Kaua‘i County Council Meeting Summary – January 29, 2025

The Kaua‘i County Council met on January 29, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Council Chambers, Līhu‘e. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items including consent calendar approvals, communications, committee reports, resolutions, and bills for first and second reading. Key topics included the approval of a soil donation from Grove Farm, receipt of federal grants for transportation and planning, a bill to amend zoning for commercial uses in parks, and a real property tax amendment. The meeting also included public testimony on electric bicycle safety, the Princeville Farmers Market, and property tax enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved (7-0) items C2025-28 through C2025-31, including the appointment of Gerald Bahouth to the Liquor Control Commission, quarterly report on settled claims, HSAC officer slate, and HSAC nominations to NACo and WIR boards.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bruce Hart and Lonnie Cykos testified on the dangers of unregulated electric bicycles on multi-use paths, urging the council to consider regulations. Mr. Cykos argued that electric bicycles are effectively motorcycles and should be licensed.
• Joelle Edwards (owner of Waimea Country Market) testified in support of Bill 2942, stating that farmers markets provide vital income for local farmers and small businesses, and that they operate with proper licenses.
• Desiree Hirani (coordinator of Princeville Farmers Market) testified in support, noting that the market supports 50 local families and that she has permission from Princeville 2 for parking. She disputed claims that products are from China, stating all items are locally made.
• Taylor Garcia (vendor) testified in support, saying the market allows her to sustain her business and employ four people, and that it is a community event.
• Lonnie Cykos also testified on Bill 2940, arguing that the county could use social media to track property owners, but council members clarified that the county uses state tax returns, not social media, for enforcement.
• Matt Renobi added that the state tax department does monitor social media, but council members noted that public posts are voluntary.

Discussion Items

• C2025-36 – Soil Donation from Grove Farm: The County Engineer asked for approval to accept an estimated 100,000 cubic yards of soil (valued at $2.5 million) from Grove Farm for the Kekaha Landfill, along with the indemnification provision. Council members questioned the cost of hauling ($2.5 million) and whether the county could purchase trucks to do the work themselves. The county explained that the soil is free, but the $2.5 million is the hauling cost which is contracted out. The motion was approved unanimously.
• C2025-35 – Bus Grant Application: The Executive on Transportation requested approval to apply for $1,365,726 in federal funds for four diesel/gas buses. Councilmember Cowden asked why the county is not purchasing electric buses. Celia Mahikoa explained that the county is not yet ready to maintain an electric fleet, but is working towards it. The motion was approved unanimously.
• C2025-41 – Planning Grants for Multi-Use Path and Lihue Mauka Road: The Planning Department requested approval to receive $460,000 for a multi-use path master plan and $450,000 for the Lihue Mauka Road corridor study. Discussion included the need for planning to address safety, electric bikes, and evacuation routes. Public testimony echoed concerns about e-bike speeds. The motion was approved unanimously.
• C2025-42 – NOAA Grant Amendment: An increase from $409,500 to $458,821 for a coastal habitat restoration project at Salt Pond. Planning Deputy Jody Higuchi Saigusa noted that the project is still in early planning stages with community meetings. Approved unanimously.
• C2025-44 / Bill 2942 – Commercial Use of Parks Facilities: Councilmembers Kaneshiro and Holland presented a bill to amend zoning to allow farmers markets, artisan markets, and event concessions in open and residential zones. They explained that many existing markets are technically illegal under current zoning. The bill defines two tiers of markets (1-2 times per week vs. more) and requires a determination by Planning and Parks directors. Public testimony was mixed: several speakers supported the bill for economic reasons, while others expressed concerns about overcommercialization, parking, and fairness to brick-and-mortar businesses. Planning Director Kaulana Hall noted that the bill needs refinement, especially regarding quasi-public land criteria and parking. The bill was approved on first reading (7-0) and referred to the Planning Commission for further hearings.
• Bill 2940 – Real Property Tax Amendment (Settlement and Compromise Powers): This second reading bill passed 6-1 (Councilmember Cowden voted no). It allows the county to adjust property tax classifications for non-owner-occupied properties, using state tax returns to identify non-resident filers. Councilmember Kaneshiro argued that non-owner-occupied properties should not receive homeowner tax benefits. Public testimony briefly addressed privacy concerns, but the council affirmed that enforcement is complaint-driven and uses tax data, not social media.
• Executive Session ES-1140: The council held a closed executive session to discuss pending and denied claims. No public disclosure was made.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (C2025-28 to C2025-31) approved 7-0.
• C2025-32 (Opioid settlement funds amendment) approved 7-0.
• C2025-33 (Nutrition services grant) approved 7-0.
• C2025-34 (Record disposal) approved 7-0.
• C2025-36 (Soil donation) approved 7-0.
• C2025-35 (Bus grant application) approved 7-0.
• C2025-37 (E911 service agreement) approved 7-0.
• C2025-38 (RapidHIT ID system maintenance) approved 7-0.
• C2025-39 (Second quarter equipment purchases) received without objection.
• C2025-40 (Budget amendment for HGEA hazard pay) received; first reading of Bill 2941 approved 7-0, public hearing set for February 26, 2025.
• C2025-41 (Planning grants) approved 7-0.
• C2025-42 (NOAA grant amendment) approved 7-0.
• C2025-43 (Utility vehicle for elections/council) approved 7-0.
• C2025-44 (Bill 2942 first reading) approved 7-0, referred to Planning Commission.
• Committee Reports (CR-PWVS 2025-01, CR-FED 2025-02, CR-FED 2025-03, CR-COW 2025-03) approved 7-0.
• Resolutions 2025-15, 2025-16, 2025-17 approved 7-0.
• Bill 2941 (HGEA hazard pay) approved on first reading (7-0), public hearing on February 26, 2025, referred to Finance Committee.
• Bill 2942 (Commercial use of parks) approved on first reading (7-0), referred to Planning Commission.
• Bill 2940 (Real property tax) approved on second reading (6-1, Cowden opposed).
• Executive Session held; no public action taken.