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Hawaii County, Hawaii

Hawaii County public meetings in 2025

65 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 17, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on $6M in housing and homelessness grants

The County Council will consider awarding $6 million in grants to eight nonprofits for housing and homelessness programs, funded by residential property tax revenues. It will also vote on two director appointments and a resolution urging state protection against federal immigration actions. Other items include a property tax amendment and several small fund transfers for community events.

housinghomelessnessbudgetproperty-taxappointmentsworkers-compensationimmigration
Tue Dec 16, 2025

Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee

Bill 111 proposes rezoning 4.47 acres for 14 homes in South Hilo

The committee will discuss Bill 111, which would rezone 4.4669 acres at 1077 Ahe Street from Agricultural-3a to Single-Family Residential-10,000 square feet. The change would allow subdivision into 14 house lots and a road lot. The Windward Planning Commission has forwarded a favorable recommendation.

zoninghousingsubdivisionhiloland-useplanninghawaii-county
Tue Dec 16, 2025

Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

Council to consider three mayoral nominations, including two for Police Commission

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs will review and discuss three communications from Mayor C. Kimo Alameda nominating individuals to the Police Commission and the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee. The nominations require Council confirmation by January 8, 2026. Public testimony on these items is invited.

nominationspolice-commissioncommunity-developmentmayorconfirmationgovernment-operations
Tue Dec 16, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider $40,000 grant for Food Access Summits

The Finance Committee will decide on a resolution and a budget amendment to accept a $40,000 state grant for planning two Food Access Summits. The committee will also receive routine reports on fund transfers and change orders. Public testimony is accepted.

financebudgetgrantsfood-accesspublic-healthcounty-councilintergovernmental-agreement
Tue Dec 16, 2025

Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee

Committee to hear presentation on Aloha United Way 211 helpline

The Communications, Reports, and Council Oversight Committee will meet to receive a presentation. The session focuses on a request from Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba regarding a statewide helpline.

united-waypublic-serviceshelpline
Wed Dec 3, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council considers delaying short-term rental ordinance until July 2026

The Hawaii County Council will hold second readings on bills to delay effective date of transient accommodations rules (Bill 98), reduce plastic waste (Bill 83), and set qualifications for the Civil Defense Administrator (Bill 89). First readings include allowing dwellings in MCX zones (Bill 63) and adopting the state fire code (Bill 107). The council also votes on over $8 million in affordable housing grants (Res. 384-25) and multiple budget amendments.

housingzoningfire-codeplastic-wasteshort-term-rentalsbudgetaffordable-housingpublic-safety
Tue Dec 2, 2025

Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit

Committee to consider no-parking ban on Hina-Lani Street

The Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit will deliberate on Bill 109, which would prohibit parking at any time on Hina-Lani Street from Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway to Anini Street. The meeting includes public testimony and other procedural matters.

parkingtrafficlegislationcounty-councilpublic-worksmass-transit
Tue Dec 2, 2025

Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

Committee reviews $720K workers' comp counsel, two director appointments

The Governmental Operations Committee will consider two mayoral appointments for Public Works and Environmental Management directors, and vote on a resolution authorizing a $720,000 three-year contract with Leong Kunihiro Brooke and Kim for workers' compensation legal services. Also on the agenda is a resolution urging the state to protect citizens against unconstitutional federal immigration actions.

appointmentspublic-worksenvironmental-managementworkers-compensationlegal-servicesimmigrationcounty-council
Tue Dec 2, 2025

Finance Committee

County Council approves $6 million housing and homelessness grant program

The Finance Committee will consider a resolution to accept a $145,463 donation of professional services for resurfacing tennis courts at Lincoln Park. It will also consider a resolution authorizing $6,000,000 in grants for housing and homelessness programs funded by Residential Tier Two property tax revenues. Additionally, the committee will review Bill 103, an amendment to the real property tax code affecting agricultural assessment caps, and Bill 108, which adds $1,750,000 in state grant funding for emergency medical services to support new ambulance operations at Makalei Fire Station and six positions. Public testimony will be accepted at the start of the meeting.

housinggrantsproperty-taxemergency-medicalparksbudget
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit

Committee to consider adopting State Fire Code as County Fire Code

The Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit will consider Bill 107, which would adopt the State Fire Code as the County Fire Code and add administrative procedures for enforcement. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the rest is procedural.

