[{"_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",6479032,"mediaKeyId","5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853","parentId",5707350,"title","Committee forwards resolution to join statewide cruise-ship TAT agreement after legal questions raised","audioSeconds",1323,"startMs",1936000,"endMs",3259000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853&start=1936&end=3259","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853/thumbnail_1936000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479032/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Committee-forwards-resolution-to-join-statewide-cruise-ship-TAT-agreement-after-legal-questions-raised","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479032-1f65eb4b270295a216f4f995e88c2cd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138637&Signature=B5Ko3qwG2-e427crZw6pD2RhLhWF7BMDxTTJcCDnuyeaeH4o51c-z~quDKSkpuTpowsPqUT451rz9GVVzR~d0Dq-SuwiySN8BNoc-eSIcxbVPPP7bCBt6W~4mb-7S28jdYdQJDxGoOuIUeL1Qo7liwz4zUp4qf0LbmTeVKLaXt7Ke2jSKLlIH5VDS4VKKUpB6UJTPcI~i8gxLILe0SVez1-QF2F-1zCABKvO2Fl0uAASGZZPhJx3~lOP0PxJ8Dnoi5V-hOFQVuQOzsWQrMUX5NNlGyAFrbTASh0PkM2b3MUw~8ajGBGWGa5aqabDLFcEgghwX8T3Y50g6Rw2kYDsZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii County","date","2025-09-02T08:33:00Z","article","The Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee voted to forward Resolution 288-25 to the full Hawaii County Council with a favorable recommendation after discussing pending litigation and logistical questions about collecting a transient accommodations tax (TAT) from cruise ships.

Resolution 288-25 authorizes the mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Hawaii and the counties of Kauai and Maui and the City and County of Honolulu to facilitate uniform administration of provisions in Act 96, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, that extend the TAT to cruise-ship accommodations.

Public testimony included comments from Corey Harden, who supported the resolution and argued cruise lines should pay the TAT to fund hazard mitigation and destination management. Harden cited legal arguments raised by cruise lines (the U.S. Constitution'alleged tonnage-clause issues and the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act) and urged the committee not to be swayed by those claims. He also offered figures, saying a 14% TAT would add ' by his estimate ' about $150 to a travel package and argued cruise operations generate large fuel and waste footprints; those claims were offered as testimony and attributed to Harden.

Committee members discussed whether to proceed while cruise lines had filed lawsuits challenging the new TAT application. Deputy Corporation Counsel Kira Wang advised that the litigation includes requests for an injunction that could prevent counties from implementing the law, and that the pending motions could affect the MOU language. Diane Nakagawa, Finance Department director, said county staff had focused on logistical issues of collection and coordination across islands and said she would check with the mayor's office about whether the county has a seat on the statewide committee considering distribution and use of the added revenue.

The committee considered motions to postpone action because of the lawsuits but after a roll-call vote rejected a motion to delay. The committee then voted to forward the resolution to full council with a favorable recommendation. The final committee vote was seven in favor, one opposed (Council member Onishi), with Council member Kani Lee Kleinfelder absent.

Council members discussed follow-up steps: coordinating with other counties and the state, clarifying whether a separate statewide advisory group will address how funds are spent, and whether the county should assert representation on state discussions of destination-management allocations. Finance staff said the counties and state planned a meeting the next morning to discuss next steps.

