Hawaii County Council will meet Jan. 24.
Here is the agenda provided by the council:
Notice is hereby given that the Hawai‘i County Council will be conducting this meeting via interactive conference technology (ICT) pursuant to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes §92-3.5. Council Members will be participating via ICT at the:
• Hilo Council Chambers, Hawai‘i County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401 Members of the public may also attend from this location.
Public attendance via Courtesy Site is available at the following locations:
• Old Kohala Courthouse, 54-3900 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa‘au; and
• Pāhoa Council Office, 15-2879 Pāhoa Village Road.
If a Courtesy Site is unavailable and/or participation is disrupted, the scheduled meeting will continue.
Oral Public Testimony via Zoom: To provide oral testimony via Zoom, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255 to complete the registration process and obtain meeting login information. Please contact our office to register by 12:00 noon, Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Submitting Written Testimony: To ensure timely delivery to Council Members prior to the meeting, written testimony must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, by: (1) email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov; (2) facsimile to (808) 961-8912; or (3) mail to the County Clerk’s Office in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, 96720. All written testimony, regardless of time of receipt, will be made part of the permanent record. Please submit separate testimony for each item.
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
INVOCATION Senior Pastor Sunny Ahn of Kona United Methodist Church
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PETITIONS, MEMORIALS, CERTIFICATES OF MERIT, AND EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
Pursuant to HRS §92-3, oral testimony may be provided entirely at the beginning of the meeting, or immediately preceding the agenda item being opened for deliberation by the Council.
(NOTE: COUNCIL MAY TAKE A LUNCH BREAK CLOSE TO THE NOON HOUR) APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 6, 2023
ORDER OF RESOLUTIONS
Res. 390-24: APPROVES THE HAWAI‘I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES’ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SLATE OF OFFICERS
Ratifies the slate of officers approved by the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties Executive Committee on December 18, 2023, as follows: Hawai‘i County Council Members Heather Kimball, President (Jennifer Kagiwada, Alternate); Maui County Council Members Tamara Paltin, Vice President (Shane Sinenci, Alternate); Kauaʻi County Council Members Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., Secretary (Bill DeCosta, Alternate); and Honolulu City Council Members Tommy Waters, Treasurer (Esther Kiaʻāina, Alternate).
Reference: Comm. 648
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Approve: GOEAC-102
Res. 391-24: AMENDS THE RULES OF PROCEDURE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I BY AMENDING RULE NO. 25, INVOCATION
Seeks to incorporate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian cultural practices into County Council meetings by adding kahu and kumu to the list of persons eligible to perform the invocation.
Reference: Comm. 649
Intr. by: Ms. Kimball
Approve: GOEAC-103
Res. 399-24: CHANGES THE STATUS AND FUNDING SOURCE OF ONE TEMPORARY PROGRAM SUPPORT TECHNICIAN POSITION TO BECOME A FULL-TIME PERMANENT POSITION
Seeks to reallocate a previous federally-funded position in the Planning Department to a full-time Human Resources Technician.
Reference: Comm. 658
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-124
Res. 400-24: AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO AWARD FUNDS TO HAWAI‘I HI-DIVING FRIENDS
Provides $66,815 of grant funds for the Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium Dive Tower New Staircase project.
Reference: Comm. 659
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-125
Res. 401-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PURSUANT TO HAWAI‘I REVISED STATUTES SECTION 46-7, FOR A GRANT TO THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Allows for the receipt of $69,680 of federally-derived funds to evaluate infrastructure needs and associated costs to inform next steps for infrastructure development.
Reference: Comm. 660
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-126
Res. 402-24: AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Allows for the receipt of $478,400 of state-derived funds to support the ongoing operations of the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force.
Reference: Comm. 661
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-127
Res. 411-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I YMCA FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES RELATING TO ITS NEW HORIZONS WINTER BREAK DAY CAMP MURAL PROJECT
Transfers $4,850 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account (Council District 3); and credits to the Department of Liquor Control, Public Programs account.
Reference: Comm. 685
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Res. 412-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO LA‘I‘ŌPUA 2020 FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO ITS AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Transfers $4,670 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account (Council District 6); and credits to the Department of Research and Development, Energy Program account.
