[{"_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",6272436,"mediaKeyId","3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0","parentId",3027848,"title","Council advances revised sewer fee plan after debate over large rate increases, lapsed CIP funds and bond risk","audioSeconds",1305,"startMs",4354000,"endMs",5659000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0&start=4354&end=5659","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0/thumbnail_4354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272436/Honolulu-City/Honolulu-County/Hawaii/Council-advances-revised-sewer-fee-plan-after-debate-over-large-rate-increases-lapsed-CIP-funds-and-bond-risk","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272436-1810185d2699d12ffa657ef74072639e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167794&Signature=gSFKOwQOQ7U4rkOHSrX-KPon5rbzE3z6cPkCIS39hA5FlW5QpDyNefsT9crJ88j3YOG-A2wzY2h-B0PV9rNdcaVP8jOor8UaOdhTy4Gcdu4tCqumovYyulw3vEVv51koUli-SOV-~qxKW2ts5aXUja9w5V43eXCsv6O9lIj4o3~bpH3KRJKmZTcOqiF3L8M2SWOT1sxhdh3PQZOKji-uCqr6FRarA8M-FTyfqLacOGDbpVhQjAJ-b4SUnfA-ftmDBQGAKS9Ni4JyW7xK504Ox4dANpL-Cv4UdTIGmGCxrlmLgcOwusPbtghpQWezeUBHiujHoNjxez3LP7A-JVLZYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Honolulu, HI","date","2025-04-17T00:15:08.33Z","article","The Honolulu City Council voted to adopt Committee Report 106 and advanced Bill 60 (2024), CD1, the revised sewer and wastewater rate package, to second reading after extended discussion about rate increases, lapsed funds and potential bond‑rating impacts.

Department of Environmental Services Director Roger Babcock and other administration officials described a fiscal plan that covers operation and maintenance, debt service and a capital program that includes the Sand Island refurbishment. Babcock explained the department proposed smoothing rate increases over ten years and that the package would begin in fiscal year 2026 to meet revenue requirements.

Council members repeatedly pressed the administration for alternatives that could reduce the rate burden on residents, particularly kupuna and low‑income households. Council Member Cordero questioned whether the administration could defer or reshape increases; Babcock responded that the city needs annual rate increases in coming years to meet scheduled debt service and capital obligations, although the timing and the smoothing of increases can be adjusted.

Administration and budget staff provided specific figures during the discussion. Council members were told the department’s operating budget had a historical lapse—between FY2019 and FY2024—of about $226,000,000 (roughly 12.39% of the operating budget), driven in part by unfilled positions; the capital improvement program had lapses totalling about $574,400,000, including roughly $135,400,000 of lapsed Sand Island project appropriations. Babcock said many capital lapses reflect project delays, contract issues or protests rather than money spent.

Several public testifiers urged the council to resist steep increases. Natalie Iwasa and Donald Sakamoto said increases would disproportionately harm residents on fixed incomes; others suggested using general fund rebates to mitigate impacts. Board of Water Supply staff requested at least three to six months lead time for any approved rate change so billing systems can be updated.

Council Member Weier, who authored a related bill to provide the administration flexibility for a fiscal stability fund, said the ordinance’s intent is to give the city the ability to respond to emergencies while preserving council oversight. Weier asked the administration to identify offsets the council could use to reduce the direct impact on ratepayers.

After discussion and recorded roll calls, the council adopted CR106 and passed Bill 60 CD1 to second reading. The clerk announced the vote on CR106 as eight ayes, one member absent. The subsequent roll-call on Bill 60 CD1 likewise recorded eight ayes with several members expressing reservations in committee notes. Members instructed departments to return to budget committee with options for offsets and to ensure adequate lead time for billing and implementation.

