[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6646822,"mediaKeyId","2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254","parentId",2527552,"title","Council rejects proposal to extend short-term agricultural dedication from three to five years","audioSeconds",357,"startMs",3638000,"endMs",3995000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254&start=3638&end=3995","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254/thumbnail_3638000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6646822/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Council-rejects-proposal-to-extend-short-term-agricultural-dedication-from-three-to-five-years","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646822-98aedab1dbf553c093b78d3aed610b44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183998&Signature=jHo-PO3NFvC6OzJ2ZdmAv3p3I3Y0zTeFS9zuuZLeiFQHKKvOPL1KnumU9NNCh0eNXtSqmk9J~u~IHfJmVY0gsTo2Sb8QBjG4395gBOVSN6NY0jDvtLcT127jpAbrczOIjrYp6IMql2-ZhaBzXLVqdm4gwZ8iKZDuWCpqTUhqGckQiukBcrkI6PL6Gt82Zveof4rhJjtCvaFSVpOJ8n0dQtc~zPzsq7hiISI431MxzDBX1EQKOog3-ebJAxtoKPxCFcUnP4p~27PU6w1EyXwPsOMvJBiGxh74tSIQhcsX8~FQAgeInMaztgzjtHGLb9Ffk6EXa5SXZpRP1t~wX9mErA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii County","date","2025-03-07T08:33:00Z","article","The Hawaii County Council rejected Bill 23 (Draft 2), which would have increased the minimum term for the short-term commercial agricultural use dedication property-tax assessment from three years to five years. The measure failed on a roll-call vote at the March 7 meeting after extended council discussion about administrative capacity, farmer flexibility and compliance risks.

Council member Eustace, the bill’s introducer, said the change responds to community feedback gathered by Real Property Tax and would give farmers and agriculturalists more time to rotate crops and to Real Property Tax staff more time to review applications. Assistant Administrator Katie Joe of Real Property Tax told the council that a longer term \"would definitely assist us in managing the applications,\" while also flagging compliance concerns and the need for reapplication processes.

Opponents argued in committee and on the floor that a three-year term provides flexibility for small operators and that the administrative burden of longer terms should not override producers’ needs. Council member Kimball, who helped shape the original program, said he had spoken with local cattlemen and farm organizations and that many producers favored the three-year flexibility because uncertain operations may not be able to commit to five years. Council member Galimba reiterated support for the shorter interval, noting rollback-tax exposure for property owners who later leave agriculture.

On the roll call to pass Bill 23 at first reading the minutes show four votes in favor (Council members Eustace, Kurkowitz, Onishi and the chair), four opposed and one absent; the motion lost. Council members asked Real Property Tax to continue outreach and to ensure application materials and guidance (farm-plan template and FAQ) were accessible to applicants.

Speakers in the record include Council member Eustace (sponsor), Council member Kimball (opponent), Council member Galimba (opponent), and Katie Joe, Assistant Administrator for Real Property Tax.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawaii County - Hawaii County Council - Mar 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A measure that would have increased the minimum term for short-term commercial agricultural use dedication from three to five years failed on a tied roll call after council members and Real Property Tax staff debated administrative impacts and farmer flexibility.","taxTitle","Hawaii County, Hawaii","taxId",12825,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646827,"Nomination to Leeward Planning Commission fails after council split",141,808000,949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254&start=808&end=949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254/thumbnail_808000.jpg","/articles/6646827/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Nomination-to-Leeward-Planning-Commission-fails-after-council-split","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646827-9a8cf2615419ef7c5e60c2bad03092f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183998&Signature=Jg7TTt5IQAX6QFsIyA8Wqb0H-xO9GkRog0WlIDf9Ssz5eCOu0kxfr~MQGC9xJZTIR8XbO419ndEp4xeMwB7fw-lWpCqraemTpp7mX8ZQ2jO0zw40UDrZ09hIyCS-FjiKXfwfD-mSqjRTjuoBOlfLNGx1mwegB6NMJ8w5X2uTqxZuSRPLjE3s-0WV6exKYf~y2MbwrQML4jxDGcqMtNtyyJIOhkw-BlG-CbHRXh8hUvzyJuL7ztQjPX0MkbvWvDFD0Laz0aeyWvfND7wEYWvs-XIAlTTXrSl7qWtGSMuMTWUxbZWHhp0b3w4saAAPXPbNJLSeXHOvnxzq3Mpv55ZC4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii County Council declined to confirm Mayor-submitted nominee Chris Toofili to the Leeward Planning Commission on March 7, 2025, after a split roll-call vote.

