The Hawai‘i County Council met on September 16, 2026, in Hilo for its 49th session, with Chair Inaba presiding. The meeting used interactive conference technology; the public could watch from Hilo, the Kona Council Chambers, and courtesy sites in Ocean View, Pāhoa, and Waimea.
Aloha Kakahiyaka, welcome to the 49th session of the Hawaii County Council. The date today is September 16, 2026. And we are meeting today in our Hilo Chambers at the Hawaii County Building, 25 Alpuni Street with uh Councilmember Houstis joining via Zoom from our corner chambers. Uh this morning, we are blessed and thankful to have one of our own county employees, Kaloa Robinson from Heidi Congregational Church to provide our invocation. Good morning. Thank you. Aloha Micah Ko, everyone, aloha, aloha Kakayaka. It is indeed my honor to be with you folks this morning. I'm not only a housing specialist for the Office of Housing Community Development, and I'm so grateful that my housing administrator Kehao and Keiko, our housing deputy housing administrator here too. And Gigi, good morning, Gigi. And then um, but I'm also a bargaining unit 13 steward for Hawaii Government Employees Association, so help to negotiate our contracts. More importantly, I'm here in the capacity as a deacon for Heidi Church. Um, in 2024, we had celebrated our 200th anniversary, and last year, um, Kuyo Chapel in Kilkaha had celebrated its 100th anniversary. So the sanctuaries have a deep history here in Hilo. Okay. The word of Keakua for today is taken from the book of John 13, verse 14. And it speaks to being the Alakai, being leaders. Penei Ka Olelo. Inaho'i ovao kahaku, a make kumuy ikooko ma vavai. Hepono no oko ke holoi kikahi inava vi oke kahi. If I then, the Lord and the teacher washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. While providing water was required, the actual act of bending down to watch someone else's dirty feet was considered a demeaning task. In biblical times, it was strictly reserved for the lowest ranking people in society, typically non-Jewish or Gentile slaves. When Jesus washes the disciples' feet in John 13, he completely flips the social hierarchy upside down by taking off his outer robe, wrapping a towel around his waist, and kneeling on the floor. He assumes the posture of the lowest slave. This is why Peter fiercely objects at first. It was culturally shocking for a revered master to perform a slave's duty for his followers. By doing this, Jesus models that true leadership in his kingdom is defined by radical humility and sacrificial service. Today's leaders oftentimes expect to be served by those beneath them. Jesus completely reverses this true greatness in his kingdom is measured by servanthood. If I could have our council members please stand and gather in a huddle and hold hands, elbow to elbow, please. And we will pray a blessing over you. If you could gather in a circle. Thank you. We lift them to you now, asking for your covering, your wisdom, and your breath of life upon every responsibility they bear. Lord, place your hand of protection over each council member and over every member of their ohana. Guard their health, their homes, their marriages, their children, and the quiet places of their heart. Let no harm, no discouragement, and no division come near them. Surround them with your peace, the kind that steadies the mind and strengthens the spirit. Grant them integrity that does not waver, the courage to do what is right, even when the path is difficult, even when the voices around them are loud, even when the decisions they face carry weight and consequence. Let their leadership be anchored in truth, guided by justice and shaped by aloha for the communities they serve. Give them perseverance, Lord, the strength to endure long meetings, complex issues, and the pressures that come with public service. When they feel weary, renew them. When they feel stretched, sustain them. When they feel alone, remind them that you walk beside them. Bless them with compassion that sees every constituent as a person of worth with stories, struggles, and hopes, and bless them with boldness, the courage to act decisively when action is needed, to speak clearly when clarity is required, and to stand firm when the moment calls for leadership. Lord, please bless the staff members of the county clerk's office, corporation council's office, the finance department, and all the hardworking staff and public workers who assist our county council and work in our county departments. The reading of his word. With that, I am calling this meeting to order at 9 07. Mr.