Kauai County Council Meeting - July 8, 2026

The Kauai County Council met on July 8, 2026, to address a wide range of issues including an emergency briefing on the imminent extinction of native forest birds due to a mosquito-borne malaria outbreak, public testimony and a resolution to ban commercial aquarium fish collection, recognition of emergency dispatchers as first responders, and updates on the Kauai Coffee lease renewal. The meeting also included a reading of the Declaration of Independence for the semiquincentennial at noon.

Consent Calendar

• C2026-156, 157, 159: Routine receipts approved unanimously.
• C2026-158: Communication from Councilmember Holland transmitting a resolution urging a ban on commercial aquarium fish collection. Set for later discussion.
• C2026-160: Communication requesting a briefing on forest bird decline (later presented).
• C2026-161 to C2026-168: Various indemnifications, grant acceptances, and communications approved unanimously (e.g., highway right-of-way permit, beverage container program, fire suppression service agreement, police dispatch funding, HSAC legislative timeline).
• C2026-170 to C2026-173: Additional indemnifications and grant acceptances approved (tobacco enforcement, cybersecurity, software licenses, and a communication regarding Kauai Coffee briefing).
• C2026-174 to C2026-177: Four claims filed against the county received.
• CRPSHS 2026-02: Committee report approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Aquarium Fish Collection (C2026-158 and Resolution 2026-21)

• Mr. Young (via Zoom from Big Island): Testified against aquarium fish collecting for 30 years, citing harm to reefs and culture. Noted that Hawaii County Council passed a similar resolution.
• Lonnie Sychos: Supported ban but suggested selective collection of breeding stock for captive breeding as an economic opportunity.
• Barbara Wiener (Kapaa, Surfrider Foundation): Strongly supported the ban, citing reef stress from climate change and marine debris. Noted 165,000 pounds of debris removed by Surfrider last year.
• Renee Umberger (For the Fishes): Supported resolution, noting 8-10 million reef fish removed over decades. Stated that populations have not recovered after closures.
• Leo Aloha Makawana (Office of Hawaiian Affairs): Supported full state ban. Noted HB 2101 died in conference due to confusion over county-level bans and enforcement concerns.
• Tommy Passerel: Questioned DLNR authority and argued runoff from golf courses causes more reef damage than aquarium collection.
• Clayton (later in the day): Opposed the ban, arguing it could lead to banning other forms of fishing and ignored that some fish are used for food and cultural practices. Questioned the largest herbivore (honu/turtle).

On Forest Bird Decline (C2026-160)

• Lonnie Sychos: Asked about malaria sources, suggesting reducing introduced birds as a solution.
• Tommy Passerel: Emphasized mosquitoes' ecological roles and questioned Gates Foundation involvement.

On Emergency Dispatchers (Resolution 2026-20)

• Stacey Pereira (KPD Captain): Supported recognition, stating dispatchers are first responders.
• Christina Chong Tim (Dispatcher): Shared emotional experiences of helping callers through CPR and childbirth.
• Chief Rudy Tai (written, read by assistant): Strongly supported resolution.
• Kalanike (Assistant Chief): Supported, noting dispatchers' life-saving work.
• Bruce Hart: Supported, urging more hiring and better pay.
• Chief Gibson (Fire Department): Supported, noting dispatchers endure repeated trauma.
• Tina Hamayasu (AMR): Supported, noting dispatchers experience trauma without knowing outcomes.
• Lonnie Sychos: Supported, warning against overwork and psychological harm.

On KPAL Bowling Alley Donation (C2026-169)

• Lonnie Sychos: Opposed using public funds for a bowling alley for KPAL only, questioning cost-benefit and access for non-KPAL youth.
• Bruce Hart: Questioned whether the $10 million CIP allocation covered the bowling alley.
• Tommy Passerel: Suggested seeking donations for the alley.
• Clayton: Opposed, arguing the money could be better spent on homelessness and mental health.

Discussion Items

1. Forest Bird Crisis Briefing (C2026-160)

Brett Mossman (DLNR Forest Bird Recovery Coordinator) presented dire updates:

• Akikiki: Not observed in wild since August 2025; presumed extinct in the wild. 39 adults in captivity.
• Akeke: Only one known wild female; her three eggs did not hatch this year.
• Anianiau: Population crashed from ~3,500 (2023) to under 100 individuals.
• Kauai Amakihi: From ~9,000 to under 100.
• Iiwi: Only two territories remain. Cause: Unprecedented mosquito explosion on Alakai Plateau (dozens to hundreds per trap per night vs. less than one historically) due to warming temperatures. Mossman proposed translocation of Anianiau to Puuwaawaa Bird Sanctuary on Hawaii Island, captive breeding, and expanded mosquito control (BTI larvicide). Funding highlighted: $1.6 million allocated from green fees vs. request of $12 million. Council members expressed devastation and committed to supporting funding.

2. Emergency Dispatchers as First Responders (Resolution 2026-20)

Resolution recognizing dispatchers as first responders passed unanimously. Multiple speakers highlighted the critical, stressful role. Council noted pay and staffing challenges: starting salary $55,000 with differentials; 11 dispatchers currently, need 21-22.

3. KPAL Bowling Alley Donation (C2026-169)

Proposal to accept $100,000 donation from KPAL nonprofit for a bowling alley at the P.E. Coi Recreational Facility (old Big Save). Total cost $600,000, funded from CIP for KPAL Sports Complex at Vidinha Stadium. Councilmembers raised concerns about fund transfer without proper process. Chair proposed amendment to accept donation for KPAL programs generally, not specifically for bowling alley. Motion passed; administration to address CIP transfer separately.

4. Kauai Coffee Lease Renewal Briefing (C2026-173)

Wayne Katayama (Kauai Coffee) and Trinidad Cowie (BBCP) reported successful 15-year lease renewal, preserving 126 jobs and agricultural operations. Council praised the collaboration and community support.

5. Aquarium Fish Ban Resolution (Resolution 2026-21)

Councilmember Holland presented slides on ecological and economic impacts: 324,000 fish collected in last full year (82% yellow tang), $2.2 million industry value vs. billions from reef tourism. Resolution urges BLNR to ban commercial collection or legislature to act. An amendment removed a whereas clause regarding cruelty to animals. Resolution passed 7-0.

6. Wildfire Ordinance (Bill 2998, First Reading)

Proposed ordinance for new construction: wildfire hardening standards (e.g., non-combustible zones, defensible space for projects over 10 units). Estimated added cost $6.75/sq ft with contractor, $1.97/sq ft for self-build. Aims to stabilize insurance market. Passed first reading, scheduled for public hearing August 12 and referred to Planning Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-20 (Emergency Dispatchers): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• C2026-169 (KPAL Donation): Approved as amended to accept $100,000 for KPAL programs (7-0).
• Resolution 2026-21 (Aquarium Ban): Approved as amended (7-0).
• C2026-173 (Kauai Coffee Briefing): Received.
• Bill 2998 (Wildfire Ordinance): Approved on first reading (7-0).
• Bill 2999 (Special Duty Police Officer Fee Account): Approved on first reading (7-0).
• C2026-174 to 177: Claims received.
• All other consent items: Approved unanimously.
• Executive session: Held for two lawsuits (Travis Brown et al. and Estate of Escavallio).