OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Honolulu City Council Meeting - June 4, 2026: Budgets, Flood Control, and Disaster Preparedness

City Council — Thursday, June 4, 2026
BodyHonolulu, Hawaii
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, June 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:17:52
Transcript — Verbatim
3:15

Good afternoon, everyone.

3:16

We're reconvening.

3:17

We're on page twelve.

3:18

Page twelve.

3:21

From the committee on budget, Councilmember Okimoto.

3:24

Chair, I move that committee report one two one twenty twenty-six be adopted, and Bill Twenty-three, twenty twenty-six CD two pass third reading.

3:34

Councilmember Okimoto for the explanation.

3:36

Relating to the executive capital budget and program for the fiscal year July first, twenty twenty-six to June thirtieth, twenty twenty-seven.

3:45

Is there a motion to amend Councilman Rokimoto?

3:48

Chair, I move that Bill 23, 2026 CD two be amended to the FD one as described in the posted budget for draft summary and incorporated into the FD one identified as OCS twenty twenty-six-three seven zero.

4:29

I am an upcoming sophomore and the originating founder of the V Macron Foundation, an organization I created because I believe deeply in the future of the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center.

5:01

But because of what VMAC has given to me and so many others, it is truly difficult to watch its aging infrastructure limit the opportunities available to the athletes, families, and community members who depend on it.

5:14

Every day, these people benefit from this facility, yet its potential remains far greater than what his current condition allows.

5:20

Passing Bill 23 2026 is an investment not only in a building, but in people.

5:26

It is an investment in future generations of local youth in our community and in a facility that welcomes visitors from across Hawaii and beyond.

5:34

I founded the VMAC Renewal Foundation because I believe VMAC can once again become a world-class facility worthy of the veterans whose legacy it honors and the community it serves.

5:44

Mahalo for your time and consideration.

5:46

Thank you, Mr.

5:47

Nakamura members.

5:49

Any questions for the Testifier?

5:51

Say none, thank you so much for being here today.

5:53

Next, we have Pikachu Shelby billionaire.

5:57

Mr.

5:58

Mr.

5:58

Chair, the Testifier is not logged on.

6:00

Thank you.

6:00

Next, we have Eric Beaver.

6:04

Aloha.

6:08

Thank you for being here.

6:10

Please proceed.

6:19

Councilmember Waters, uh, City Council members.

6:23

Aloha, I'm Eric Beaver for Hawaii Reserves.

6:27

Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Bill 23.

6:33

There's uh there's an item regarding the Waylele Stream flood control study that is included in the bill.

6:41

The Waylali Stream continues to be the cause of major flooding in Laye, including Konalo 2, along with so many other parts of the of the island, we were hit very, very hard.

6:54

Insufficient channel capacity and severely inadequate outfall capacity continues to be the primary cause of flooding in our community.

7:07

For decades, HRI has worked closely with the city and county of Honolulu and the U.S.

7:14

Army Corps of Engineers to try and figure out a solution to this problem.

7:21

And for years, we have been working under the continuing authorities program of the of the Army Corps.

7:28

Recent updates of that study.

7:34

No longer qualify the project under the continuing authorities program because the federal spending limit would be exceeded.

7:43

And so they've suggested and recommended, and we've been in discussions with Councilmember Wire on this.

7:50

Appreciate his support and submittal of this budget item.

7:55

We now understand that the other option to fund this project is the general investigations program of the Army Corps, where there's no federal spending limit.

8:07

And this study is basically to accomplish the first step in trying to find that ultimate solution.

8:15

HRI through the years have participated as a partner with the city on all things flood control related.

8:25

And as we have with past studies, we will continue with this study to fund one half of the city's portion.

8:33

That's been our commitment.

8:34

Thank you for your support and just wanted to come and say please, please pass this.

8:41

Aloha.

8:42

Thank you for being here.

8:43

Thank you.

8:43

Okay.

8:44

Next, we have Noah Seanhard.

8:52

My name is Phil Schumer with the VMAC Renewal Foundation.

8:54

I'm a 16-year-old swimmer for Bruno Aquatics Club and Bruno School Island H.

8:59

And I'm strongly in support of funding for the renovation of the KMAC Dekai Man or Aquatic Center.

9:04

Swimming is Tommy Discipline, perseverance, and importance of hard work.

9:08

VMAC has played a major role in my growth as an athlete, but upgrades to bulkhead starter blocks and spectrated areas are needed to improve safety and training conditions.

