[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6598652,"mediaKeyId","3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3","parentId",3032448,"title","Council confirms Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to Leeward Planning Commission after divided vote over ethics and optics","audioSeconds",4829,"startMs",751000,"endMs",5580000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3&start=751&end=5580","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3/thumbnail_751000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598652/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Council-confirms-Rebecca-Kavehi-Inaba-to-Leeward-Planning-Commission-after-divided-vote-over-ethics-and-optics","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598652-65bf84ba3c7ea0bc9868cd3144105c7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161820&Signature=KciXNPUm~7blE-hsGAYmBUHyJJjp1hOk5PxjMv1UhNAqSCMKZYpVjSOMiiz42L9lP9HkGUA~m9b3DfRkdVLiJb1reZBZRZBd4wB2spFJu4Wwtb-PLxfC35ekndFiIZFSn4HmxrhX7l3UkKC9JUXtBSnAfg38LBcmaYmlI0ohW0qX562l-CMf2vBHnVTPtlp~FXbqBphD0JE9qurwvM8gJPhBHjqWfKA0Z6uDAjspL2DngLvHPvC6QNfklioLBW9-Ms9xnkK8rvSe~f1nlvBK1z3HoGRqejTehp4Zox8MtD7rw~Fkd3FEiNffiGn4jpS1mX1WQvpP5c1K6b6moFklFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii County","date","2025-04-16T08:33:00Z","article","The Hawaii County Council confirmed Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission on April 16 after public testimony in support and a divided council debate over optics and potential ethics questions tied to her family relationship with the council chair.

Nomination and vote: The council considered GOAC 30, Communication 200 (nomination of Rebecca Kavehi Inaba). A motion to confirm the nomination passed; the clerk recorded that the motion carried with five votes in favor, three opposed and one member excused from voting. The council then returned the chair to Chair Holaka Inaba after the vote.

Public testimony and support: Several residents and community leaders testified in favor of Inaba during the public comment period. Mahina Paeishawn, identified as an outgoing Leeward Planning Commissioner and resident of North Kona, described Inaba as \"a bold and culturally grounded leader\" and urged the council to confirm her. Malia Lewis, who said she works with the county and the mayor's office but was testifying on her own behalf and representing La'iupua 2020, also urged members to support the nomination. Testifiers emphasized Inaba's community ties, cultural grounding and experience in local programs.

Council debate and ethics questions: Multiple council members acknowledged Inaba's qualifications while expressing differing views about the optics of a close familial relationship between a planning commissioner and the council chair. One councilmember said the board of ethics had advised that there was no current legal prohibition and that any specific conflicts would need to be addressed if and when particular matters arose before the commission or council. Several members said their concerns centered on appearance and public trust rather than a demonstrated legal conflict; one member said they would vote \"no\" for that reason. Chair Holaka Inaba took the chair off the dais and announced a recusal from discussion and voting because the nominee is a close relative.

Why it matters: Planning commissioners advise on land‑use and development matters that can have long‑term effects on neighborhoods, cultural sites and resources. Several council members and speakers framed their positions as balancing the nominee's qualifications against public perceptions of consolidation of influence within local governance.

Next steps: The confirmation fills a vacancy on the Leeward Planning Commission. Councilmembers who raised optics concerns said they expect commissioners and council members to follow Sunshine Law and to use any available Board of Ethics guidance if specific conflicts arise; several urged disclosure of off‑dais communications if they occur.

Provenance: Public testimony in favor of Rebecca Kavehi Inaba appears early in the record (testimony by Mahina Paeishawn and Malia Lewis). The nomination discussion and roll call vote are recorded later in the agenda under GOAC 30, Communication 200.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawaii County - Hawaii County Council - Apr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Hawaii County Council confirmed Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission on April 16, 2025, after public testimony in support and a divided council vote that reflected concerns about the optics of her family relationship to the council chair.","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},6598656,"Council OKs expanded authorization to pursue low‑interest SRF loans for Hilo wastewater work",1205,5919000,7124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3&start=5919&end=7124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3/thumbnail_5919000.jpg","/articles/6598656/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Council-OKs-expanded-authorization-to-pursue-lowinterest-SRF-loans-for-Hilo-wastewater-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598656-f049688a1afdedbb564ea9f11953df60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161820&Signature=GqFOsdsGPq4fwuQB-UbyYqjxxIBmTZWtxSboYXYH0ivo~VcUh5zJoDh~ni1TDsSKxHSWWN5PSwiuS~dXqWUBBY6WDGeKYlecsSiprJc35hAbEMdMOqDc1vvlc4-pAk43TuscrCDSGsAkMLsq3Zy35~CJrJ5djnnBTHEasoUUvt3TGVoUTepzeGkT7v6s0ioJa10Saq7LgwQATL69EqiwO-okP~v3-ikndGssThvWjvhzWz-I6hjfrE0im7vA4YNCFm3dGmCq2mApYnoV7e5Q3lfF3Hu8fFipK1U9t67FyVwyxgaXEuJr-joizxusJogYauKpBLfTwt8Hzpqhrogd2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii County Council on April 16 approved on first reading an increase in the county's borrowing authorization to allow the county to pursue State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation. The measure, Bill 43 (first reading), raises the maximum authorization tied to the project from $17 million to $52 million.