The package as presented aims to stabilize the sewer enterprise over the next decade by matching planned capital projects and debt service obligations with projected revenue, but council members signaled they expect continued work to reduce impacts on vulnerable residents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-16 Regular Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted Committee Report 106 and moved Bill 60 CD1 (sewer rate package) forward after lengthy debate about steep rate increases, lapsed capital and operating funds, and potential bond‑rating consequences.","taxTitle","Honolulu City, Honolulu County, Hawaii","taxId",61746,"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},6272443,"Council reappoints Dr. James Ireland as Emergency Services director amid staff complaints and billing concerns",536,1124000,1660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0&start=1124&end=1660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0/thumbnail_1124000.jpg","/articles/6272443/Honolulu-City/Honolulu-County/Hawaii/Council-reappoints-Dr-James-Ireland-as-Emergency-Services-director-amid-staff-complaints-and-billing-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272443-b5847cfbdbd778b4dd6a91b7cd152fe1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167794&Signature=LMWNExwCVOmRkhAGp1IhBwolWQjs2uYnxBoDxQkvXVZ0qr7X99WB6tSPcozhTkSk5~pTRqDPRR6zbLaazxJQvzDUJxowU2yI5a0wfZP~1CgAzXta6t7Lna7-uJKzo7qV0ap83n1sG~eG9wbubIip3k4Vxyp7Mn2yGCHng3KSzuNSTRrhBCqH0HUEOiBbLipGmfgUzUUgDO3Gi4oWoFsjkSdTgX2SIg-KOF2nF-bcNgOX5OLY6UP7dSKJyC9SnOPOKMLULlvkc4QfZA5ThHnzVkznxkZE0p2ao4V4K3ld~w-gh~ZEm8egTpvypmH-CXtitmC1aX-tZWSaRXvl1FNU4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Honolulu City Council on a recorded vote confirmed James A. Ireland MD as director of the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Services Department, adopting Committee Report 137 and Resolution 25‑11.

The reappointment drew praise for recent operational gains and new ambulances, and criticism from current and former EMS personnel who raised long-standing morale and billing problems. Supporters highlighted lower vacancy counts and new equipment; critics urged structural change and stronger administrative oversight.

Ireland told the council that the department’s vacancy level had improved and training academies are scheduled: “Our personnel is at the lowest vacancy rate…we're under 15 vacancies in EMS with a dispatch academy starting in June and an EMT academy starting in July,” he said. He also noted a recent fleet refresh, saying the department received 13 new or remounted ambulances and expects more within the next year.

Multiple registered speakers supported Ireland’s reappointment. Chu Lan Sherbert Kwok, who said she works in Chinatown, said Ireland’s work with CORE benefits that neighborhood. Melody Young of CARES praised his outreach and response work. Sonia Austin said she had worked with Ireland intermittently for 25 years and “our department has had the most growth under his direction.”

Other testimony and council discussion raised substantive concerns about administration and oversight. Eddie Fujioka, identified as a retired EMS district chief, testified in opposition and cited written testimony that the council posted. Council Member Okimoto said she would record a vote with reservations and described repeated testimony from EMS professionals alleging “a workplace culture marked by low morale, favoritism, and even retaliation,” plus operational consequences including unit closures and an overreliance on outside partners. Okimoto added that billing failures in 2022—caused by a vendor transition—resulted in a prolonged delay that “cost the city millions in lost revenue.” She said those problems point to larger structural issues and proposed considering a merger of EMS and the Fire Department to improve coordination.

Ireland and other supporters said steps have been taken to address staffing and equipment and that the department is pursuing an EMS pay differential to help retention. Ireland noted that paramedics do not have career “steps” in pay and are unique among first responders in that regard.

The council completed a roll-call vote after discussion. The clerk announced the final tally as eight ayes and one member absent. Council member Okimoto verbally stated she was voting “with reservations” during the roll call; the tally announced by the clerk recorded eight ayes and one absence.