fire-codepublic-safetycounty-codelegislation
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council confirms auditor and approves $1.9M habitat restoration grant

The Hawaii County Council will confirm the appointment of a new County Auditor and approve a $1.9 million federal grant for invasive species management and shoreline stabilization in Puapuaʻa Iki. The body will also consider resolutions regarding road dedications, a new Human Resources Specialist position, and multi-year contracts for police officers.

county-councilbudgetenvironmenthiringzoningpolicepublic-safety
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

Council reviews nomination for Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee

The Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee will meet to review a nomination from Mayor C. Kimo Alameda. The body is considering the confirmation of a member to a community development committee.

appointmentscommunity-developmenthamakua
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider $16.5M housing production budget appropriation

The Finance Committee will deliberate on several fiscal and housing items, including a resolution authorizing over $8 million in affordable housing grants and three bills. One bill would appropriate $16.5 million from the fund balance to housing production, another would allocate $1.49 million in federal emergency rental assistance, and a third would amend the property tax code to extend a homeowner assessment cap to agricultural land under certain conditions. The committee will also receive reports on fund transfers, the monthly budget status, and first-quarter reallocations.

financehousingbudgetreal-property-taxgrantsemergency-rental-assistanceaffordable-housing
Wed Nov 5, 2025

Hawaii County Council

County approves $934,000 annual IT software licensing agreement

The council will vote on several financial authorizations, including a three‑year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement costing about $934,000 per year for the Department of Information Technology. Other items include leases for copy machines, a cafeteria plan, and multiple grant transfers. The meeting also includes first‑reading votes on several ordinance bills covering plastic waste, budget adjustments, veterans committee changes, and a hen‑keeping ordinance.

budgetitsoftware-licensingordinancespublic‑grants
Tue Nov 4, 2025

Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development

Committee considers delaying transient accommodations ordinance effective date

The Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development will meet to discuss a bill regarding transient accommodations. The committee is considering a change to the effective date of a previous ordinance.

transient-accommodationsland-useordinance
Tue Nov 4, 2025

Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee

Committee reviews road lot dedication and remnant conveyance in Waiākea

The Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee is meeting to consider two resolutions regarding land in the Waiākea district of South Hilo. The items involve accepting a road lot dedication and conveying a road remnant to the State.

roadsland-usewaiakeasouth-hilo
Tue Nov 4, 2025

Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

Bill 89 sets qualifications, selection panel for Civil Defense Administrator

The committee will consider Bill 89, which would require the Civil Defense Administrator to have at least three years of emergency management experience and allow the mayor to convene a selection panel. It will also review nominations for the Liquor Control Adjudication Board and Windward Planning Commission, and receive recommendations from the County Auditor Ad Hoc Committee.

civil-defensenominationsordinancesappointmentsauditorliquor-controlplanning-commission
Tue Nov 4, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider $57.3 million for police officer contract

The Committee on Finance will discuss funding for a police officers' bargaining unit contract and several federal and state grant appropriations. The body will also review reports on fund transfers, change orders, and uncapitalized donations.

budgetpolicegrantsenvironmentroads
Wed Oct 22, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to consider resolution limiting police cooperation with ICE

The Hawaii County Council will vote on a resolution affirming constitutional rights and requesting the police department limit involvement with ICE to criminal cases. Other items include a $240,000 grant for the HIBIKE bike share program, multi-year agreements for phone and copy machine leases, and numerous small grants to community organizations.

immigrationpolicebike-sharegrantsbudgetpublic-safety
Tue Oct 21, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider $934,000/year Microsoft licensing agreement

The Finance Committee will review three resolutions authorizing multi-year agreements: a $3,000/year copier lease for Civil Defense, a $934,000/year Microsoft software license for Information Technology, and a $12,000/year cafeteria plan contract for Human Resources. Two bills amend the FY2026 operating budget to allocate federal grant funds for Emergency Solutions Grants ($4,045) and Community Development Block Grants ($62,500). The committee also receives routine reports on change orders, donations, and short-term employment contracts.

financebudgettechnologycontractsgrantscounty-council
Wed Oct 8, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on $192K annual housing voucher contracts for 20 years