Council member Kirkowitz moved and Council member Eustace seconded a motion to close the file and confirm the nomination. During debate, Council member Kaguewara said, \"I still won't be supporting this nomination at this time,\" citing lack of prior service on county boards or commissions and concerns about experience and district representation. Vice Chair Onishi and others noted they had met with the nominee and that the mayor had forwarded his name for consideration; one council member said their office offered to support the nominee if confirmed.

The roll call returned four votes in favor — Council members Eustace, Kerkowitz, Onishi and the chair — and three opposed, with two members recorded absent; the motion failed for lack of a majority. The council minutes record the vote as four in favor, three opposed and two absent, and indicate the nomination was not confirmed.

Context: the Leeward Planning Commission makes land-use and planning recommendations that affect development and infrastructure in its district. Several council members stressed the importance of demonstrated land-use experience and balance in commission membership during nomination consideration.

Speakers listed in the transcript for this item include Council member Kirkowitz (mover), Council member Eustace (second), Council member Kaguewara (opposed), Vice Chair Onishi and the Clerk for roll-call.","The council voted down the mayor’s nominee to the Leeward Planning Commission after members raised concerns about experience and representation. The motion to confirm failed on a roll call (4-3, with absences).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646830,"Council debates ethics review before approving DARE Day grant; ultimately adopts $2,005 transfer",926,1678000,2604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254&start=1678&end=2604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254/thumbnail_1678000.jpg","/articles/6646830/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Council-debates-ethics-review-before-approving-DARE-Day-grant-ultimately-adopts-2005-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646830-c463d8443647442aefdfce245736612c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183998&Signature=AOJjo5JcycO0CmNcfOosAQ4b8a0Jum6towPvCKdH0ESFW35CocQSBL3UdjpLvQC9g-0fLAGHEk8XCsOQOQGWP54FPt5ZZsYwPOCgXbyWRNLASNTOejx0f4mropMM9hXm8kKpOj1SghEbQpFFbraWzjngYByqxEEw2M2m12S3WPSsUcr9~tSiyPMa4sHHAwgka~7NkfpPhLAXT1P0gyZbIu0aT3DLsfk77aePBvPJhrvNbCRS~NJd1vuVsupw2cInLUt6rGsHP7Vv1-EHcLfOtE1J5Y0GRUINRCnubZcXZCFXyWLrpc9vPtTmaFbW3V3HGvhQbYt5XVb6HB1niJSroQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii County Council discussed whether a small council-funded grant to a nonprofit that has county employees on its board should first be reviewed by the Board of Ethics before the council approved it. After debate and a failed attempt to table the item in order to get a formal written opinion, the council adopted Resolution 88-25, a $2,005 transfer from a council contingency fund to support DARE Hawaii’s 2025 DARE Day celebration.

The item drew attention because several council members, and members of the Office of Corporation Counsel, raised the possibility that a transfer to a nonprofit whose board includes county employees could trigger an informal advisory opinion from the Board of Ethics. Council member Kaguawata asked for clarification and requested that counsel be present; Deputy Corporation Counsel Cody Friends and Assistant Corporation Counsel Jay Yoshimura joined the discussion.

Assistant Corporation Counsel Jay Yoshimura said the issue \"does sound like it would be something that the Board of Ethics would be needing to weigh in upon because it involves ... the facts you presented.\" Major Jeremy Evangelist of the Hawaiʻi Police Department clarified operational practice: \"when we put on these DARE day events, it's police officers that are running the events, but they're not working for DARE. They're doing their police officer duties.\" He also said Captain Roy Valera is the only police department employee he knew of serving in a volunteer capacity with DARE Hawaii.

Council members split on procedure. Some council members said similar transfers had been approved in prior weeks for West Hawaiʻi events and that the funds in those cases were routed through sponsoring county departments; others wanted the written ethics guidance before voting. Council member Kimball moved to table the resolution until Deputy Corporation Counsel Friends could appear; the motion to table lost on a roll call (minutes record 3 in favor, 5 opposed, 1 absent). After further discussion and receipt of a disclosure form in the record, the council proceeded to a final vote on Resolution 88-25 and the resolution was adopted by roll call.

The Office of Corporation Counsel noted the existing process. Deputy Corporation Counsel Cody Friends said the Board of Ethics was the technical body to opine on conflicts, and that some prior CRF awards had obtained an informal advisory opinion and attached it to the agreement for processing. Council staff said a written memo from corporation counsel's office had been requested and that, per code (section 2-83(c) noted in the record), showing evidence that an advisory opinion is being sought may be sufficient to proceed with processing while the formal opinion is pending.

