Kauaʻi County Council Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Kauaʻi County Council convened on June 3, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the council chambers for a regular meeting. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Clyde Fujikawa, followed by a public hearing on Resolution 2026-16 regarding the condemnation of a beach access easement. The council then addressed a consent calendar, communications (including police grants and housing funds), committee reports, several resolutions, and bills, culminating in the approval of the fiscal year 2026-2027 operating and capital improvement budgets totaling $498.6 million. Key votes included unanimous approval of the operating and CIP budgets, and a 6-1 vote on a real property tax amendment.

Public Hearing

• Resolution 2026-16: Proposed authorization of eminent domain to acquire a 10-foot public pedestrian beach access easement to Aliomanu Bay. Testimony included:
  • Shailin Khanani (Public Access Open Space Commission chair) supported, citing a years-long process and the need to protect access for students and cultural practitioners.
  • Nalani Kanhua (Linneo descendant and Jose Lavo Foundation president) supported, describing the area as a living classroom for limu restoration and cultural education, with thousands of students and visitors served.
  • Lonnie Sykos supported the access but suggested negotiation before condemnation, warning of potential lawsuits.
  • A resident questioned the need for condemnation, stating the owner had allowed access; the county planner explained that the owner later refused to grant an easement, making condemnation necessary to secure permanent access.
  • No written testimony was received. The public hearing was closed without council questions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the May 13, 2026 council meeting and public hearing approved unanimously.
• Items C2026-128 and C2026-129 approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Communications – Police Grants:
  • C2026-130: $42,647 federal JAG grant for drug-related investigations (overtime and training). Assistant Chief Rose confirmed success in recent seizures.
  • C2026-131: $59,000 federal grant for special response team (SRT) equipment and training, including a statewide conference and sniper school.
  • C2026-132: New technology (MSAB software) to extract electronic data from vehicles for criminal investigations, used only with a search warrant.
  • All approved unanimously after brief discussion on privacy and necessity.
• Communications – Housing Funds:
  • C2026-134: $3,311,608.94 HOME Investment Partnership Program funds for Kahua Houlu (Puhi Park) affordable housing and Limaola Phase 5.
  • C2026-135: $988,454.54 National Housing Trust Fund for extremely low-income households at Kahua Houlu.
  • Housing Director Steve Franco explained the funds are allocated rotationally every four years from HHFDC. Council noted the projects provide needed housing for teachers and low-income families. Approved unanimously.
• Communications – Other:
  • C2026-133 (emergency management indemnification) was withdrawn; received and filed.
  • C2026-136 (copier lease for county clerk) approved unanimously.
• Committee Reports: Reports from Parks & Recreation and Finance & Economic Development committees approved unanimously.
• Resolutions:
  • Resolution 2026-11 (real property tax rates for FY 2026-2027) – no changes to rates. Approved 7-0.
  • Resolution 2026-17 (HSAC operating budget) approved 7-0.
• Bills (all second reading):
  • Bill 2988 (operating budget): $365.6 million. Council comments highlighted increased housing funds ($34.5M total, +$14M), road resurfacing ($36.3M), homeless grant ($1.5M), and convention hall repairs. No tax rate changes. Approved 7-0.
  • Bill 2989 (CIP budget): $133 million. Public testimony from John Mark raised concerns about the C Brewer site and Koloa Hill Neighborhood Center costs. Helena Oakman urged careful due diligence on the C Brewer purchase. Councilmembers acknowledged risks but approved 7-0, noting the administration should proceed with caution.
  • Bill 2993 (budget amendment for liability and health fund) approved 7-0.
  • Bill 2994 (collective bargaining unit 11, 2025-2029) approved 7-0.
  • Bill 2995 (real property tax amendment – long-term affordable rentals): Public testimony from Lonnie Sykos and Helena Oakman criticized the bill’s due process provisions, specifically allowing the tax director to revoke exemptions based on unverified information and the requirement that all dwellings on a property be long-term affordable rentals to qualify. Councilmember Cowden voted no, citing overreach and lack of due process. Other members defended the bill, noting the language requires “credible information” and that notice is given before action. Approved 6-1 (Cowden opposed).
  • Bill 2996 (motor vehicles and traffic regulations fees) approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolutions: Real property tax rates and HSAC budget (both 7-0).
• Approved Operating Budget: FY 2026-2027 operating budget of $365.6 million (7-0).
• Approved CIP Budget: FY 2026-2027 CIP budget of $133 million (7-0).
• Approved Grants and Funds: Police grants ($42,647 and $59,000), housing funds ($3.3M and $988K), all 7-0.
• Approved Bill 2995: Real property tax amendment passed 6-1 (Councilmember Cowden dissenting).
• Next Steps: The public hearing on Resolution 2026-16 will proceed to committee for further discussion.