administrator): Responded to the concern regarding Mr. Colma, stating that while the councilmember's observation was noted, other staff and commissioners confirmed the appointee is awake and participatory, though he speaks less frequently. - Councilmember Holland: Supported the pension restoration resolution, arguing that the cost of turnover and overtime outweighs the retirement benefit cost and emphasizing the emotional difficulty of police work. - Councilmember Bolosan: Expressed support for the dormitory bill (Bill 2979), noting that employer-owned housing is displacing local family inventory and that neighborhoods need a mechanism to regulate such developments. - Councilmember Kulii: Expressed uncertainty about the execution of the dormitory bill, specifically how it would prevent "monster houses" from popping up without a use permit, noting it appears to be a "first attempt" and a "rough draft" lacking Planning Department support. - Councilmember Cavallio: Supported the pension resolution, noting that the contribution rates were already reduced to offset costs and that the primary issue is recruitment and retention. - Public Testifiers (General): Several speakers supported the pension restoration as essential for a fair system and a recruiting tool, while others (like Lonnie Sykos) remained neutral but concerned about fiscal implications and the potential to undermine collective bargaining. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-63 (Police Commission Reappointment): Councilmember Cowden moved to defer the reappointment of John Colma, citing concerns about his engagement during meetings. Councilmember Holland seconded the motion but initially retracted it to allow further question. After the Board Administrator defended Colma's attentiveness, Councilmember Cowden maintained her stance that the issue was one of perception versus fact. The motion to defer lacked a second to proceed as a formal delay, and the final roll call saw Councilmember Cowden vote "No" against approval. - Resolution 2025-65 (Police/Fire Pension Restoration): Council Chair Cowden proposed restoring the 25-year service retirement option regardless of age for police and firefighters, noting the severe shortage of recruits in the last decade. She proposed sending this to the state legislature to encourage a statewide effort. Testifiers from KPD detailed the "unintended consequences" of the 2012 law change, such as losing officers to the federal government where 20-year retirement is available. - Bill 2973 (Definition of Family): Discussed as a companion bill to Bill 2979. The original intent was to limit "family" to relatives or a maximum of 10 unrelated individuals to prevent "monster homes" with 36+ beds. Councilmember Cowden noted she held this bill back to allow for the introduction of Bill 2979, which offers an alternative pathway for employer housing. - Bill 2979 (Dormitory & Group Housing): Bill proposing new definitions for "employee dormitory" and "group housing dormitory" to create a permit process (Use Permit) for employer-owned housing that is not traditional single-family residential. The bill aims to prevent unregulated conversion of homes into high-density dormitories in neighborhood zones. Councilmember Kulii raised questions about confusing terminology (single family vs. single housekeeping unit). Councilmember Cowden moved the bill to the Planning Commission to refine the language and process. Key Outcomes - Cybersecurity Grant: Approved C2025-255, authorizing the county to apply for a $389,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. - Indemnification: Approved C2025-256 (Fazaki/Verited) and C2025-258 (Makana Rivera/Samsera) indemnification clauses for police software. - Resolutions: Passed 25 out of 26 mayoral reappointment resolutions with a 7-0 or 5-2 vote (Resolution 2025-63 passed 5-2 after a failed deferral attempt). - Pension Resolution: Resolution 2025-65 supporting the restoration of 25-year retirement eligibility for police and firefighters passed on a unanimous 7-0 roll call. - Bill 2979: Approved to be referred to the Planning Commission after a housekeeping amendment was passed to correct section numbers and remove the phrase "and their families" from the dormitory definition. - Retirement Ceremony: A moment of personal privilege was utilized to honor Eddie Tinio for his long-term service and retirement from the Office of the County Clerk and community involvement. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded with holiday wishes from all council members.