9:16

So also teaches critical water safety skills, which are especially important in Hawaii, where drowning rates among children are some of the highest in the nation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████26%
Funds Management█████████████████17%
Disaster Response Planning█████████████13%
Environmental Protection█████████9%
Budget Equity Analysis████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Youth Programs█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Public Transportation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Honolulu City Council Meeting - June 4, 2026: Budgets, Flood Control, and Disaster Preparedness

The Honolulu City Council convened on June 4, 2026, to consider a wide range of legislation including the fiscal year 2027 capital and operating budgets, bond authorizations, HART budgets, tax rates, and various resolutions. The council heard public testimony on several items, including flood control, veterans memorial aquatic center renovations, HART ADA compliance, and disaster preparedness. All measures were passed, many with unanimous 9-0 votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bill 23 (Capital Budget): Multiple youth testifiers (founders of VMAC Renewal Foundation) spoke in strong support of funding for the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center (VMAC) renovation, citing aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and the facility's importance for youth swimming, water safety, and community events. Eric Beaver of Hawaii Reserves testified in support of funding for a Wailele Stream flood control study, noting that the stream causes major flooding in Laie and that HRI will cover half the city's cost.
  • Bill 26 (HART Operating Budget): A testifier (name not given) spoke in support but urged amendments to include revenue from naming rights, digital advertising, and local business discounts for transit passes.
  • Bill 27 (HART Capital Budget): Lisa Jaso, a legally blind resident of Kalihi, testified in opposition, arguing that HART is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and that the council should not approve more funding until ADA issues are resolved.
  • Resolution 26-110 (Disaster Response Lessons): Multiple members of the Honolulu Youth Commission (Sydney Chung, Dominique Bonifacio, Jethro Bu Monglog, Holly Rader) testified in strong support, emphasizing the need to incorporate community-led disaster response efforts from the Konalo storms into official plans. Marie Samudio (Nikani Oe I Kahalu'u CERT, Cross Island Resilience Network) and Dottie Kelly Paddock (Hui o Hau'ula) also testified in support, urging the city to use nature-based solutions, install stream gauges, and build capacity. Councilmember Kia Aina noted that 13 new positions were added to the Department of Emergency Management to help meet these needs.
  • Gift Resolutions: No testimony on the various gift acceptances.

Discussion Items

  • Bill 23, 2026 CD2 (Executive Capital Budget): Councilmember Okimoto moved an amendment (FD1) which was adopted. Councilmember Kia Aina expressed gratitude for amendments that removed funding for a new landfill (promised not to be on the west side), added funding for the Kulao Puni drain system, a long reach excavator, and housing stabilization in her district. The bill passed third reading 9-0.
  • Bill 24, 2026 (Bond Authorization): Passed third reading 9-0 without discussion.
  • Bill 26, 2026 (HART Operating Budget): Passed third reading 9-0 without discussion.
  • Bill 27, 2026 (HART Capital Budget): Passed third reading 9-0 after testimony.
  • Bill 28, 2026 CD1 (Legislative Budget): Passed third reading 9-0.
  • Resolution 26-62 (Real Property Tax Rates): Adopted 9-0.
  • Bill 12, 2026 CD1 (Sewers, Drainage, Cesspools): Councilmember Tupola explained the bill strengthens transparency and public access to wastewater and storm sewer system information, noting that institutional knowledge will be captured before staff retirements. Passed 9-0.
  • Bill 70, 2025 CD2 (Dog Parks): Councilmember Tupola explained that the bill allows dog parks to count toward up to 10% of park dedication requirements for new developments, providing more spaces for dog owners. Passed 9-0.
  • Bill 34, 2026 CD2 (Flood Hazard Areas): Councilmember Kia Aina explained the bill updates flood hazard ordinance to maintain FEMA eligibility and the Community Rating System. Councilmember Tupola thanked her for including additional DEM personnel positions to help administer federal funds. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution 26-110 (Disaster Response Lessons): After extensive testimony, councilmembers discussed the need for capacity-building and community partnerships. Councilmember Kia Aina highlighted new DEM positions. Councilmember Tupola thanked the youth commission and community groups. Resolution adopted 9-0.
  • Resolution 26-138 (Land Exchange with DHHL): Councilmember Cordero moved an amendment (hand carried FD1) with technical corrections and clarifications. Councilmember Tupola noted the property is not inside Verona Village but near the rail line. Adopted after waiver of 48-hour notice rule.
  • Transfer Resolutions: Several fund transfers were approved, including:
    • CR128 & Res 26-106: $1,500,000 from solid waste fund for refuse collection.
    • CR129 & Res 26-107: $1,487,000 for energy costs and facility maintenance.
    • CR130 & Res 26-109: $4,000 for HPD patrol equipment.
    • CR131 & Res 26-114: $1,000,000 for transportation mobility (amended to FD1).
    • CR132 & Res 26-119: $5,500,000 for HPD salaries.
    • CR133 & Res 26-121: $585,000 for HFD.
    • CR134 & Res 26-122: $1,322,000 for salary adjustments across departments.
    • CR135 & Res 26-123: $57,000 for emergency medical services energy costs.
    • CR136 & Res 26-124: $6,500 for CSD motor vehicle operational costs (postage, toner, equipment).
  • Gift Resolutions: Gifts accepted included $5,000 from Pacific Harley Davidson for junior lifeguard program (Res 26-116), $2,397 in meal coupons from Old Spaghetti Factory (Res 26-115), $1,584 in pickleball equipment from Oahu Pickleball Association (Res 26-117), $1,360.80 in boxes from Rango Packaging (Res 26-118), $14,816.75 for air conditioning at Honolulu Zoo (Res 26-125), and $4,995.56 for zoo exhibit pump modification (Res 26-126). Also, gifts for Memorial Day ceremonies: shipping services from Aloha Air Cargo ($2,500), cookies from Diamond Bakery ($606), and weekly tea leaf donations from Murakami Farms ($18,000). All adopted.
  • HSAC Items: Resolution 26-135 (appointment of officers) and 26-136 (HSAC budget for FY2026-2027) adopted.
  • Resolution 26-137 (Fund Transfer for DTS): $76,377 for transportation rail division equipment adopted.