The council will consider a resolution authorizing multi-year housing assistance payment contracts for affordable housing projects Ouli Ekahi Apartments, Hale Kikaha, and Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini, with an estimated annual cost up to $192,022 for up to 20 years. Other items include intergovernmental agreements for a statewide drug task force, VA police coordination, and use of Honolulu police forensic lab, plus confirmation of nominees to the Liquor Commission and Water Board. A series of small grants from council contingency funds for community events and programs are also on the agenda.

housingaffordable-housingvoucherspublic-safetyintergovernmentalpolicedrug-task-forcenominations
Wed Oct 8, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider road projects and bike share grant

The Committee on Finance will discuss funding for public works projects on Kahakai Boulevard and Mohouli Street. The body is also reviewing grant funds for a bike share program and lease agreements for office equipment.

budgetroadstransportationgrantspublic-works
Wed Sep 17, 2025

Hawaii County Council

County Council approves multi‑year Ethernet network contract for Prosecuting Attorney

The Hawaii County Council will vote on several resolutions, including authorizing a three‑year Ethernet network service agreement costing $49,200 per year for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Other items include a five‑year VoIP service contract at $260 per year, a request to acquire about 364.4 acres of land in Puna for cultural and natural resource preservation, and the dedication of a roadway lot (Tax Map Key 2-4-080:044) at Waiākea, South Hilo. The council will also consider a bill extending the temporary suspension of public transit fares through December 31, 2028.

contractsinfrastructureland-acquisitiontransportationgrantscouncil
Wed Sep 17, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to vote on $192K/year housing voucher contract for 20 years

The Finance Committee will consider a resolution authorizing a multi-year housing assistance payment contract for project-based vouchers at three affordable housing projects, with an estimated annual cost of $192,022 for up to 20 years. The committee will also take up two budget amendments that would appropriate federal grant funds to the Police Department for equipment and training. Additionally, a resolution to authorize an audit contract with the State Auditor for the Employees' Retirement System, and two reports on change orders and the monthly budget status are on the agenda.

financehousingpolicebudgetauditvouchersaffordable-housing
Wed Sep 3, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council considers request to end military bombing at Pōhakuloa Training Area

The Hawai‘i County Council will discuss a resolution urging the state to stop military bombing at the Pōhakuloa Training Area. The body is also deciding on several intergovernmental agreements for park maintenance and various community grants.

militaryparksgrantslegalaviation
Wed Aug 20, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to consider private road tax credit up to $250 for homeowners

The Hawaiʻi County Council will vote on bills including a new Private Road Tax Credit, zoning changes for meeting facilities, a rezoning for multi-family apartments at 1198 Kinoʻole Street, and a requirement for bars to keep Naloxone on hand. Resolutions include authorizing a police lease at 28-2903 Hawaiʻi Belt Road and joining the FBI Financial Crimes Task Force. Several grant transfers for community events and equipment are also on the agenda.

zoninghousingpublic-safetyroadstaxationgrants
Tue Aug 19, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider indemnifying former employee in lawsuit

The Finance Committee will review a resolution to indemnify former Research and Development Director Douglass S. Adams against damages in a lawsuit alleging employment discrimination, emotional distress, and negligent supervision. The committee will also receive a tabular summary of net funded debt as of June 30, 2025.

financeindemnificationemploymentlawsuitdebtcounty-councilhawaii-county
Wed Aug 6, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council confirms nominations and authorizes police body cameras

The Hawaii County Council will confirm three nominations to community committees and consider resolutions to authorize a five-year contract for 400 police body cameras, accept a donation of security cameras, and approve various grants totaling over $100,000 for local organizations and facilities.

councilpolicebudgetgrantswaterparksnominations
Tue Aug 5, 2025

Finance Committee

Authorizes multi‑year lease for Hawaii Police at 28‑2903 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

The Finance Committee will review several financial reports and consider two items: a resolution to approve payment for a five‑year lease (with four optional extensions) of property at 28‑2903 Hawaiʻi Belt Road for the Hawaii Police Department, and a draft ordinance creating a private‑road tax credit of up to $500 per homeowner. Public testimony on agenda items will be accepted at the start of the meeting. The committee will also receive reports on fund transfers, change orders, and uncapitalized donations for the fourth quarter of 2025.

financepolice-leasetax-creditreportsbudget
Wed Jul 23, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to approve a five‑year police department lease with $8,520 monthly cost