The City Council held two committee meetings on December 10, 2025: the Public Safety and Human Services Committee and the Finance and Economic Development Committee. The Public Safety Committee focused on an urgent briefing regarding food insecurity in Hawaii, highlighting that 32% of households are food insecure and calling for partnerships to address the crisis. The Finance Committee reviewed a 2025-2026 economic outlook from UHERA, warning of a mild recession in early 2026 driven by weak tourism spending, high inflation relative to GDP, and a lack of diversified long-term growth. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes for the preceding meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Nelson Mukai testified regarding the need for local self-sufficiency, citing Israel's agricultural success and urging the community to utilize available land for farming to reduce reliance on imported food. - Angel O'Brien (speaking from Portland) proposed expanding school gardening programs, organizing volunteer harvests for homeowners with excess fruit trees, and criticized corporate tax structures that shift the burden of low wages onto social services. Discussion Items Briefing on Food Insecurity (Amy Miller & Wes Pereira, Hawaii Food Bank) - Problem Scope: A statewide study of 1,079 residents found 32% of households are food insecure. Of these, one in five are in "very low food security" (skipping meals, losing weight), and 11% go whole days without eating. - Demographics at Risk: Young adults (18-29) and those enrolled in higher education face the highest risk, with 58% of college students experiencing food insecurity. 34% of children are food insecure, and 45% of adult caregivers in households with children are food insecure, often sacrificing their own food to feed their families. - Health Impacts: Food-insecure households are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety or depression and 41% delay or skip medical treatment due to cost. 41% of food-insecure children have gastrointestinal problems. - Program Gaps: While 41% of households with children participate in school lunch, only 31% participate in school breakfast. 68% of people seeking summer meal programs who could not access them were food insecure due to transportation or eligibility hurdles. - Federal Cuts: Speakers expressed concerns that federal cuts to SNAP and federal programs (like TFAP) are reducing food availability. A recent recalculation of the Thrifty Meal Plan reduced SNAP benefits statewide by approximately 8 dollars per person. New work requirement laws may affect older adults and children aged 14-17. - Food Bank Operations: The Hawaii Food Bank distributes approximately 5.3 times more food value per dollar than retail purchases. Donated food volumes from retailers have decreased due to margin pressures, necessitating state and federal backup funding. - Speaker Positions: Councilmember Bulasan expressed that the rising numbers among working adults are a crisis requiring immediate data-driven action. Councilmember Holland emphasized the need to reduce stigma, noting that many people are "afraid to show their lunch ticket" or feel shame. Vice Chair Cooley stressed that federal cuts are forcing the charity sector to fill gaps, which is unsustainable, and called for state intervention. 2025-2026 Economic Outlook (Stephen Von Smith, UHERA) - Recession Forecast: The committee was informed that Hawaii is entering a mild recession in early 2026, defined technically as two quarters of decline, followed by a weak, flat recovery. - Tourism Dependency: Tourism, which constitutes 34% of Kauai's economy (42% including indirect effects), is facing stagnation. Real (inflation-adjusted) tourism spending has been flat since 1989. The decline is attributed to a slowdown in the U.S. economy, tariffs causing uncertainty, and a decrease in high-spending Japanese visitors. - Widening Economic Gap: UHERA presented data showing a growing gap between Hawaii's purchasing power and the U.S. mainland. Since 1990, Hawaii's real GDP per capita growth has been sluggish (0.7%), driving significant domestic outmigration as residents seek higher wages elsewhere. - Inflation vs. Growth: The committee discussed the divergence where inflation remains around 3% while real GDP growth drops to near zero in 2026, a trend that has persisted due to Hawaii's reliance on tourism, which is not a high-growth industry. - Speaker Positions: Councilmember Cavallaro noted the vulnerability of Kauai to the U.S. economy and the lack of diversification. Councilmember Holland questioned the lack of data on part-time residents and wealth concentration, suggesting the state's tax base is undercounting high-wealth transient residents. Vice Chair Cooley highlighted that the "price of paradise" is now driven more by low growth than just cost of living. Key Outcomes - Motion: The committee voted to receive the Food Insecurity briefing for the record. Councilmembers discussed the need to partner with the county for future budget requests. - Motion: The committee voted to receive the UHERA Economic Outlook briefing for the record. - Directive: Councilmember Holland and others encouraged the Food Bank to submit specific funding requests for the upcoming budget session to expand operations, staff, and infrastructure (e.g., moving to a larger facility). - Next Steps: The Food Bank is scheduled to host a gala on December 19th. The Council is preparing to address federal and state cuts by looking at local funding mechanisms like the "Farm to Family" program and expanding school breakfast initiatives (e.g., "breakfast after the bell"). - Adjournment: The meetings concluded with plans to reconvene the main council body, with the Finance Committee adjourning the session.