With the committee recommendation approved, the resolution will next be considered by the full County Council; members and staff said they would monitor the pending litigation and refine any implementing agreements to reflect the court'mandated outcome if the lawsuits proceed.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawaii County - Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The committee voted to forward Resolution 288-25 to the full council with a favorable recommendation after discussing pending lawsuits and logistics for collecting an expanded transient accommodations tax on cruise ships.","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},6479028,"Committee sends favorable recommendations for two mayoral nominations to full council",1285,748000,2033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853&start=748&end=2033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853/thumbnail_748000.jpg","/articles/6479028/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Committee-sends-favorable-recommendations-for-two-mayoral-nominations-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479028-c008718470e9a3ae5752230963140e38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138637&Signature=o-11BDWzsRNxbAHHw0Kz6hFCHfPBoaHP8AWh39xbHitAw88eU8~U4VdqYt9WjpgbJB7k92JI~aPuHRr2BhO408pgXfurPsYb7ZZ5oOQ3pbjR-QNB5tIQLMcsno64BOoNOOEfBNXolXSP2dXdFKZSh8geGerzaNToBK2~XrYdr1BAIVoJCmB-7MfqTIAU-NYjAjVuQuzTHqRlfGnY01GnHd-ICNJ4uEEqeVwJqQXLbog490SUfbhhIy3ByEvL7lPG91g1M8pw2187cfmBupJlwQfwg-Kzpj7TVBPeJ6JJ6wQiMa4vZjOULN0uShJlt9wrEMQ87ZOmG6FcDqSz5kvuKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee voted unanimously in favor of sending two mayoral nominations to the full County Council with favorable recommendations: Macy Wilson to the Board of Appeals and David Kuahi Binui to the Kau Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee.

Bridal Alameda of the mayor's office introduced Macy Wilson, noting she is a Hawaii Island native, a Waiakea High School graduate, and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration (finance) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Alameda summarized Wilson's professional background in the State Department of Labor, asset protection at Target, and as an administrator of safety, health and security at Hawaiian Electric. Wilson told the committee she seeks to \"give back to my community\" and, if confirmed, would study county bylaws and work to understand zoning, permitting and planning processes central to appeals.

Council members asked about time availability and familiarity with technical documents. Wilson said she would put in the time required, noted prior experience in workers'compensation and regulatory environments, and said she would follow law and county precedent in decision'making. Council member Kirkowitz offered full support; the committee voted to close the file and forward a positive recommendation on Macy Wilson's nomination. The clerk recorded eight ayes with Council member Kani Lee Kleinfelder absent.

The committee then considered the nomination of David Kuahi Binui to the Kau CDP Action Committee. Alameda introduced Binui, who described deep roots in Nalehu, long community volunteer service including free community meals and youth fishing tournaments, and local work experience in hospitality, utility work and coffee. Members from Kau and other districts spoke in favor, noting Binui's community ties and volunteer leadership. Binui told the committee he would follow CDP guidelines, listen to community members and seek to create local jobs and safety improvements. The committee voted to close the file and send a favorable recommendation for Binui; the clerk recorded eight ayes and one absence.

Both nominations will now move to the full County Council for final confirmation. Committee members encouraged the mayor's office and nominees to continue outreach to districts to be sure the nominees can access technical background and case histories relevant to appeals and CDP work.","The committee voted unanimously to forward favorable recommendations for Macy Wilson (Board of Appeals) and David Kuahi Binui (Kau CDP Action Committee) to the full council.",{"_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},6479037,"Hawaii County committee amends, then postpones debate on bill removing PE requirement for public works director",93,100000,6022,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853&start=100&end=6","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707350-8cd3c9e1cf62103a3761d471f7069853/thumbnail_100000.jpg","/articles/6479037/Hawaii-County/Hawaii/Hawaii-County-committee-amends-then-postpones-debate-on-bill-removing-PE-requirement-for-public-works-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479037-332f74be65edaad79f68d0ff3f239f8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138637&Signature=SyLcN-PHq5Q5YwyhUYY6OOE9MHENVta534MMqmJZefNEii4-L3FesQplfogxzUG~~-YEvrx81EdjIDDSsdxxXdkm~ad6ev0wOyhOA3ogugRDLC-z7Q-FGTIAPeAbdSB~hxHNkNdCsDZKj5PQVCa8SfUsl6aXjfe1NQ3NuHDTWMcCHbB2uxz3Of5OLwf2jMazPToxqmMiaZXtjiw8~Jb5od1sXSuRpKo0tck8eARo3GkDF0RfeRE5EFwPP7CLTyCS9eVktKC9jFziNAfwOtka2JHKv1tsffMsfeiMZFoCor1c~vzVAA1Zdku7FvDlLH-gCzj1B6fOucpt~6V7P-hDDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bill 64, which would change qualifications for the Hawaii County Department of Public Works director, was the focus of extended testimony and debate at the Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee meeting in Hilo.

