Kauai County Council Meeting – October 15, 2025
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Kauai County Council Meeting – October 15, 2025
The Kauai County Council met on October 15, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation and public hearings on two bills (No. 2972 on electric bicycles and No. 2974 on taxicab rates). The agenda included a consent calendar, a briefing on the Po'ipu Road Safety and Mobility Project, several communications requesting approvals, legal documents, claims, a resolution, and four bills for first reading. Key discussions focused on preserving mature trees along Po'ipu Road, accepting a donation to combat the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, approving funding for affordable housing infrastructure, and advancing a ban on disposable bodyboards.
Consent Calendar
- C 2025-203 and C 2025-204 were received and approved without discussion. C 2025-203 transmitted the First Quarter Statement of Equipment Purchases; C 2025-204 transmitted a resolution (later adopted) repealing Resolution No. 18 (1991) and authorizing the county attorney to handle claims.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tommy Noyes (Executive Director, Kauai Path) supported a balanced approach that enhances walkability and retains the island's character, and urged consideration of the Hopa Trail for connectivity.
- Julie Souza (longtime Po'ipu resident, 80 years) strongly opposed cutting any shower/trumpet trees, citing their beauty and role in holding the Waikomo Stream bank. She also requested more crosswalks, noting she is 18th on a list.
- Rupert Rowe focused on drainage problems and the flood-prone fire station, asserting that the Po'ipu project ignores broader drainage issues and that Ho'ovili Road is illegal. He said he has legal counsel ready.
- Fran Tucker (Waikomo Stream Villas) thanked the chair and engineers for listening and urged that no trees be removed until final design is set.
- Maureen Murphy (Vice President, Kauai Outdoor Circle; certified arborist) corrected the tree name to "yellow trumpet trees," noted the area is a federally-designated scenic highway, and called for arborist involvement and a tree protection plan.
- Jody Aswena (resident) urged preservation of all yellow trees, and suggested that roundabout sidewalks should not be placed directly at exits to avoid traffic clogs.
- Mary Ann Martin (25-year resident) questioned the evacuation efficiency of roundabouts and opposed removal of two large banyan/ficus trees at the Keoki's intersection.
- Sandra Quinsett thanked the council for the site visit and supported keeping the trumpet trees.
- Tessie Kinneman requested sidewalks without curbs in some areas and urged saving trees, noting the benefit of shaded walkways.
- Napuaho Okano (formerly of Koloa) suggested widening the road on the east side so all trees can remain, with the west shoulder becoming a combined bike/pedestrian path.
- Several speakers returned for a second round, reiterating concerns about drainage, the fire station location, and the need for a comprehensive drainage plan.
Discussion: Po'ipu Road Safety and Mobility Project – Tree Removal Briefing
- Council Chair Rapozo presented a PowerPoint opposing the proposed removal of mature trees (especially the yellow trumpet trees) along Po'ipu Road near Waikomo Stream. He emphasized preserving rural character, noted that the community had previously requested no removal of healthy trees, and recommended pausing removal for full community engagement. He showed examples on Rice Street where sidewalks were built around trees.
- Troy Tanigawa (County Engineer) introduced the project as a $25 million RAISE grant aimed at improving safety for all users, with a two-year construction timeline.
- Michael Moore (Chief of Engineering) detailed the project scope: three new roundabouts, continuous sidewalks on at least one side of the entire corridor, bike lanes, 11 bus stops, and crosswalks. He then addressed tree concerns: initially 48 trees in the county right-of-way were flagged; after review, the department now believes at least 38 and possibly up to 44 can be saved by narrowing sidewalks, placing them behind trees, and adjusting drainage. Only 4–10 trees (including one monkey pod and two ficus at the Kiahuna roundabout) may need removal. He confirmed that 623 replacement trees are included in the contract, with landscaping design to involve public input in early 2026.
- Councilmembers asked about the lack of prior detailed tree discussion, erosion risks along Waikomo Stream, and whether trees could be saved by wrapping sidewalks around them. Moore answered that ADA requirements limit sidewalk width to a minimum of 4 feet, but infeasibility exceptions may be possible. He acknowledged the oversight and said the community's input led to a better design.
- Councilmember Holland asked whether the project was influenced by Pinkston Developments; Moore confirmed it predates that development, though developer contributions are used for matching funds.
- The briefing concluded with a motion to receive the communication (C 2025-220), which passed unanimously (6 ayes, 1 excused).
Other Communications and Actions
- C 2025-205 – Donation acceptance from NanoTech 2000 of Palm Tree Weevil Killer ($600 value) for 15 coconut trees at Wailua Golf Course to combat Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. Approved with a thank-you letter (6 ayes).
- C 2025-206 – $11,500,000 in state CIP funds for Hanapepe and Vidinha Stadium improvements. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-207 – $2,500 DHS grant supplement for KEMA training. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-208 – KPD indemnification for use of DOE facilities. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-209 – Ballot drop boxes at three libraries for 2026 elections. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-210 – $583,298.94 NHTSA grant for traffic enforcement, training, and equipment. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-211 – SHOPO bargaining unit 12 cost items (received).
- C 2025-212 – $12,000 state reimbursement for tobacco sales to minors enforcement. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-213 – IAAO travel (Kansas City, Nov. 7–8, 2025) for property tax manager. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-214 – T-Tech ACH payment agreement (reduced fee). Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-215 – Disposal of records older than 7 years. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-216 – $501,067 additional state funds for Kupuna Care Program (2022–2026). Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-217 – $290,000 for dry well maintenance lift unit at Wailua Coco Palms Sewer Pump Station. Approved (6 ayes).