The County Council of Kai (referenced as Koai/Kawaii/Kwait in transcript) convened on December 3, 2025, at 18:45 UTC to approve the agenda, review minutes, and consider several items on the consent calendar and resolution requests. All members were present. The meeting featured unanimous support for two police department initiatives: an indemnification agreement for a youth center lease and a music licensing program for multimedia production, alongside public expressions of gratitude for community engagement. Consent Calendar - C2025-248 & C2025-249: Routine receipt and approval of items (content unspecified). - C2025-250: Communication from Interim Chief of Police Elliot K. regarding the lease indemnification provision. The agreement provides the Kwait Police Department with the use of approximately 187,000 square feet of land at Samuel Mahilona Hospital in Kapala for $1 per year over a 10-year term. The site hosts the Kawai Police Activities League (KPAL) Youth Center, offering programs in wrestling, cheerleading, jiu-jitsu, self-defense, and physical fitness for local youth. - C2025-251: Communication from Deputy Chief of Police Mark Ozaki regarding an indemnification clause for a "non-negotiable toon tank" (likely a transcription error for "Toon Tank" or similar music service) term of use. This enables the county to legally utilize high-quality, curated professional music for media production, including recruitment videos, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), and promotional content, ensuring copyright compliance. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmember Cowden: Expressed gratitude to the Police Department and the State for the $1 lease agreement for KPAL, noting the program's excellent proximity to schools in Kapala and its positive impact on youth. - Councilmember Holland: Echoed support for the KPAL program, acknowledging the personal energy of the staff. Councilmember Holland expressed the position that youth interaction with police in this positive manner is crucial for shaping future perceptions of law enforcement as helpful professionals. - Mr. Seckles (Lani Cycles): Expressed full support for the Police Department despite awareness of internal issues. He stated that KPAL is a vital public face of the department and essential for raising children positively, countering negative media portrayals. He noted that intermingling between officers, civilians, and youth on the field has a significant positive impact. - Councilmember Bullasan: Expressed support for the music licensing proposal. He drew a parallel to his own personal experience receiving YouTube copyright strikes for using "buttons" (likely upbeat music), emphasizing the importance of legal compliance. He questioned if the license would be available to other departments, and the PIO confirmed coordination is possible. - Mr. Cycles (Public Comment): Referenced a Garden Island article regarding YWCA anti-violence against women programs featuring the Mayor. He argued that the Council and Mayor should utilize the new Public Service Announcement capabilities to support the YWCA more effectively than simply having names in newspapers. He urged the Council specifically to produce PSAs regarding violence against women, citing their long record of supporting women's issues. - Councilmembers (General Public Engagement): Councilmember Holland (in his capacity as a board member) thanked the Mayor and Council for the community engagement program, expressing his enjoyment of participating and noting the benefit of community members engaging in their government. Discussion Items - KPAL Lease Agreement (C2025-250): The motion to approve was made and seconded. Councilmembers Cowden and Holland provided comments of support. Councilmember Holland suspended the rules to speak, while Mr. Seckles spoke for the record. The discussion focused on the program's longevity, the personal energy of the staff, and the positive impact on youth. No opposition was recorded. - Music Licensing Program (C2025-251): Councilmember Bullasan raised a question regarding why the item originated in the Police Department and if other departments (Water, Planning, Elections) could access the license. Deputy Chief Ozaki and PIO Diana Victorino clarified that Victorino, a "homegrown" former KPD explorer, manages the program. They confirmed the library provides professionally produced, generic music (not necessarily pop songs) to avoid copyright issues and that other departments can coordinate with the PIO to download and use the assets. Bullasan shared a personal anecdote about copyright strikes to underscore the value of the program. Key Outcomes - Agenda Approval: Motion carried unanimously. - Minutes Approval: Minutes for November 12, 2025, including the public hearing on bills 2975, 2976, 2977, and 2978, approved unanimously. - Consent Calendar