The Hawaii County Council will consider several resolutions, including adopting the 2025 Multi‑Hazard Mitigation Plan and approving a lease for police department office space with a monthly cost of $8,520. It will also receive a donation of a forensic tool valued at $24,102.50 and discuss a water system improvement fund of $275,000. A proposed amendment to the Director of Public Works qualifications was voted down.

public-safetybudgetwaterenvironmentpolicelegislation
Tue Jul 22, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider $5M body camera deal with Axon for police

The Finance Committee is deciding on a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for 400 body-worn cameras, maintenance, and cloud storage for the Police Department, replacing obsolete units. The committee will also consider accepting a security camera donation for Panaʻewa Park, a $5,000 fund transfer, and an amendment to the salary ordinance creating an Operations Manager position.

policebody-camerasparksdonationsbudgetsalariesfinance
Wed Jul 9, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on $180K/year GIS software deal and pedestrian street activity ban

The Hawaii County Council will consider several resolutions and ordinances at its July 9 meeting. Key items include a three-year, $180,400-per-year ESRI software agreement for GIS services, a five-year $5,000-per-year lease for a communications tower at Kulani Cone, and indemnification of former police officers in a lawsuit. The council will also hold a final vote on Bill 59, which would prohibit soliciting or offering goods or services while standing in a street, and first reading of a bill to rename Kaumana Lani Park as Yet Sung Chang Park. Additionally, several nominations to advisory boards require confirmation before a July 12 deadline.

councilgis-softwareindemnificationparkspedestrian-safetynominationsbudget
Tue Jul 8, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee considers private road tax credit and police tool donation

The Committee on Finance will review a proposed real property tax credit for homeowners maintaining private roads. The body will also consider accepting a forensic tool donation for the Hawaiʻi Police Department and review reports on fund transfers and change orders.

taxespolicebudgetroadspublic-safety
Wed Jun 18, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to consider funding for government employee contracts and equipment leases

The Hawaii County Council will discuss funding for two government employee union contracts totaling over $71 million. The body is also reviewing several multi-year equipment leases for public works and fire departments, as well as various community grants and property donations.

budgetlabor-contractspublic-worksfire-departmentgrantsreal-estate
Tue Jun 17, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider private road tax credit up to $500

The Finance Committee will discuss and vote on several items, including a bill to create a Private Road Tax Credit of up to $500 for homeowners who spend at least $100 annually on private road maintenance. Other agenda items include multi-year software agreements, a radio tower lease, indemnification of former police officers in a lawsuit, and reports on fund transfers and bonded indebtedness.

financetax-creditsroadsinformation-technologypublic-safetylitigationbonds
Thu Jun 5, 2025

Hawaii County Council - Special Meeting

Council to consider $953 million operating budget and $621 million capital budget

The Hawaii County Council will hold a special meeting to consider the second or final reading of the operating and public improvement budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The session includes a proposed amendment to increase food security program funding.

budgetfinancefood-securitypublic-works
Wed Jun 4, 2025

County Council Meeting

Council to vote on $1.98M Kuakini Heights affordable housing project

The County Council will consider 20 resolutions and three bills on first reading. Key items include a $1.98 million federal grant for the Kuakini Heights Affordable Housing Project, a $3.36 million grant for a Smart Intersection Demonstration Project, and a $2.52 million nonprofit grants-in-aid package. Bills include zoning changes for telecommunication antennas and a land use reclassification at Waimea.

housingroadspublic-safetygrantszoningtelecommunicationsland-use
Tue Jun 3, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance committee to consider $71M in union contract funding, tax credit for private roads

The Finance Committee will vote on resolutions to fund new labor contracts with HGEA and UPW units totaling $71.4M over four years, and a bill creating a private road tax credit of up to $500. Other agenda items include accepting a land donation at Puʻukapu, awarding $838,203 in stewardship grants, and authorizing multi-year leases for fire apparatus and public works equipment.

financeunion-contractstax-creditsprivate-roadsstewardship-grantspublic-worksfire-departmentleases
Thu May 22, 2025

Hawaii County Council - Special Meeting

Council to vote on FY 2025-2026 operating & capital budgets

The County Council will hold first readings on two major budget bills: Bill 31 establishes an operating budget of $953 million for FY 2025-2026, and Bill 32 authorizes a capital budget of $603 million for public improvements. Both bills include draft amendments and proposed project additions. A public hearing was held on May 20, 2025.

