31st Session of the Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs - April 7, 2026

The committee, chaired by Councilmember Jen Kagiwata, met on April 7, 2026, to consider five nominations to county boards and commissions and three resolutions. All nominations were forwarded to the full council with favorable recommendations, and resolutions were advanced. No public testimony was offered on any agenda item.

Nominations

• Communication 800 – James J. Christian to Cost of Government Commission

  • Introduced by Michael Alameda (Mayor's Office). Mr. Christian, a retired automotive industry professional and recent transplant from New York, expressed willingness to serve. Councilmember Onishi questioned his lack of government experience; Mr. Christian noted parallels in resource allocation. The committee voted 8 ayes (Councilmember Connelly Kleinfelder absent) to close the file and forward the nomination with a favorable recommendation.

• Communication 801 – Joshua Alu to Cost of Government Commission

  • Mr. Alu was unable to attend. Mr. Alameda introduced him as a 34-year-old born-and-raised Kona resident, Air Force veteran, and electrician. He will appear at the April 22 council meeting. The committee voted 8 ayes to close the file and forward the nomination.

• Communication 802 – Robert D. Yagi to Board of Ethics

  • Mr. Yagi, a staff member of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, stated his love for the Big Island and his unique perspective from land management. Councilmembers praised his community involvement. The committee voted 8 ayes to forward the nomination.

• Communication 803 – Kapono Kuikahi to Game Management Advisory Commission (GMAC)

  • Mr. Kuikahi, a hunter and gatherer from Volcano, shared his commitment to community and cultural values. He described providing food to Lahaina fire victims for 11 weeks. Councilmembers expressed strong support. The committee voted 8 ayes to forward the nomination.

• Communication 804 – Paul Monts to Windward Planning Commission

  • Mr. Monts, a teacher at a Waldorf-inspired charter school in Kaʻū, appeared via Zoom. He discussed his background in cultural anthropology and education. Councilmembers questioned him on public access, agricultural land protection, vacation rentals, affordable housing, and infrastructure challenges. He emphasized a balanced, thoughtful approach. The committee voted 9 ayes (all members present) to forward the nomination.

• Communication 805 – Daniel Thomas to Merit Appeals Board

  • Mr. Thomas, already serving a partial term, sought reappointment. He described the board's work hearing non-union employee appeals and evaluating the head of Human Resources. He praised the county workforce. The committee voted 8 ayes to forward the nomination.

Resolutions

• Resolution 497-26 – CDBG and ESG Grant Authorization

  • Royce Shiroma (OHCD) presented the 2026 Annual Action Plan, authorizing receipt of $2,970,000 in federal funds. Projects include: $445,000 for a fire department brush truck and SCBA equipment; $750,000 for YWCA preschool development; $425,000 for Hale Amao ADA renovations; $100,000 for West Hawaii Domestic Violence Shelter security; and $270,000 for HOPE Services rapid rehousing. $540,000 is allocated for administration and fair housing. Discussion touched on federal funding uncertainty and the inability to use CDBG for vertical construction. The committee voted 7 ayes (Councilmembers Viegas and Connelly Kleinfelder absent) to forward the resolution.

• Resolution 498-26 – 34 Rainbow Drive Affordable Housing Project Grant

  • Ann Bailey (OHCD) presented a $1 million grant from the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development for planning and engineering design of roadway and utility improvements on a 24.7-acre executive-ordered parcel. The project aims to provide infrastructure for up to 150 rental units, likely targeting at-risk and homeless populations. Councilmembers discussed coordination with the state's Kowhali program, utility costs, and the need to inform the Department of Public Works about the project's impact on the Wainuenue Bridge replacement. The committee voted 8 ayes to forward the resolution.

• Resolution 504-26 – Rename Kolekole Gulch Park to Kolekole Park

  • Councilmember Kimball requested the resolution to correct signage that had been changed to "Kolekole Gulch Park," contrary to historical community usage. The resolution requests the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to approve the name change. The committee voted 8 ayes to forward the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• All six nominations (Communications 800–805) were forwarded to the full council with favorable recommendations.
• Resolutions 497-26, 498-26, and 504-26 were forwarded to the full council with favorable recommendations.
• No items were deferred or amended.
• The committee adjourned to proceed to the next committee meeting.