Approvals: Items C2025-248, C2025-249, C2025-250 (KPAL Lease), and C2025-251 (Music License) approved unanimously. - Madison DeWort Vehicle Damage: A motion to refer the Madison DeWort for vehicle damage claim, presented against Section 23.06 of the County of Koiti Charter, to the County Attorney for reporting was carried unanimously. - Resolution 2025-43 (Board of Water Supply): Confirmed the mayoral appointment of Anastasia Perry. - Vote Tally: 7 Ayes (Bulasan, Cavallio, Cowden, Holland, Kanishirro, Kuli, Chair Bozzle). - Resolution 2025-44 (Historic Preservation): Confirmed the council appointment of Gerald Eda (Archaeology) to the Kawaii Historic Preservation Review Commission. - Vote Tally: 7 Ayes (Bulasan, Cavallio, Cowden, Holland, Kanashiro, Kulei, Chair Aposal/Bozzle). Note: The transcript contains several phonetic transcription errors (e.g., "Koai" vs "Kawaii," "Kwait," "Kanishirro" vs "Kanashiro," "Cavallio" vs "Cavallo"), but positions and outcomes have been summarized based on the flow of the recorded dialogue.

The Kauai County Council convened on November 26, 2025, to review board nominations, approve grant applications, and deliberate on the transfer of Ha'ena Beach Park to the State of Hawaii. Council members engaged in robust discussions regarding fiscal due process, infrastructure funding strategies, and the long-term stewardship of community lands. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the park transfer resolution and several budget amendments. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: Unanimously approved the meeting agenda. - Meeting Minutes: Unanimously approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025, council meeting. - Receipts: Unanimously received and adopted receipts C2025-245 and C2025-246. - Committee Reports: Approved reports from the Finance and Economic Development Committee (CRFED 2025-20, 2025-21, 2025-22) and Committee of the Whole (CRCOW 2025-07). Public Comments & Testimony - Lonnie Sykes (Opposition): - Expressed strong opposition to the Ha'ena transfer process, arguing that the county admitted an incapability to manage parks by giving away a billion-dollar asset. He noted that the resolution contained a "factually incorrect" statement regarding unintended consequences, asserting the parking issues at Kapaa Park were an anticipated result of state access closures. Sykes emphasized that the transfer occurs without sufficient prior public outreach, noting neighbors were unaware of the item. He stated he is "utterly against" giving the park to the state and distrusts that future legislation will maintain the current agreement. - Lonnie Sykes (Rebuttal on Due Process): Reiterated that the waiver of due process regarding the wastewater grant was a violation of civil rights and demanded that future transfers respect public notification laws. - Clayton Kubo (Support/Concerns): Expressed support for the Ha'ena transfer as an improvement over current parking conditions but voiced hope that camping permits remain available. He highlighted increasing rescue incidents on the trails and committed to volunteer trail maintenance. - Presley Wan (Support): - Expressed full support for the transfer as a necessary solution to the severe parking and access issues. She thanked the mayor for summarizing the problem and urged the council to move forward. - Presley Wan (Rebuttal): Reiterated her support for the transfer as a solution to the "real real bad problem" of parking challenges. - Billy Keeney (Support): Addressed concerns regarding the permanence of the management agreement. He expressed confidence that community co-management and relationships with practitioners would ensure the project's success, citing the history of the Hui Ku Aina and current stewardship by lineal descendants. - Billy Keeney (Historical Context): Provided testimony detailing the historical lineage of the Ha'ena land from the Great Mahele to the 1960s condemnation of the Hui Ku Aina Ohana, emphasizing the community's long-standing role in stewardship. - Presley Wan (Support): Expressed gratitude for the mayor's summary of the issues and urged the council to take the next step. Discussion Items - Board of Water Supply Nominee (Anastasia Perry): - Council members questioned Perry regarding her ability to attend virtual meetings while maintaining her engineering coursework. Perry expressed interest in serving as a voice for peers and connecting her background to the board's work. Councilmember Sykes warned her of the "existential threat" facing the county's water system and asked if she was willing to take on the challenge of underfunded infrastructure. Councilmember Holland clarified that this is a non-voting student position to support community engagement. - Historic Preservation Nominee (Gerald Ida): - Councilmember Cowden praised Ida's background and experience, noting his career