budgetoperating-budgetcapital-budgetroadsparkspublic-worksfinance
Wed May 21, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to consider property tax exemption for buildings on Hawaiian Home Lands

The Council will hear a bill (Bill 44) to exempt buildings on Hawaiian Home Lands from property taxes and update related State law references. They will also vote on resolutions to accept $1.5 million in federal funds for the Kukuiola Permanent Supportive Housing Project in Kailua-Kona, $270,000 for planning the Pāhoa Transit Hub, and a $50,000 grant for cat spay/neuter initiatives. Numerous smaller transfers fund community events and services, including $4,000 for July 4th fireworks and grants to local organizations.

housingproperty-taxpublic-transitwatergrantscommunity-eventshomelessnessanimals
Tue May 20, 2025

Hawaii County Council - Public Hearing (FY 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budgets)

Public hearing on proposed $953M FY 2025-26 operating and capital budgets

The Hawaii County Council will hold a public hearing on May 20, 2025, to consider the proposed Operating Budget (Bill No. 31, Draft 2) and Capital Budget (Bill No. 32, Draft 2) for fiscal year 2025-2026. The total net appropriations are approximately $953.3 million, with major funding for public safety, highways, and debt service. The capital budget includes over $603 million in projects such as park developments, wastewater system upgrades, and affordable housing. Residents may provide oral or written testimony on the proposals.

hawaii-county-councilpublic-hearingbudgetoperating-budgetcapital-budgetfy2025-2026fiscal-year
Tue May 20, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider $1.98M for Kuakini Heights affordable housing

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee will consider several resolutions and bills, including a $1,977,568 grant from the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for the Kuakini Heights Affordable Housing Project, and a $14,805 grant for the Master Food Volunteer Program. Also on the agenda is a bill appropriating $1,493,554.75 in excess fuel tax revenues for roadway projects, bridge inspection/repair, and local road projects. The committee will also discuss the real property assessment certification showing a total net taxable value of $55,336,572,000, and an indemnification resolution for current and former county employees in a lawsuit.

financebudgethousingroadsgrantsproperty-taxlitigation
Wed May 7, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council considers land acquisitions and transit operations agreement

The Hawaii County Council will review several nominations for county commissions and boards. The body is deciding on authorizations for land acquisitions for open space and a multi-year agreement for island-wide public transportation operations.

land-usepublic-transitappointmentsgrantsagriculture
Tue May 6, 2025

Finance Committee

County Council approves $1.5M for Kukuiola supportive housing project

The Finance Committee will review reports on fund transfers, change orders, budget status, and short‑term employment contracts. It will vote on several resolutions and ordinance amendments that allocate federal grant money for a transit hub, a permanent supportive housing project, and animal welfare programs. One ordinance changes the residential tier‑two property tax appropriation to a fixed $9,000,000 for housing and homelessness.

housingtransitgrantsanimal-welfarebudgetfinancetax
Wed Apr 16, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for housing and homeless grants

The Hawai‘i County Council will consider adopting a multi-year plan for HUD-funded housing and homeless programs. The body will also vote on several small grants for community organizations and police equipment, and review a new salary ordinance for 2025.

housinghomelessnesspolicebudgetgrantspersonnel
Tue Apr 15, 2025

Finance Committee

Committee to consider multi-year transit operations contract

The Finance Committee is deciding on Resolution 122-25, which authorizes a three-year agreement with two renewal options for fixed-route transit operations island-wide. Several bills are also being considered, including a private road tax credit, changes to the affordable rental housing tax classification, and two budget amendments reallocating funds for housing and rental assistance. Routine reports on fund transfers and change orders are on the agenda.

transitbudgethousingtax-creditsreal-property-taxrental-housingfinance
Fri Apr 11, 2025

Special Committee on Finance

Committee reviews $937.7M operating and $555M capital budgets

The Committee on Finance meets over four days to consider the proposed FY 2025-2026 operating budget of $937,740,471 and a capital budget of $555 million for 75 projects. The agenda includes departmental budget and program reviews for multiple county agencies. Public testimony is accepted prior to and during the meeting.

budgetfinancecapital-improvementsbondscounty-councilhawaii-countypublic-safetyinfrastructure
Thu Apr 10, 2025