Key Outcomes

  • Bill 23, 2026 CD2 (FD1): Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 24, 2026: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 26, 2026: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 27, 2026: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 28, 2026 CD1: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Resolution 26-62: Adopted (9-0).
  • Bill 12, 2026 CD1: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 70, 2025 CD2: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Bill 34, 2026 CD2: Passed third reading (9-0).
  • Resolution 26-110: Adopted (9-0).
  • Resolution 26-138 (FD1): Adopted after amendment.
  • All transfer resolutions (CR128-136): Adopted.
  • All gift resolutions (CR140, 153-160): Adopted.
  • Resolution 26-105 (subdivision rules): Adopted (9-0).
  • Resolution 26-135, 26-136, 26-137: Adopted.
  • Adjournment: The council adjourned until Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. We're reconvening. We're on page twelve. Page twelve. From the committee on budget, Councilmember Okimoto. Chair, I move that committee report one two one twenty twenty-six be adopted, and Bill Twenty-three, twenty twenty-six CD two pass third reading. Councilmember Okimoto for the explanation. Relating to the executive capital budget and program for the fiscal year July first, twenty twenty-six to June thirtieth, twenty twenty-seven. Is there a motion to amend Councilman Rokimoto? Chair, I move that Bill 23, 2026 CD two be amended to the FD one as described in the posted budget for draft summary and incorporated into the FD one identified as OCS twenty twenty-six-three seven zero. I am an upcoming sophomore and the originating founder of the V Macron Foundation, an organization I created because I believe deeply in the future of the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center. But because of what VMAC has given to me and so many others, it is truly difficult to watch its aging infrastructure limit the opportunities available to the athletes, families, and community members who depend on it. Every day, these people benefit from this facility, yet its potential remains far greater than what his current condition allows. Passing Bill 23 2026 is an investment not only in a building, but in people. It is an investment in future generations of local youth in our community and in a facility that welcomes visitors from across Hawaii and beyond. I founded the VMAC Renewal Foundation because I believe VMAC can once again become a world-class facility worthy of the veterans whose legacy it honors and the community it serves. Mahalo for your time and consideration. Thank you, Mr. Nakamura members. Any questions for the Testifier? Say none, thank you so much for being here today. Next, we have Pikachu Shelby billionaire. Mr. Mr. Chair, the Testifier is not logged on. Thank you. Next, we have Eric Beaver. Aloha. Thank you for being here. Please proceed. Councilmember Waters, uh, City Council members. Aloha, I'm Eric Beaver for Hawaii Reserves. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Bill 23. There's uh there's an item regarding the Waylele Stream flood control study that is included in the bill. The Waylali Stream continues to be the cause of major flooding in Laye, including Konalo 2, along with so many other parts of the of the island, we were hit very, very hard. Insufficient channel capacity and severely inadequate outfall capacity continues to be the primary cause of flooding in our community. For decades, HRI has worked closely with the city and county of Honolulu and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to try and figure out a solution to this problem. And for years, we have been working under the continuing authorities program of the of the Army Corps. Recent updates of that study. No longer qualify the project under the continuing authorities program because the federal spending limit would be exceeded. And so they've suggested and recommended, and we've been in discussions with Councilmember Wire on this. Appreciate his support and submittal of this budget item. We now understand that the other option to fund this project is the general investigations program of the Army Corps, where there's no federal spending limit. And this study is basically to accomplish the first step in trying to find that ultimate solution. HRI through the years have participated as a partner with the city on all things flood control related. And as we have with past studies, we will continue with this study to fund one half of the city's portion. That's been our commitment. Thank you for your support and just wanted to come and say please, please pass this. Aloha.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com