County finance and environmental managers said the change would let the county replace higher‑cost general obligation borrowing with low‑interest SRF loans if those funds are available. \"These loans are low interest\u0000about a quarter percent per year,\" Finance Director Diane Nakagawa told the council, adding that the SRF program also carries a separate loan fee. Robin Baumann, business manager for Environmental Management, said the state currently estimates roughly $26.7 million in SRF funds could be available this year and that the county is seeking to be ready to accept more if other counties cannot use their allocations.

Council members pressed for clarity on how the funding changes affect the county's overall financing plans. \"What this is doing is increasing the appropriation for the SRF funding and would allow us to eventually decrease some of the funding necessary for the GO bonds,\" Nakagawa said in response to questions. Councilmember Kani\u0000Kleinfelder, who presented the item to the full council, said the measure was waived from committee to expedite the county's ability to secure lower‑cost financing.

Why it matters: SRF loans at roughly 0.25% interest would be substantially cheaper than the roughly 4% rate the council discussed for general obligation borrowing; council members said the move could reduce long‑term debt service costs if the SRF funds are obtained. Staff said the increase to $52 million is an authorization that allows the county to accept additional SRF money should it become available; if SRF funds are used, the county's need for GO bond proceeds on this project would decline and the freed bond capacity could be used for other wastewater needs.

Council discussion also identified next steps: staff agreed to provide follow‑up figures that compare the savings at the currently estimated SRF amount (about $26.7 million) and at the higher $52 million authorization so members could see the potential debt service savings. The council voted 9‑0 to approve Bill 43 at first reading.

The measure authorizes the mayor to enter intergovernmental agreements necessary to accept SRF loans and adjusts the county's bond authorization backing to allow the loan agreements to proceed. Council members said they expect project design and loan paperwork to continue and that additional approvals or allocations may follow as specific loan amounts and terms are finalized.

Provenance: The council introduced and discussed Bill 43 beginning with the item explanation and staff presentation on SRF loan availability (transcript excerpt: \"bill 43 amends ordinance number 23 40 ... increases the amount of funds for the Hilo wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project from $17,000,000 to $52,000,000\"). The first‑reading vote and announcement that \"Bill 43 is approved at first reading\" concluded the item later in the meeting.

Ending: The first reading clears the way for the administration to pursue SRF funding and for the council to consider subsequent steps; staff and departmental leaders said they will return with more detailed cost comparisons and updates on SRF availability.

","The Hawaii County Council on April 16 approved on first reading an increase in the county's borrowing authorization to allow pursuit of low‑interest State Revolving Fund loans for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation.",{"_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},6598648,"Votes at a glance: April 16, 2025 Hawaii County Council — confirmations, budget and program transfers, and settlement approval",6118,1182000,7300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3&start=1182&end=7300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032448-f542fd4f999e88cbc28f5bf063c568b3/thumbnail_1182000.jpg","/articles/6598648/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Votes-at-a-glance-April-16-2025-Hawaii-County-Council-confirmations-budget-and-program-transfers-and-settlement-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598648-74bff9abba5159b48efca2e082c209df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161820&Signature=P7ZRs2KamZVxVIfuaDmNTKtsQtjtvzR00Zft9-YTVWmQlprW-SRqmAYfW21053NW42QDSZAaTenJGgDrdD~XYPp776zibgzrC9xZLiwY~y7ak~fsb5uhJuHHWVxhsEUPtKT1g8~z2AuDetIfmtdx9Zxb9D7-uuMqDvcjjHVpNx8vmLENe0ZiFCPZqWYSQOlNVAXPbduqnuOb-v3jzVaoKIdpk38iNj7mnfVpfaubLv0Cw1IXU5wm3dW79LFzv7dfUAAhxiQvnX6A6Yc9u774ExunBoWq-UWbHRSRGJ~5ZJCHEhQo5uyuUp3nlspyZ8ZLMYeeVAF9qqoDhf7r7wwPuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The following is a concise summary of formal actions the Hawaii County Council took on April 16, 2025, based on the meeting record. Where the transcript listed exact vote tallies those are shown; where individual roll call entries were not captured for every item the recorded tallies are used.

Nominations/Confirmations
- Ben C. Dalawidao to the Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee (GOAC 28 / Communication 198): Motion to confirm; moved by Councilmember Kagiwara; second by Councilmember Villegas. Vote: motion carries, 9 ayes. Outcome: confirmed.
- John P. Kometani to the Environmental Management Commission (GOAC 29 / Communication 199): Motion to confirm; moved by Councilmember Eustace; second recorded. Vote: motion carries, 9 ayes. Outcome: confirmed.
- Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission (GOAC 30 / Communication 200): Motion to confirm; vote recorded as 5 in favor, 3 opposed, 1 excused. Outcome: confirmed (see separate article for full discussion).
- Josephine (Jojo) Tanimoto to the South Kohala CDP Action Committee (GOAC 31 / Communication 201): Motion to confirm; vote recorded: motion carries, 9 ayes. Outcome: confirmed.

