Hawaii County Council reviews $953M operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026

The Hawaii County Council held a special meeting on May 22, 2025, primarily focused on Bill 31, which establishes the operating budget for the County of Hawaii for the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The proposed budget totals $953,268,869, reflecting a 1.8% increase in estimated revenues and appropriations compared to the previous fiscal year.

Council member Connolly Kleinfeldterer introduced Bill 31 by request, following a public hearing held on May 20, 2025. The budget proposal includes an increase of $15,528,398 over the initial draft, attributed to higher-than-expected real property tax collections. This adjustment aims to ensure adequate funding for county operations.

During the meeting, council members discussed proposed amendments to the general fund, including a $20,000 increase in grants to nonprofit organizations. The council moved to amend Bill 31 to incorporate the updated draft submitted by Mayor Sekimo Alameda, which was necessary before further discussions on the amendments could take place.

The meeting included presentations from the managing director and finance director, who outlined the differences between the initial and revised budget drafts. The council's approval of Bill 31 is a critical step in finalizing the county's financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that essential services and programs can continue to operate effectively.