The committee, chaired by Jen Kaguata, considered two competing amendments to the charter change that would remove a requirement that the director be a registered professional engineer (PE) and instead permit applicants with a bachelor'level degree in engineering, architecture, public administration or a law degree, plus specified managerial experience. After debate and amendment votes, the committee voted to postpone action on the amended bill to the committee meeting on Sept. 16.

Supporters of retaining a PE requirement and opponents of the bill said during public testimony and committee discussion that a licensed engineer's training and professional obligations protect public health and safety. Curtis Beck, PE, testified that removing the licensure requirement for the director would conflict with statutory requirements governing engineers and could compromise public safety. Former public works director Hugh Ono, who also testified, said that management decisions can override professional engineers and that the presence of a PE in an executive role has been important in past departmental decisions.

Committee members debated two main amendment options. One amendment (communication 334.17), offered by Council member Inaba, would add a requirement that if the director is not a licensed PE, then a deputy director must be a licensed professional engineer; it did not explicitly assign engineering decision authority to the deputy. That amendment failed on a 4'4 roll-call vote. A second amendment (communication 334.16), offered by Council member Kimball, also requires a deputy with a PE when the director lacks licensure and explicitly assigns engineering responsibilities to the licensed deputy; that amendment passed on a 6'2 roll-call vote.

During discussion, committee members and witnesses raised practical concerns: whether a deputy with a PE could be hired simultaneously with a director who is not licensed; whether civil-service staff would defer to an unlicensed director; and how to ensure continuity of engineering authority and liability. Human Resources Director Summer Tokiero and former Director Hugh Ono both told the committee that in practice the director retains authority to operate the department and formally signs routing forms and contract approvals, even when subordinate engineers stamp technical plans. Deputy Corporation Counsel Kira Wang advised caution because the county'level charter change interacts with statutes, departmental practices and potential liability considerations.

Council member Inaba said staff would work on refinements and requested time to draft further amendments addressing hiring timelines and authority allocation; he moved to postpone the amended bill to the committee meeting on Sept. 16, and the committee approved the postponement.

Votes and formal actions recorded in committee included failed and successful amendment motions and the final motion to postpone. The committee directed staff to prepare additional amendment language for the next meeting so members can consider measures to assure engineering oversight while broadening the candidate pool for a difficult'to'fill position.

The committee heard multiple public-testimony speakers on Bill 64. Curtis Beck, PE, testified that Title 16, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 115, and related licensing statutes establish licensure expectations for practitioners who bind an entity on professional engineering matters and that removing the requirement for the county director would create an inconsistency between public and private-sector engineering oversight. Testifier Floyd Eaglin urged caution and study of changes that might affect public services. Former Director Hugh Ono said he and other local engineers had prepared research and examples showing risks to public health and safety if engineering judgment is subordinated to nonlicensed management.

The committee postponed the measure to allow further drafting and outreach to engineering stakeholders and to the salary commission, which members said is reviewing compensation for the DPW director position — a variable some members said affects recruitment of licensed professionals.

Looking ahead, committee staff will draft proposed language addressing (at a minimum) hiring timelines for a licensed deputy and clearer delineation of engineering authority if the director is unlicensed. The committee scheduled further deliberations for its Sept. 16 meeting.

","Bill 64, which would change qualifications for the Hawaii County Department of Public Works director, was the focus of extended testimony and debate at the Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee meeting in Hilo.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee forwards resolution to join statewide cruise-ship TAT agreement after legal questions raised

Committee sends favorable recommendations for two mayoral nominations to full council

Hawaii County committee amends, then postpones debate on bill removing PE requirement for public works director