The council’s adoption of CR137 and Resolution 25‑11 confirms Ireland’s appointment and allows him to continue as department director while questions raised in testimony about administration, billing and workplace culture remain on the public record. Council members and staff indicated they expect continued oversight dialogue and follow-up work on the billing issues and staffing proposals.","The Honolulu City Council confirmed James A. Ireland MD as director of the Emergency Services Department after public testimony both supporting and opposing the reappointment and council discussion about workplace culture, billing failures and staffing. Councilmember Okimoto recorded reservations at the time of the vote.",{"_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},6272427,"Votes at a glance: council committee reports, nominations and multiple land‑use and budget measures adopted",4692,1104000,5796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0&start=1104&end=5796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0/thumbnail_1104000.jpg","/articles/6272427/Honolulu-City/Honolulu-County/Hawaii/Votes-at-a-glance-council-committee-reports-nominations-and-multiple-landuse-and-budget-measures-adopted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272427-75c620a3135f69c39491037c716d345e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167794&Signature=Pcdg3Ydz3bcQN8qlpOcow9Q7Pb4zFjj4XHXn49D5~egwS~Z1yh5ug8WSReXTCAlg4EV3XPZS3z93PH3a8UNyktSweHPBGtyITJC8b4Gaa7G8aOcdb~SznHvT3oWCdoaXpdQjnrK-0eUkspEmvjEP5qWB1xWbMR5JBmOsIb5cgsDDUzHdxCBt-iOr~67ITqEtWG92pB4b~gbyDJTpj71CwqdW1EuBEUGx6CS9rC4T1KRN4GUvdm7MrtLTBphOYGKgSsknM4peqw8cJbnRxu58vzO8TXk56SXeO1qdf-aklaEtxSlnsKllyMgP4U0p4p-qwQDhMkKvtGTnQMJOWvz7PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Below are the formal actions recorded during the meeting, summarized with the council’s announced outcomes. Most items were adopted or passed on voice or roll call as noted. Where a roll‑call tally was read aloud by the clerk, it is included.

- CR137 / Resolution 25‑11 — Confirming appointment of James A. Ireland MD as Director of Emergency Services: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR125 — Conveying recommendations of the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission (ordinance 17‑44): adopted (no objections recorded).

- CR126 / Res 25‑204 CD1 — Special Management Area major permit for two single‑unit dwellings in Laie: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR129 / Res 25‑80 CD1 — After‑the‑fact SMA major permit for Lanikai property retention: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR130 / Res 25‑81 — Revision to the public infrastructure map for the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan area: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR131 / Res 25‑82 — Another infrastructure map revision for the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR132 / Bill 20‑591 CD1 — Revision related to construction of a new hotel tower in Waikiki (Ewa Gateway to Waikiki redevelopment / Hilton Hawaiian Village): adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR133 / Res 25‑92 CD1 — Conceptual plan approval to modify Hilton Hawaiian Village master plan and allow a new hotel tower: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR134 / Res 25‑93 CD1 — Extension to obtain a development permit for a single‑family dwelling in Kahala: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR135 / Res 25‑95 CD1 — SMA major permit for a new single‑family dwelling in Kailua: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- First‑reading package (multiple bills on pages 12–15) — The council passed by vote or voice several first‑reading bills; Bill 30 (property tax exemption changes) passed first reading after roll call (7 ayes, 1 no, 1 absent on that roll call), and Bill 36 (fiscal stability/reserve fund changes) passed first reading (7 ayes, 1 no, 1 absent on that roll call). The clerk recorded individual reservations where council members stated them.

- CR106 / Bill 60 CD1 — Sewer rate package: adopted / passed second reading (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent). (See separate coverage for discussion.)

- CR107 / Bill 2 CD1 — Funds-related measure: adopted (clerk announced 7 ayes, 2 absent).

- CR99 / Bill 21 — Legislative budget for FY 2025‑26: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR100 / Bill 22 CD1 — Executive operating budget for FY 2025‑26 (passed second reading): adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR101 / Bill 23 CD1 — Executive capital budget for FY 2025‑26 (passed second reading): adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR102 / Bill 24 — Authorization for issuance of general obligation bonds: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR103 / Bill 26 — Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) operating budget second reading: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR104 / Bill 27 — HART capital budget second reading: adopted (clerk announced 8 ayes, 1 absent).

- CR114 / Bill 28 — Trash/refuse collection (food‑waste timeline extension): adopted (no objections or reservations recorded).