is "perfect for this." Ida confirmed his return to the commission for community service. - Wastewater Grant Approval (C2025-247): - Due Process Violation: Councilmember Bolosan and Councilmember Cavallio criticized the Department of Public Works for applying for a $1 million state transit grant before obtaining Council approval. Bolosan stated this was a "violation of civil rights" and that the division failed to follow the charter requirement to seek approval prior to application. The Division of Wastewater acknowledged the "oversight" and promised to review grant application protocols to ensure future compliance. - Infrastructure Funding Strategy: Councilmember Cavallio questioned why the county is not aggressively pursuing larger federal grants for the 2050 cesspool conversion deadline. Councilmember Holland and others noted that while the EPA indicated small grants are available, the county has not prioritized lobbying efforts for large infrastructure funding, urging the administration to be more proactive in identifying federal funding pockets. - Planning vs. Management: Councilmember Sykes argued that the county lacks the resources for long-range system planning and that the grant is necessary to hire consultants for a 20-50 year plan. Councilmember Kuoli supported the grant but emphasized the need to provide specific requests to the state and federal representatives to secure larger funding amounts. - Ha'ena State Park Transfer (Resolution 2025-42): - Community Support: Councilmember Holland, Councilmember Kuli, Councilmember Kanashiro, and Councilmember Cavallio overwhelmingly supported the transfer, citing the proven success of the Hui Maka'aina'aina O Ka'ena and Hanalei Initiative. They emphasized that the state partnership allows the community to retain management control and creates economic opportunities (55 jobs) for the North Shore. - Ownership vs. Management: Councilmember Holland clarified that the transfer concerns ownership, not management, and expressed confidence that the local community will prevent the privatization or monetization of the park, despite future legislative changes. Councilmember Kulii and Councilmember Holland discussed the risk of gentrification and the importance of retaining local economic benefits. - Legislative Concerns: Councilmember Cowden expressed concern over the lack of a formal, long-term legal conduit for the community's management role, questioning if a 10-year agreement would suffice against potential political shifts. She urged the administration to ensure that economic nourishment for the community is written into future contracts. State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter and Councilmember Holland confirmed that the legislature is actively working on a better legal framework (co-management addendum) to replace concession agreements. - Lifeguard and Camping: Councilmember Holland confirmed that the County will retain responsibility for lifeguards and that camping will be determined by the future community master plan. - Process Defense: Council Chair Plaza addressed Councilmember Cowden's frustration regarding the lack of prior committee review, stating that the single hearing was sufficient given the overwhelming community support (excluding three specific emails) and the unique urgency of the situation, while clarifying procedural conduct regarding council member interactions with the Mayor. Key Outcomes - Appointments: - Council deferred the vote on the appointment of Anastasia Perry to the Board of Water Supply to the next meeting. - Council deferred the vote on the appointment of Gerald Ida to the Historic Preservation Review Commission to the next meeting. - Resolutions & Ordinances Approved: - Resolution 2025-41: Confirmed the mayoral appointment of Noel Law to the Board of Ethics (Unanimous: 7-0). - Resolution 2025-42: Authorized the conveyance of two parcels of county land in Ha'ena to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (Unanimous: 7-0). - Bill 2975: Approved the collective parking agreement for Bargaining Unit 12 (2025-2029) (Unanimous: 7-0). - Bill 2976: Approved the disposable body board reduction ordinance (Unanimous: 7-0). - Bill 2977 & 2978: Approved budget amendments for the Wailua Golf Course cart path operating budget ($445,000) and capital project (Unanimous: 7-0). - Directives: - Wastewater Division instructed to review internal protocols to ensure Council approval is sought prior to any future grant applications. - Administration directed to pursue larger federal infrastructure funding for wastewater and cesspool conversion, specifically leveraging the lobbyist's role to identify pockets of money not currently on their radar. - State Parks and Council to collaborate on drafting a long-term co-management agreement that includes specific language protecting local economic development and history.

