Hawai'i County Council Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Hawai'i County Council convened its 39th session on May 20, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. in the Hilo Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, numerous resolutions, and extensive debate on Bill 66 (General Plan 2045). After hours of public testimony and council discussion, Bill 66 passed first reading by a 6-3 vote.

Ceremonial Items

• Java Award: Presented to Fire Recruit Eddie McClellan and Fire Equipment Mechanic Elmer Longboyer for restoring a 1948 fire engine used in former Chief Todd's memorial service.
• EMS Week Recognition: Battalion Chief Kili Kunai and Chaplain Renee Godoi highlighted the work of EMS providers, noting that EMS calls make up over 75% of the department's call volume.
• Hilo High Girls Water Polo Team: Recognized for an undefeated 2026 season. Coach Kanoe Lyons described the team's three-year journey from losing by 20 points to winning the BIIF championship.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved 26 resolutions by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including:
  • Resolution 503-26: Roadway dedication in South Hilo.
  • Resolutions 518-26, 544-26, 545-26: Amendments to council rules (permitted interaction groups, voting/disclosure, excused absences).
  • Resolution 548-26: $477,266.50 in stewardship grants to four nonprofits.
  • Resolution 549-26: Multi-year housing assistance contract for 29 vouchers at Kinoli Senior Residences (up to $550,000/year for 20 years).
  • Resolution 550-26: Four-year contract for Hawaii Firefighters Association (estimated $25,292,860).
  • Resolution 551-26: $150,000 grant for coffee berry borer and leaf rust pesticide subsidy.
  • Resolution 552-26: Acquisition of 1.26 acres in South Kona for conservation (highest priority in 2025 PONC report).
  • Resolutions 557-26 through 573-26: Various transfers and grants for community events, youth programs, and public safety equipment.
  • Resolution 568-26: Recognition of Job Challenge Academy Class 4 graduating cohort (amended to include names).
• Bills 148, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155 passed at second and final reading (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Support for Resolution 568-26 (Job Challenge Academy): Three associates (Matthew Kupa, Troy Stagermeyer, Genesis Nakihei) testified about earning certificates, high school diplomas, and life skills through the program.
• DARE Program Support: Royland Valera testified in support of Resolutions 562-26 and 564-26, funding Dare Day events in East and West Hawaii.
• Bill 66 (General Plan 2045): Extensive testimony, with approximately 25 speakers:
  • Opponents (majority of testifiers): Express concerns about UN Agenda 21/30 influence, loss of property rights, data centers, eminent domain, mapping errors, lack of public input, and potential litigation. Speakers included April Lee, Donna Grable, Aaron Zeman, Kaleika Ilikini, Sarah Steiner, Robert Patrice, and others. Several called for a moratorium on data centers and water bottling facilities.
  • Supporters (including John Pelletier, Nancy Pisekio, Chris Ewan, Ruth Robison, Chuck Flaherty): Argued the plan is necessary after 11 years of work, provides updated tools for resilience, climate change, and sustainability, and that amendments can be made later. The Kona CDP Action Committee and Sierra Club Hawaii Island Group offered conditional support.
• Other: Opposition to communication 372.192 (proposed GP 2026 amendments) and support for resolution 563-26 (Kekuaokalani Gymnasium flooring).

Discussion Items

• Bill 66 Draft 2 (General Plan 2045): Councilmembers debated the plan's merits and flaws:
  • Supporters (Galimba, Connelly Kleinfelder, Viegas, Kagiwada, Kimball, Houstis): Emphasized the plan's biocultural stewardship, climate goals, and the need for a guiding document after 11 years and $2 million. They noted it is a general plan, not a regulatory mandate, and that amendments can follow.
  • Opponents (Kirkowitz, O'Neishi, Nava): Raised concerns about implementation, governance, and the lack of a clear mechanism for follow-through. Councilmember Kirkowitz offered an alternative framework but acknowledged it was not vetted. Councilmember Houstis highlighted mapping resolution issues and the need for corrections.
• Amendments: Councilmember Kimball's proposal to add data center restrictions was not introduced; she stated they are effectively prohibited in current code. Councilmember Houstis submitted map corrections for District 9. Councilmember Kirkowitz's communication 372.192 (GP 2026) was opposed by the Kona CDP Action Committee and others.
• Legal Warnings: Testifier Aaron Zeman warned that the process is "void ab initio" due to missing Ramsay formatting and a pending court case (July 15 hearing).

Key Outcomes

• Bill 66 (General Plan 2045) Draft 2: Passed first reading on a 6-3 vote (Ayes: Galimba, Houstis, Kagiwada, Connelly Kleinfelder, Kimball, Viegas; Nays: Kirkowitz, O'Neishi, Nava).
• Resolution 545-26: Amended and approved (9-0) to require council members to notify the chair of absences, with committee chairs announcing excused/unexcused.
• Resolution 550-26: Approved (8-1, Kirkowitz recused) for firefighter salary increases.
• Resolution 568-26: Amended to include cadet names and approved (9-0).
• All other resolutions and bills: Approved unanimously (9-0) or with minor recusals.
• Next Steps: The council will reconvene May 21 for special council on real property tax rates and the operating and capital budgets. Bill 66 will proceed to second reading.