- CR115 / Bill 29 — Affordable housing tax‑exemption timing changes: adopted (noted reservations by one council member in committee).

- CR136 / Bill 13 CD1 — Real property measure: adopted (no objections recorded).

- Third‑reading adoptions included Bill 14 (First Source hiring program) and Bill 18 CD1 (ban on single‑use plastic bottles in city vending machines at city properties) after recorded votes; Bill 18 passed third reading with 5 ayes, 3 nos, 1 absent (as recorded by the clerk).

- Additional council committee reports on HART and other capital, operating and bond measures were adopted on second reading as shown on the agenda; where roll‑call tallies were announced the clerk’s numbers are cited above.

Notes and caveats: this roundup reflects actions recorded in the meeting transcript. Some votes were announced as “ayes” with council members also stating reservations; those reservations were called out at the meeting but recorded tallies were announced by the clerk. For full detail and verbatim roll‑call lines, see the council minutes and posted roll‑call records on the council website.","The Honolulu City Council adopted a broad slate of committee reports, confirmations and first/second/third‑reading bills during a lengthy remote meeting. This roundup lists items that received formal action with the outcome announced on the record.",{"_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},6272431,"Council adopts revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan, including Aiea biocultural protections",1026,4997000,6023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0&start=4997&end=6023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027848-a3149e7c709fdba57198751b5ade32e0/thumbnail_4997000.jpg","/articles/6272431/Honolulu-City/Honolulu-County/Hawaii/Council-adopts-revised-Primary-Urban-Center-Development-Plan-including-Aiea-biocultural-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272431-2159dcd39296db3c0e60dc3308b722c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167794&Signature=HTb8fifbiOWNqUFiqrnJz~sRAReiugCB-WppJo4n84mW7CzQgs1rE~xEN5BlPIKo5fUV8E2BFDOmh-ve1zxX4rVsFDNtiN8BvYF4BSw-VqJVuFAQfA-U~5HqTKfDoRCCMckBXdGVJ-E08HhQKyIZBUcsUwGPSvetrtBHE7qdLX8KsQx-ImKZUVhauYAXdds9jPxyKlpG0URAJ-ureiuMLgKU4LSasA67cYSspYiwmaRSpyNlYiBcYcRltE3FQks9CmnqYkfWiaC5BuBdsiQGl0aajKeLxwppjPzKZh9ywLUAHWfH036n~yMXWI1UGy9upLHeANTS2w8wm5cpXTrkaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Honolulu City Council adopted Committee Report 119 and passed Bill 24 CD2 on third reading to adopt a revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan for Honolulu.

Supporters and community representatives said the plan reflects years of outreach and specific local requests. Kehaulani Lum, president of the Aliʻiʻpo‘oʻahi Hawaiian Civic Club, thanked council members and the Department of Planning and Permitting for including language and map changes to reflect community wishes, and she urged a few technical housekeeping amendments to align narrative text with mapped boundaries. Allison Yasuoka and other witnesses representing Aiea residents said they supported the bill, submitted petitions and asked the council to protect biocultural spaces for present and future generations.

Council members emphasized that the document is a nonbinding planning guide rather than a zoning law, and that future, site‑specific changes would require separate processes. Several members praised community engagement and the multiple committee hearings that informed amendments.

The clerk announced the roll call as eight ayes and one member absent. The adopted plan will serve as the updated guiding document for planning and public investments in the Primary Urban Center, and council members said they expect DPP and community stakeholders to continue technical corrections and implementation work following adoption.","The council adopted a revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan (Bill 24 CD2) after community engagement and amendments, including language and mapping changes requested by Aiea community groups to protect biocultural space.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council advances revised sewer fee plan after debate over large rate increases, lapsed CIP funds and bond risk

Council reappoints Dr. James Ireland as Emergency Services director amid staff complaints and billing concerns

Votes at a glance: council committee reports, nominations and multiple land‑use and budget measures adopted

Council adopts revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan, including Aiea biocultural protections