Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, chaired by Councilmember Jen Kagiwada, convened on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 9:01 a.m. The meeting included discussion and votes on a nomination to the Fire Commission, two resolutions extending deadlines for federal consent agreements on wastewater and cesspool projects, and a bill requiring council confirmation for the Housing Administrator. All items passed with eight ayes (Councilmember Viegas excused). The meeting adjourned at 10:22 a.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• One testifier, Cherie Giffer (also identified as Sheree Graf), spoke in person. On Resolutions 592 and 593, she requested that filters for "forever chemicals" (PFAS) be included in projects and that a moratorium be placed on building infrastructure on DHHL properties. She attempted to testify on Bill 163 but was informed it belonged to a later committee.

Nomination to Fire Commission

• Communication 932: Nomination of Eric Enoy to the Fire Commission (Council District 4) by Mayor Kimo Alameda. Executive Assistant Michael Alameda introduced Mr. Enoy, highlighting his family legacy of service, background as former owner of Hirano Store in Glenwood, and business experience. Mr. Enoy stated he felt a civic duty to serve, especially during the upcoming selection of a new fire chief. Councilmembers praised his qualifications and community service. The committee voted unanimously (8-0) to close the file and send a favorable recommendation to the full council.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 592-26: Authorized an amendment to the Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA under the Clean Water Act, extending deadlines for two wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation projects:
  • Kulaimano WWTP: 5-year extension (invitation to bid moved from Oct 30, 2026 to Oct 31, 2031; construction completion to June 30, 2035).
  • Papaikou WWTP: 3-year extension (invitation to bid moved from Oct 30, 2027 to Oct 31, 2030; construction completion to June 30, 2034).
  • Deputy Corporation Counsel Diana Mellon Lacey and Finance Director Diane Nakagawa presented. A slide heading error was noted. The financial model showed smoothing of annual capital spend from spikes of $260 million to a range of $100-150 million per year, reducing debt service by approximately $10 million annually in some years. The debt service remains high, exceeding 10% of the operating budget but staying below the 15% threshold. Councilmembers questioned cost escalations, change order risks, technology changes, and progress monitoring. Director Nakagawa stated inflation and escalation were factored into estimates. DEM Director Dan Gerbin and Deputy Director Craig Kalogucchi described interim mitigation work (vegetation clearing, headworks repairs, handrail repairs) to maintain operations. Councilmember Kirkowitz requested regular updates to council. The resolution passed (8-0) to full council with a favorable recommendation.
• Resolution 593-26: Authorized an amendment to an AOC under the Safe Drinking Water Act for two cesspool closure projects:
  • Pahala Large Capacity Cesspool: 2-year extension (deadline moved from Dec 31, 2027 to Dec 31, 2029).
  • Naalehu Large Capacity Cesspool: 5-year extension (deadline moved from Dec 31, 2027 to Dec 31, 2032).
  • Ms. Mellon Lacy explained that the Pahala project required more time due to equipment procurement and construction complexities; Naalehu is still in planning. Same financial model from Resolution 592 applied. Councilmember Galimba noted progress on land acquisition in Naalehu. The resolution passed (8-0) to full council.
• Bill 164: Amends Hawaii County Code to require council confirmation for the Housing Administrator. Introduced by Councilmember Onishi. Corporation Counsel Renan Showen stated no legal impediment. Councilmembers expressed support for oversight given the large funds administered. An amendment by Councilmember Onishi to delay effectiveness until the next mayoral term (December 4, 2028) was withdrawn after discussion; the bill as introduced would apply immediately upon passage but not retroactively affect the current administrator. The bill passed (8-0) to full council with a favorable recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Communication 932 (Fire Commission nomination): Closed with favorable recommendation (8-0).
• Resolution 592-26: Forwarded with favorable recommendation (8-0).
• Resolution 593-26: Forwarded with favorable recommendation (8-0).
• Bill 164: Forwarded with favorable recommendation (8-0); amendment withdrawn.
• The committee requested that corrected slides for Resolution 592 be uploaded to the legislative portal.
• Councilmember Kagiwada asked that future financial updates include current spending charts.