37th Session of Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs – July 7, 2026

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, chaired by Councilmember Jen Kagiwada, met on July 7, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. in Hilo chambers with all nine council members present. The agenda included two nominations, two resolutions concerning wildlife management and conservation easement funding, and a bill to amend the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) program. The meeting concluded with the postponement of Bill 169 to August 4, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dane Kealoha, Director of INA Transactions for Hawaii Land Trust (HILT), testified in strong support of Resolution 595-26. He explained that the resolution enables Hawaii County to combine previously awarded PONC funds with federal NRCS matching funds for a conservation easement on the Kaloha family lo‘i in North Kohala. He noted that this public-private-federal partnership would allow HILT to use the same model for future agricultural conservation easements on Hawaii Island. He thanked the finance department and PONC team for their work.

Discussion Items

• Communication 946 – Nomination of Shauna Kaulukukui to the Cultural Resources Commission: Mayor’s Executive Assistant Mike Alameda presented the nominee, a Hilo native, graduate of Waiakea High School, self-employed certified welder, leader with Vibrant Hawaii, president of the Kailapa Community Association, and coordinator with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. Ms. Kaulukukui stated she believes cultural preservation starts at home and wants to serve her community. Councilmembers Houstis and Kimball expressed support. The motion to close the file and send a favorable recommendation to the full council passed with nine ayes.

• Communication 947 – Nomination of Jonathan Zeitner to the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee: Mr. Alameda presented Mr. Zeitner, a resident of Hawaii Island for 18 years with experience in nonprofits and youth advocacy. Mr. Zeitner stated his goal is to listen deeply and offer strategic long-term thinking. Councilmember Kimball noted the strong references from community pillars. The motion to close the file and send a favorable recommendation passed with nine ayes.

• Resolution 594-26 – Cooperative Service Agreement with USDA Wildlife Services: Jordan Lynell, District Supervisor for USDA Wildlife Services, described an estimated 150–200 feral swine at the Hilo Solid Waste Transfer Station causing sanitary issues and potential disease transmission (brucellosis, pseudorabies, classical swine flu). The proposal would fund one employee ($111,000) to conduct trapping operations outside business hours using corral traps and suppressed firearms. DEM Chief Mike Rivera added that enforcement against feeding animals is challenging. Councilmember Connelly-Kleinfelder raised concerns about public feeding and suggested public education. Councilmember Inaba asked about trapping methods and pig intelligence. Lynell explained that they use large corral traps capable of catching up to 30 pigs at once. Disposal of carcasses will be coordinated with DEM to take them to Puana Hulu. Chair Kagiwada noted video of DEM employees feeding pigs and called for training. The motion to forward to council with a favorable recommendation passed with nine ayes.

• Resolution 595-26 – Intergovernmental Agreement with NRCS for Conservation Easement Cost-Sharing: Ben Shapiro (PONC program manager) and Nick Somerber (NRCS Assistant Director) explained that the agreement allows the county to join an existing program agreement with HILT to receive matching NRCS funds for the Kaloha family lo‘i conservation easement (already authorized by Resolution 513-26). The project involves $150,000 from each program. The agreement does not obligate funds but establishes a protocol for co-holding the easement. Councilmembers Houstis and Galimba praised the collaboration. The motion to forward to council passed with nine ayes.

• Bill 169 – Amendments to PONC Program (Chapter 2, Article 42): Introduced by Councilmembers Houstis and Galimba, the bill would require all qualifying lands ranked at 70% or higher to be included on the commission’s recommendation list. It sets timelines for acquisition: 10 years for properties ranked 90% or higher, and 5 years for properties ranked less than 90%. After those periods, the finance director must reassess each property. Councilmember Houstis explained the intent is to establish regular checkpoints without being rigid deadlines. Councilmember Galimba noted the bill is not retroactive. Deputy Director of Finance Malia Kai stated that in the last five years, only 11 properties scored in the 90s, suggesting the two-tier system may not be necessary, and requested more definition on “reassess.” Councilmember Inaba questioned why higher-priority properties get a longer timeline, fearing it could delay action. Councilmember Kimball advocated for a single review period and suggested requiring a report on reasonable efforts made. Councilmember Viegas highlighted a bottleneck: the mayor’s office must approve appraisals before acquisitions can move forward, and called for stronger incentives. Chair Kagiwada agreed on the need for a review of existing properties. The maker, Councilmember Houstis, acknowledged the feedback and expressed concern about commission workload. He then moved to postpone Bill 169 to the August 4 committee meeting. The motion passed with nine ayes.

Key Outcomes

• Communication 946: Closed and sent to full council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Communication 947: Closed and sent to full council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Resolution 594: Forwarded to full council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Resolution 595: Forwarded to full council with favorable recommendation (9-0).
• Bill 169: Postponed to the August 4, 2026 committee meeting (9-0).