Special Committee on Finance

Committee considers $937.7M operating budget and $555M capital budget

The Committee on Finance is holding a multi-day special meeting to review and discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 operating budget of $937,740,471 and the capital budget of $555 million for 75 projects. The committee will also conduct departmental budget and program reviews across numerous county agencies including Police, Fire, Parks, and Public Works.

budgetoperating-budgetcapital-budgetfinancecounty-councilhawaii-county
Wed Apr 9, 2025

Special Committee on Finance

Committee on Finance to review FY 2025-2026 operating and capital budgets

The Committee on Finance is conducting a series of meetings to review the proposed operating and capital budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The process includes reviewing two specific bills and holding budget and program reviews for various county departments.

budgetfinancepublic-workscapital-improvementscounty-government
Tue Apr 8, 2025

Special Committee on Finance

Committee reviews proposed $937.7M operating and $555M capital budgets

The Committee on Finance will hold a multi-day special meeting to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 operating budget of $937,740,471 (a 1.8% increase) and the capital budget of $555 million, which includes 75 projects. The meeting also includes departmental budget and program reviews for multiple county agencies. Public testimony is accepted.

budgetfinancecapital-improvementspublic-safetycounty-operations
Wed Apr 2, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council authorizes police agreements with DHS and FBI

The Hawai‘i County Council will vote on several resolutions, including authorizing the Police Department to enter intergovernmental agreements with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Other items include a land‑acquisition negotiation for about 81.19 acres, a lease for nine 4x4 trucks for Parks and Recreation, and multiple grant transfers. The meeting also includes the first reading of Bill 35 and the final reading of Bill 28 concerning a bicycle‑tour highway restriction.

policeintergovernmental-agreementsland-acquisitionparksgrantsbudgettransportation
Tue Apr 1, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider $70 million for COVID-19 temporary hazard pay

The Finance Committee will review several bills regarding county employee pay and property tax classifications. The body is also considering a resolution to fund an animal rescue grant and reviewing various financial reports.

budgettaxeshousingemployee-payanimal-control
Wed Mar 19, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on using excise tax surcharge for housing infrastructure

The Hawaii County Council will hold second and final readings on bills to amend the general excise and use tax surcharge to fund housing infrastructure (Bill 27) and to adjust the operating budget for affordable housing projects (Bill 33). First readings include a zoning change on Manono Street for an accounting office (Bill 30) and a ban on commercial bicycle tours along a section of Old Māmalahoa Highway (Bill 28). The council will also consider accepting a $90,000 donation of services from Ulupono LLC to pursue federal grants.

housingtaxeszoningbudgetgrantstransportationbicycle-tourspublic-hearings
Tue Mar 18, 2025

Finance Committee

County approves five-year leases for nine 4x4 trucks for Parks Department

The Finance Committee will consider a resolution to lease nine mid-size 4x4 trucks for the Department of Parks and Recreation, with an approximate total monthly cost of $10,000. It will also receive reports of change orders authorized for the first half of January 2025 and discuss a bill amending the operating budget to appropriate $7,100 to the State Substance Abuse Prevention Coordination Grant account.

financeleasesparkstrucksbudgetgrantsordinance
Fri Mar 7, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council considers housing fund transfers and zoning changes in South Hilo

The Hawaii County Council is deciding on several grant appropriations and the confirmation of five board and commission nominees. The body is also reviewing ordinances regarding commercial activity areas in Kona and property tax assessment terms for agricultural use.

zoninghousingbudgetappointmentsagriculturepublic-works
Thu Mar 6, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider accepting $90,000 donation from Ulupono LLC

The committee will decide on Resolution 92-25, which authorizes accepting a donation of supportive services valued at $90,000 from Ulupono LLC. The services would aid the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience in applying for federal awards. Several routine financial reports for December 2024 through January 2025 are also on the agenda for information.

financedonationsfederal-grantssustainabilityresolutions
Wed Feb 19, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council considers $250,000 boost to Emergency Housing Voucher program

The Hawaii County Council will vote on a $250,000 increase to the Housing Choice Emergency Voucher program, raising total appropriations to $1.65 million. It will also consider several grant resolutions, including a $176,899 donation of Gillig bus parts for the Mass Transit Agency and a $2,000 grant from the Best Friends Animal Society for animal‑control staff travel. Additionally, the council will review two rezoning proposals: one changing 8 acres at Ponahawai, South Hilo from agricultural to neighborhood commercial, and another converting about 45,450 sq ft at Waiākea House Lots from single‑family residential to general commercial.

