Kauai County Council Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Kauai County Council convened on February 18, 2026, at 8:30 AM in the council chambers to address a range of items including budget amendments, a major affordable housing subdivision approval, and a resolution to support public access media funding. The meeting featured public testimony from residents, students, and media representatives, and included votes on several key measures.

Consent Calendar

• Council approved the agenda, minutes from January 22 and February 4, 2026 meetings, and received multiple ministerial communications (C2026-32 through C2026-39) without discussion.
• Council approved the purchase of a new boom truck for Parks and Recreation (C2026-42) at an estimated cost of $350,000, replacing a 2014 vehicle out of service since September 2025. The new truck will be leased for five years with a FY2026 funding requirement of approximately $74,000.
• Council referred seven claims against the county (C2026-43 through C2026-49) to the county attorney for investigation and report.
• Council approved Committee of the Whole Report CRCOW 2026-01.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill 2982/2983 (Kapahi Park expansion): Five pieces of written testimony were received. Three community members, including Nicole Bayer and Julie Lester, testified in strong support of the $800,000 appropriation to purchase 3 acres adjacent to Kapahi Park, citing safety concerns from tourist parking for Opaekaa Falls, lack of ADA parking, absent pavilion shelter, and overcrowding of playing fields. One speaker reported that sometimes 90% of parking is used by tourists not using the park.
• Resolution 2026-06 (PEG media funding): Several speakers, including Jay April (CEO of Akaku, Maui Community Television), Trisha Allen (Hoike staff), Max Richardson (Hoike IT specialist), and Lexi Jones (Hoike board chair), testified in strong support. They argued that Kauai is the only county in the United States where the DCCA allowed Spectrum to claw back franchise fees from public access, and that Hoike is the only local television producer on the island. A student, Peyton Sakato, also urged protection of public TV as essential for community participation.
• Bill 2985 (Housing development fund): Lonnie Cycos testified generally in support, noting the importance of using funds for home repairs to prevent displacement.
• Bill 2986 (Condominium property regimes): Lonnie Cycos testified against the bill, arguing that CPRs bypass subdivision requirements and that the real solution is to limit water meters per CPR, as done on other islands.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearings on Budget Bills (2980, 2982, 2983): The council held three public hearings. Bill 2980 proposed appropriating $130,000 from the County Clerk's Office to cover additional costs for the FY24 external audit. Bills 2982 and 2983 proposed transferring $800,000 from the general fund and $500,000 from a helicopter landing pad account to purchase 3 acres at 6151 Kauaihao Road adjacent to Kapahi Park for park expansion. No opponents testified; supporters emphasized safety and community need. The hearings were closed without objection.
• Limoaola Workforce Housing Subdivision (Resolution 2026-04): Housing Director Adam Roversi presented the request to approve the final preliminary subdivision map for phases 2-4 of the 75-acre, 100% affordable housing project, and to waive procedural subdivision requirements via the 201H-38 expedited process. The only new exemption requested was for planning commission approval procedures; all other exemptions were approved in 2016. Phase 2 includes 175 new units (75 single-family homes and approximately 100 multifamily rental units). Construction may begin within 60 days of approval. The council expressed strong support, acknowledging the project's importance as Kauai's largest affordable housing development.
• Speed Tables on Hawaii Road (Resolution 2026-05): Engineering Chief Michael Moma explained the proposal to install four speed tables on Hawaii Road in the Hawaii Holm District, following a resident request, traffic counts confirming a speeding issue, and three rounds of public outreach with over 70% support from respondents. Each speed table costs approximately $20,000 (total $80,000). The flat-top design minimizes impact on emergency vehicles. Councilmembers clarified that the rumble strips are separate from the proposed speed tables. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution 2026-06 (PEG media funding): Councilmember Bulusan introduced a resolution urging the Hawaii State Legislature to ensure long-term sustainability and funding for public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access media. Following testimony revealing that Kauai is the only county nationally where the DCCA allowed Spectrum to claw back franchise fees (approximately $115,000 from Hoike), the council adopted an amendment adding a "whereas" clause highlighting Kauai's unique situation and adding DBEDT as a recipient of the resolution. Councilmembers expressed strong support for Hoike as the only local television station, critical for civic participation, especially for elderly and homebound residents.
• Bill 2985 (Housing development fund): Director Roversi introduced a bill to expand the housing development fund's uses to include housing preservation programs, modeled after the Vail, Colorado deed restriction program. The bill would allow the county to purchase deed restrictions on existing homes to ensure they remain occupied by local residents, and would make the county eligible for up to $20 million in state funding under HB 1732. Councilmember Kuali raised concerns about using development funds for preservation, emphasizing the need to focus on converting vacation homes and second homes rather than helping existing homeowners with repairs. The council voted to move the bill forward to first reading.
• Bill 2986 (Condominium property regimes): Councilmember Holland introduced a bill to amend Chapter 8 of the Kauai County Code to require public access determinations during the CPR process, similar to subdivision requirements. The bill aims to prevent large landowners from bypassing subdivision requirements for access to beaches, mountains, and cultural sites. Discussion touched on potential takings issues, administrative burden, and whether the bill could be made retroactive to address past land divisions that blocked access. Councilmember Kuali argued that CPRs and subdivisions have identical community impacts and should be treated similarly. The council voted to refer the bill to the Planning Commission.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions:
  • Approved confirmatory appointment of Dan Giovanni to the Planning Commission (unanimous 7-0).
  • Approved modifications to the Limoaola Workforce Housing preliminary subdivision map and exemptions (unanimous 7-0).
  • Approved installation of four speed tables on Hawaii Road, at a total cost of approximately $80,000 (unanimous 7-0).
  • Approved Resolution 2026-06 as amended, urging state support for PEG media funding (unanimous 7-0).
• Bills:
  • Bill 2985 (Housing development fund) passed first reading (unanimous 7-0); referred to committee.
  • Bill 2986 (CPR public access) passed first reading (unanimous 7-0); referred to the Planning Commission.
• Executive Session: The council unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss three matters: UPW grievances 2022-0021, 2022-0056, and 2023-0016; an opioid litigation settlement with Value Drug Company; and settlement authority in a lawsuit involving a minor. The executive session was completed without additional public action.