November 4, 2025 City Council Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs

The Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs convened on November 4, 2025, chaired by Jen Kagiwata, to address appointments, administrative communications, and legislative matters. The committee received public testimony regarding the qualifications for the Civil Defense Administrator and reviewed nominations for two board positions. Councilmembers Inaba and Kimball were excused from the proceedings. The session concluded with the advancement of Bill 89 to the full council and the favorable forwarding of two nominations.

Consent Calendar

• Communication 40.3 (HSAC minutes): Motion to close file passed with 7 ayes.
• Communication 358 & 358.1 (County Auditor Ad Hoc Committee): Motion to close file passed with 7 ayes, acknowledging the work of the ad hoc committee and thanking Councilmember Kirkowitz and Chair Inaba.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John McBride (Hilo Bay CERT Team Leader): expressed significant concern that the proposed requirements for the Civil Defense Administrator might be set so high that they would disqualify local applicants. He argued that while experience is necessary, he prioritized "hot" (cultural affinity and community love) over top-tier mainland qualifications, stating that a local administrator who understands Hawaiian culture and traditions is essential for the role, warning that an outsider with high credentials but no local connection would be ineffective.
• Patty Pintel: echoed John's concerns and specifically expressed strong opposition to the appointment mechanism, stating it is "unwise and unsafe" for the Civil Defense agency head to be appointed by the Mayor every four years at the "whim of a mayor." She argued this creates a loss of institutional knowledge and continuity, which is critical for civil defense response, and urged the committee to consult with the current state-appointed authority before finalizing qualifications.

Discussion Items

• Bill 89 (Civil Defense Administrator Appointment): Councilmember Kirkowitz introduced the bill to amend the county code regarding the appointment and qualifications of the Civil Defense Administrator. She stated the bill's intent is not to critique current leadership but to ensure a standard of excellence following past disasters. She emphasized that the position is not coterminous with the mayor. Councilmember Kirkowitz presented an amendment (via Communication 514.1) to clarify that the appointment must occur within 60 days of a vacancy. Councilmember Houstis questioned the enforceability of the 60-day deadline but accepted that the council cannot mandate the process due to statutory limitations on appointing authority. Councilmember Viegus, Kirkowitz, and others discussed the need for balancing experience with local cultural knowledge, though the motion focused on codifying the qualification standards.
• Nomination of Don S. Mende (Communication 591): Mayor Alameda's nominee for the Liquor Control Adjudication Board was introduced. He is noted for a background in banking, government service (Deputy Director of Research and Development under Mayor Kinoy), and current role as Loan Manager at HFS Federal Credit Union. Councilmembers commended his volunteer history and commitment to the community.
• Nomination of Thomas E. Fratenardo (Communication 592): Mayor Alameda's nominee for the Windward Planning Commission was introduced after recovering from a stroke and sepsis shock. Testifying personally, Mr. Fratenardo shared his background as a combat veteran, former police officer, and advocate for affordable housing (having bought his first home through the Paniolo State subdivision). He expressed a position of supporting development but emphasized "Aloha" (love) and local stewardship. He argued that county land should prioritize local residents over the global market and highlighted the crisis of empty homes and the need for infrastructure in agricultural areas. Councilmembers Viegas and O'Nishi expressed full support, praising his resilience, service record, and commitment to serving the community first. Councilmember Kleinfelder raised questions regarding the balance between ADUs and rural agricultural housing, to which the nominee agreed that the "cup must overflow" locally before serving the global market.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 89: Amended with the contents of Communication 514.1. The committee voted to recommend passage of Bill 89 on first reading and forwarding it to the full council with 6 ayes and Councilmembers Kleinfelder, Kimball, and Inaba absent.
• Communication 591: The committee voted with 7 ayes and 2 excused members (Inaba, Kimball) to close the file and forward a favorable recommendation to the full council to confirm Don S. Mende to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board.
• Communication 592: The committee voted with 7 ayes and 2 excused members (Inaba, Kimball) to close the file and forward a favorable recommendation to the full council to nominate Thomas E. Fraternardo to the Windward Planning Commission.