Reference: Comm. 686
Intr. by: Ms. Galimba
Res. 413-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAI‘I ISLAND ADULT CARE FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR ITS HILO ADULT DAY PROGRAM Transfers $9,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account (Council District 2); and credits to the Office of Aging, Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 687
Intr. by: Ms. Kagiwada
Res. 414-24: TRANSFERS/APPROPRIATES AN APPROPRIATION OUT AND FROM A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT AND CREDITS SAME TO A DESIGNATED FUND ACCOUNT TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO HAWAI‘I ISLAND VETERANS MEMORIAL INC. FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES RELATED TO THE WALL THAT HEALS EXHIBIT
Transfers $2,000 from the Clerk-Council Services – Contingency Relief account (Council District 9); and credits to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Administration Other Current Expenses account.
Reference: Comm. 688
Intr. by: Ms. Evans
Res. 416-24: URGES THE MAYOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO REMOVE PARCELS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS FROM CONSIDERATION WHEN STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF A PUNA MAKAI ALTERNATE ROUTE
Urges that the Puna Makai Alternate Route not connect to the homestead communities of Pana‘ewa and Keaukaha, and that additional funds be provided to broaden the scope to examine potential alternate routes in communities directly mauka of Highway 130, such as ‘Āinaloa and Orchidland.
Reference: Comm. 691
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz and Ms. Lee Loy
Waived: PCIA
BILLS FOR ORDINANCES (FIRST READING)
Bill 108: (Draft 2)
AMENDS CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 49, SECTION 2-271; CHAPTER 37, ARTICLE 1, SECTIONS 37-1-2 AND 37-1-3; AND CHAPTER 37, ARTICLE 2, SECTION 37-2-21, OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE, EQUITY, AND RESILIENCE
Adds definitions for “trauma” and “trauma informed,” and incorporates the concept of applying a “trauma informed approach” to the application of and access to critical resources and support for the County’s most vulnerable populations.
Reference: Comm. 626.5
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy
Approve: GOEAC-97
Postponed: January 10, 2024
(Note: There is a motion by Ms. Lee Loy, seconded by Ms. Kagiwada, to pass Bill 108, Draft 2, on first reading.)
Bill 113: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in Federal Grants – United States Department of Agriculture Broadband Technical Assistance Grant account ($69,680); and appropriates the same to the United States Department of Agriculture Broadband Technical Assistance Grant account. Funds would be used to evaluate infrastructure needs and associated costs to inform next steps for infrastructure development.
Reference: Comm. 660
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-128
Bill 114: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in Federal Grants – Opioid Settlement Funds account ($478,400); and appropriates the same to the Opioid Settlement Funds account.
Funds would be used to support the ongoing operations of the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force.
Reference: Comm. 661
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-129
Bill 115: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in Federal Grants – Housing Choice Voucher Program account ($5 million); and appropriates the same to the Choice Voucher Rental Subsidies account, for a total appropriation of $28 million. Funds would be used for rental assistance for eligible participants in the Housing Assistance Payment program.
Reference: Comm. 662
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-130
Bill 116: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in Federal Grants – Mainstream Voucher Program account ($150,000); and appropriates the same to the Mainstream Voucher Program account for a total appropriation of $950,000. Funds would be used towards housing assistance payment costs for the Mainstream Voucher Program.
Reference: Comm. 663
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-131
Bill 117: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in Federal Grants – Housing Choice Emergency Voucher Program account ($400,000); and appropriates the same to the Housing Choice Emergency Housing Voucher Program account for a total appropriation of $1,400,000. Funds would be used towards housing assistance payment costs for the Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
Reference: Comm. 664
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-132
Bill 118: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in the Federal Grants – National Instant Criminal Background Check Act Record Improvement Program account ($169,728); and appropriates the same to the National Instant Criminal Background Check Act Record Improvement Program account, for a total appropriation of $715,488. These additional funds would be used to convert paper files to electronic formats and to fund overtime hours for staff to prepare documents for electronic conversion.