Outcome and next steps: Resolution 88-25 was adopted during the meeting; minutes show the council recorded the final adoption. Corporation Counsel staff said they will provide formal written guidance to the council and departments to clarify how future County Council Repurposed Fund (CRF) transfers involving nonprofits with county-employee board members should proceed.

Speakers in the record who addressed the item include Council member Eustace; Council member Kimball; Council member Kaguawata; Deputy Corporation Counsel Cody Friends; Assistant Corporation Counsel Jay Yoshimura; Major Jeremy Evangelist (Hawaii Police Department); and Captain Roy Valera (referenced).","After an extended discussion about potential conflicts when county employees serve on nonprofit boards, the Hawaii County Council approved a $2,005 grant to support DARE Day but first rejected a motion to table the matter for a board-of-ethics opinion.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6646834,"Hawaii County Council approves series of nominations, community grants and budget items",1923,679000,2602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254&start=679&end=2602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2527552-6acb9496bc47dd3e68acb51beda15254/thumbnail_679000.jpg","/articles/6646834/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Hawaii-County-Council-approves-series-of-nominations-community-grants-and-budget-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6646834-9c826f18e0eefd978b78c7fc793c0a64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183998&Signature=XZRtfMtNqpORs-3y9fKZbgHISSsAYp9x5-2vHMde4T7KiqGhkc~QmwF7zbZo5Ej1eNAhbzjU0mNiU4I7hgkzvf-gi3Qsj-s8XronVIr0KfxQiHkvNw939wSz~px8KrEW2OGjbpU9OOzpJvOIp62VQU34hfs0qy7Acag3-VDNKlFIncV-iEEL8j-b7ilvCu0~u1kVjbOku94wSYA-HpSlnkk4hMThFCQqnvMVFQuMJKOJZKnzMPNMj6KrywcVfcd06nX1e31qGcBUnGrXN~rYcYA-6z2rF7SCGYznqX8TeEwAJQ06kx9k-CORWAE0xD18kIs9dmr-RsbnOHfw1N~ZGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii County Council voted on a range of nominations, resolutions and budget measures at its March 7, 2025 meeting, approving a package of confirmations and community funding and advancing several bills to later steps in the legislative process.

The council confirmed multiple mayoral nominations and approved several small grants for community events and programs, moved forward with budget adjustments tied to affordable housing and approved both first- and second-reading measures. A few items drew extended discussion and were either postponed or failed on a roll call vote.

Among the confirmed appointments were Philip Ipiayona to the Board of Water Supply, Brian Cushni to the Fire Commission, Daniel Thomas to the Merit Appeals Board and Bruce Heidenfeld to the Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency. The council also approved a lease negotiation resolution that would allow Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Incorporated to develop a veterans center and housing at a Waikia, South Hilo site (Resolution 75-25).

The council approved several small community grant transfers: $5,000 to the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum for the Papaholua project (Resolution 84-25); $2,500 to the Lions Club of Kona for the Kona Waena High School Leo Club (Resolution 85-25); $5,000 to Bird n B Hawaii Animal Sanctuary for World Bee Day (Resolution 86-25); $10,500 to support a cultural entrepreneur hub in Pahoa (Resolution 87-25); $9,000 to the Alliance Club of Kona for the Kupuna Hula Festival (Resolution 89-25); $5,000 for an Easter Fun Day in the Kaʻū district (Resolution 90-25); and $5,000 for a Prince Kūhiō celebration (Resolution 91-25). The council approved a multi-year lease for a multifunction copier for the Department of Information Technology (Resolution 93-25).

On budget and housing measures, the council approved Resolution 94-25, which advances $451,221 from county housing accounts to repay federal HOME funds that could not be used because two self-help housing projects completed after a federal deadline. The related ordinance adjustment (Bill 33) was approved on first reading.

The council advanced several ordinance measures: Bill 10 (first reading) — authorizing a specific area in Kona for special activity permits for authorized commercial activities — passed at first reading; Bill 27 (first reading) — to codify use of a portion of the general excise and use tax surcharge for housing infrastructure costs — passed at first reading; and Bill 16 (second and final reading) — a rezoning and time-extension tied to the Hawaiʻi Island Agricultural Innovation Park and Food Systems campus — passed second and final reading. Smaller operating-budget amendments (Bills 25 and 26) also passed at second and final reading.

Several measures did not pass or were postponed. Bill 23 (amending the short-term commercial agricultural use dedication program to extend qualifying terms from three years to five) failed on a roll call. Bill 28 (a ban on commercial bicycle tours on a segment of Old Mauna Loa Highway) was postponed to the March 19 council meeting for additional review, including input from the State Department of Transportation and follow-up on enforcement provisions.

