Hawaii County Council Meeting, March 4, 2026

The Hawaii County Council met on March 4, 2026, at 9:04 a.m. (recessed at approximately 9:16 a.m., resumed at 9:45 a.m., adjourned at 12:08 p.m.) for its 34th session. The council considered a range of items, including the final round of Kīlauea Recovery Grant awards (nearly $6 million), a multi-year lease for corporation counsel office space, a professional construction management services agreement for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade (postponed), and the establishment of a Construction Code Commission (passed over department opposition). Numerous resolutions passed unanimously, including recognition certificates, appointments, and routine transfers.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the December 3, 2025 council meeting were approved.
• Communication 731: Confirmed the nomination of Dwayne T. Mukai to the Liquor Control Adjudication Board (7-0-1).
• Communication 732: Confirmed the nomination of Lōkilani Brandt to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (7-0-1).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Rowan (President of Mālama O Puna and Black Sands POA) testified in support of Resolution 459-26, accepting the final round of Kīlauea Recovery Grants. He stated these grants will help with infrastructure and economic development for Puna communities devastated by the 2018 eruption, releasing over $6 million into Lower Puna for long-overdue recovery.
• Deb Smith (President of Vacationland Hawaii Community Association) testified in full support of Resolution 459-26, stating the grant is "the key" to restoring inundated roads after seven years of delay. She reported that her association lost over seven miles of roadway and will restore approximately six miles; after the county buyout program, about 150 properties will remain in private ownership.
• Susan Champany (former Hololeo Road resident) testified in support of Resolution 459-26, stating that many residents above age 60 in 2018 are now starting to die off. She described her personal loss—her wife died before returning to their land—and emphasized that the road project is "deeply and desperately needed" for the community.
• Amadeo Markoff (Executive Director, Pahoa Lava Zone Museum) testified in strong support of Resolution 459-26, noting the museum received a grant for the Hale Hali‘i Initiative to create a community gathering place, and is a pass-through partner for three road reconstruction projects. He also highlighted a partnership with Mālama O Puna on a community commercial kitchen to support food processing and wild pig mitigation.
• Eileen O’Hara (Mālama O Puna) testified in support, stating it is now eight years since the eruption and not all roads and water systems are back. She thanked the recovery office and noted the grants help infrastructure and economic development.
• Smiley Burroughs (owner of Kapoho Crater, 20-year Leilani Estates resident) testified in appreciation, noting he received a grant for a connection road in Leilani Estates to restore an alternate route. He thanked the recovery team, Councilmember Kierkewicz, and administrations for eight years of work.
• Jennifer Perry (Project Manager, Hololeo Road Restoration) testified in support, showing a model of the road made by a local student. She listed diverse agricultural and professional residents in the area and asked for the council's support.
• Kevin Kushima (President, Main Street Pahoa Association and Pahoa Lava Zone Museum) testified in support, stating the Hale Hali‘i Cultural Marketplace will "completely restore the heart of Pahoa" which was devastated by the loss of the Akebono Theatre. He predicted the commercial kitchen will generate new livelihoods for Puna.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 459-26 (Kīlauea Recovery Grants): Introduced by Councilmember Kierkewicz, this resolution authorizes the Planning Department to award nearly $6 million ($5,977,773) in grant funds to various nonprofit organizations for relief, recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience from the 2018 eruption. The council also noted four additional projects (just over $500,000) are awaiting fiscal sponsor due diligence and will come back as a separate resolution. A $2,000 grant to Friends of Pahoa Library will be awarded separately. The council approved the resolution (8-0-1).
• Resolution 460-26 (Corporation Counsel Office Lease): Authorizes a three-year lease (with two three-year options) at $2,600/month for space at 101 Aupuni Street. An amendment corrected the square footage from 600 to 310 square feet (two offices of 300 sq. ft. each). Approved (7-0-2, with Kirkowitz and Viegas excused).
• Resolution 461-26 (Construction Management Services, Wastewater Plant): Would authorize a six-year agreement at an estimated $1.6 million per year for a 4.1-person team to oversee the $337 million Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The council postponed this item to March 18, 2026, citing lack of detailed budget breakdown and concerns over the