Hawaii County Council Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Hawaii County Council met on February 18, 2026, at 9:01 AM at the West Hawaii Civic Center, with a recess from 9:24 AM to 9:35 AM, and recessed into executive session from approximately 12:15 PM to 12:36 PM. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM. Seven members were present (Galimba, Houstis, Kagiwada, Conley Kleinfelder, Kirkowitz, Kimball, Onishi), with Councilmembers Nava and Viegas absent.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
• GOEAC nominations (Communications 703-707) were confirmed unanimously: Jennifer L. Lawson (Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission), Louisa “Sasa” Anthony Lee (Environmental Management Commission), Kanoe “Suba Numa” Wilson (Windward Planning Commission), Sean “Keli‘i” Makahiao (Leeward Planning Commission), and Roland Rabara (Fire Commission).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tanya Yamanaka Anassian testified in strong support of Bill 128, arguing that ultra-luxury properties create disproportionate values and that a tiered tax structure is fair. She noted there are 842 non-owner-occupied properties over $4 million in the county.
• John Pelletier, representing the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee, testified on Bill 63, supporting the provision to require use permits for residential dwellings in MCX districts. He recommended that applicants address the relationship between proposed workforce housing and employment opportunities.

Discussion Items

• Presentation and Recognition of Officer Leonard Warren: Sergeant Nahale and Officer Warren described community events coordinated in 2025, including the second annual Ha‘ipal Outrigger Canoe Youth Regatta (100 keiki), first annual Kona Ha‘ipal Youth Music Showcase (200 youth), a holiday toy drive (1,000 toys), and a community cleanup (50 volunteers). Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Officer Warren’s dedication and community policing efforts. He received the 2026 Ha‘ipal Award.
• Bill 127 (Construction Code Commission): Councilmembers Kirkowitz and Houstis proposed an amendment (Communication 711.1) to remove “material supply” from commission qualifications, add “licensure” as a consideration, and ensure administrative support. After debate with Public Works Director Segawa and Building Chief Spielman, the amendment was adopted. The bill passed first reading (7-0). Concerns about added bureaucracy were countered by arguments that the commission would depoliticize code adoption.
• Bill 128 (Tier 3 Property Tax): Councilmember Kagiwada clarified the bill creates a new residential tier for properties over $4 million, does not affect homeowners or short-term/long-term rentals, and said the $9 million for housing was already approved from tier 2. Councilmember Houstis emphasized equity. Passed first reading (7-0).
• Bill 121 (Kona Country Club Time Extension): Passed second/final reading on a 6-1 roll call (Kagiwada opposed), expressing concern over supporting luxury housing for non-residents. The 51.058-acre project receives a 10-year time extension.
• Executive Session – Communication 726: The council discussed settlement terms in the case Estate of J. Allen Freeman vs. Doris Pasheko, County of Hawaii, et al. Councilmember Conley Kleinfelder moved to amend the settlement to require HPD to adopt procedures complying with HRS 134-7.3. The amendment failed 2-5 (Conley Kleinfelder and Kirkowitz in favor). The council then approved the corporation counsel’s recommendation 6-1 (Conley Kleinfelder opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent calendar nominations and minutes unanimously.
• Bill 63 (dwellings in MCX district) passed second/final reading (7-0).
• Bills 114-118 (budget adjustments for police grants) passed second/final reading (7-0 for 114, 116-118; 115 passed 6-0 with Kimball absent).
• Bills 119 and 120 (zone changes) passed second/final reading (7-0).
• Bill 121 (Kona Country Club time extension) passed second/final reading (6-1).
• Bill 127 (Construction Code Commission) passed first reading as amended (7-0).
• Bill 128 (Tier 3 property tax) passed first reading (7-0).
• Bills 122 and 123 (zone changes) passed first reading (7-0).
• Resolutions 463-468 (community program transfers) were all approved with vote totals ranging from 6-0 to 7-0.
• The council accepted the corporation counsel’s recommendation on communication 726 and closed file on communication 727 without executive session.