Government Operations and External Affairs Committee - 2026-04-07
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Government Operations and External Affairs Committee approved six nominations to various boards and commissions, including the Cost of Government Commission, Board of Ethics, Game Management Advisory Commission, Windward Planning Commission, and Merit Appeals Board. The committee also approved $2.97 million in HUD grants for community development projects and $1 million for planning infrastructure at the 34 Rainbow Drive affordable housing site.
Key Decisions (9)
Nomination of James Kristen to Cost of Government Commission
James Kristen of council district one nominated to serve an eleven month term on the Cost of Government Commission. Kristen is from Buffalo, New York, has been a Hawaii Island resident for about two years, and has a background in operations and engineering.
Nomination of Joshua Onipa'alu to Cost of Government Commission
Joshua Onipa'alu of council district eight nominated to serve an eleven month term on the Cost of Government Commission. Alu is a 34-year-old Kona native, US Air Force veteran, and electrician. He was not present but will appear at the April 22 council meeting.
Nomination of Robert Yagi to Board of Ethics
Robert Yagi nominated to fill a vacancy on the Board of Ethics with term expiring December 2027. Yagi works for the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative since 2016 and serves on the Waikoloa Village Association board.
Nomination of Kapono Kuikahi to Game Management Advisory Commission
Kapono Kuikahi of council district three nominated to GMAC with term expiring December 2030. Kuikahi is a born and raised East Hawaii resident, hunter, gatherer, and Hawaiian lomi lomi practitioner who replaces former chair Leomano Teralde.
Nomination of Paul Montz to Windward Planning Commission
Paul Montz of Ka'u nominated to the Windward Planning Commission representing an at-large seat for Ka'u, with term expiring December 2028. Montz is a teacher at Kona Pacific Public Charter School with a bachelor's in anthropology and master's in education.
Nomination of Daniel Thomas to Merit Appeals Board
Daniel Neil Thomas nominated to continue serving on the Merit Appeals Board with term expiring December 2030. Thomas is a current member who previously filled a vacancy and is now seeking his own full term.
Resolution 497-26: HUD Grant Agreement for 2026 Annual Action Plan
Authorized the mayor to enter into agreement with HUD to receive $2,970,000 in CDBG and ESG funds for community development projects including fire department equipment, YWCA preschool development, Mental Health Kukua ADA renovations, and Hope Services rapid rehousing.
Resolution 498-26: State Grant for 34 Rainbow Drive Infrastructure
Authorized the mayor to accept $1,000,000 grant from State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development for planning and engineering design for roadway and utility improvements at the 34 Rainbow Drive affordable housing project site.
Resolution 504-26: Rename Kolekole Gulch Park to Kolekole Park
Requested the State Board of Land and Natural Resources to rename Kolekole Gulch Park as Kolekole Park to reflect the community's traditional name for the location.
Development Activity (4)
34 Rainbow Drive Affordable Housing Project
24.7 acre parcel with approximately 7-8 buildable acres plus infrastructure. Master plan approved in 2024 indicates potential for 150+ rental housing units targeting at-risk and homeless populations. Property is executive order land that cannot be sold.
YWCA Preschool Development
$750,000 CDBG award for preschool development
Mental Health Kukua Hale Amau ADA Renovations
$425,000 CDBG award for ADA renovations to transitional housing facility
West Hawaii Domestic Violence Shelter Security Improvements
$100,000 CDBG award for security improvements
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
County continues to target affordable housing for residents earning under 140% of adjusted median income, with particular focus on at-risk and homeless populations at the 34 Rainbow Drive site.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure costs are significant barrier to housing development - wastewater alone was running approximately $1,000 per linear foot prior to recent fuel and energy cost increases.
Housing Demand
Discussion revealed that some first responders and teachers have been overqualified for affordable housing programs, indicating a gap in workforce housing availability.
Sentiment
Federal CDBG funding faces uncertainty as President Trump's budget proposals have eliminated the program, though Congress has historically restored funding.