Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs convened on January 6, 2026, at 9:01 a.m., with seven council members present in the Hilo chambers and others joining remotely from Kona and Waimea. The meeting addressed three primary items: the re-nomination of Colin E. Mura to the Board of Water Supply, and two resolutions urging state and county action regarding the commercial aquarium fish trade and the restoration of Isaac Haka Kippokalani Beach Park. Extensive public testimony supported the resolutions, while the nomination passed unanimously following commendations for the nominee's community service.

Consent Calendar

• Communication 664: The committee approved the nomination of Colin E. Mura to the Board of Water Supply, correcting a previous clerical error regarding the term expiration from 2030 to 2029. The motion included favorable recommendation to the full council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resolution 422-25 (Ban on Aquarium Fish Harvest):
  • Keihon Dani Springer, Keihon Dani Springer (Kanako'evi practitioner/researcher): Expressed "strong support" for Resolution 422-25, stating commercial aquarium collection undermines native Hawaiian cultural practices and the public trust doctrine.
  • U'ianni Naipo: Stated she is in "strong support" of a ban, arguing that continued extraction is incompatible with reef recovery, food security, and cultural survival in subsistence villages.
  • Corey Harden (via Zoom): Expressed support for the resolution, noting that "more than eight out of 10 residents" support a ban and that enforcement costs vastly exceed permit revenues ($400x greater).
  • Maki Morinoy (via Zoom): Expressed support for a complete ban, citing the Department of Land and Natural Resources' inability to manage poaching and the unknown mortality rates of harvested fish.
  • Ingna Gibson (representing "For the Fishes"): Expressed "likely over 130" testimonies in support, stating the industry conflicts with Native Hawaiian values and that poaching remains a major issue despite the trade being closed since 2017.
  • Patricia Cook: Expressed support for the nomination of Colin E. Mura (Communication 664), praising his leadership, persistence, and work with Waimea Middle School and Blue Zones initiatives.
  • Leila Kealoha (via Zoom): Expressed "full support" for Resolution 422-25, calling the trade against customary practices and traditional rights. Additionally, expressed support for Resolution 428-25, urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize the Kippokalani Beach Park project.
  • Diane Ware (representing Sierra Club): Expressed support for a ban, stating there is "nothing but to ban this trade" and that the trade acts against the public trust doctrine.
  • Mike Nakachi (Kona): Expressed support for an "outright ban," noting that 1,400 people testified on a petition for the ban and that profits from the trade do not belong to the community.
  • Noelle Lindman (via Zoom): Expressed "strong support" as a scuba instructor, stating the aquarium trade is in "direct opposition" to stewarding land and water and provides zero positive benefits to residents.
  • Chad Wiggins (Hui Aloha Kiho): Expressed "opposition to the aquarium trade" and support for the county's resolution, highlighting that scientific divers fail to quantify cultural significance.
  • Robert Golden (via Zoom): Expressed support for Resolution 428-25, framing the issue as one of accountability and asking the Council to hold the Department of Parks and Recreation to its agreements with the community.
  • Kevica Ruddle (via Zoom): Expressed "strong support" for Resolution 422-25, arguing that healthy reefs support local economies that outweigh the limited benefits of the aquarium trade.
  • Michael Alexander: Expressed opposition to the aquarium trade and "support" for Resolution 422-25, citing the negative impacts on fish populations in captivity and the threat to tourism beauty.
  • Kevin Cusickel: Expressed concern regarding the delay in park restoration, stating the community is still "on crutches" seven and a half years after the eruption and needs a swimming facility.
  • Shauna Springer: Expressed "strong support" for the department to expedite the restoration of Isaac Hale Beach Park.