The Kauai County Council held a combined session for multiple committees on November 19, 2025, beginning with a special presentation honoring a youth athlete before proceeding to approve minutes and three legislative items: a collective bargaining agreement, budget amendments for the Wailua Golf Course, and a ban on disposable bodyboards. The meetings were attended by all members except Councilmembers Huali and Covallio, who were absent in Maui representing the deceased Councilmember Tasha Kama. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes for the October 22, 2025, meeting of the Public Works and Veteran Services Committee (unanimous). - Approval of the minutes for the October 22, 2025, meeting of the Planning Committee (unanimous). - Approval of the minutes for the October 22, 2025, meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Committee (unanimous). - Approval of the minutes for the October 22, 2025, meeting of the Committee of the Whole (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Phil Iliana (Grandfather and former professional racquetball player): Expressed strong support for 11-year-old Elijah Machado and advocated for the revitalization of racquetball in Hawaii. Mr. Iliana stated that racquetball is not "dead" but is currently overshadowed by pickleball due to a lack of visible courts in the community, noting that COVID-19 caused many courts to close. He argued that the community should prioritize painting lines on existing courts to facilitate the sport's resurgence. He expressed that the community has an opportunity to support Elijah and his family financially to help them travel to the Dominican Republic, stating that any donation is appreciated regardless of size. He requested that the Council share the GoFundMe link publicly to help the family with travel expenses. - Councilmember Coley (representing the Ka'U Golf Association): Expressed gratitude for the Council's support and the administration's willingness to move forward with the Wailua Golf Course cart path repairs to address safety concerns and damage to new carts. He emphasized that Mr. Kelvin Murchiga has been advocating for this repair for a long time. - Councilmember Cowden: Expressed confidence that outreach efforts for the disposable bodyboard ban would be minimal compared to the plastic bag ban, noting that the affected stores are few and cooperative. He expressed concern that controlling online sales would be the primary enforcement challenge. Discussion Items - Presentation of Elijah Machado: The Council recognized Elijah Machado, a sixth-grade student and the number two player on the 2025 USA National Junior Racquetball team. Council members asked Elijah questions regarding his competition schedule and his grandfather's influence. Elijah's grandfather, Phil Iliana, detailed Elijah's rapid rise in the sport despite starting only one year ago, having played fewer than ten times in a court setting before his first tournament. He contrasted Elijah's success with the decline of racquetball visibility on Kauai and advocated for better court infrastructure. - Bill 2975 (Collective Bargaining Agreement): Discussion took place regarding the collective bargaining agreement for bargaining unit twelve. The vote included Councilmembers Bulasan, Cowden, Holland, Chair Reposal, and Committee Chair Shiro. All members voted in favor. - Bill 2977 (Operating Budget Amendment): Council members discussed the $445,000 allocation for the Wailua Golf Course cart path operating budget. Councilmember Coley updated the committee that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for design work has been sent to purchasing. A question was raised regarding the project timeline; an administration representative indicated that once the RFP process is complete and a contract awarded, construction could take approximately one year from start to finish to repair the existing path. Councilmember Coley emphasized the necessity of the project for safety and protecting new carts. - Bill 2978 (Capital Budget Amendment): This item was discussed as a companion to Bill 2977, moving the $445,000 allocation to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The motion to approve was carried unanimously. - Bill 2976 (Disposable Body Board Reduction): Councilmember Cowden and Councilmember Holland discussed the ordinance establishing a ban on disposable polystyrene bodyboards. They noted that major retailers like Costco and