Hawaii County Council Meeting Summary - January 23, 2026

The 31st session of the Hawaii County Council convened on January 23, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. in the Kona chambers. The meeting featured an award presentation, extensive public testimony supporting a ban on commercial aquarium fishing, and the unanimous approval of nine resolutions and three bills covering emergency management, park restoration, health initiatives, and zoning.

Consent Calendar

• Appointment Confirmation: The council confirmed the nomination of Colin E. Mura to the Water Board. Motion carried with 6 ayes; Councilmembers Kimball, Kirkowitz, and Connie Lee Kleinfelder were excused.
• Resolution 426-25: Approved authorizing the Mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to receive a $68,000 hazard mitigation grant.
• Resolution 428-25: Approved urging the Department of Parks and Recreation to prioritize the restoration of Isaac Kipo Kalani Holly Beach Park at Puako.
• Resolution 442-25: Approved transferring $1,000 from the Council District 4 contingency account to add a grant to the Puna Community Medical Center Foundation for the Kipuka Pharmacy Project.
• Resolution 443-25: Approved transferring $3,000 to fund the 40th annual Kupuna Hula Festival for the Lions Club of Kona Community Foundation.
• Resolution 444-25: Approved transferring $2,500 to fund the 20th annual avocado festival for the Sanctuary of Mauna Kea Gardens.
• Resolution 447-26: Approved accepting a donation of 82 automatic external defibrillators (valued at $130,000) from the Hilo Health Care Foundation for the Hawaii Police Department.
• Resolution 448-26: Approved urging the State Legislature to protect funding for Public Educational and Governmental Access (PEG) media, seeking statutory protection for no less than 3% of gross cable revenues.
• Resolution 449-26: Approved a multi-year right of entry agreement with the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate to access a temporary road route for Department of Public Works while repairing a bridge in Hamakua.
• Resolution 446-26: Withdrawn by Councilmember Kagiwada after the recipient conference was postponed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Award Recipient Testimony: Fire Medical Specialist 2 Imoiola Lindsay testified in support of his own nomination, expressing gratitude for the nomination, acknowledging the challenges of the paramedic shortage in Ocean View, and sharing a story about Chief Todd's compassion during his recruitment. He expressed humility and support for his team members.
• Resolution 422-25 (Aquarium Trade Ban):
  • Support: Dozens of testifiers, including educators, scientists, indigenous leaders (Alohi Nakachi, Kekoa Lip), former fish collectors, and residents, expressed full support for the resolution urging the State Legislature to ban commercial aquarium collection. They argued the trade is culturally disrespectful, ecologically unsustainable, and contradicts Native Hawaiian values (Malama Aina). Specific speakers included Luana Jones (Kipuka Pharmacy support for medical center funding), Kaimi Kaupiko (Ku Ka Lipo Public Charter School students), Robert Stahl (40-year resident and former pet industry worker), and James Elder (retired trapper diver acknowledging reef destruction).
  • Opposition/Skepticism: No speakers expressed opposition to the resolution. However, Tim Stewart, a former early collector, testified to the destructive nature of the fishing methods, effectively supporting the ban. Kevin Ruddell noted that the industry ignores science regarding reef recovery.
  • Key Arguments: Testifiers emphasized the decline of fish populations (specifically herbivores), the high mortality rate during transport (some species die en route), the cultural harm of removing fish from the ocean, and the need to prioritize "Kuleana over cash." Many expressed strong support for sending a clear message to the State Legislature.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 422-25 Deliberation: Councilmember Kalemba (the author) thanked community members who were previously involved in the trade for changing their minds. Councilmember Viegas expressed deep emotional support for the resolution, highlighting the "circular economy" of Hawaiian values and expressing full support for the ban, noting the industry relies on a luxury that is no longer necessary given modern technology. Councilmember Houstis and Councilmember Kagiwada also expressed full support, emphasizing the urgency of the ecological crisis. Councilmember Inaba noted that the State Legislature is finalizing signatures for a related bill. Councilmembers Kimball, Kirkowitz, and Kleinfelder were excused; Councilmember Kimball was reported to be at a separate renewable energy meeting.
• Resolution 428-25 Update: Director Honma and James provided an update on the archaeological and environmental review processes for the Holly Beach Park restoration, noting ongoing work with consultants, finance, and HR to secure staffing and funding. The council expressed support for the project's prioritization.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 422-25 Approved: The resolution urging the Hawaii State Legislature to prohibit the harvest of aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes was approved with 6 ayes and 3 excused members.
• Resolution 426-25 Approved: $68,000 grant for wildfire fuels reduction authorized. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 428-25 Draft Two Approved: Urging prioritization of Holly Beach Park restoration approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 442-25 Approved: $1,000 grant for Kipuka Pharmacy Project approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 443-25 Approved: $3,000 grant for Kupuna Hula Festival approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 444-25 Approved: $2,500 grant for Avocado Festival approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 447-26 Approved: Donation of 82 AEDs accepted. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 448-26 Approved: Resolution for PEG media funding protection approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Resolution 449-26 Approved: Right of entry for public works access approved. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Bill 112 (First Reading): Approved to amend the operating budget for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Bill 113 (First Reading): Approved to amend the operating budget for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Bill 110 (Second/Final Reading): Approved to amend the budget for the Hawaii County Food Access Summit Program. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Bill 111 (Second/Final Reading): Approved zoning change (Agricultural to Single Family Residential) for 4.469 acres in South Hilo. 6 Ayes; 3 Excused.
• Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:14 a.m.
• Announcements: Upcoming events included the Koala Community Land Trust meeting, a civil defense survey for Waikā'la'ena, the HIPEL 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Governor's State of the State address, and the Police Commission's chief search interviews on Jan 29-30.