- C 2025-219 – Introduction of disposable bodyboard ban ordinance (received).
- C 2025-221 – Introduction of budget amendments for Wailua Golf Course cart path (received).
- C 2025-222 – Dedication deed from Kilauea Ohana Plateau, LLC for 7 lots, 2 roads, and 1 multi-use path (affordable housing project). Approved (6 ayes).
- Claims C 2025-223, 224, 225 – Three claims (Delfin C. Castillo, Feliciano Alcantara, Keith Arakaki) referred to the county attorney.
Resolutions
- Resolution No. 2025-37 – Repealing Resolution No. 18 (1991) and authorizing the county attorney to investigate, settle, and pay claims. Passed (6 ayes).
Bills for First Reading
- Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2975) – SHOPO collective bargaining agreement (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2029). Approved on first reading, public hearing scheduled for November 12, 2025, and referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee. (6 ayes)
- Proposed Draft Bill (No. 2976) – Disposable bodyboard reduction (ban on sale/rental/distribution). Councilmember Holland explained it targets styrofoam boards that break down on beaches, similar to Maui's ordinance. Approved on first reading, public hearing November 12, 2025, referred to Committee of the Whole. (6 ayes)
- Proposed Draft Bills (No. 2977 and 2978) – Operating and capital budget amendments for Wailua Golf Course cart path improvements ($445,000 total). Chair Rapozo noted bids came in higher; fund balance will cover the increase. Approved on first reading, public hearing November 12, 2025, referred to Finance and Economic Development Committee. (6 ayes each)
Key Outcomes
- Po'ipu Road trees: Council chair recommended a pause for community engagement; county engineers presented a revised plan that will save up to 44 of the 48 flagged trees. The briefing was received.
- Donation for CRB treatment: Accepted with thank-you letter.
- Stadium funding: $11.5M approved.
- Kilauea road/path dedication: Approved, facilitating affordable housing access.
- Disposable bodyboard ban: Advanced to public hearing.
- Wailua golf cart path funding: $445,000 added; both companion bills advanced.
- All votes were 6 ayes (Councilmember Kaneshiro excused).
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:10 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our council meeting today's October 15th. Um, and before we start our official agenda, we would like to invite Bishop Ike Cockett from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to come up and give us some words of wisdom. Sorry. Thank you. Um, Chair Reposo and uh County Council members. Um at this time, I'd just like to uh provide the invocation for this meeting. If we could bow our heads in prayer, our kind and gracious eternal Father in Heaven. We humbly come before thee at the beginning of this county council meeting with gratitude in our hearts for our council members for their willingness to serve our Kauaiohana in this most honorable way. Father, we ask thee to bless each of our council members, bless them with clarity of mind regarding issues as they discern better from best resolutions. Bless them with Christ-like love as they come to decision decisions which benefit all in our community, that they may be able to walk in the shoes of the least of our brothers and yet have a brotherly understanding and love for them. Bless them that they will have health and strength to embark upon this council meeting and complete the work that is presented to them. Father, we ask a special blessing be upon their families, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, as well as their extended families for the love and support they provide, which allows them to serve. Father, at this time I invoke a priesthood blessing by the authority of the Holy Melchizedek priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ, that this council may always aspire to make the best decisions for the common good of our community, and that this philosophy may always dwell at the forefront of their minds and in their hearts, that they may not simply accommodate and tolerate, but genuinely see, understand, acknowledge council and aloha one to another, that today and throughout this council meeting, they understand the diverse backgrounds that each have, but that as children of God they recognize that we are all one in Jesus Christ is my prayer, and we ask for these blessings humbly in the name in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, we have uh two public hearings today. Uh so madam clerk, can we read the notice for bill number 2972, please? Notices hereby given that the Koei County Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 8 30 a.m. or soon thereafter in the council chambers 4396 Rice Street and the historic county building on bill number 2972, a bill for an ordinance amending chapter 16, Koi County Code 1987 as amended relating to the traffic code. This is for e-bicycles. This bill proposes to create necessary definitions for emerging technologies and an accompanying new section to chapter 16. Koi County Code 1987 as amended that addresses electric bicycles and their safe, allowable use on public roads, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of e-bike-related incidents. Chair, we have one piece of written testimony. Thank you. We have anyone in the audience wishing to speak on the e-bike legislation. Seeing none, that public hearing is closed. Can you read the notice for bill number 2974, please? Notice is here by given that the Quake County Council will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. or soon thereafter in the council chambers 4396 Rice Street in the historic county building in Lehue on Bill No. 2974, a bill for an ordinance amending chapter 23, Koi County Code 1987 as amended relating to the regulation of business and trades. This is for taxicab rates for touring or chartered time. This bill proposes to amend chapter 23, Kuwait County Code 1987 as amended by increasing the taxicab rates relating to touring and chartered time. Chair, we have one piece of written testimony for this bill also. Thank you. Is there anyone in the audience wishing to testify on the taxicab bill? Seeing none, this public hearing is closed. With that, I will call the meeting to order. Roll call, please. Councilmember Bolosan. Councilmember Cavallio. Councilmember Cowden should be on her way. Councilmember Holland. Present. Councilmember Kanishiro is excused. Councilmember Kuli is on his way, and Council Chair Pozo. Here. Yeah. For present. Thank you.
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