housingzoningbudgettransitanimal-control
Tue Feb 18, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider tax and housing infrastructure changes

The Committee on Finance will review reports on budget reallocations and uncapitalized donations. The body is deciding on a new police department position and amendments to property tax and general excise tax codes.

taxeshousingpolicebudgetagriculture
Wed Feb 5, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to consider code exemption for 104-unit Hualālai Court affordable housing

The Hawaii County Council will consider a resolution to exempt the Hualālai Court affordable housing project from certain code requirements to allow greater density for 104 rental units on Hualālai Street in Hilo. Other major items include authorizing a five-year electronic citation program costing $249,334 in the first year, receiving $3.6 million in federal funds for the old Hilo Hospital renovation, and a resolution urging the state to develop an avian flu response plan with alternatives to mass culling. The council will also vote on rezoning 14.321 acres in 'Ōuli from agricultural to residential for a 43-lot subdivision, and nominations to the Police Commission.

zoningaffordable-housingpolice-commissionelectronic-citationshilo-hospitalavian-flubudgetrezoning
Tue Feb 4, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider $250,000 emergency housing voucher funds

The Finance Committee will review routine reports on fund transfers, change orders, donations, and contract employees. They will consider resolutions accepting a $176,899 donation of bus parts for the Mass Transit Agency and a $2,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society. Bills include extending the short-term commercial agricultural tax dedication from 3 to 5 years and appropriating $250,000 in federal grants for emergency housing vouchers.

financehousingagricultureproperty-taxbudgettransitanimal-control
Fri Jan 31, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on $10.5M in grants for housing and homelessness

The Hawaii County Council will hold a special meeting on January 31, 2025. They are scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Wesley Segawa as Director of Environmental Management and to adopt Resolution 46-25, which would award $10.5 million in grants to nine nonprofit organizations for programs addressing housing and homelessness, funded by Residential Tier Two property tax revenues.

councilappointmenthousinghomelessnessgrantsenvironmental-managementbudgetpublic-testimony
Wed Jan 22, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to vote on $23.8M in housing and homelessness aid

The Hawaii County Council will consider resolutions awarding over $23 million in grants for housing and homelessness programs, including $10.5 million from Residential Tier Two property taxes for nonprofit services and $13.275 million for affordable rental and workforce housing development. The council will also vote on confirming nine new department directors, including heads of IT, Environmental Management, Parks, Planning, Corporation Counsel, Managing Director, Finance, Research & Development, and Public Works. Other items include a $135,000 grant to help coffee farmers control pests, $318,240 for police records upgrades, and a $300,000 extension of special counsel for the Honokōhau litigation.

housinghomelessnessaffordable-housinggrantsbudgetappointmentscoffeepolice
Tue Jan 21, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee considers $3.6M for old Hilo Hospital repairs and electronic citations

The Hawaii County Council Finance Committee will discuss and vote on resolutions and bills to authorize the mayor to enter into agreements and appropriate funds. Key items include a $3.6 million HUD grant for repairs at the old Hilo Hospital (34 Rainbow Drive) and a $1 million DHS grant for rural emergency medical communications. The committee will also consider a $249,334/year electronic citation program and a $328,640 facilities assessment and energy management plan.

financebudgetpublic-safetyhousinginfrastructuregrantselectronic-citationshilo-hospital
Wed Jan 8, 2025

Hawaii County Council

Council to hire private attorney for opioid litigation against Target

The Council will vote on hiring a private attorney to represent the county in opioid litigation, consider budget amendments transferring $1 million for the Waiākea Stream Mitigation project, and hold final votes on several zoning reclassifications, including changing land at Puʻukapu from agricultural to rural and residential. Additional items include funding for community grants and accepting a quitclaim of property for public parking.

councilbudgetzoningland-useopioidlitigationgrantspublic-works
Tue Jan 7, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to review over $10 million in housing and homelessness grants

The Committee on Finance will consider several resolutions and bills to allocate grant funding for affordable housing, police department enhancements, and agricultural support. The meeting also includes reports on fund transfers and a total budgetary fund balance of $212,488,113.65 as of June 30, 2024.

budgethousinghomelessnesspolicegrantsagriculture