Votes at a glance (items acted on March 7):
- Confirmation: Philip Ipiayona, Board of Water Supply — motion to close file and confirm; recorded voice vote; “Motion carries 7 ayes” (excused members noted in record).
- Confirmation: Brian Cushni, Fire Commission — motion to close file and confirm; motion carries (record: 7 ayes with excusals noted).
- Confirmation: Daniel Thomas, Merit Appeals Board — motion to close file and confirm; motion carries (7 ayes recorded).
- Nomination: Chris Toofili, Leeward Planning Commission — motion to close file and confirm; roll call: 4 in favor, 3 opposed, 2 absent; motion fails.
- Confirmation: Bruce Heidenfeld, Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency — motion to close file and confirm; motion carries (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 75-25 — authorize lease negotiations for two Waikia parcels to Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc. for a veteran center and housing; motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 76-25 — create one custodian/groundskeeper position for the Police Department’s new communications center; motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 84-25 — $5,000 to Pahoa Lava Zone Museum (Papaholua project); motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 85-25 — $2,500 to Lions Club of Kona for Leo Club outreach; motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 86-25 — $5,000 to Bird n B Hawaii (World Bee Day); motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 87-25 — $10,500 to Pahoa cultural entrepreneur hub; motion approved (7 ayes recorded).
- Resolution 88-25 — $2,005 to DARE Hawaii for DARE Day (initial motion to table failed; final vote to adopt passed by roll call — recorded as adopted).
- Resolution 89-25 — $9,000 to Alliance Club of Kona for Kupuna Hula Festival; motion approved (recorded vote noted in minutes).
- Resolution 90-25 — $5,000 for Kaʻū Easter Fun Day; motion approved (recorded vote noted in minutes).
- Resolution 91-25 — $5,000 to Hana Dalima Lahui o Kou for Prince Kūhiō celebration; motion approved (recorded vote noted in minutes).
- Resolution 93-25 — authorize payment for a 5-year lease of a multifunction copy machine for Department of IT; motion approved (recorded vote noted in minutes).
- Resolution 94-25 — transfer $451,221 to HOME program income repayment to return funds to the state; motion approved (8 ayes, 1 excused recorded).
- Bill 10 (Draft 2) — amend county code to allow special activity permits in a defined area of Kona; passed first reading (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Bill 23 (Draft 2) — increase term for short-term commercial agricultural use dedication from 3 to 5 years; roll call failed (4 in favor, 4 opposed, 1 absent).
- Bill 27 — amend county code to include housing infrastructure costs as an authorized use of the general excise and use tax surcharge; passed first reading (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Bill 28 — prohibit commercial bicycle tours on a section of Old Mauna Loa Highway; postponed to March 19, 2025 (motion passed to postpone).
- Bill 16 (Draft 2) — rezoning/time-extension at Pono Pono, Hilo for the Hawaiʻi Island Agricultural Innovation Park and Food Systems campus; passed second and final reading (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Bill 25 — operating budget amendment for animal control travel; passed second and final reading (voice vote recorded; motion carries).
- Bill 26 — increase federal grants for Housing Choice Emergency Voucher program by $250,000; passed second and final reading (voice vote recorded; motion carries).
- Bill 33 — companion budget amendment returning $451,221 to housing production account; passed first reading (8 ayes, 1 excused).

Why this matters: the confirmations fill key openings on several boards and commissions; the small grants target community cultural, educational and safety programming; and the housing-related transfers address a federal compliance obligation that requires repayment and internal accounting changes to keep HOME funds available for future projects.

What’s next: several ordinances approved at first reading (Bill 10, Bill 27, Bill 33) will return for subsequent readings as required. Postponed or failed items — notably Bill 28 and Bill 23 — will require additional review or new motions if introduced again.

Speakers cited in council proceedings included Council member Kimball; Council member Kirkowitz; Council member Eustace; Vice Chair Onishi; Council member Galimba; Council member Kaguewara; Council member Kerkowitz; Council member Kimball; Chair (minutes identify presiding chair); and several administrative staff appearing for departments (Director Ono, Housing Administrator Kehao Acosta).","On March 7 the Hawaii County Council confirmed several mayoral nominations, approved community grant transfers and advanced multiple budget and ordinance measures in a packed meeting. A handful of items failed or were postponed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rejects proposal to extend short-term agricultural dedication from three to five years

Nomination to Leeward Planning Commission fails after council split

Council debates ethics review before approving DARE Day grant; ultimately adopts $2,005 transfer

Hawaii County Council approves series of nominations, community grants and budget items