Discussion Items

• Nomination of Colin E. Mura (Communication 664):

  • Mayor C. Alamida: Introduced the nominee, correcting a clerical error regarding his term expiration to 2029. Described Mura as a "hard working, visionary, fiercely loyal" individual who has served KTA Superstores for over four decades and is a "fierce volunteer" in the East Hawaii community.
  • Colin E. Mura: Expressed willingness to serve and work with the council and Department of Water Supply.
  • Council Member Kimball: Expressed full support, noting Mura's interest in public service and his residency in District 1.
  • Council Member Onishi: Expressed support, highlighting concerns regarding water access for homesteads and agricultural areas like Akaku Falls.
  • Council Member Galimba: Expressed support, noting Mura's history with 4-H and his support for local agriculture.
  • Council Member Hustis: Expressed support, recalling the community's farewell for Mura at KTA and his deep community connections.
  • Council Member Viegas: Expressed support and confidence in Mura's ability to address outdated infrastructure and IT support in the Department of Water Supply.
  • Council Member Connelly Kleinfelder: Expressed support, urging the board to address water needs in rural infill communities and underserved areas where residents travel miles to fill water.
  • Council Member Kirkowitz: Expressed support, emphasizing the need for thoughtful water development to support food security and agricultural systems.

• Resolution 422-25 (State Legislature Ban on Aquarium Fish):

  • Council Members Inaba and Galimba: Introduced the resolution urging the legislature to prohibit harvest. Stated that the practice is difficult to monitor, does not benefit the community, and runs counter to sustainable resource management. Noted that a supporting bill is expected to be introduced by Rep. Loewen.
  • Council Member Hustis: Expressed support, emphasizing the need for ecosystem health and the beauty of the biotic community.
  • Council Member Viegas: Expressed strong support, calling the trade a "frivolous luxury" that involves taking animals native to their ecosystems for profit, causing high attrition rates during transport. Quoted "Nemo" to emphasize "keep swimming" in advocacy.
  • Council Member Connelly Kleinfelder: Expressed support, questioning the confusing cycle of allowing and disallowing the trade over the last seven years.
  • Council Member Kirkowitz: Expressed support and requested information on the state legislation to mobilize networks.

• Resolution 428-25 (Parks and Recreation Restoration of Isaac Haka Kippokalani Beach Park):

  • Council Member Kirkowitz: Introduced the resolution, stating the timeline for restoration has moved for years without a clear plan. Highlighted community disappointment with the 2021 vision and emphasized a new community-driven plan. Expressed concern that the $60 million preliminary estimate exceeds the available $5 million in FEMA funds and that phasing is not an option.
  • James Komata (Parks and Rec): Explained that final review of environmental documents is pending in 1-2 weeks. Clarified the project includes enhancements, not just restoration. Stated that phasing is a financial necessity and that the department is exploring deductive alternates and bond authorizations. Admitted that funding solutions are not his scope and that he does not have a plan for using geothermal royalties or unrestricted state funds.
  • Council Member Onishi: Suggested the need for additional staff resources (planners/project managers) and proposed addressing this with the Director during budget season.
  • Council Member Viegas: Expressed urgency regarding the potential loss of FEMA funding due to federal job cuts and requested updates on the Old Airport Park renovation.
  • Council Member Kirkowitz: Clarified that FEMA "428 monies" have flexibility for use outside the immediate impacted area and that the administration promised full restoration of those funds via reimbursement. Moved to amend the resolution to include the status of outstanding consultant plans.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Communication 664: Passed unanimously (9 ayes) to forward the favorable nomination of Colin E. Mura to the Board of Water Supply to the full council.
• Vote on Resolution 422-25: Passed unanimously (9 ayes) to forward the resolution urging the state legislature to prohibit the harvest of aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes to the full council.
• Amendment to Resolution 428-25: Passed unanimously (9 ayes) to amend the resolution with the contents of Communication 662.1 to ensure the consultant's outstanding plans are noted.
• Vote on Resolution 428-25: Passed unanimously (9 ayes) to forward the resolution urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize and expedite the restoration of Isaac Haka Kippokalani Beach Park to the full council.
• Directives: Council member Kirkowitz requested monthly email updates from the Department of Parks and Recreation regarding the beach park project. Council member Onishi directed the committee to advocate for additional staff resources for the Parks Department.
• Next Steps: All resolutions and the nomination will be sent to the full council for final action.

Omissions: The meeting included a technical difficulty regarding the online feed, which was noted and addressed by the Chair.

The meeting reconvened for communications reports and council oversight approximately at 10:44 a.m.