Kauaʻi County Council Meeting – March 25, 2025

The Kauaʻi County Council convened on March 25, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Council Chambers, Līhuʻe. The meeting included two public hearings, passage of the FY2025-2026 budget bills on first reading, a resolution setting real property tax rates, approval of several grants and indemnifications, and an executive session on a labor grievance. All seven council members were present.

Public Hearings (Before the Meeting)

The Council held two public hearings before the regular meeting:

• Bill 2943 – Criminal Trespass on County Lands: The clerk read the notice; no public testimony was offered. The public hearing was closed.
• Bill 2944 – Real Property Tax (Long‑Term Affordable Rental Classification): The clerk read the notice. One registered speaker, Jeff Linder, testified in support of the bill but expressed concern that agricultural land values are being assessed too high due to putting ag land into owner‑ or non‑owner‑occupied tiers, effectively raising taxes on ag land. He requested an adjustment for agricultural land assessments. Councilmember Kuali clarified that only non‑owner‑occupied residential and vacation rental classes are tiered, not agriculture. No other testimony was received; the hearing was closed.

Consent Calendar

• Received communications C2025-71 (2025 Real Property Assessment List), C2025-72 (Human Resources Report), and C2025-73 (supplemental tax revenue info) without objection.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Budget Message (C2025-82): The council received the FY2025-2026 proposed Operating Budget, CIP Budget, and Schedule of Charges and Fees. Moved to receive and passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-21 – Real Property Tax Rates: Scheduled for public hearing on May 7, 2025 at 5 PM and referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee. Councilmember Cowden voted no, stating she disagreed with how the tiers treat higher‑cost areas and that some rates are too high, but the motion passed 7‑0. The Chair noted that final rates will be determined after budget deliberations.
• Bill 2949 – Operating Budget (First Reading): Approved 7‑0, scheduled for public hearing (time to be determined) and referred to committee.
• Bill 2950 – CIP Budget (First Reading): Approved 7‑0, scheduled for public hearing and referred to committee.
• C2025-75 – Rose‑Ringed Parakeet Culling Funding ($300,000): The Director of Economic Development explained the funding (originally $150,000 from State Act 231, plus $150,000 turned over by Oʻahu) will support culling operations (e.g., at Waipoli roost), high‑density netting, and a data/communications consultant. Culling costs ~$5,000 per night; effectiveness measured anecdotally. Approved unanimously.
• C2025-78 – Salary Commission Resolution 2025-1: The Salary Commission Chair described an interim 3.5% CPI‑based across‑the‑board increase and compliance with HRS 46‑24 to address salary inversions (where civil service staff out‑earn deputies/department heads). Five positions were adjusted to meet the 95% cap. Received as information.
• C2025-80 – Planning Commission Communication on Commercial Use of Parks: This communication introduced Bill 2951. Public testimony was taken from Makala Kamaʻwana, coordinator of the Mākaha Kai Watch program, who raised concerns about commercial filming occurring without proper county parks permits (citing a recent incident at Waioli Beach Park and planned filming at ʻAnini). She urged creation of administrative rules to avoid conflicts. The council received the communication and later approved Bill 2951 on first reading.
• C2025-81 – Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge (HiRUC) API ($25,000): The Director of Finance explained the API will allow the cashiering system to differentiate electric‑vehicle registration fees based on miles driven. Approved unanimously.
• C2025-83 – eWaste Recycling Education ($45,000): Funds from DOH for outreach. Councilmember Cowden thanked Public Works; a staff member noted hazardous waste collection is this weekend. Approved unanimously.
• Claims (C2025-84 and C2025-85): Two vehicle damage claims (Jennifer Delp, Christina Warner) referred to the County Attorney for disposition.
• Bill 2942 – Original Commercial Use of Parks Bill: Received, as it was superseded by Planning Commission’s version.
• Bill 2951 – Commercial Use of Parks Facilities (First Reading): Councilmember Cowden questioned whether the bill adequately addresses existing sports events, street fairs, and beach park activities. The Chair responded that the bill clarifies which properties no longer require a special use permit (e.g., low‑volume parks) but that parks permits and SMA use permits still apply. Cowden requested a list of SMA‑permitted parks and associated rules before the public hearing. The bill passed 7‑0 on first reading, with public hearing set for April 23, 2025 and referral to the Planning Committee.

Key Outcomes

• FY2025-2026 Budget (Operating and CIP) approved on first reading, public hearings scheduled.
• Resolution 2025-21 (Tax Rates) set for public hearing on May 7, 2025.
• Bill 2951 (Commercial Park Use) advanced to public hearing on April 23, 2025.
• All communications requiring approval (indemnifications, grants, funding) were approved unanimously, except where noted.
• Executive Session (ES-1143): The council voted 7‑0 to enter executive session to discuss a possible settlement in United Public Workers vs. County of Kauaʻi (grievance case). The meeting recessed after the motion.
• The meeting adjourned following the executive session; no further public actions were taken.