Resolutions and budget transfers (selected)
- Resolution 104-25 (intergovernmental agreement with the FBI to continue collaboration with the Hawaii Police Department): Approved (moved by Councilmember Kagiwara; seconded by Councilmember Eustace). Vote: 8 ayes, 1 no (Councilmember Villegas voted no); motion carries.
- Resolution 105-25 (adopt 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan for HUD programs): Approved (moved by Councilmember Kagiwara; seconded by Councilmember Eustace). Vote: motion carries; 9 ayes recorded.
- Resolution 106-25 (transfer $5,212 to Animal Control / Grant to Action for Animals): Approved (moved by Councilmember Kleinfelder; seconded by Councilmember Eustace). Vote: motion carries, 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 123-25 (accept donation of footwear from Olukai to Fire Department, est. value $15,110): Approved. Vote: motion carries (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Resolution 124-25 (5‑year leases for 7 multifunction copiers for DPW): Approved. Vote: motion carries (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Resolution 125-25 (transfer $5,300 to support workforce advancement initiative — EVALU Industries): Approved. Vote: motion carries (vote later adjusted to reflect attendance; final recorded 7 ayes, 2 excused in roll call notation).
- Resolution 126-25 (transfer $3,150 to replace Keiki ID equipment for Hawaii Police Department): Approved. Vote: motion carries (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Resolution 127-25 (transfer $7,000 for police public safety awareness and radar equipment): Approved. Vote: motion carries (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- Resolution 128-25 (transfer $4,000 to HIPA program; amended with communication 217.1): Amended and approved; motion to suspend the rules to proceed was approved; final vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused. Outcome: approved as amended.
- Resolution 129-25 (transfer $450 to Office of Aging for Outstanding Older Americans luncheon): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 130-25 (transfer $1,591 to support DARE Hawaii East Hawaii DARE Day): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 131-25 (grant $5,000 to Kona Historical Society for regional beekeeping exhibit): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 132-25 (transfer $3,000 to remove three pencil trees on walking path at old Kona Airport Park): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 133-25 (grant $2,005 to Lions Club of Kona / Kona Waena High School Leo Club educational outreach): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 134-25 (grant $6,000 to Aloha Animal Alliance for spay/neuter mobile equipment): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 135-25 (grant $3,000 to Grassroot Community Development Group for Hilo Lei Day Festival): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.
- Resolution 136-25 (grant $8,500 to Merry Monarch Festival): Approved. Vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.

Bills and ordinances (first readings and final actions)
- Bill 21, draft 2 (nepotism code amendments to align with HRS section 84‑13.2): Approved at first reading. Motion carried, 9 ayes.
- Bill 36 (Salary Ordinance 2025, pay patterns and appointed employee rates): Approved at first reading, 9 ayes.
- Bill 37 (amend operating budget to appropriate $70,000,000 for temporary hazard pay related to COVID‑19 pandemic period): Approved at first reading, 9 ayes.
- Bill 43 (increase GO bond authorization to $52,000,000 to enable larger SRF loans for Hilo wastewater): Approved at first reading, 9 ayes (see separate article for details).
- Bill 35 (appropriation of State substance abuse prevention coordination grant of $7,100): Adopted at second and final reading; motion carries, 9 ayes.

Executive session and settlement
- Communication 205 (Aaron Mitsue Yoshida et al. v. County of Hawaii, Civil No. 3CCV‑23‑0000038): The council entered executive session to consult with counsel and later approved an updated settlement recommendation and the settlement amount contained in a corporation counsel memorandum dated April 16, 2025. Motion to approve the recommendation passed (8 ayes, 1 excused). The clerk then moved to close file on the communication; motion carries (8 ayes, 1 excused). Outcome: settlement approval recorded in executive session and closed to public by statute.

Notes and next steps: Many of the resolutions were small transfers from council contingency accounts to nonprofit partners or department accounts for specific events and program supplies; those passed largely on unanimous or near‑unanimous votes with one notable roll‑call division on the FBI MOU resolution. Bill 43 and the Inaba nomination drew sustained discussion and are covered in separate articles.

Provenance: Each action above is recorded in the April 16 meeting transcript; the items above cite the motion language and vote outcomes as announced by the chair and recorded by the clerk.","Below is a concise listing of formal motions, votes and outcomes recorded by the Hawaii County Council on April 16, 2025. Items range from appointment confirmations and small grant transfers for community programs to consolidated plan adoption and an executive‑session settlement recommendation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council confirms Rebecca Kavehi Inaba to Leeward Planning Commission after divided vote over ethics and optics

Council OKs expanded authorization to pursue low‑interest SRF loans for Hilo wastewater work

Votes at a glance: April 16, 2025 Hawaii County Council — confirmations, budget and program transfers, and settlement approval