Hawaii County Council Meeting: May 5, 2026

The 38th session of the Hawaii County Council convened on May 5, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center Chambers, with Council Chair Nava presiding. Councilmember Galemba was absent; all other eight members were present. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, committee reports, and legislative actions on resolutions and bills.

Ceremonial Presentations

• National Correctional Officers Week (May 2026): Warden Ruth Forbes (Kulani Correctional Facility) and Warden Kramer Mahoy (HCC) accepted a certificate. They noted that staff often work over 40 hours per week due to overtime and overcrowding. Councilmembers expressed gratitude for their service under difficult conditions.
• Police Appreciation Week (May 10–16, 2026): Deputy Chief Sherry Byrd accepted a certificate. Chaplain Godoy highlighted that all first responders experience chronic pain; Councilmembers congratulated Byrd on her promotion.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the February 18, 2026 Council meeting were approved with no amendments.
• All items on the Consent Calendar were approved unanimously except where noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Franny Brewer (BISC Manager) testified in support of Resolution 317-26, offering to answer questions but did not provide a full statement.
• Her Royal Majesty (testifier) testified on Resolution 516-26, stating that the April 21, 2026 announcement of the hearing was insufficient notice. She referred to sacred sites and divine guidance but was interrupted by the Chair for decorum concerns. Council later clarified that proper legal notification was provided and that the resolution only authorizes the Finance Director to begin negotiations.

Discussion Items

Resolution 516-26: Kumukahi Land Acquisition

Introduced by Councilmember Kierkewicz, this resolution authorized the Finance Director to negotiate for acquiring ~1,967.96 acres (TMKs listed) in Puna via the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) fund. Councilmember Kierkewicz stated all property owners are on board. An amendment (Communication 818.2) corrected TMK numbers. After a recess due to a disruption, the amendment passed 9–0. The rules were suspended (7–2) and the resolution as amended passed 9–0. Councilmembers noted that any acquired land becomes public property preserved in perpetuity.

Resolution 517-26: Invasive Species Funding ($250,000)

Introduced by Councilmember Kagiwada, this resolution authorized a grant to the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BISC) for controlling coconut rhinoceros beetle, two-lined spittlebug, and other invasive species. An amendment (Communication 821.1) corrected language: BISC is part of the University of Hawaii, not a separate nonprofit, and added a sixth whereas clause allowing additional programs with R&D director concurrence. The amendment passed 9–0. The rules were suspended (7–2). Councilmembers questioned equity of funding; BISC Manager Franny Brewer explained that 50% of their budget comes from HISC grants, ~$250,000 from the county, and that staff costs account for ~$170,000 of the $250,000. The resolution passed 8–0 (Councilmember Viegas absent).

Bill 150: Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure Grant

Introduced by Councilmember Connelly Kleinfelder, this bill appropriated $50,344 for safety equipment and data collection at schools island-wide. Councilmember Kimball inquired about equity; Engineering Division Chief Koni Thompson stated 12 schools have received bike safety training, serving ~600 students, and that 80% of DOE schools (32 of 40) have been reached. The bill passed 9–0.

Bill 151: Safe Routes to School Infrastructure (Waikia Waena)

Introduced by Councilmember Connelly Kleinfelder, this bill appropriated $1,386,656 (state) plus a county match of $621,344, with a federal matching component of ~$8 million, for sidewalks on Kilo Way Avenue near Waikia Waena School. Councilmember Kimball expressed concern about equity, noting that only two schools (Waikia Waena and Keonepoko) have received significant grant funding, and that the rest of the island's schools may lack such resources. Thompson stated that the grant applications were project-specific and that internal public works staff selected the schools based on need and eligibility. The bill passed 8–0 (Councilmember Kimball absent).

Key Outcomes

• Confirmed appointments (GOAC 117–119): Jason MacInnis (Board of Ethics), Kari Clark (Cost of Government Commission), Leonard Louise (Hamakua CDP Action Committee) – all confirmed 8–0 (Councilmember Galemba absent).
• Resolution 516-26 (Kumukahi acquisition) passed 9–0 after amendment.
• Resolution 517-26 (BISC funding) passed 8–0 (one absent) after amendment.
• Resolutions 553-26, 554-26, 555-26 (miscellaneous) passed 8–0 (one or two absent).
• Bill 148 (Laloa Park designation) approved at first reading 8–0.
• Bill 150 (Safe Routes non-infrastructure) approved at first reading 9–0.
• Bill 151 (Safe Routes infrastructure – Waikia) approved at first reading 8–0 (Councilmember Kimball absent).
• Bills 144, 145, 146, 149 (salary ordinance, housing, tennis courts) approved at second and final reading 9–0.
• Bill 155 (HOME-ARP grant) approved at first reading 8–0 (Councilmember Kimball absent).