Hawaii County Council - 2026-04-08

Council confirmed the nomination of Alan Okamoto to serve on the Hawaii County Liquor Commission.

Council confirmed David G. Okumura of Council District 8 to the Game Management Advisory Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2030.

Council confirmed Stephen Pavao to serve on the Cost of Government Commission.

Council confirmed Maile Ann Luuvai of Council District 3 to the Cost of Government Commission for an 11-month term.

Council confirmed Doreen L. Raymond to serve on the Veterans Advisory Committee.

Resolution 480-26 authorized a three-year agreement with NEOGOV for software licensing, maintenance, and support for the Department of Human Resources Recruitment and Examination Division. Approximate costs: $34,100 (Year 1), $36,570 (Year 2), $39,230 (Year 3).

Zone change from Single-Family Residential 10,000 sq ft to Neighborhood Commercial 10,000 sq ft at Waikea, South Hilo (TMK 22034-036) for Hawaii Federal Credit Union to construct a new credit union branch facility. Area: 22,500 sq ft. Includes 10-year extension to construction condition, amendment to road widening dedication, and deletion of roadway improvements condition.

Zone change from Single-Family Residential 10,000 sq ft to Neighborhood Commercial 10,000 sq ft at Waikea, South Hilo (TMK 22034045) for Hawaii Federal Credit Union to construct a 41-stall parking lot for the proposed new credit union facility. Area: 22,500 sq ft.

Zone change from Agriculture 20 acres to Family Agriculture 1 acre at Ola'a, Puna (TMK 17016-010) for applicants Benjamin and Olympia Love to subdivide 5.79 acres into five lots. First reading approved.

Transferred $1,000 from Council District 4 contingency relief account to support kupuna who grow and distribute native plant starts including olana, ava, kukui, and kalo for chronic disease prevention education.

Transferred $5,000 from Council District 7 contingency relief account to support the Late Day Bloom Event at Kona Pound Night Market on May 2nd.

Transferred $4,400 from Council District 2 contingency relief account to support an art exhibition at Wailoa Art Center for July featuring professional and emerging artists with disabilities.

Transferred $1,600 from Council District 2 contingency relief account to support autism awareness and acceptance campaign, including lighting of Hulehe'e Palace and King Kamehameha statue.

Transferred $3,000 from Council District 2 contingency relief account to support downtown Hilo events including a free family movie night at Palace Theater and a block party on Hiley St. on May 22nd.

Transferred $3,040 from Council District 2 contingency relief account to support the 22nd Annual Celebration of Life bereavement event on May 24th.

Transferred $2,000 from Council District 6 contingency relief account to purchase building supplies for a DIY skate park in Ocean View while awaiting a full-size facility.

Transferred $2,000 from Council District 1 contingency relief account to support the 2026 World Bee Day Hawaii event on May 16th at the Discovery Center in downtown Hilo.

Transferred $9,500 from Council District 1 contingency relief account for purchase and installation of new roping chute at Honoka'a Rodeo Arena county facility.

Transferred $5,000 from Council District 1 contingency relief account to support the Onomea 4-H Club program teaching young people to raise animals and produce food.

Transferred $1,000 from Council District 2 contingency relief account to support training on advanced strangulation and suffocation investigations and recognition of staged and altered crime scenes.

Resolution urging Governor and DOE Superintendent to prioritize repair of Konawaena High School, Konawaena Middle School, and Ke Kula o Ehunui Kaimalino following Konaloa storm damage. Estimated damage approximately $20 million. High school students currently on distance learning.

First reading approved for bill to allow issuance of permits, licenses, or other authorizations for commercial activity within Kauaniki Beach Park.

First reading approved to appropriate $150,000 in federal grant funds for Benefits Enrollment Center National Council on Aging to help enroll Medicare beneficiaries with limited income.

First reading approved to appropriate $250,686 total ($243,986 other current expenses, $6,700 equipment) for Dolphin Bay housing facility operating and maintenance activities.

First reading approved to appropriate $146,010 total ($139,290 other current expenses, $6,720 equipment) for Haleakikaha housing facility operating and maintenance activities.

First reading approved to establish an Adopt-a-County Street Program in partnership with Department of Public Works enabling volunteers to assist in maintaining clean and safe county streets, roadways, and right-of-ways.

Second and final reading approved to prevent parking at any time for certain portions of a lead drive fronting Kaua'u'u Beach Park.

Second and final reading approved to appropriate $171,447 in federal SAFER grant funds for 12 temporary firefighter positions in four high wildfire risk communities for three years.

Second and final reading approved to appropriate $16,100 from housing production program income repayment account to miscellaneous contractual services.

Second and final reading approved to appropriate $12,500 in private contributions to Research and Development salaries for West Hawaii Food Systems Network Specialist position.