Walmart are not opposed to the change, as they already stock durable options. The bill includes a one-year grace period for retailers to sell off existing inventory before the ban takes effect. Enforcement is assigned to the Solid Waste department, similar to the plastic bag ban protocol. Councilmember Cowden noted that while in-store enforcement may be straightforward, regulating online sales of these boards remains a significant challenge. Key Outcomes - Bill 2975: Approved (5 Aye, 0 Excuse). An ordinance approving a collective bargaining agreement for bargaining unit twelve effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. - Bill 2977: Approved (5 Aye, 0 Excuse). An ordinance amending the operating budget to allocate $445,000 for the Wailua Golf Course Cart Path repairs. - Bill 2978: Approved (5 Aye, 0 Excuse). An ordinance amending the capital budget to include the $445,000 Wailua project in the CIP. - Bill 2976: Approved (5 Aye, 0 Excuse). An ordinance amending the County Code to ban disposable polystyrene bodyboards, effective one year after the Mayor's signature, with enforcement handled by Solid Waste. - Administrative Action: The Council agreed to locate and share the GoFundMe link for Elijah Machado on their Facebook page to assist his family with travel expenses to the 2025 World Junior Championships in Santo Domingo.

The Kauai County Council convened on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for a regular meeting beginning at 6:30 PM with a prayer and words of wisdom from Pastor Tom Yanuchi. The session focused on public hearings for collective bargaining agreements and environmental ordinances, the interview of a nominee for the Board of Ethics, the presentation of the "Into Light Project" regarding drug addiction awareness, and the approval of a legislative package for the Hawaii State Association of Counties. Consent Calendar - C2025-237: Approved the indemnification provision in the Avalon Unity Software User License Agreement requested by the Assistant Chief of Police. - C2025-238: Approved the indemnification provisions in the Department of Transportation permit agreement for wastewater maintenance requested by the County Engineer. - C2025-239: Received the motion to approve the agenda (Motion carried). - C2025-240: Approved the minutes from the October 29, 2025, meeting. - C2025-241: Received claims for property, vehicle, and travel expenses (MLN Court, National Subjugation Services, Brian Arzidon) and ordered them referred to the County Attorney for report-back. Public Comments & Testimony - Pastor Tom Yanuchi: Offered words of wisdom and a prayer, citing Romans and First Chronicles to encourage council members to view their positions as divinely appointed roles to "stand in the gap" for the people and seek godly wisdom in understanding the times. - Matt Bernabe (Board of Ethics Interview): Expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy and impact of the Board of Ethics. He characterized the role as potentially "ceremonial" and lacking "teeth," stating he has never seen tangible results from the board that impact tax dollars. He criticized the interview presentation as resembling a "Tinder bio" rather than a professional bio, though he later clarified he meant the bio focused more on personal details than job capabilities. - Matt Bernabe (HSAC Proposal): Urged the council and administration to aggressively lobby the state for infrastructure funding, specifically regarding football stadiums and sports facilities. He argued that since schools have won championships, the state should contribute at least 50% to 100% of the costs for repairs or new construction, rather than relying on free county field usage or providing only minimal uniforms. - Councilmember Cowden (HSAC Proposal Comment): Expressed disagreement with the notion of inaction, noting that the state currently funds 50% of improvements to Vidina and Hanapepe stadiums and that county facilities allow the state to host tournaments locally rather than shipping athletes to Oahu. - Councilmember Holland (HSAC Proposal Comment): Supported the extension of the sunset provision for the General Excise Tax to 2045, emphasizing its critical role in funding road repairs and transportation projects. She advocated for removing the sunset date entirely to eliminate state leverage that threatens county bonding opportunities. - Councilmember Kanashiro (HSAC Proposal Comment): Identified the General Excise