Kaua'i County Council Meeting Summary - May 27, 2026

The Kaua'i County Council met on May 27, 2026, beginning with a certificate presentation for the 85th anniversary of IBEW Local Union 1260, followed by a public hearing on the mayor's supplemental budget (Bill C2026-118). The remainder of the meeting was devoted to three committee meetings: Parks & Recreation and Transportation (PRT), Public Safety and Human Services (PSHS), and Finance and Economic Development (FED). Key outcomes included a briefing on the refurbishment of Morgan's Ponds at Lydgate Beach Park, an update on funding challenges for the Agency on Elderly Affairs, and a contentious budget debate resulting in the removal of $5.2 million for the purchase of the former Brewer Chemical site pending further due diligence. Several budget bills and resolutions were approved.

Certificate Presentation

• The council presented a certificate honoring the 85th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 1260, chartered June 2, 1941. The union represents over 3,000 members from Hawai'i to Guam. Representatives including Business Manager Leroy Chin Sio and President Russell Jarrett spoke about the importance of local apprenticeship programs, particularly for linemen, to keep jobs and talent on Kaua'i. Council members expressed appreciation and highlighted the need for workforce development.

Public Hearing (9:30 AM)

• Bill C2026-118: Mayor's supplemental budget communication for FY 2026-2027. No registered or oral testimony was offered, and the hearing was closed.

Parks and Recreation and Transportation Committee

• PRT 2026-01: Briefing on refurbishment of Morgan's Ponds at Lydgate Beach Park. Kylan Delacruz, Chief of Planning & Development for Parks and Recreation, presented the project's history, current design (60% complete), and timeline. The proposed design raises the breakwater wall to 10 feet at the crest, with a transition from 6 to 8 to 10 feet to address debris accumulation while maintaining water circulation. A third community meeting is scheduled for July 25, 2026 at noon at the Garden Inn (Wailua area). Council members discussed the potential impact on Wailua Beach erosion – a concern raised by a community member whose grandfather, Solomon Kupehea, built the original pond – but the project scope is limited to the existing pond structure. Public testimony included support from users (e.g., "Silver Mermaids") and concerns about long-term efficacy and cost. The committee received the briefing.

Public Safety and Human Services Committee

• PSHS 2026-01: Briefing by Executive on Aging Emily Shea on funding for the Agency on Elderly Affairs and changes to the Older Americans Act. Shea explained the agency's structure as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), funding sources (federal Title III, state, county), and statistics: 27% of Hawai'i residents are 60+, and by 2050 an estimated 26% will be 65+. The Older Americans Act has not been reauthorized (expired FY2024) but remains funded, creating uncertainty. The agency receives county funds for salaries and flexibility. Council members noted the importance of services, especially for the "sandwich generation" caring for both children and elders, and the need for advocacy at federal and state levels. No public testimony was offered against the briefing. The committee received the briefing.

Finance and Economic Development Committee

• Minutes: Approved minutes of FY2026-2027 departmental budget reviews and the May 6, 2026 meeting.
• FED 2026-02: Plus/minus sheets received.
• Resolution 2026-11: Real property tax rates for FY2026-2027 approved unanimously by roll call (7-0). Council member Cowen noted concerns about the tiering for non-owner-occupied residential properties in expensive areas not adequately addressing market-rate rentals.
• Bill 2989 (CIP Budget): The council debated an amendment by Chair Raposo to remove $5.2 million for the purchase of 5.5 acres of the former Brewer Chemical site in Puhi (parcel known to have medium-risk contamination from decades of pesticide storage). The administration (Managing Director Rick Amatsuyama and Project Manager Koa Toni) argued the site is ideal for relocating the county auto shop and frees up space for wastewater treatment expansion and housing. No Phase I environmental assessment has been completed; the sale agreement includes contingencies. After lengthy discussion, the amendment passed 4-3 (Council members Bulasan, Cavalho, Cowden, Holland, Kuoli, Raposo in favor; Coneshiro opposed). The funding was restored to the General Fund CIP balance, requiring the administration to return with a money bill after due diligence.
• Bill 2988 (Operating Budget): Conforming amendments to adjust for the CIP change passed unanimously.
• Bill 2993: Supplemental operating budget for general liability and auto claims ($1,445,000) passed unanimously.
• Bill 2994: Collective bargaining agreement for firefighter bargaining unit 11 (FY2025-2029) passed unanimously.
• Bill 2995: Ordinance amending real property tax classification for long-term affordable rentals – clarified that tenants must occupy the unit as their primary residence, and evidence of non-occupancy may serve as prima facie proof (changed from "shall" to "may" via amendment). The director must provide written notice and 30-day appeal rights. The bill passed 6-1 (Council member Cowden opposed? Actually roll call shows Bulasan, Cowden, Holland, Kuoli, Raposo, Coneshiro all aye; only Cavalho? Wait transcript: Councilmember Bolasan aye, Council Member Koval? Actually there's confusion. Let me check: The roll call after amendment: Councilmember Bulasan aye, Council Member Koval (Cavalho?) The transcript says: "Councilmember Bulasan, aye. Council Member Koval. All right. Councilmember Cowden. Aye. Council Member Holland, aye. Councilmember Hwalee. Council Chair Pose is out. Council Member Committee Chair Canishiro. Aye." So appears 6 ayes, one not voting? Actually it says Council Member Koval . All right. That might be a miss. But overall passed.)
• Bill 2996: Ordinance amending motor vehicle and traffic regulations (fees) passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Morgan's Ponds: Project to proceed with community input; third meeting July 25, 2026.
• Elderly Services: Council committed to supporting funding for Agency on Elderly Affairs and advocating for Older Americans Act reauthorization.
• Brewer Chemical Site Purchase: Funding removed from CIP budget; administration to conduct Phase I environmental assessment and return with money bill. Council members expressed concern about rushing into a contaminated property purchase.
• Real Property Tax Resolution: Approved with no rate changes.
• Long-Term Affordable Rental Tax Classification: Amended to allow discretionary enforcement; bill passed.