Committee on Finance 35th Session - May 4, 2026
Committee on Finance 35th Session - May 4, 2026
The Committee on Finance met on May 4, 2026, at 12:49 PM in the West Hawaii Civic Center with members in Kona and Hilo. The meeting covered routine consent items, resolutions for grants, housing vouchers, firefighter contracts, and pesticide subsidies. All votes were unanimous (9-0) except for one recusal.
Consent Calendar
- Communication 24.32: Report of change orders authorized February 16–28, 2026. Councilmember Houstis questioned the Office of Housing about a third amendment to the Salvation Army contract, which extended the contract by one month with added funds for staffing and meals. The file was closed with a 9-0 vote (Councilmember Golemba excused).
- Communication 24.33: Report of change orders authorized March 1–15, 2026. Councilmember Houstis asked Parks and Recreation about soil contamination at Weke UCA park. The soil contained arsenic (from former plantation use) and was disposed of at the West Hawaii landfill. The file was closed with a 9-0 vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public testimony was offered at any remote site.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 548-26: Award of five stewardship grants totaling $477,266.50 from the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Maintenance Fund to four nonprofit organizations for FY ending June 30, 2027. Councilmember Kimball requested a communication listing applicants that did not receive awards. The resolution was forwarded to Council with a favorable recommendation (9-0).
- Resolution 549-26: Authorization for the mayor to enter into a 20-year housing assistance payment contract (up to $550,000 annually) for 29 project-based vouchers at Kino Ole Senior Residences, managed by Hawaii Affordable Properties Inc. Councilmember Oneisi expressed frustration about safety conditions at the facility and the county’s inability to intervene. The Office of Housing clarified the funds are for vouchers, not management. The resolution passed 9-0.
- Resolution 550-26: Authorization for the Hawaii Firefighters Association bargaining unit 11 contract (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2029), with estimated costs of $25,292,860 over four years. Councilmember Kirkowitz recused herself, stating her partner is a fire department member. The resolution passed 9-0 (Kirkowitz excused).
- Resolution 551-26 and Bill 153: Authorization for an intergovernmental agreement with the state to receive $150,000 in federal funds for the coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust pesticide subsidy program, aiding Kona and Kaʻū coffee growers. Both measures were forwarded to Council with favorable recommendations (9-0 each).
Key Outcomes
- All motions passed unanimously (9-0) except where noted.
- Councilmember Kimball’s request for a list of unsuccessful stewardship grant applicants will be addressed by the Finance Director.
- Councilmember Oneisi and the Office of Housing agreed to discuss concerns about Kino Ole Senior Residences management.
- The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, aloha, welcome back. This is the 35th session for the committee on finance. Today's May 4th. May the 4th be with you. 2026. It is 1249 p.m. We are running a little behind today. Our apologies. This meeting is being held in the West Hawaii Civic Center. We have members joining us in the Hilo chambers as well. Joining me here in Kona. To my right, Councilmembers Kimball and Govimba and Councilmember Viegas. And to my left, Councilmember Kagiwata, Houstis, and Councilmember Inaba. And in Hilo, we have joining us today, Councilmembers O'Neshi and Kirkowitz. And of course, our beloved clerk, Mr. John Henrix. We also have corporation council here in Kona. Scotty joining us and some members of the departments. With that, Mr. Ariselli, do we have any testimony today? Thank you, Chair. I can confirm that you do not have any testifiers at any of your remote sites for this meeting. That is too bad. We shall move on. Thank you very much. Mr. Clerk, let's just start at the top of the agenda. Communication 24.32, report of change orders authorized February 16 through 28, 2026 from Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, dated April 14, 2026, transmitting the above report pursuant to section 2-12.3 of the Hawaii County Code. Chairmotion of Close File and Communication 24.32. Second. We have a motion by Councilmember Houston and a second by Councilmember Kalgawata to close file on communication 24.32. Council members, any discussion on the item on our councilmember houstis. Go ahead. Thank you, Chair. I have a question for Office of Housing on this matter, please. Aloha, Councilman Houstis. This is Michelle here. Ishii, Office of Housing. Hello, Ms. Hirishi. Good to see you. Thank you. Just a question on the Salvation Army contract there. This contract originally went out 2024. Has there been annual amendments to that contract then? There has not been annual amendments. However, this is the third amendment. The first contract order, the first change order was to extend the excuse me, was to expand the existing program and increase the number of beds. The second change order was simply to extend the existing contract. And now this third change order is a final extension of the contract, which includes some funding.
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