Reference: Comm. 665
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
Approve: FC-133
Bill 119: AMENDS CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10, DIVISION 1, OF THE HAWAIʻI COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS
Adds speed limits ranging between 25 through 45 miles-per-hour for Honokaʻa Waipio Road.
Reference: Comm. 666
Intr. by: Ms. Lee Loy (B/R)
Approve: PCIA-5
Bill 126: AMENDS CHAPTER 14 OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO ESTABLISHING A REGISTRY OF REAL PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION
Requires owners of real property, or a designated agent of an absentee property owner, to provide to the County the property owner or designated agent’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address to allow the County to distribute the contact information amongst County departments and agencies for the purpose of notifying the property owner or agent of potential or existing impacts to the property.
Reference: Comm. 690
Intr. by: Ms. Kierkiewicz
Waived: PCHSW
ORDER OF THE DAY (SECOND OR FINAL READING)
Bill 107: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-51, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THEREOF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2024
Adds the Public Works Puna Makai Alternate Route Study – County Project ($500,000) and the Puna Makai Alternate Route Study – State Project ($1,000,000) to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund – Fund Balance and/or other Sources ($500,000) and State Grants Receivable ($1,000,000), to identify an alternate route to relieve traffic congestion and increase evacuation capacity, if needed.
Reference: Comm. 609
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: December 20, 2023
Postponed: January 10, 2024
Note: Requires 2/3 vote of the entire membership to amend, pursuant to Section 10-6(e), Hawai‘i County Charter
(Note: There is a motion by Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder, seconded by Ms. Kierkiewicz, to pass Bill 107 on second and final reading.)
Bill 109: (Draft 2)
INITIATES AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 13-8 OF THE HAWAI‘I COUNTY CHARTER (2022 EDITION), RELATING TO TERM OF OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT HEADS
Proposes to revise the County Charter to require the Mayor to appoint department heads within 30 days of taking office and within 60 days of any vacancy occurring during the Mayor’s term of office, and further that the department head shall not take office until confirmed by the County Council.
Reference: Comm. 627.13
Intr. by: Mr. Inaba and Ms. Villegas
First Reading: January 10, 2024
2/3 Vote: Second of three required readings, Section 15-1(a), Hawai‘i County Charter
Bill 111: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Appropriates revenues in Federal Grants – Community Project Funding-Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation account ($13,000,000); and appropriates the same to the Community Project Funding-Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation account to be applied towards the renovations to the Hilo Memorial Hospital, located at 34 Rainbow Drive, South Hilo.
Reference: Comm. 641
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: January 10, 2024
Bill 112: AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 23-50, AS AMENDED, THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024
Increases revenues in Federal Grants – State Homeland Security Program Fiscal Year 2023 account ($80,000); and appropriates the same to the State Homeland Security Program Fiscal Year 2023 account for a total appropriation of $780,000. Funds would be used by the Civil Defense Agency to enhance community preparedness and resilience, support law enforcement evidence storage and warehousing, and add vehicles for law enforcement personnel and Civil Defense emergency response.
Reference: Comm. 642
Intr. by: Mr. Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder (B/R)
First Reading: January 10, 2024
REPORTS
GOEAC-99 (Comm. 670): NOMINATION OF ARTHUR TANIGUCHI TO THE LIQUOR COMMISSION
Requires Council Confirmation by: February 1, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaiʻi County Charter)
GOEAC-100 (Comm. 671): NOMINATION OF MATTHIAS KUSCH TO THE WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION
Requires Council Confirmation by: February 2, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaiʻi County Charter)
GOEAC-101 (Comm. 672): NOMINATION OF CATHY FERREIRA TO THE PENSION BOARD
Requires Council Confirmation by: February 2, 2024 (Section 13-4(k), Hawaiʻi County Charter)
OTHER BUSINESS
(Including but not limited to reconsideration of vetoed items, if any, or reconsideration of actions on agenda items.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
Note: B/R, when listed next to the name of an Introducer, signifies that the Council Member has agreed to introduce legislation “By Request” on behalf of the requesting party. It does not necessarily signify support of or opposition to the proposal.
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