Tax extension as the top priority for Kauai County, noting it generates over $38 million in revenue (including investment returns) and accounts for over 10% of the county's budget, making its removal financially devastating. - Trisha Allen (Hoiki Community Media): Presented the "Into Light Project" and urged community participation, noting the risk of the exhibit being cancelled without more submissions. - Bruce Hart: Expressed deep emotional support for the "Into Light Project," calling it a beautiful opportunity to honor lost loved ones and encourage the community to stop hiding the stigma of addiction. - Councilmember Kulii: Expressed gratitude for the project and specifically emphasized the importance of the message that substance abuse is a disease, not a moral failing. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on Bill 2975: A public hearing was held for an ordinance approving a collective bargaining agreement for Bargaining Unit 12 (State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers) for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, based on an arbitrated award. No written or spoken testimony was received; the hearing was closed. - Public Hearing on Bill 2976: A public hearing was held for an ordinance establishing a new article in the Kauai County Code to prohibit the sale, rental, or distribution of disposable bodyboards. Six pieces of written testimony were noted, but no one spoke; the hearing was closed. - Public Hearing on Bills 2977 & 2978: Hearings were held to amend the operating and capital budgets for the Wailua Golf Course Cart PATH improvements, transferring and appropriating $445,000 from the equity fund balance/CIP. No testimony was received; hearings were closed. - Board of Ethics Nominee (Noelle Lau): Council member Ellen Shing Ford presented the profile of Noelle Lau, a law school graduate experienced in community benefits and grant management. Councilmember Kulii questioned the board's impact, while Councilmember Cowden defended the board's thorough investigative work, noting it is not casual and is often misunderstood by the public. Councilmember Kulii expressed concern that negative comments might discourage future volunteers. - Into Light Project Presentation: Trisha Allen, producer for Hoiki, introduced the project founded by Teresa Clower. The project creates graphite portraits and narratives for individuals lost to drug addiction to combat stigma. The exhibit is scheduled to open February 22, 2026, at Kapi'olani Community College or the Hawaii Community College Performing Arts Center. Currently, only two of 30 required submissions have been received. The council was invited to help promote submissions and share the project's video via Hoiki TV's YouTube channel (Community Connections: Honoring Lives Through Art and Story). - 2026 Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) Legislative Package: Councilmember Cavalli reviewed the 14-item package. Key items discussed included: - General Excise Tax: Extending the sunset date to 2045 to secure revenue for roads. - Recreational Facilities: Supporting state funding for school athletic facilities (football, wrestling, etc.). - Cesspool Conversion: Supporting a state income tax credit for converting cesspools to septic or aerobic systems. - Housing Zoning: Repealing state amendments that limited local control over zoning. - Mental Health: Establishing a psychology interjurisdictional compact for telepsychology. - Tobacco: Removing preemption laws to allow counties to enforce their own tobacco regulations. - Gun Violence: Funding gun buyback programs and protective orders. - Homeless Services: Increasing conveyance taxes to fund affordable housing and homeless services. Key Outcomes - Budget Adjustments: Bills 2977 and 2978 were approved to transfer $445,000 for Wailua Golf Course Cart PATH improvements. - Board of Ethics: Council voted to defer the appointment of Noelle Lau to the Board of Ethics (partial term ending Dec 31, 2026) for a vote at the next meeting; the second interview for the Historic Preservation Review Committee was rescheduled due to an absence. - Resolution 2025-39: Approved the appointment of Juliet Souza to the Kauai Historic Preservation Review Commission (7-0). - Resolution 2025-40: Approved the inclusion of the full 14-item 2026 Hawaii State Association of Counties Legislative Package (7-0), despite some council members advocating for prioritizing fewer items.